Castle Rock, Colorado, is located halfway between Denver and Colorado Springs and is the county seat of Douglas County. It received its name because of the prominent, castle tower-shaped butte that overlooks the town. Like many western communities, Castle Rock was formed by settlers drawn to the area by the rumors of gold.
Ironically, the accidental discovery of rhyolite, not gold, led to the town’s early wealth and rapid development. The rhyolite discovery created jobs and the need for infrastructure so quarries could ship the ancient volcano-formed rock. In turn, these jobs and the new infrastructure attracted more workers and settlers. The local quarrying industry flourished in the late 1800s and early 1900s as the rhyolite was purchased to construct buildings, roads, and railroads.
Today, Castle Rock has a population of 75,452, and about 80% commute one-way, on average, thirty minutes to work. This lack of significant local employers is not impeding the town’s growth. Since 2000, Castle Rock has grown by 238.6% and is one of the fastest-growing cities in America. Over the past ten years, this thriving community has received national recognition from Forbes, Money, and Family Circle. In 2020, Livability ranked it as #3 in their Top 100 Places to Live.
Castle Rock has maintained its small-town charm in all the key areas: it’s family-friendly, offers a higher quality of life, and has the top schools in the nation. Most importantly, it’s one of the safest cities in Colorado despite its rapid growth.
With sunshine about 300 days a year, Castle Rock residents can explore the 95 miles of trails – all within the city limits – and 6,000 acres of open space even during the winter months. Additionally, residents can enjoy: