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Bent County is a county located in the U.S. state of Colorado. As of 2000, the population is 5,998. The county seat is Las Animas.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 3,991 km˛ (1,541 mi˛). 3,921 km˛ (1,514 mi˛) of it is land and 70 km˛ (27 mi˛) of it is water. The total area is 1.77% water.
As of the census 2 of 2000, there are 5,998 people, 2,003 households, and 1,388 families residing in the county. The population density is 2/km˛ (4/mi˛). There are 2,366 housing units at an average density of 1/km˛ (2/mi˛). The racial makeup of the county is 79.53% White, 3.65% Black or African American, 2.23% Native American, 0.57% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 10.25% from other races, and 3.77% from two or more races. 30.24% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There are 2,003 households out of which 32.50% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.50% are married couples living together, 11.40% have a female householder with no husband present, and 30.70% are non-families. 27.20% of all households are made up of individuals and 12.20% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.53 and the average family size is 3.07.
In the county the population is spread out with 23.80% under the age of 18, 9.30% from 18 to 24, 29.20% from 25 to 44, 21.80% from 45 to 64, and 15.90% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 37 years. For every 100 females there are 129.00 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 138.70 males.
The median income for a household in the county is $28,125, and the median income for a family is $34,096. Males have a median income of $22,755 versus $24,261 for females. The per capita income for the county is $13,567. 19.50% of the population and 16.60% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 27.40% of those under the age of 18 and 13.00% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.