The Durango area was recently named as the number one micropolitan area in the nation, followed in the top three by two other Rocky Mountain West micropolitans, Helena, Mont., and Gillette, Wyo. Other Colorado towns that made the top 100 include Edwards (9) and Montrose (31).
A micropolitan is a small city with a population of more than 10,000 but less than 50,000. Policom, an independent economic research firm, recently conducted a study that determined that the Durango/La Plata County area has the strongest economy in the United States, edging out 575 other similar-sized areas.
This isn’t Durango’s first appearance in the top 10 for economic strength as it debuted in 2008 and steadily climbed to the number one spot. The study shows that Durango has an extremely robust economy and higher than average wages.
Strong industries like natural resources, farming, tourism, the second home market, and vibrant companies such as Mercury Payment Systems, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Bouré Bicycle Clothing, among many others have helped grow the economy, contributing to the quality of life that the community enjoys.
There’s no doubt that Durango is an incredible place to live, work and visit, especially during ski season, which may be my own bias rearing its snowy head. I’ll admit that I haven’t been to Durango but have wanted to since I moved to Denver in the early ‘90s. Perhaps this is the year for me at Durango Mountain Resort.
But as I’ve been told, Durango has a quality of life much like a larger, metropolitan city. Downtown Durango features an incredible arts scene with galleries, rejuvenating spas, unique boutiques and more restaurants per capita than San Francisco.
Fort Lewis College also brings additional culture, energy and a positive vibe that makes the town thrive. As home to Mercy Regional Medical Center and as the headquarters for the Four Corners area, Durango’s sophisticated healthcare services are equal to the level of care other communities ten times its size have.
And the spectacular, rugged San Juan Mountains provide the perfect backdrop for maintaining this quality lifestyle. Durango has some of the best weather around with winter days that produce perfect conditions for skiing and riding, as well as a warm, sunny, dry climate that makes enjoying summer and fall outdoor adventures that much better. With hundreds of miles of trails, natural hot springs and abundant wildlife, it’s easy to find ways to escape the hectic day-to-day activities of life.
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