Baca County, Colorado

Baca County sits in the far southeastern corner of Colorado, where the state borders Oklahoma and Kansas. The landscape is mostly flat, with wide-open prairies stretching across the region. With only about 3,500 residents, it is one of the least populated counties in Colorado.

Springfield serves as the county seat and remains a small rural community. Farming and ranching are the main industries, with wheat, cattle, and increasingly wind energy contributing to the local economy. The area is also known for its extreme weather, including spring tornadoes, intense summer heat, and harsh winter conditions.

Comanche National Grassland covers a large portion of the county and provides habitat for a variety of prairie wildlife. The historic Santa Fe Trail once passed through the area, and wagon ruts can still be seen in some locations. Baca County’s rugged rural character, wide-open landscapes, and spectacular prairie sunsets give it a distinctive southeastern Colorado charm.

CategoryDetails
County NameBaca County
County SeatSpringfield
EtymologyNamed after Colorado territorial legislator Felipe Baca
Cities, Towns, and CommunitiesSpringfield, Pritchett, Walsh, Two Buttes
Interstates and HighwaysUS 287, CO 385
FIPS Code08-009
Total Area (Land and Water)2,583 square miles (Land: 2,564 sq mi, Water: 19 sq mi)
Adjacent Counties (and Direction)Prowers County (North), Stanton County, Kansas (East), Morton County, Kansas (East), Cimarron County, Oklahoma (South), Union County, New Mexico (Southwest), Las Animas County (West), Bent County (Northwest)
Time ZoneMountain Standard Time (MST)
StateColorado
PopulationApproximately 3,500
Coordinates37.2817° N, 102.2840° W
Major LandmarksComanche National Grassland, historic Baca County Courthouse
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