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Grand Junction is a city in Mesa County, Colorado, USA. The population was 41,986 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Mesa County. The city is largest population center on the Colorado Western Slope, unofficially serving as the capital of the region. The local television stations serve as a major media source for the region, in the way that those in Denver do for the Colorado Front Range to the east.
The city located along the north side of Colorado River where it receives the Gunnison River from south. The name "Grand" refers to the historical name of the upper Colorado River used by locals in the late 19th and early 20th century. The city sits near the mid-point of a 30-mile (48 km) arcing valley, known as the Grand Valley, that is a major fruit growing region, historically home to the Ute people and settled by white farmers in the 1880s. In recent years, several wineries have been established in the area as well. The Colorado National Monument, a series of canyons and mesas similar to the Grand Canyon, overlook the city. Interstate 70 connects the city eastward to Glenwood Springs and Denver.
Geography
Grand Junction is located at (39.080531, -108.559097). It is about 25 miles east of the Utah State Line on Interstate 70. It is about 4,800 feet above sea level in what is called 'high desert' country.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 80.5 km² (31.1 mi²). 79.8 km² (30.8 mi²) of it is land and 0.7 km² (0.3 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 0.87% water.
Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 41,986 people, 17,865 households, and 10,540 families residing in the city. The population density was 526.2/km² (1,362.6/mi²). There were 18,784 housing units at an average density of 235.4/km² (609.6/mi²). The racial makeup of the city was 91.78% White, 0.60% African American, 0.94% Native American, 0.76% Asian, 0.12% Pacific Islander, 3.81% from other races, and 1.99% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 10.86% of the population.
There were 17,865 households out of which 25.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.1% were married couples living together, 9.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 41.0% were non-families. 33.2% of all households were made up of individuals and 13.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.23 and the average family size was 2.84.
In the city the population was spread out with 21.2% under the age of 18, 11.9% from 18 to 24, 26.3% from 25 to 44, 22.8% from 45 to 64, and 17.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females there were 95.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.6 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $33,152, and the median income for a family was $43,851. Males had a median income of $31,685 versus $22,804 for females. The per capita income for the city was $19,692. About 7.5% of families and 11.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 11.8% of those under age 18 and 9.0% of those age 65 or over.
Travel
Walker Field Airport serves as the major airport in the area. The airport is located in north Grand Junction on Horizon Drive. Two way flights to Denver, Salt Lake City, and Phoenix are available for air travelers.
Weather
- Summer: Usually warm and dry. The all-time record high temperature, set on July 21, 2005 is 106 Degrees Fahrenheit. Average highs in the low 90s; average lows in the 60s. Precipitation events are uncommon.
- Winter: Mostly mild. Frequent snows are light and usually melt away quickly. Even the heavy snows of 4 to 8 inches (rare) disappear quickly. Temperatures vary between the 40s and 20s.
Points of Interest
External links
Grand Junction Area
- City of Grand Junction (official website)
Community Services
Mesa State College | Grand Junction, Colorado | Mesa County, Colorado | Colorado Western Slope | Cities in Colorado
"Grand Junction, Colorado"