Carbondale is a town in Garfield County, Colorado, United States. The population was 5,196 at the 2000 census.
The town is located in the mid valley of the Roaring Fork River, downstream from
Aspen and upstream from the mouth of the Roaring Fork at Glenwood Springs. The town proper sits on the south bank of the river, at the confluence of
the Crystal River. Carbondale's horizon is dominated by the 12,953 ft. tall
Mount Sopris several miles to the south of town.
Geography
Carbondale is located at 39°23′58″N, 107°12′53″W (39.399352,
-107.214820)1.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area
of 5.2 km² (2.0 mi²), all land.
Demographics
As of the census2 of 2000, there were 5,196 people, 1,744 households, and 1,168 families residing
in the town. The population density was 998.1/km² (2,583.8/mi²). There were 1,821
housing units at an average density of 349.8/km² (905.5/mi²). The racial makeup of the town was 84.28% White, 0.65% African American, 0.54% Native American, 0.69% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 11.80% from other races, and 2.02% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 32.12% of the population.
There were 1,744 households out of which 41.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.8% were married couples living together, 10.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.0% were
non-families. 20.3% of all households were made up of individuals and 3.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or
older. The average household size was 2.89 and the average family size was 3.32.
In the town the population was spread out with 26.1% under the age of 18, 11.7% from 18 to 24, 37.4% from 25 to 44, 18.7% from
45 to 64, and 6.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 31 years. For every 100 females there were 110.1 males.
For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 107.7 males.
The median income for a household in the town was $52,429, and the median income for a family was $55,726. Males had a median
income of $33,025 versus $24,786 for females. The per capita income for the town was
$20,383. About 9.8% of families and 12.2% of the population were below the poverty
line, including 13.0% of those under age 18 and 5.0% of those age 65 or over.
Note: Census statistics may be inaccurate due to difficulties in gathering census information. An unknown number of illegal
aliens reside in the town limits. If counted, such residents would possibly affect racial, household, and economic
statistics.
History
== Carbondale takes its name from Carbondale, Pennsylvania, the hometown of
Carbondale's first settlers. Carbondale's economy was initially agriculturally based. Farmers and ranchers captialized on open
lands around Carbondale to supply food for miners in nearby Aspen, then a booming center
of silver mining activity. Early in the 20th century, before the rise of industrial agriculture in Idaho, Carbondale's primary agricultural product was potatoes. The legacy lives on in Potato Day, an annual fall
parade and cookout in Sopris Park. Despite the non-geologic origins of the town's name, the Carbondale area does in fact possess
significant coal resources. Until the late 1980s Cabondale's economy was primarily based on coal
operations up the Crystal River Valley. The coal mined from the area was favored for its high burning temperature, low sulphur
content, and density. However, the coal deposits also contained significant amounts of methane gas. In 1981, a methane gas
explosion killed 17 miners and by 1991 the mines closed down permanently. Since the early 1990s, Carbondale has served as a
bathroom the form of second-home construction, tourism, and recreational amenities. ==
Culture
Despite a struggle to balance economic development while maintaining affordability and rural charm, Carbondale has managed to
maintain its own identity. The town hosts a broad range of community events and supports a strong artist community. With
astronomical real estate prices in Aspen, many artists and hippies fled to Carbondale and have contributed to its rise as a hub
of arts and culture. Myriad town events such as the Carbondale Mountain Fair, Dandelion Day, Potato Day, local rodeos, and
popular road races highlight the town's cultural mix. Additionally, residents are attracted to abundant recreational
opportunities such as mountain biking, hiking, camping, horseback riding, downhill skiing (Aspen & Glenwood Springs), Nordic skiing at
Spring Gulch, gold-medal fishing, world-class climbing (including ice climbing) and
kayaking. Carbondale is employing the "new urbanism" development pattern to capitalize on
the rich cultural assets in its old town core.
Schools
Elementary and middle schools
- Carbondale Elementary School
- Crystal River Elementary School
- Carbondale Middle School
- Carbondale Community School
- Ross Montessori School
- Waldorf School on the Roaring Fork
High schools
Transportation
Roaring Fork Transportation Authority provides bus transit in
Carbondale.
References
External links
Coordinates:
39.399352° N 107.21482°
W
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