Economy
Eagle County includes exclusive summer and ski resorts, such as Vail
and Beaver Creek. Just over 30 years ago, the primary industry in
Eagle County was agriculture. Today, tourism drives Eagle
County's economy.
Typical of the mountain resort lifestyle, the cost of living in Eagle
County is higher than metropolitan or suburban living. Residents
have a variety of housing options throughout the county, including
multi-million dollar estates - which are the strongest in the
state. Family-owned businesses and restaurants thrive in the
growing and supportive communities, and are especially successful
during the summer and winter seasons.
Vail, Beaver Creek and the surrounding communities in Eagle County
comprise only 20% of the land in the county. The remaining 80% of
the land is national forest, open space, and Colorado public land,
preserving the rural integrity of the county's rich agricultural
heritage.
Home of the #1 ski mountain, Vail mountain, along with the numerous
summer activities, Eagle County is truly becoming a year-round place to
live and work. Vail is located 100 miles west of Denver on
Interstate 70 and is easily accessible via the Eagle County Regional
Airport, which is 35 miles to the west.
The Town of Vail is a community bathed in charm. With the
nation's largest free bus system, the town is filled with shops,
restaurants and year-round activities in a pedestrian-friendly
environment bustling with foot traffic. Beaver Creek is a close
neighbor to Vail and offers big store and specialty shopping, housing,
recreation and lodging in all price ranges.
The economy in the Vail and Beaver Creek communities is strong and only
growing stronger. As one of the 445 counties in the 13 western
states, Eagle County is sixth in growth potential. Eagle County
is also the fourth fastest growing county in Colorado and the tenth
fastest in the United States since 1990. With the continual year
round growth complimenting the service industry that tourism requires,
Vail and Beaver Creek are viable economic communities.
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