Clear Creek County, Colorado facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Clear Creek County
|
|
|---|---|
Alpine Hose, historic firehouse in Georgetown.
|
|
| Motto(s):
Where The Old West Meets New Adventures
|
|
Location within the U.S. state of Colorado
|
|
 Colorado's location within the U.S. |
|
| Country |  United States |
| State |  Colorado |
| Founded | November 1, 1861 |
| Named for | Clear Creek |
| Seat | Georgetown |
| Largest city | Idaho Springs |
| Area | |
| • Total | 396 sq mi (1,030 km2) |
| • Land | 395 sq mi (1,020 km2) |
| • Water | 1.3 sq mi (3 km2) 0.3%% |
| Population
(2020)
|
|
| • Total | 9,397 |
| • Density | 24/sq mi (9/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC−7 (Mountain) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−6 (MDT) |
| Congressional district | 2nd |
Clear Creek County is a county located in the state of Colorado in the United States. It is a beautiful area with mountains and forests. In 2020, about 9,397 people lived here. The main town where the county government is located is Georgetown.
Contents
History of Clear Creek County
Clear Creek County was one of the first 17 counties created in Colorado. This happened on November 1, 1861. It is special because its original borders have not changed since then. Only one other county in Colorado can say the same.
The county got its name from Clear Creek. This creek flows from the high mountains, called the continental divide, right through the county.
When the county was first formed, Idaho Springs was the county seat. This means it was the center of the county's government. However, in 1867, the county government moved to Georgetown.
Geography and Nature
Clear Creek County covers a total area of about 396 square miles. Most of this area, about 395 square miles, is land. A small part, about 1.3 square miles, is water. This means only 0.3% of the county is water.
Neighboring Counties
Clear Creek County shares its borders with several other counties:
- Jefferson County to the east
- Gilpin County to the northeast
- Park County to the south
- Summit County to the west
- Grand County to the northwest
Main Roads and Highways
Several important roads pass through Clear Creek County. These highways help people travel to and from the area.
Interstate 70
U.S. Highway 6
U.S. Highway 40
State Highway 5
State Highway 103- Central City Parkway
.svg){kind=small}
Protected Natural Areas
A big part of Clear Creek County is made up of protected natural areas. These places help keep the environment safe and beautiful.
- Pike National Forest
- Roosevelt National Forest
- James Peak Wilderness
- Mount Evans Wilderness
Scenic Trails and Byways
If you love hiking or scenic drives, Clear Creek County has many options. These trails and roads offer amazing views.
- American Discovery Trail
- Continental Divide National Scenic Trail
- Grays Peak National Recreation Trail
- Mount Evans National Recreation Trail
- Guanella Pass Scenic Byway
- Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway
People of Clear Creek County
| Historical population | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1870 | 1,596 | — | |
| 1880 | 7,823 | 390.2% | |
| 1890 | 7,184 | −8.2% | |
| 1900 | 7,082 | −1.4% | |
| 1910 | 5,001 | −29.4% | |
| 1920 | 2,891 | −42.2% | |
| 1930 | 2,155 | −25.5% | |
| 1940 | 3,784 | 75.6% | |
| 1950 | 3,289 | −13.1% | |
| 1960 | 2,793 | −15.1% | |
| 1970 | 4,819 | 72.5% | |
| 1980 | 7,308 | 51.6% | |
| 1990 | 7,619 | 4.3% | |
| 2000 | 9,322 | 22.4% | |
| 2010 | 9,088 | −2.5% | |
| 2020 | 9,397 | 3.4% | |
| 2023 (est.) | 9,147 | 0.6% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census 1790-1960 1900-1990 1990-2000 2010-2020 |
|||
In 2000, about 9,322 people lived in Clear Creek County. There were over 4,000 households. A household is a group of people living together in one home.
The average age of people living in the county in 2000 was 40 years old. About 22.6% of the population was under 18 years old.
Towns and Communities
Clear Creek County has several towns and communities. Some are well-known cities, while others are smaller places.
Cities
- Central City (partially)
- Idaho Springs
Towns
Census-Designated Places
These are areas that are like towns but are not officially incorporated as cities or towns.
- Blue Valley
- Brook Forest (partially)
- Downieville-Lawson-Dumont
- Echo Hills
- Floyd Hill
- Pine Valley
- St. Mary's
- Upper Bear Creek
- Upper Witter Gulch
Ghost Towns
Some places in Clear Creek County were once busy towns but are now abandoned. These are called ghost towns.
- Bakerville
- Silver Creek
Education in Clear Creek County
The schools in Clear Creek County are part of the Clear Creek School District RE-1. This district works to provide education for all students in the area.
Elementary Schools
- Carlson Elementary School (Idaho Springs)
- King-Murphy Mountain School (Evergreen)
Middle School
- Clear Creek Middle School (Idaho Springs)
High School
- Clear Creek High School (Evergreen)
Charter School
- Georgetown Community School (Georgetown)
Historic Places to Visit
Clear Creek County has many places that are important to history. You can visit them to learn about the past.
- Georgetown Loop Historic Mining & Railroad Park
- Georgetown–Silver Plume National Historic District
Ski Areas
If you enjoy skiing or snowboarding, Clear Creek County has some great places to hit the slopes.
- Echo Mountain
- Loveland
- Otter Mountain
See also
In Spanish: Condado de Clear Creek para niños
