Montezuma’s population has steadily increased, going from 18,000 in 1988 to 25,669 in 2013.
From 2010 to 2014, Montezuma’s population increased by 280 people, with Cortez gaining 122, the county 107, Mancos 41, and Dolores 10.
One trend to be aware of is that the county’s largest population are the baby boomers, born roughly between 1946 and 1964.
“When these folks retire, the question is who will be taking their spot?” Garner said.
Between 2000 and 2010, the number of people ages 55-64 went from 2,500 to 4,000. In the same time, the number of people 65 and over went from 3,200 to 4,300.
By comparison, data show the Gen Xers (1965-1979) and millennials (1980-1999) are a smaller portion of the population and in some cases are declining.
For example, between 2000 and 2010, the number of people between ages 35 and 44 dropped from 3,600 to 3,400.
“There is a decline in the generations after baby boomers, so the data are showing you could have a lack of supervisors or professionals for advanced positions,” Garner said.
Statewide, Colorado is attracting a lot of younger adults, ages 25-37, most of whom are college graduates looking for their first jobs.
Montezuma is seeing the opposite trend where 25- to 35-year-olds are migrating out.
“That is not unusual for a rural area that does not have a university because young adults are leaving to look for their first job or go to school,” Garner said. “The trick is how do you get them to return to the community and keep them.”
Attracting and retaining a future labor force is something to always keep in mind, she said.
“What will it take? Good schools, broadband, affordable housing, jobs, day care? Identify what you are missing and address it.”
On the bright side, Montezuma County’s total employment has almost recovered from the 2008 recession.
In 2007, had 12,850 people in the county were employed. That number fell to just over 12,000 by 2010 and stayed there until 2012. By 2014, employment had grown to 12,550, the latest numbers available.
Garner added that retirees are a potential future business market for Montezuma County because the baby boomers are currently the largest population group.
“Retirees can be an economic driver,” she said. “When they retire here, they spend their pensions, savings and social security locally, and they need services such as medical.”
jmimiaga@the-journal.com