RANK #938 / 996 · POP 730,323 · CO
PROJECTED GROWTH: -2.4%
With Pikes Peak dominating the western skyline, El Paso County, Colorado, offers a distinctive blend of mountain scenery and prairie landscapes. The county seat, Colorado Springs, is the state's second-largest city, situated about an hour south of Denver. Residents experience a mild climate with abundant sunshine, contributing to a community feel that values outdoor living. The region boasts extensive outdoor recreation, including over 130 miles of trails, numerous parks, and nature centers, providing opportunities for hiking, biking, and exploring unique geological formations like those found in Garden of the Gods and Paint Mines Interpretive Park.
Life in the county attracts a mix of families and professionals, many of whom own their homes. Commute times average under 25 minutes, with options including Mountain Metro Transit and regional bus services like Bustang connecting to Denver. The public school systems in El Paso County are generally well-regarded. The local economy is experiencing steady growth, driven by investments across various sectors, including aerospace, defense, cybersecurity, and advanced manufacturing. This economic activity supports a community with a focus on local businesses and a commitment to maintaining a lower tax burden for residents.
Above national median (4.7x)
Above national median
Prices declining
Above national median (13x)
Housing is fairly valued at 6.5x relative to local economic output. Climate and geography support a structural premium. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Master-Planned Residential Developments (Various Communities)
Multiple (e.g., Meritage Homes, Richmond American Homes, Campbell Homes, Toll Brothers)
|
$500M | Under Construction |
|
Golden West Wind Farm
Energy Renewal Partners
|
$370M | Operating |
|
South Plant (CO) Natural Gas Power Plant
City of Colorado Springs
|
$245M | Operating |
|
Pike Solar and Storage Project
juwi Inc. / Colorado Springs Utilities
|
$200M | Operating |
|
Jackson Fuller Energy Storage Project
NextEra Energy Resources / Colorado Springs Utilities
|
$100M | Operating |
|
Midway Solar Project
Front Range-Midway Solar, LLC
|
$100M | Proposed |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
El Paso County has a Boom Town Index score of 6/100, ranking #938 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +0.7% and a median household income of $82,748, it faces some economic headwinds compared to faster-growing counties.
The median home value in El Paso County is $390,500 with median rent at $1,507/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.2119, which is less affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +1.1% year-over-year. Job growth: +0.7%. Home values changed -2.2% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 2.28% of El Paso County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.