Otero County, Colorado is located in the southeastern corner of the state, and has a population of approximately 18,000 people. The county seat is La Junta, and the largest city is Rocky Ford.
The economy of Otero County is largely based on agriculture, with the main crops being corn, wheat, and hay. The county also has a strong manufacturing sector, with the largest employers being a food processing plant and a plastics factory. The unemployment rate in the county is slightly higher than the national average, at 4.2%.
Demographically, Otero County is predominantly white, with a population that is 79% white and 19% Hispanic. The median household income is slightly below the national average, at $43,000. The poverty rate is slightly higher than the national average, at 16%.
Education in Otero County is provided by the Otero School District, which consists of seven elementary schools, two middle schools, and one high school. The district also has an alternative school and an adult education program. The district has a graduation rate of 82%, which is slightly below the national average.
Real estate in Otero County is relatively affordable, with the median home value being $128,000. The median rent is $735, which is slightly below the national average. The county also has a large number of rural properties, which can be purchased for significantly less than the median price.
Overall, Otero County is a rural county with a strong agricultural base, and a population that is predominantly white. The economy is largely based on agriculture, and the county has a slightly higher unemployment rate than the national average. The county also has an affordable housing market, with median home values and rents that are slightly below the national average. Education in the county is provided by the Otero School District, which has a graduation rate that is slightly below the national average.