Teller County
countyTeller County, Colorado, is located west of Pikes Peak and Colorado Springs, characterized by its mountainous terrain and rich mining history. The county's population was approximately 24,710 as of the 2020 Census. Woodland Park is the most populous city, while Cripple Creek serves as the county seat. Teller County offers a blend of small-town charm and access to outdoor recreational activities, making it a desirable location for those seeking a mountain lifestyle. The economy of Teller County is diverse, with key sectors including educational services, health care, retail trade, and tourism. The area's history is deeply rooted in gold mining, particularly the Cripple Creek gold rush of the late 19th century. Today, the county benefits from its proximity to Colorado Springs, with many residents commuting for work while enjoying the quieter, more rural setting of Teller County. Teller County is distinctive for its natural beauty, historical significance, and recreational opportunities. The Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, Mueller State Park, and numerous trails and reservoirs provide ample opportunities for outdoor activities. The county's history as a major gold mining area adds to its unique character, attracting visitors interested in exploring its historical sites and scenic byways.
Teller County, Colorado
- Classification
- County
- FIPS Code
- 08-119
- Country
- United States
- County
- Teller County
- Region
- Southern Front Range
- Elevation
- 8,200 ft
- Total Area
- 559 sq mi
- Land Area
- 557 sq mi
- Water Area
- 1.9 sq mi
- Latitude
- 38.88
- Longitude
- -105.15
- Climate
- Arid climate with high mountain wind thermals
- Notable Features
- Pikes Peak · Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument · Mueller State Park · Eleven Mile Reservoir
- Neighboring Areas
- Douglas County · El Paso County · Fremont County · Park County · Jefferson County
- Population (2020)
- 24,710
- Est. Population (2026)
- 25,164
- Median Age
- 52.2
- Median Income
- $85,361
- Poverty Rate
- 7.61%
- Owner-Occupied
- 82.2%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- The racial makeup of Teller County includes 86.1% White, 0.5% Black or African American, 0.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9% Asian, 0.0% Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander, 1.6% from some other race, and 8.9% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino residents of any race comprised 6.9% of the population.
- Government Type
- County
- Governing Body
- Board of County Commissioners
- Municipal Services
- Administration · Assessor · Clerk & Recorder · Community Development · Human Services · Public Health · Public Works · Sheriff's Office
- Unemployment Rate
- 3.4%
- Economic Profile
- Tourism · Residential
- Employment Sectors
- Educational Services · Health Care & Social Assistance · Retail Trade
- Schools
- 7
- Students
- 1,933
- School Districts
- Cripple Creek-Victor RE1 School District · Woodland Park RE2 School District
- Transportation
- US Highway 24 · State Highway 67 · Gold Belt Scenic Byway
- Utilities
- Municipal water · Broadband
- Major Facilities
- Teller County Courthouse · Hospitals in Colorado Springs
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- Major Recreation Areas
- Mueller State Park · Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument · Eleven Mile Reservoir · Rampart Reservoir · Pike National Forest
- Parks & Trails
- Hiking trails · Biking trails · ATV trails · Off-road trails
- Founded
- 1899
- Named After
- Henry M. Teller, U.S. Senator
- Historical Significance
- Significant for its role in the Cripple Creek gold rush and subsequent labor struggles; home to well-preserved plant and animal fossils at Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument.
- Key Events
- Cripple Creek Gold Rush · Colorado Labor Wars · Establishment of St. Nicholas Hospital
