Park County, Colorado

Park County
Old Park County Courthouse
Location within the U.S. state of Colorado
Colorado's location within the U.S.
Coordinates: 39°07′N 105°43′W / 39.12°N 105.71°W / 39.12; -105.71
Country United States
State Colorado
FoundedNovember 1, 1861
SeatFairplay
Largest townFairplay
Area
  Total
2,211 sq mi (5,730 km2)
  Land2,194 sq mi (5,680 km2)
  Water17 sq mi (40 km2)  0.8%
Population
 (2020)
  Total
17,390
  Estimate 
(2024)
18,316
  Density7.9/sq mi (3.0/km2)
Time zoneUTC−7 (Mountain)
  Summer (DST)UTC−6 (MDT)
Congressional district7th
Websitewww.parkco.us

Park County is a county located in the U.S. state of Colorado. As of the 2020 census, the population was 17,390. The county seat and largest incorporated town is Fairplay, while the unincorporated community of Bailey is the largest settlement overall. The county was named after the large geographic region known as South Park, which was named by early fur traders and trappers in the area. Park County is included in the DenverAuroraLakewood, CO Metropolitan Statistical Area. A majority of the county lies within the boundaries of the South Park National Heritage Area.