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About Us

In a survey conducted a few years ago, the residents of Dolores County rated “freedom” as one of the highest attributes of the community. Coming in second was the feeling of safety and security. Community satisfaction and social rewards followed in third place. Growth is now becoming a major issue in the area. The Town and County have recently reorganized their Planning Commissions to deal with growth issues.

The top three things people liked most about Dove Creek were the friendly people, small town atmosphere, and the location. The quality of life in Dove Creek is not only a community asset, it is also a continuing goal in economic development.

Social opportunities received a high rating – with 98% of the people saying they were satisfied with the social opportunities in the town. Physical surroundings received a 78% satisfaction rating followed by medical facilities and leisure opportunities.

The majority of the Dove Creek residents have a high school diploma, followed by those who have attended and/or completed a college degree program.

The Town of Dove Creek is the county seat for Dolores County. Dolores County had a population of 1,890 in 2005. Approximately 700 live inside the city limits of Dove Creek, while the remaining live outside the city limits (approximately 880), or in the Rico/Dunton area (300).

Nationally, less than 2% of the United States population lives in towns less than 1,000.

The County encompasses 1,064 square miles, mostly high mesas and narrow valleys in the western portion. The eastern portion is high mountains. The elevation in Dolores County ranges from 5,900 feet in Disappointment Valley to 14,046 feet on Mount Wilson.

The elevation of the town of Dove Creek is 6,843 feet and Rico is 8,800 feet. The average mean temperature is a low of 22 F. in January to an average high of 68 F. in July. The average precipitation is 15.07 inches of rain including and average of 48 inches of snow. Rico has an average mean temperature of 21.7 in January and 57.8 in July. Rico has an average precipitation of 27.3 inches which includes 169 inches of snow.

Picture of Lazy River in Dolores County      Scenic Picture of Dolores County      Picture of Dolores County Dirt Road

Picture of Dolores County Scenery

Picture of a Mountain in Dolores County

Map of Dolores County