Routt County

Routt County is where the majestic beauty of the Rocky Mountains meets the authentic charm of Colorado's western heritage. From the bustling streets of Steamboat Springs to the close-knit Towns of Hayden, Oak Creek and Yampa and the serene tranquility of its vast wilderness, Routt County blends sophistication, outdoor adventure, cultural richness, and small-town warmth.

Routt County’s population of 25,064 is highly educated, boosting an educational attainment rate of 97.0%, which represents people with a high school diploma or higher.  Fifty percent of persons age 25+ hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The county’s civilian labor force of 17,210 work hard and play hard. The County's workforce participation rate is 67.5%, and Routt County is considered an outdoor oasis.

Among the Most Educated Workforce in the Nation

City of Steamboat Springs

At the heart of Routt County lies the resort town of Steamboat Springs, renowned for its world-class skiing, legendary Champagne Powder®, and vibrant downtown scene. As the county seat, 47% of Routt County’s population lives in Steamboat Springs.  

As a tourism destination, more than 22.5% of the local economy revolves around the tourism/hospitality sector. Known as "Ski Town, U.S.A.," it uniquely combines its Western heritage with a modern mountain lifestyle. You’ll find an unparalleled quality of life, a thriving arts scene, and a year round outdoor paradise which has attracted in-migration of retirees and remote workers alike. 

Competitive Advantages
  • Population of 13,302 growing at a .7% rate, higher than the national growth average
  • Higher educational attainment rate of 96.2%; 54.2% hold a bachelor's degree of higher
  • 67.1% of the civilian labor force are employed – higher than the national workforce participation rate
  • Median household income of $93,280 – above the national median of $75,149.
  • Colorado Mountain College offers four year and two year degrees and certificate programs
  • Highly developed entrepreneurial ecosystem with pitch competitions, coworking spaces, and Routt County Economic Development Partnership's Yampa Valley Entrepreneurship Center
Target Industries
  • Tourism with a focus on skiing and outdoor recreation
  • Outdoor recreational light manufacturing
  • Renewable energy
  • Health care and wellness, leveraging the natural hot springs and outdoor lifestyle.
  • Retail, catering to tourists and residents alike
  • Small businesses and entrepreneurs 
  • Technology, particularly small startups that value a high quality of life
Buildings and Sites

Learn more about the development ready sites and buildings here. Email John Bristol (link to email: john.bristol@rcedp.org)

Transportation Infrastructure
  • Steamboat Springs is accessible by U.S. Highway 40 
  • Access to I-70 (I-73 miles) I-80 (133 miles)
  • Steamboat Springs Airport (Bob Adams Field), primarily for general aviation
  • Yampa Valley Regional Airport (24 miles), located just outside town, offers commercial flights and seasonal services to 15 major cities.
  • Union Pacific Railroad connects Steamboat Springs to Denver and other major markets in the U.S.
  • Robust public transportation system known as Steamboat Springs Transit (SST) that provides free bus services within the city and to ski resorts
Utility Providers
  • Electricity provided by Yampa Valley Electric Association 
  • Natural gas provided by Atmos Energy 
  • Water and sewer services are managed by the City of Steamboat Springs.
  • Multiple telecommunications providers offer high-speed internet and other services, crucial for businesses and remote workers
Incentives
Major Employers

Employment is dominated by the hospitality and tourism sector, construction, education, professional and scientific firms, retail trade and financial services. Learn more.

Education
  • The Steamboat Springs School District is noted for high academic performance and innovative programs in environmental and experiential education. Learn more.
  • The City is also home to the Lowell Whiteman School (also known as Steamboat Mountain School), which combines a rigorous academic curriculum with outdoor education.
  • Colorado Mountain College’s Steamboat Campus offers four year and two year degrees and certificate programs.

Town of Hayden

Located in Routt County, just west of Steamboat Springs, Hayden is a small town of 1,203, known for its rich history in agriculture and ranching. With its scenic vistas and a close-knit community atmosphere, Hayden provides a quiet, rural lifestyle with easy access to larger city amenities and recreational opportunities. Hayden’s workforce is highly skilled and educated, boosting an unheard of 99.9% education attainment rate – persons age 25+ with a high school diploma or higher. The median household income is $110,743, well above the national median household income. Hayden evolved from its agricultural heritage to a coal-fueled energy generation powerhouse and now charges forward to a new diversified economy. 

Competitive Advantages 
  • Home to Xcel’s Hayden Station, which is undergoing a transition to renewable energy
  • Industrial-skilled and experienced workforce who will be released from the power plant and nearby coal mine to work for your company
  • Shovel-ready 117.1 acre industrial and business park called Northwest Colorado Business District 
  • Access to Union Pacific rail and spur
  • Yampa Valley Regional Airport
  • Aggressive and business-friendly leadership 
  • Special state and federal incentives to support coal transition communities
  • Strategic location to 10 western states within 500 mile radius
Target Industries
  • Light Manufacturing, especially outdoor recreational products
  • Renewable Energy and Clean-Tech
  • Construction
  • Warehousing and Distribution
  • Entrepreneurial Startups
Buildings and Sites

Hayden developed a 117.1 acre shovel-ready industry park called Northwest Colorado Business District which is conveniently located next to Yampa Valley Regional Airport. Learn more.

Transportation Infrastructure
  • U.S. Highway 40 connects Hayden to Steamboat Springs (25 miles) and Denver, Colorado (118 miles) to the east and Craig, CO (17 miles) and Vernal, UT (120 miles) to the west 
  • Yampa Valley Regional Airport, located in Hayden, provides air cargo and commercial air service which is crucial for local tourism and business connectivity.
  • Union Pacific Class 1 Rail and spur (2.7 miles)
  • Access to Interstate 70 (79 miles) and Interstate 80 (111 miles)
  • Regional bus transit service connects Hayden to surrounding areas, enhancing its accessibility.
Utility Providers
  • Electricity is provided by Yampa Valley Electric Association.
  • The Town manages its own water and sewage services.
  • Network Geothermal Heat Source from the Town of Hayden (with Supplemental Beneficial Electrification available)
  • Natural gas is supplied by Atmos Energy.
  • Telecommunications needs are met by several providers, ensuring good coverage for internet and cellular services.
Incentives
Major Employers

Key employers include Xcel Energy, the Hayden School District, local government, and Yampa Valley Regional Airport. 20.2% of Hayden’s population, age 16 and older, work in construction, 19.7% work in education, health care and social services, 14% in retail, and 9% in arts and entertainment. The town also hosts a number of small businesses in retail, service, and agricultural sectors. Learn more.

Education

The Hayden School District (K-12) is committed to small class sizes and personalized attention. Hayden High School offers popular agricultural career technical pathways which include agriculture, welding, and plant science. The school system is actively involved in community-based projects and outdoor education, reflecting the town’s values and lifestyle. Learn more.


Town of Oak Creek

Oak Creek, Colorado, population 3,630, is a quaint town that offers a blend of rustic charm and modern convenience. Known for its rich coal mining history and scenic landscapes, Oak Creek attracts those looking for a serene bucolic lifestyle. Less than 30 minutes from Steamboat Springs, Oak Creek provides an appealing alternative for those seeking a more affordable,  small-town lifestyle, combined with the beauty of the Colorado outdoors and a strong sense of community.

Competitive Advantages 
  • Strategic location to Steamboat Springs and major markets in 10 western states 
  • Skilled workforce with a 97.5% education attainment rate — people with a high school diploma or higher; 50% have a bachelor’s degree or higher
  • $107,819 median household income- higher than national median household income
  • Strong community with an emphasis on sustainability and local businesses.
  • Proximity to national forests and outdoor recreation areas, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and a skill hill at nearby Stagecoach.
  • Robust healthcare sector
  • Affordable land and lower business costs 
  • Lower cost of living
Target Industries
  • Tourism, especially focused on cultural heritage and outdoor recreational activities.
  • Health care 
  • Light manufacturing, tapping into local crafts and products.
  • Retail and services catering to both the local population and visitors
  • Agriculture, including organic farming and artisanal food production
  • Small businesses and entrepreneurs
Buildings and Sites

Learn more about the development ready sites and buildings here. Email John Bristol

Transportation Infrastructure
  • State Highway 131 connects Oak Creek to Steamboat Springs (21 mile) and other larger markets and neighboring towns.
  • Yampa Valley Regional Airport in Hayden (28 miles), connecting to direct flights to 15 major cities 
  • Access to Interstates 70 (59 miles) and 80 (139 miles)
  • Union Pacific Class 1 Railroad 
Utility Providers
  • Electricity supplied by Yampa Valley Electric Association 
  • Natural Gas provided by Atmos Energy
  • Water and sewer services are managed by the Town of Oak Creek.
  • Telecommunication services including internet and cellular are provided by multiple regional operators.
Incentives
Major Employers

Major employers include Peabody Mine, local government, South Routt Medical Center, and the Oak Creek School District. 27.3% of Oak Creek’s population work in construction, 14.3% work in transportation, warehousing and utilities, 11.2% work in education, health care and social services, and 11% work in arts and entertainment. Small businesses within the town, including retail stores and service providers, contribute to employment opportunities. Learn more. 

Education 

The community is served by South Routt School District (K-12) with a focus on integrating educational activities with community life. Emphasis on small class sizes and individual student attention helps maintain high educational standards. Soroco High School in Oak Creek offers comprehensive career technical pathways, including an agricultural program which supports a USDA inspected meat processing facility and green houses. Learn more.


Town of Yampa

Yampa is an historic western town nestled at the gateway to the Flat Tops Wilderness in Routt County, Colorado. Yampa with a population of 424 attracts those interested in a quiet, nature-centric lifestyle away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Yampa began as a hunting camp in the 1880s. Yampa has always supported agriculture and a booming lumber industry in the forests. The Town served as a stop for railroad employees as Union Pacific delivered coal from the mines to the power plants. As coal sunsets, Yampa is the little engine that could. Its leadership is moving forward, armed with a comprehensive master plan to diversify its economy.  Yampa plans to invest in affordable housing, to improve its entrepreneurial ecosystem, to promote outdoor tourism, and to support the expansion of its small businesses.    

Competitive Advantages

  • Prime location for access to extensive outdoor recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, camping, and cross-country skiing in the Flat Tops Wilderness.
  • 96.1 percent of people 25 years and older earned a high school diploma or higher degree, and 34.6 percent had a bachelor's degree or higher.
  • Union Pacific rail access
  • Rich historical heritage, with roots in ranching and the early mining industry.
  • Tight-knit community atmosphere fostering strong local relationships and support.
Target Industries
  • Outdoor recreation, cultural heritage and ecotourism, leveraging the natural beauty and wilderness access.
  • Value-added agriculture, particularly focusing on organic and sustainable practices
  • Small business enterprises and entrepreneurs, including local crafts and artisan products
  • Services and retail for local and tourist populations.
Buildings and Sites

Learn more about the development ready sites and buildings here. Email John Bristol for more information.

Transportation Infrastructure
  • State Highway 131, linking Yampa to Steamboat Springs to the north and Denver to the south
  • Union Pacific Railroad
  • Access to Interstates 70 (43 miles) and 80 (147 miles)
  • Major airports include Yampa Valley Airport (37 miles) and Eagle County Airport (58 miles)
Utility Providers
  • Electricity is provided by Yampa Valley Electric Association.
  • Natural gas is supplied by Atmos Energy.
  • Water and sewer services are overseen by the Town of Yampa.
  • Various regional and local companies offer telecommunications and internet services.
Incentives
Major Employers

Major employers include local government and educational institutions such as the South Routt School District. 22.8% of people living in Yampa are employed in retail trade, 15.3% are employed in scientific and professional sectors, 12.2% are in the financial services sector, and 11.6% are in education, health care and social services sectors. Small businesses and agricultural enterprises also provide local employment. The Town's proximity to the Flat Tops Wilderness Area and the Flat Tops Trail Scenic Byway cater to outdoor enthusiasts and supports various seasonal employment opportunities in tourism and recreation. Learn more.

Education 

The town is part of the South Routt School District, providing educational services from elementary through high school with a focus on community engagement and outdoor learning opportunities. Schools are known for smaller class sizes and a personal approach to education, which benefits student learning and involvement. Learn more.