WSP04638

• File Number: 8136.500.10
• Description: Local Governments - Municipalities - Colorado Springs
• State: CO
• Basin: Arkansas
• Water Division: 2
• Date: 1/1/1981
• Author: Colorado Springs
• Title: Community Profile for the City of Colorado Springs
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Report/Study

"One good thing about growth is that all
the young people who had to leave the
City to find work before, can find jobs
here now. Those who want to stay can."

While this section deals with the
statistical focts and projections of
growth, other sections of the Community
Profi Ie focus on.the actual effects of past
and projected population increase,
including those mentioned by the persons
quoted above. One theme emerged in
talking to these long-time residents: the
quality of life in the community should be
preserved and, where possible, improved.
A comprehensive plan is a good point of
beginning to achieve this desire.

Data from the 1980 Census will not be
available until 1982. Therefore,
estimates prepared by the Pikes Peak
Area Council of Governments will be used
in this report to provide a consistent and
comprehensive data base. Revisions of
the statistics, trends and projections in
this report will be undertaken, if
necessary, upon release of the final
results of the 1980 Census. Although
absolute numbers may change slightly, the
trends and concerns suggested in this
report are, and will continue to be,
appropriate and valid, even in light of
1980 Census data.

GROWTH
AREA

Located in EI Paso County, the City of

.

Colorado Springs covered about 110
square miles at the end of 1980. This is
about 5% of the County's total land area
of 2,159 square miles. The following
figures illustrate the historical trend of
the City's expanding boundaries:2

1900 -
1950 -
1960 -
1970 -
1980 -
1981 -

7.5 square miles
9.4 square miles
16.5 square miles
63.2 square miles
103.4 square miles
109.9 square miles

Map I shows the extent of the urbanized
area at different periods of time. Since
the I 960s, there has generally been an
aggressive annexation policy. For
example, in order to have utility lines
extended outside City limits, property
owners have had to agree to annexation
when and if annexation was desired by the
City. Also, annexation has been
considered by most to be positive and
equitable in terms of broadening the tax
base that would otherwise have to support
services to persons who might not reside
inside the City limits,

POPULA nON

The City of Colorado Springs is the
second most populous in the State3 with
on estimated 1980 current population of
231 ,600. Table 2 presents population
statistics for both the City and the
County for the period from 1950 to 1980.
During the I 960s, the City's population
grew by 92% and over the 19705 it

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