Las Animas County is a county located in the U.S. state of Colorado. As of 2000, the population is 15,207. The county seat is Trinidad.

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 12,368 km² (4,775 mi²). 12,361 km² (4,773 mi²) of it is land and 7 km² (3 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 0.06% water.

Demographics

As of the census² of 2000, there are 15,207 people, 6,173 households, and 4,092 families residing in the county. The population density is 1/km² (3/mi²). There are 7,629 housing units at an average density of 1/km² (2/mi²). The racial makeup of the county is 82.63% White, 0.39% Black or African American, 2.54% Native American, 0.37% Asian, 0.20% Pacific Islander, 10.03% from other races, and 3.83% from two or more races. 41.45% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 6,173 households out of which 28.80% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.90% are married couples living together, 11.60% have a female householder with no husband present, and 33.70% are non-families. 29.70% of all households are made up of individuals and 14.30% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.40 and the average family size is 2.97.

In the county the population is spread out with 24.20% under the age of 18, 7.90% from 18 to 24, 24.00% from 25 to 44, 25.90% from 45 to 64, and 18.00% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 41 years. For every 100 females there are 95.80 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 93.70 males.

The median income for a household in the county is $28,273, and the median income for a family is $34,072. Males have a median income of $27,182 versus $20,891 for females. The per capita income for the county is $16,829. 17.30% of the population and 14.00% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 20.00% of those under the age of 18 and 17.20% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.

Cities and towns

• Aguilar
• Branson
• Cokedale
• Kim
• Starkville
• Trinidad