Colorado’s 5th District

Colorado’s 5th congressional district lies in the center of the state and is home to Colorado Springs and its surrounding communities, including Cimarron Hills, Peyton, Monument, and Fort Carson. Five counties compose the Fifth District: El Paso, Fremont, Teller, Park, and Chaffee. Colorado Springs, the most heavily populated area within the district, boasts a large contingent of both active-duty and retired military personnel. It is also home to many important companies in the defense industry and five military installations, including the Air Force Academy, Fort Carson Army Base, Schriever Air Force Base, Peterson Air Force Base, and Cheyanne Mountain Air Force Station.

With its wonderful climate, clean air, nearby springs and Pikes Peak in the backdrop, Colorado Springs began as a resort. Founded in 1872 by Civil War hero and railroad magnate Gen. William J. Palmer, Colorado Springs was envisioned as a city of culture— thus it earned the nickname, “Little London.” Today, that vision continues to hold true. Tourism remains an economic mainstay – the southern edge of the Rocky Mountains and Pikes Peak provide a backdrop that attracts visitors from around the country and the world and, with a lively arts and culture scene, great shopping, and small-town feel, it is no surprise that so many visitors choose Colorado Springs as their vacation destination. 

You can find information on the Census data for the Fifth District here.

Military Presence

Since World War II, Colorado Springs has grown to become one of the nation's premier military centers. North of the city is the Air Force Academy, east is Peterson Air Force Base (headquarters of the U.S. Space Command) and Falcon Air Force Base, south is Fort Carson, and deep in a mountains to the west is the North American Air Defense Command, which maintains round-the-clock alert for an enemy attack. North of the city is the Air Force Academy – one of five federal military academies and one of the premiere engineering schools in the nation. In all, over 38,000 uniformed military, 12,000 Department of Defense civilians, and 100,000 veterans reside within Colorado Springs and Colorado’s 5th Congressional District.

Key Industries

Several major industries chave chosen Colorado Springs to conduct their business operations, including Hewlett-Packard, Memorial Health Services, Lockheed Martin, Penrose-St. Francis Health Services, the Broadmoor, Atmel Corp., Progressive Insurance, Focus on the Family, Verizon, ITT Industries. Almost 50 percent of the region’s economy is linked to defense and aerospace, industries which provide a total economic impact of over $5 billion for Colorado’s 5th District.

Education

Students flourish and thrive in the Fifth District with several opportunities for higher education. Thousands of students attend our several colleges and universities either as state residents or from out-of-state. The Fifth District is proud to encompass the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, Colorado College, Pikes Peak Community College, and Colorado Technical University. 

5th District of Colorado - Interactive Map

If you are looking for our District Office contact information, you can view our Offices page. If you have any questions, feel free to email us.