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Durango, Colorado
Durango is a city located in La Plata County, Colorado. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 13,922. It is the county seat of La Plata County.
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Geography
Durango is located at 37°16'43" North, 107°52'17" West (37.278666, -107.871293)1.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 17.6 km² (6.8 mi²). 17.6 km² (6.8 mi²) of it is land and 0.1 km² (0.04 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 0.44% water.
Demographics
As of the census2 of 2000, there are 13,922 people, 5,492 households, and 2,603 families residing in the city. The population density is 792.8/km² (2,052.4/mi²). There are 5,819 housing units at an average density of 331.4/km² (857.8/mi²). The racial makeup of the city is 86.84% White, 0.50% African American, 5.51% Native American, 0.74% Asian, 0.11% Pacific Islander, 4.12% from other races, and 2.17% from two or more races. 10.31% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There are 5,492 households out of which 22.4% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 34.2% are married couples living together, 9.4% have a female householder with no husband present, and 52.6% are non-families. 31.8% of all households are made up of individuals and 9.0% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.23 and the average family size is 2.83.
In the city the population is spread out with 16.6% under the age of 18, 26.1% from 18 to 24, 27.2% from 25 to 44, 19.4% from 45 to 64, and 10.7% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 29 years. For every 100 females there are 104.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 103.8 males.
The median income for a household in the city is $34,892, and the median income for a family is $50,814. Males have a median income of $31,812 versus $25,022 for females. The per capita income for the city is $19,352. 17.2% of the population and 7.3% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 11.2% of those under the age of 18 and 8.9% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.
History
Organized in September 1880 by the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad to serve the San Juan mining district. The D&RGRR chose a site south of an existing town named Animas City for its depot when Animas City refused to pay a "dowery" to the D&RGRR. Durango Colorado is named after Durango, Mexico.
Things to do
Durango is surrounded by mountains and has the Animas River flowing through it, so there are many outdoor activities to be done in the area, even within the city limits. Hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing and rafting are extremely popular, and hardcore enthusiasts partake all year. In the winter, Durango has easy access to five major ski areas.
External links
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