Arapahoe County is a county located in the United States, with its county seat in Littleton and the largest city being Aurora. It is part of the Denver-Aurora-Lakewood Metropolitan Statistical Area and is known as the first county in Colorado, as its origins predate the Pike's Peak gold rush. Arapahoe County was created on August 25, 1855 by the Kansas Territorial Legislature and was named after the Arapaho nation, which lived in the region. The county has a total area of 805 square miles (2,080 km), with 798 square miles (2,070 km) of land and 7.3 square miles (1.9 km) of water. It measures 116 km from east to west and 6.4 to 19.3 km from north to south.
According to the Census Bureau, 26.70% of the population is under 18 years old, 8.60% is between 18 and 24 years old, 33.10% is between 25 and 44 years old, 23.00% is between 45 and 64 years old, and 8.60% is 65 years old or older. The average age is 34. Arapahoe County is home to some of the largest companies in the country, representing a variety of sectors such as aerospace and defense, life sciences, broadband, construction, engineering, financial services, healthcare, hospitality, information technology, and advanced manufacturing. It also offers a wide range of cultural, entertainment, and outdoor activities. The county acts through its Board of County Commissioners which serves as its administrative and policy-making body. In 1861 when Kansas became a state, Colorado became a territory with Arapahoe County as one of its original 17 counties.
On November 8, 1904 Arapahoe County voters chose Littleton instead of Englewood by 1310 to 829 to be the permanent county seat. 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. On April 11, 1903 the Colorado General Assembly changed the name of South Arapahoe County to Arapahoe County. Arapahoe County has a rich history that dates back centuries before it was officially established as a county in 1855. It was originally inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Arapaho Nation who gave their name to the county. The area was then explored by European settlers during the Pike's Peak gold rush in 1858. Since then it has grown into one of Colorado's most populous counties with an estimated population of 631,000 people. The county offers a wide range of activities for residents and visitors alike. From outdoor activities such as hiking and camping to cultural attractions like museums and art galleries there is something for everyone in Arapahoe County.
The area also boasts some of the largest companies in the country representing various sectors such as aerospace and defense, life sciences, broadband, construction, engineering, financial services, healthcare, hospitality, information technology and advanced manufacturing. Arapahoe County is governed by its Board of County Commissioners which serves as its administrative and policy-making body. The board consists of seven members who are elected by district for four-year terms. The board meets regularly to discuss issues related to public safety, infrastructure development and economic growth. Arapahoe County has something for everyone whether you're looking for outdoor activities or cultural attractions. With its rich history dating back centuries before it was officially established as a county in 1855 it has grown into one of Colorado's most populous counties with an estimated population of 631,000 people.
