US Air Force Academy, CO

Air Force Academy is located in northern Colorado Springs, although not within the city limits. It is situated along Interstate 25 just east of Pike National Forest.

The academy is known as a Census Designated Place, or CDP. CDPs, which don't have their own government and are part of unincorporated areas, are created so their residents can be included in the census. This is a common way to classify military bases. The United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) takes up most of this CDP.

• Most cities in the United States have an almost even split between males and females, but the Air Force Academy CDP has primarily male residents. Only 34 percent of the population is female, approximately 60 percent of whom are married.
• The median age is very young, comparatively, at just 21 years of age. Less than 1 percent of the population is over the age of 65, while 9 percent is under 5, higher than the national average.
• Due to housing for the cadets, the percentage of residents living in group quarters is very high at 46 percent (the U.S. average is just 3 percent).
• The vast majority of the Air Force Academy CDP's residents rent their homes, with less than 2 percent of homes belonging to private homeowners.

ECONOMY AND INDUSTRIES

Of the approximately 7,500 residents living in the Air Force Academy census designated place, about 75 percent are employed by the armed forces. There are about 900 civilians employed in the census designated place, 43 percent of whom are in the education, health care, and social service industries.

The other major industry in the area is retail, employing about 18 percent of civilian workers. Within these industries, the most common occupations include management and professional jobs, sales and office work, and careers in the service industry.

NEIGHBORHOODS AND DISTRICTS

The city has a totally urban population. The Air Force Academy is not very densely populated as only about 100 condos are placed per square mile. There are more than 1,200 houses in the Air Force Academy and more than 95 percent of these houses are occupied by tenants.

The median household income of the Air Force Academy is slightly higher than Colorado's median household income. The median house or condo value has increased by more than 40 percent in recent years.

EDUCATION

• The U.S. military is known for providing its trainees with the best education available. Students of the Air Force Academy can choose from more than 30 majors and 2 minors. This college education is free, but it is only available to those enlisted at the academy.
• Students can also take advantage of foreign exchange programs at academies in other countries. In addition, they can choose to study abroad for a single semester at participating civilian universities.
• Upon graduation, many of the cadets choose to take jobs at a variety of military facilities. About 60 percent of graduates go on to flight careers.
• Aside from the post-secondary education opportunities, the Air Force Academy provides a preparatory school for those between the ages of 17 and 22. It is designed to prepare students for entrance into the academy, although it does not guarantee acceptance upon completion.

BEST BETS

Although the main focus of the Air Force Academy is to prepare cadets for military matters, it is also a major tourist attraction. In 2002, more than 1.4 million visitors traveled to the academy. Some of the attractions located at the CDP include:

• Sports: The USAFA has several collegiate spectator sports. The most popular of these is the Falcons football team. There are more than 25 other NCAA teams at the academy, from men's ice hockey to a women's rifle team. All of the players are USAFA cadets.
• USAFA Band: There are several different musical ensembles that play for fellow military members, their families, and civilians. Recitals and concerts are held throughout the year, many of which are free. Some are held at the academy, while others are held in the neighboring cities.
• Barry Goldwater Air Force Academy Visitor Center: This is a large facility with exhibits about the history of the academy and the life of the cadets. The center is open daily, except for some holidays.
• Cadet Chapel: Architecturally, this triangular building is unique. The chapel is dedicated to the freedom of religion and provides regular services for Protestants, Catholics, Jews, Buddhists, and Muslims. Visitors may attend any of these services and may also visit the chapel for tours during nonservice hours.
• North Gate: After visitors check in at the North Gate, they will see a B-52 aircraft display. This is one of the main attractions at the academy.
• Hiking: There are a few trails running through the grounds of the academy, all of which are open to the public. The hilly trail leading from the Visitor Center to the Cadet Chapel is known for being challenging.

DID YOU KNOW?

• The Air Force Academy has its own hospital on site.
• Members of the academy have participated in every Inaugural Parade since 1957.
• All vehicles and people that enter the Air Force Academy's grounds are subject to search.
• Cell phone use is prohibited while driving on the campus, unless the driver is using a hands-free device.