Peoria

Peoria, Colorado is a small unincorporated community and census-designated place located in Arapahoe County within the Denver-Aurora-Lakewood metropolitan area.

History

Peoria does not have a formal founding date as it developed gradually as a rural community in the early 20th century, primarily serving agricultural and oil industry needs near Denver. The community is named Peoria, likely after the Peoria Native American tribe or inspired by other Peoria-named places in the Midwest, reflecting common naming patterns brought by settlers moving west. The population of the Peoria CDP was 153 in the 2020 census, a slight decrease from 163 in 2010, reflecting its status as a small rural enclave within the expanding Denver metro area.

Major Industries

Peoria’s economy has traditionally been based on agriculture and oil production. After 1950, oil wells replaced earlier windmills in the nearby Byers and Peoria oil field region. The community has also been influenced by regional suburban growth and proximity to Denver International Airport, although it remains primarily rural in character.

Geography

Peoria is located at approximately 39.704°N latitude and 104.178°W longitude in northeastern Arapahoe County, Colorado. Peoria covers about 8,835 acres with mostly open land and a small amount of water area. It serves as a transition zone between more urbanized parts of the Denver metro region and the agricultural plains to the east.

Obscure and Notable Facts

The nearby Peoria oil field was notable for its $2 million natural gas production plant erected after 1950. An unusual fact includes the 264-acre Interstate Dog Track near Byers having three oil wells on its property, highlighting the interplay of industry and recreation in the region. Peoria is served by the Byers post office with ZIP code 80103.