Rio Blanco County
countyRio Blanco County, located in remote northwestern Colorado, is a mountainous region named after the Spanish term for the White River. Established in 1889, the county spans 3,223 square miles and is characterized by its stunning natural landscapes, including the White River National Forest and the Flat Tops Wilderness Area. The county seat is Meeker, with Rangely being the other principal town. The population was approximately 6,529 as of the 2020 Census. Agriculture, ranching, and energy industries drive the economy of Rio Blanco County. The county sits atop large deposits of oil shale, and energy production has historically been a significant employer. Other key sectors include government, mining, and agriculture. The county is actively working to diversify its economy by supporting aviation, niche manufacturing, and tourism. Rio Blanco County is known for its rich history, including clashes between the Ute people and white settlers in the late 19th century. The county offers vast opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hunting, fishing, hiking, and whitewater rafting. The area's natural beauty and recreational opportunities make it a desirable escape into Colorado's wild side.
Rio Blanco County, Colorado
- Classification
- County
- FIPS Code
- 08103
- Country
- United States
- County
- Rio Blanco County
- Region
- Northwestern Colorado
- Total Area
- 3,223 sq mi
- Land Area
- 3,221 sq mi
- Water Area
- 1.9 sq mi
- Latitude
- 39.98
- Longitude
- -108.2
- Climate
- Temperatures range from lows in the 20s Fahrenheit during winter to highs in the 80s during summer.
- Notable Features
- White River National Forest · Flat Tops Wilderness Area · Yampa Plateau · Danforth Hills · Williams River Mountains · White River Plateau · Bookcliffs · Book Plateau
- Neighboring Areas
- Moffat County · Routt County · Garfield County · Uintah County, UT
- Population (2020)
- 6,529
- Est. Population (2026)
- 6,649
- Median Age
- 39.1
- Median Income
- $72,088
- Poverty Rate
- 10.8%
- Owner-Occupied
- 75.9%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- The racial makeup of the county is 82.4% White (Non-Hispanic), 4.8% Two Races Including Other (Hispanic), 3.85% Two Races Excluding Other, & Three or More Races (Non-Hispanic), 3.07% White (Hispanic), and 2.06% Other (Hispanic).
- Government Type
- County Commissioners
- Governing Body
- Board of County Commissioners
- Unemployment Rate
- 4.1%
- Employment Sectors
- Government · Mining · Agriculture · Educational Services · Retail Trade · Public Administration
- Major Employers
- Oil and natural gas companies · Colorado Northwestern Community College (CNCC)
- School Districts
- Meeker School District RE-1 · Rangely School District RE-4 · Rio Blanco BOCES AU
- Colleges & Universities
- Colorado Northwestern Community College (Rangely) · Colorado State University (Meeker extension)
- Transportation
- State Highway 13 · State Highway 64 · State Highway 139 · Meeker Airport
- Utilities
- White River Electric Association (electricity) · Town of Meeker (water) · Meeker Sanitation District (sewage) · Atmos Energy (natural gas) · Rio Blanco County Broadband · Cimarron Telecommunications
- Major Facilities
- Rio Blanco County Courthouse and Justice Center · Radino Senior Center · Fairfield Event Hall · Columbine Park · Meeker Airport
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- Major Recreation Areas
- White River National Forest · Flat Tops Wilderness Area · Rio Blanco Lake State Wildlife Area · Dinosaur National Monument · Canyon Pintado Historic District · Kennedy Reservoir · Colorow Mountain State Wildlife Area
- Founded
- 1889
- Named After
- White River (Rio Blanco in Spanish)
- Historical Significance
- Site of clashes between Ute people and white settlers; location of Project Rio Blanco; contains scenic natural areas like White River National Forest and Flat Tops Wilderness Area.
- Key Events
- White River War (Ute War) · Project Rio Blanco (peaceful nuclear explosion experiment)