Otero County, CO demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
18,321
-0.8% year-over-year change
Median household income
$54,037/yr
-1.6% year-over-year change
Housing units
8,746
0.2% year-over-year change

Otero County population

How many people live in Otero County

Otero County is home to 18,321 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.9% of Otero County locals are male, and 50.1% are female.

Total population
18,321
-0.8% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.9%
9,138
Female
50.1%
9,183
Value Percent YoY change
Male 9,138 49.9% -0.5%
Female 9,183 50.1% -1.1%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Otero County is 42, with the population distributed as follows: about 18.8% are children under 15, then 12.7% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 23.7% of the population, while another 23.6% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 21.2% are 65 or older.

Median age
41.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
18.8%
15 to 24
12.7%
25 to 44
23.7%
45 to 64
23.6%
Over 65
21.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 3,439 18.8% -1.6%
15 to 24 2,321 12.7% -1.6%
25 to 44 4,337 23.7% -0.7%
45 to 64 4,330 23.6% -0.7%
Over 65 3,894 21.2% 0.5%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Otero County, 94.8% of the population are US-born citizens, while 3% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 2.3% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 67.2% of locals are Caucasian, 1.2% are African American and 0.8% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 14.9% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
94.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
3%
Non-citizens
2.3%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 17,364 94.8% -1.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 543 3% -0.2%
Non-citizens 414 2.3% 34.9%
Racial breakdown
White
67.2%
Black or African American
1.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
2.1%
Asian
0.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
14.9%
Other
13.8%
Value Percent
White 12,315 67.2%
Black or African American 213 1.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native 390 2.1%
Asian 137 0.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 5 0%
Two or more races 2,726 14.9%
Other 2,535 13.8%

Households in Otero County

A peek inside Otero County households

Otero County has 7,584 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 63% are families, while the remaining 37% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
7,584
-0.8% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
2,806
Family households
4,778
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 2,806 37% 0.5%
Family households 4,778 63% -1.5%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Otero County

The housing landscape of Otero County

Otero County's housing consists of 8,746 units, with 77% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.6% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 9.6% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
8,746
0.2% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 6,738 77%
1 unit, attached 52 0.6%
2 units 241 2.8%
3 or 4 units 153 1.8%
5 to 9 units 192 2.2%
10 to 19 units 93 1.1%
20 to 49 units 243 2.8%
50 or more units 162 1.8%
Mobile home 842 9.6%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 30 0.3%
Homes built since 2020
26
44.4% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Otero County

In Otero County, the median construction year is 1958. About 27.8% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 10.6% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 6.3% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 2.6% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.3% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 2,436 27.8% -5.1%
Built between 1940 and 1949 928 10.6% 11.9%
Built between 1950 and 1959 1,296 14.8% -1.1%
Built between 1960 and 1969 575 6.6% 1.2%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,451 16.6% 4.1%
Built between 1980 and 1989 621 7.1% -6.8%
Built between 1990 and 1999 642 7.3% -11.3%
Built between 2000 and 2009 548 6.3% 19.6%
Built between 2010 and 2019 223 2.6% 16.8%
Built in 2020 or later 26 0.3% 44.4%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Otero County occupancy rates

Out of the 7,584 occupied housing units in Otero County, 69% are owner-occupied, while 31% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 13.3% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
7,584
-0.8% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
2,355
Owner occupied
5,229
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 2,355 31% -1.0%
Owner occupied 5,229 69% -0.7%
Unoccupied housing units
13.3%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Otero County housing costs

Housing costs in Otero County come to a median of $849 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $839.

Median housing costs per month
$849/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Otero County
$839/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Otero County

Otero County education at a glance

About 38.2% of the population in Otero County went to high school, while 25.4% pursued college studies. Another 15.4% earned an associate degree and 11.4% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 6.4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 446 3.2% 18.6%
High school diploma 5,384 38.2% -7.1%
College diploma 3,579 25.4% 1.0%
Associate degree 2,166 15.4% 17.1%
Bachelor's degree 1,609 11.4% -6.0%
Graduate degree 905 6.4% 4.1%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Otero County

How much people earn in Otero County

The average annual household income in Otero County was $68,476 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -0.2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $54,037, reflecting a -1.6% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Otero County
$68,476/year
-0.2% year-over-year change
Median household income in Otero County
$54,037/year
-1.6% year-over-year change

Otero County income by age

In Otero County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $61,296. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $62,959 overall. Overall, 78.3% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $61,296 2.7%
45 - 64 $62,959 -2.7%
Over 65 $37,917 -1.4%
Above poverty level
13,787
Below poverty level
3,812
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 13,787 78.3% 1.1%
Below poverty level 3,812 21.7% -7.3%

Employment in Otero County

Workforce and job types in Otero County

The job market in Otero County is powered by 7,581 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 75% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 25% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 11.2% run their own businesses, 50.4% are employed by private companies, and 28% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
7,581
-4.2% year-over-year change
White collar
5,686
Blue collar
1,895
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 5,686 75% 0.5%
Blue collar 1,895 25% -16.1%
Employer type
Self employees
11.2%
Private companies
50.4%
Governmental workers
28%
Not for profit companies
10.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 850 11.2% -2.3%
Private companies 3,822 50.4% -7.2%
Governmental workers 2,125 28% -4.2%
Not for profit companies 784 10.3% 10.4%
Unemployment rate
6.7%
44.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Otero County stands at 6.7%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Otero County

How people get around in Otero County

In Otero County, the average commute time is 21 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 88% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 5.3% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
21 min
-0.5% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 6,546 88% -5.4%
Walk 395 5.3% 27.8%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Otero County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
81030 148 78 $40,625 $48,531
81039 1,597 812 $47,143 $62,877
81050 9,894 4,129 $57,180 $71,613
81058 871 376 $48,636 $69,050
81059 61 39 $93,068 $103,274
81067 5,523 2,055 $50,028 $62,808
81077 568 257 $48,897 $79,852

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FAQs about Otero County demographics 

What is the total population of Otero County?

Otero County has a total population of 18,321 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by -0.8% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Otero County?

The gender ratio in Otero County is as follows:
  • 49.9% males (9,138 residents)
  • 50.1% females (9,183 residents)

What is the median age in Otero County?

The median age in Otero County is 41.8.

What is the age distribution of the population in Otero County?

The age distribution in Otero County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 18.8% (3,439 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.7% (2,321 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 23.7% (4,337 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 23.6% (4,330 residents)
  • Over 65: 21.2% (3,894 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Otero County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Otero County is as follows:
  • White: 67.2% (12,315 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1.2% (213 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 2.1% (390 residents)
  • Asian: 0.8% (137 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (5 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 14.9% (2,726 residents)
  • Other: 13.8% (2,535 residents)

What percentage of the population in Otero County are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 94.8% of the population in Otero County.

How many housing units are there in Otero County?

There are 8,746 housing units in Otero County, reflecting a +0.2% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Otero County and what is the average household size?

Otero County has a total of 7,584 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Otero County?

Otero County has a median household income of $54,037, representing a -1.6% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Otero County?

The employment rate is 93.3% in Otero County, with a workforce of 7,581 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 75% (5,686 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 25% (1,895 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 11.2% (850 residents)
  • Private companies: 50.4% (3,822 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 28% (2,125 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 10.3% (784 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025