Arapahoe County, Colorado is a county with a long and prosperous history. It was the first county in Colorado, established before the Pike's Peak gold rush. In 1858, gold was discovered along the South Platte River in Arapahoe County, sparking a gold rush that changed the county's economy forever. In 1855, the Kansas Territorial Legislature created a large Arapahoe County to govern the entire western part of the Kansas Territory.
On November 8, 1904, Arapahoe County voters chose Littleton as the permanent county seat instead of Englewood by 1310 to 829. In 1901, the Colorado General Assembly voted to divide Arapahoe County into three parts: a new consolidated city and county of Denver, a new Adams County, and the rest of Arapahoe County, which was renamed South Arapahoe County. Governor James Bradley Orman designated Littleton as the temporary seat of South Arapahoe County. Since then, the county has seen many changes in its economy. Urbanization, demographic changes, and population increases (such as Aurora's rapid population diversification and young professionals in the southern suburbs) have made the county much more competitive since the 1990s and have eventually made it a more Democratic-leaning suburban county. The largest universities in Arapahoe County (Colorado) are Colorado State University Global Campus (47,697) (3,895 degrees awarded in 202), Community College of Aurora (838 degrees), and Arapahoe Community College (653 degrees).
The following month, the Jefferson Territorial Legislature organized 12 counties for the new territory, including a smaller Arapahoe County. The chart below shows the stock breakdown of the major industries for residents of Arapahoe County, Colorado. This data shows that many residents are employed in industries such as healthcare and social assistance; retail trade; educational services; professional, scientific, and technical services; and finance and insurance. Arapahoe County has come a long way since its gold rush days. It has seen many changes in its economy over time due to urbanization, demographic changes, and population increases. The largest universities in Arapahoe County are Colorado State University Global Campus (47,697) (3,895 degrees awarded in 202), Community College of Aurora (838 degrees), and Arapahoe Community College (653 degrees).
The chart above shows that many residents are employed in industries such as healthcare and social assistance; retail trade; educational services; professional, scientific, and technical services; and finance and insurance. Arapahoe County has a rich history and a vibrant economy that has been shaped by its past. It is an important part of Colorado's economy and is home to some of the state's largest universities. With its diverse population and strong economic base, it is sure to continue to be an important part of Colorado's future.
