Joes

Joes, Colorado is a small, historically unique community in Yuma County with a character shaped by its early settlers and rural surroundings.

History

Joes was officially established with the opening of its post office in 1912, marking its formal recognition as a community during the homesteading years of eastern Colorado's development. The name "Joes" comes from its early settler population: an unusually large number of men named Joe lived in the area at the time of its founding, leading to the adoption of the plural form for the town’s name. Historically, Joes remained small, but it has recently seen growth. The community reached a peak population of approximately 151 residents in 2025, up from 84 recorded in the 2020 census, reflecting an increase of nearly 80% in just five years.

Major Industries

Joes, like many towns on Colorado’s eastern plains, has been largely involved in agriculture—a sector that continues to define its economy and daily life. Farming and ranching remain the backbone of local industry, with much of the surrounding land devoted to grain and livestock production.

Geography

Joes is located at latitude 39.6559319 and longitude -102.678386, placing it in northeastern Colorado near the edge of the High Plains. The area around Joes features gently rolling prairie terrain, typical of Yuma County. Its elevation is approximately 4,200 feet above sea level, and the climate is characterized by low rainfall and wide temperature ranges—a classic environment for dryland farming.

Obscure and Notable Facts

A particularly unique aspect of town history is its high school basketball legacy: in 1929, Joes High School’s team, comprised of students from this tiny town, won the Colorado state basketball championship and later took second place in the national tournament—a feat that made national headlines and remains a point of local pride Joes is sometimes cited as a symbol of perseverance and rural teamwork, inspiring stories of “small-town spirit” throughout Colorado.