Cities and Towns in Elbert County, Colorado
Founded on 1874-02-02, Elbert County is one of 64 counties in the state of Colorado. Historically, Elbert County was split from Douglas County. The city of Kiowa is the county seat. With FIPS code of 39, Elbert County has a population of 27,128 and area of 1,849.08 square miles (4,789 km²).
List of all cities in Elbert County, CO alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Agate, CO | 80101 | 719 |
| Elizabeth, CO | 80107 | 303/720 |
| Kiowa, CO | 80117 | 303/720 |
| Matheson, CO | 80830 | 719 |
| Simla, CO | 80835 | 719 |
Major Cities and Towns in Elbert County, Colorado
Elizabeth
Area, Population, Zip Codes, and Coordinates
- Area: 1.7 square miles
- Population: Approximately 1,700 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 80107
- Latitude and Longitude: 39.3600° N, 104.5964° W
Location and History
Elizabeth is a small town located in the northern part of Elbert County, about 40 miles southeast of Denver. Established in 1855, Elizabeth was originally a sawmill town that served the nearby railroad lines, supplying lumber to the rapidly growing city of Denver. The town was named after a relative of John Evans, the second Territorial Governor of Colorado. Over the years, Elizabeth evolved from a bustling lumber center into a quiet rural community. Today, it retains its small-town charm while being close enough to the Denver metropolitan area to benefit from modern conveniences. Elizabeth is known for its equestrian culture, with many residents participating in horseback riding and related activities.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Elizabeth is served by the Elizabeth School District, with Elizabeth High School and Elizabeth Middle School being the primary educational institutions. Significant landmarks in the town include Casey Jones Park, which hosts the annual Elizabeth Stampede Rodeo, a popular event that celebrates the town’s western heritage. The town also features the historic Elizabeth Presbyterian Church, which dates back to the late 19th century. Elizabeth’s proximity to the Black Forest and the Front Range makes it a gateway for outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing, providing residents and visitors with access to Colorado’s natural beauty.
Kiowa
Area, Population, Zip Codes, and Coordinates
- Area: 0.9 square miles
- Population: Approximately 800 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 80117
- Latitude and Longitude: 39.3475° N, 104.4658° W
Location and History
Kiowa is the county seat of Elbert County, located along Kiowa Creek, approximately 23 miles east of Castle Rock. The town was established in 1859 and was originally a trading post known as “Wendling.” It was later renamed after the Kiowa Native American tribe, which historically inhabited the area. Kiowa developed as a center for agriculture and cattle ranching, which remain important to the local economy today. Despite its small size, Kiowa has played a significant role in the history of Elbert County as its administrative center. The town has retained much of its rural character and serves as a hub for the surrounding agricultural communities.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Kiowa is served by the Kiowa School District C-2, with Kiowa High School and Kiowa Middle School being the primary educational institutions. Key landmarks include the Elbert County Courthouse, which is a historic building that serves as the center of local government. The town also hosts the annual Kiowa Street Fair, a community event that features parades, local vendors, and entertainment, reflecting the town’s close-knit community spirit. The nearby Kiowa Creek provides opportunities for fishing and picnicking, and the surrounding ranchlands offer scenic views of Colorado’s eastern plains. Kiowa’s historic downtown, with its original buildings and small businesses, adds to the town’s quaint and welcoming atmosphere.
Simla
Area, Population, Zip Codes, and Coordinates
- Area: 0.3 square miles
- Population: Approximately 600 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 80835
- Latitude and Longitude: 39.1419° N, 104.0836° W
Location and History
Simla is a small town located in the eastern part of Elbert County, along U.S. Highway 24, about 50 miles east of Colorado Springs. Founded in 1909, Simla was originally a railroad town, established by the Rock Island Railroad to serve as a stop for trains traveling across the plains. The town was named after Simla in India, reflecting the global connections of the railroad industry at the time. Simla developed as a small farming community, with agriculture remaining a central part of the local economy. The town has a rich history tied to the development of the railroad and the settlement of Colorado’s eastern plains.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Simla is part of the Big Sandy School District 100J, with Big Sandy School serving students from kindergarten through 12th grade. Significant landmarks in Simla include the Simla Depot and Museum, which preserves the town’s railroad history and offers insights into early 20th-century life on the plains. The town is also home to the annual Simla Days celebration, which brings the community together for parades, games, and other festivities. Nearby, the rolling plains and agricultural lands provide a peaceful setting for outdoor activities such as hiking, bird watching, and enjoying the wide-open landscapes that characterize the region.
Elbert
Area, Population, Zip Codes, and Coordinates
- Area: N/A (unincorporated community)
- Population: Approximately 200 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 80106
- Latitude and Longitude: 39.2186° N, 104.5431° W
Location and History
Elbert is an unincorporated community located in the central part of Elbert County, nestled in the Black Forest region of Colorado. The town was founded in the late 19th century and named after Samuel Hitt Elbert, the 6th Governor of the Colorado Territory. Elbert started as a small farming and ranching community, serving the needs of local settlers. The town has experienced several floods throughout its history, which have shaped its development and the resilience of its residents. Today, Elbert remains a small, rural community with a strong connection to the surrounding natural environment, characterized by rolling hills, forests, and ranchlands.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Elbert is served by the Elbert School District 200, with Elbert School providing education from kindergarten through 12th grade. The school serves as a central gathering place for the community, hosting events and activities that bring residents together. Key landmarks in Elbert include the Russell Gates Mercantile building, a historic structure that once served as a general store and community center. The town is also close to the Elbert County Fairgrounds, which hosts the annual Elbert County Fair, celebrating the agricultural heritage of the region. The surrounding Black Forest area offers numerous opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hiking, horseback riding, and wildlife observation, making Elbert a tranquil retreat for nature lovers.
Map of Cities in Elbert County, CO
