The Colorado River Valley region, encompassing the communities of New Castle, Silt, Rifle, Parachute, and Battlement Mesa in Western Garfield County, has historically been shaped by strong local trades & agricultural roots whilst also playing a significant role in energy production.
Total Population: 4,923
Median Household Income: $82,473
Bachelor’s Degree or Higher: 41.2%
Employment Rate: 64.5%
Total Housing Units: 1,893
Without Health Care Coverage: 18.3%
Total Households: 1,812
Hispanic or Latino (of any race): 1,457
Total Population: 3,536
Total Housing Units: 1,217
Median Household Income: $72,450
Without Health Care Coverage: 18.9%
Bachelor’s Degree or Higher: 18.6%
Total Households: 1,155
Employment Rate: 76.5%
Hispanic or Latino (of any race): 1,374
Silt is a peaceful agricultural community along the Colorado River, deeply rooted in farming and ranching traditions. The town’s economy revolves around agriculture and trades, with potential opportunities for expansion in agritourism. manufacturing and innovation.
Total Population: 10,437
Total Housing Units: 3,754
Median Household Income: $72,955
Without Health Care Coverage: 17.2%
Bachelor’s Degree or Higher: 16.4%
Total Households: 3,615
Employment Rate: 74.8%
Hispanic or Latino (of any race): 4,245
Rifle is the region’s largest town, historically driven by ranching, construction/trade, and energy production, with a growing emphasis on outdoor recreation. The local economy benefits from the resources industry, construction and healthcare, and there is potential for growth in renewable energy, light manufacturing, professional services and adventure tourism.
Total Population: 1,390
Median Household Income: $55,089
Bachelor’s Degree or Higher: 7.6%
Employment Rate: 58.1%
Total Housing Units: 542
Without Health Care Coverage: 9.6%
Total Households: 524
Hispanic or Latino (of any race): 328
Parachute is a small town historically linked to the oil shale and natural gas industries, surrounded by rugged landscapes. Its economy is based on energy production, with future potential in recreation-based tourism and small business entrepreneurship.
Total Population: 5,438
Total Housing Units: 2,229
Median Household Income: $66,737
Without Health Care Coverage: 12.8%
Bachelor’s Degree or Higher: 25.6%
Total Households: 1,950
Employment Rate: 59.5%
Hispanic or Latino (of any race): 1,404
Battlement Mesa is a planned residential community with scenic views, originally built to support oil shale operations. While the local economy is closely tied to nearby energy industries, there is room for expansion in residential services and small business entrepreneurship.
A coalition of regional stakeholders dedicated to building community, upward mobility and regional prosperity throughout West Garfield County.
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