Rio Blanco County

Breathe easy in Rio Blanco County, where the rugged beauty of the Rocky Mountain high country meets the tranquility of the Western Slope’s Colorado Plateau. Rio Blanco County beckons adventurers with its boundless opportunities for outdoor recreation. Sportsmen and sportswomen will delight in the trout-filled streams and rivers, hundreds of acres of national and state parks, miles of scenic trails, and heart pumping whitewater rafting adventures.

Rio Blanco County of 6,511 people isn't just about outdoor adventure; it's also a place where communities thrives. 92.2% of Rio Blanco’s population has a high school diploma or higher education degree. Its civilian labor force of 2,634 possess industrial, manufacturing and process skills because the county’s economy supports fossil fuel and mineral extraction. As this sector transitions, your company can attract hard-working, loyal and skilled employees, who can be retrained and upskilled at little or no cost to your company through Colorado’s Skill Advance Grant program.

Rio Blanco County delivers amazing opportunities to new and existing companies, remote workers and new residents. Its historic communities tout lively rodeos, festivals celebrating local culture, great health care, and quality K-12 and higher education opportunities. The people and leadership of Rio Blanco County will embrace you with a business-friendly, welcoming attitude.

Play Hard. Work Harder.

Town of Meeker

The county seat of Rio Blanco County is the picturesque, historic town of Meeker, population 2,500, where the spirit of the Old West is alive and well. From its quaint downtown lined with historic buildings nestled against a stunning backdrop of towering mesas, Meeker captures the essence of Colorado's frontier heritage. Surrounded by beautiful national forests and public lands, Meeker hosts abundant outdoor activities and recreation. The White River which meanders through Meeker is a fishermen's, floater’s and paddler's paradise. This historic town seamlessly blends its heritage with its forward-thinking vision. 

Competitive Advantages 
  • Pro-business climate with a strong support system for local businesses and entrepreneurism
  • Highly skilled workforce with an education attainment rate of 91.2% (High school grad or higher) and 35.5% with bachelor's degrees or higher
  • 12.5% of the population are veterans
  • Proximity to larger markets such as Denver, CO and Salt Lake City, UT and in 10 western states within 500 miles
  • Focus on outdoor recreation of all kinds and public land stewardship
  • Leader in rural broadband
  • Lower business costs, including utilities and land, and lower cost of living
  • Comprehensive incentives including Opportunity Zone, Enterprise Zone and Rural Jumpstart Zone
Target Industries
  • Health care
  • Outdoor recreation related industries
  • Outdoor and cultural heritage tourism
  • Remote work and tech sector requiring broadband availability
  • Agricultural related and veterinary services
  • Small businesses and entrepreneurs 
Buildings and Sites

Learn more about the development ready sites and buildings here. Contact Carly Thomson for more information.

Transportation Infrastructure
  • State Highway 13 connects to Interstate 70, a major east–west connector (45 minutes)
  • Meeker Airport accommodates general aviation and facilitates easier access for business and tourism
  • 1 hour to Yampa Regional Airport (commercial aviation); 2 hours to Grand Junction Regional Airport (commercial aviation)
Utility Providers
  • Electricity is provided by White River Electric Association.
  • The Town of Meeker manages local water, and Meeker Sanitation District manages sewage services.
  • Natural gas is available from Atmos Energy.
  • Telecommunications needs are met by Rio Blanco County Broadband and Cimarron Telecommunications.
Incentives 
Major Employers
  • Pioneers Medical Center
  • Natural Soda
  • Colorado Advanced Orthopedics
  • US Forestry Service
  • Bureau of Land Management 
  • Colorado Parks and Wildlife - White River and Meeker Offices
  • Learn more
Education 

Meeker School District consists of Meeker Elementary, Barone Middle, and Meeker High Schools. The District is Accredited with Distinction annually, has a low teacher to student ratio and a high graduation rate. The school district offers Advanced Placement courses at the high school and dual enrollment classes through Colorado Northwest Community College, and over 75% of students participate in extracurricular activities. Learn more.


Town of Rangely

Home to Colorado Northwestern Community College, Rangely, population 2,382, supports a robust energy sector and strong community spirit in western Rio Blanco. With its rich history in oil and gas exploration, Rangely’s pro-business leadership supports business growth. The town offers an industrial-skilled workforce with an educational attainment rate of 93.8% - high school grad or higher - and workforce training programs hosted by Colorado Northwestern Community College. Its lower cost of doing business and cost of living provides more bang for the buck for both businesses and residents alike. 

Rangely is an industrious town, proud of its blue collar heritage and strong work ethic: 57.5% percent of the population ages 16 and over were employed. It has a robust economic base in energy and new opportunities in renewable energy, outdoor tourism and health care. Its proximity to Dinosaur National Monument, Canyon Pintado Historic District, Kennedy Reservoir, White River, and the state’s only designated natural rock crawling park creates abundant outdoor recreational activities and supports the emergence of a new outdoor tourism sector. 

Competitive Advantages 
  • Strong industrial sector, especially in oil and natural gas exploration translates to a highly industrial skilled workforce
  • Strategically located to Vernal, UT, Grand Junction, CO and 10 western states within 500 miles 
  • Home to Colorado Northwestern Community College (CNCC) Main Campus, which provides educational options, workforce training and cultural opportunities.
  • Proximity to natural wonders, including the Dinosaur National Monument, Canyon Pintado Historic District, Kennedy Reservoir, White River and mountainous vistas support an emerging tourism sector.
  • Low cost of doing business with affordable utilities from Moon Lake Electric Association and natural gas from the Town of Rangely
  • Leader in rural broadband
  • Lower cost of living
  • Comprehensive incentives including  Enterprise Zone and Rural Jumpstart Zone
  • Economic development programs through Rangely Development Association (RDA) and Rangely Development Corporation (RDC) and its Main Street Program
Target Industries
  • Clean Energy 
  • Tourism, focusing on eco-tourism, cultural heritage, and adventure tourism related to the area’s geological and paleontological features.
  • Education and training services, supported by the presence of CNCC.
  • Small businesses including retail and services catering to the local and regional market
Buildings and Sites

Learn more about the development ready sites and buildings here. Email Lisa Piering for more information.

Transportation Infrastructure
  • Rangely is accessible via State Highways 64 and 139, which connect to major routes like U.S. Highway 40 (18 miles) and Interstate 70 (78 miles)
  • Access to Interstate 80 (160 miles)
  • Rangely Airport, which serves general aviation and facilitates easier access for business and tourism.
  • Access to Yampa Regional Airport (112 miles) and Grand Junction Regional Airport (91 miles)
Utility Providers
  • Electricity is provided by Moon Lake Electric.
  • The town manages its own natural gas, water and sewage utilities.
  • 1gb fiber-optic internet at low cost provided by Cimarron Internet, LAI Local Access Internet, Lumen, Visionary Broadband and SatelliteInternet.net to name a few. 
Incentives
Major Employers

The town’s economy is heavily supported by the energy sector, with several oil and natural gas companies operating in the area.

CNCC is another major employer, providing education and employment to the local population.

Local government and service industries also contribute to employment opportunities. Learn more.

Education

Rangely is served by Rangely School District RE-4 with a strong emphasis on community involvement and student development. The school district provides small class sizes, exceptional facilities, and dual enrollment classes through Colorado Northwestern Community College. CNCC has its main campus in Rangely and offers associate degrees and certificates in various fields. Learn more.