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Gunnison County – Ancestry

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Ancestry refers to the lineage or descent of a person, family, or group, tracing back through generations to identify their origins, heritage, and familial connections. It encompasses the genetic, cultural, and historical ties that link individuals to their forebears, shaping their identity and sense of belonging. Ancestry is a multifaceted concept, intertwining biology, genealogy, history, and culture, and it plays a significant role in how people understand themselves and their place in the world.

At its core, ancestry is rooted in genetics. Each individual inherits a unique combination of DNA from their parents, who in turn inherited their DNA from their own ancestors. This genetic material carries information about physical traits, predispositions to certain health conditions, and even behavioral tendencies. Advances in genetic testing, such as DNA analysis, have made it possible for individuals to trace their biological ancestry with remarkable precision. Companies like 23andMe and AncestryDNA offer services that analyze genetic markers to provide insights into a person's ethnic composition and geographic origins, often revealing surprising connections to distant relatives or previously unknown heritage.

Beyond genetics, ancestry is deeply tied to genealogy, the study of family history and lineage. Genealogical research involves constructing family trees, documenting relationships, and uncovering historical records such as birth certificates, marriage licenses, census data, and immigration documents. This process often reveals stories of migration, resilience, and adaptation, offering a window into the lives of ancestors and the challenges they faced. For many, genealogy is a way to honor their forebears and preserve their legacy for future generations.

Cultural ancestry is another critical dimension, encompassing the traditions, languages, customs, and values passed down through generations. It connects individuals to their ethnic or national heritage, shaping their cultural identity and worldview. For example, someone with Irish ancestry might celebrate St. Patrick's Day, learn traditional Irish dance, or explore the Gaelic language, while someone with Japanese ancestry might practice tea ceremonies, study calligraphy, or observe Obon festivals. Cultural ancestry fosters a sense of continuity and belonging, linking individuals to a broader community with shared experiences and values.

Historical ancestry delves into the broader context of a family's or group's past, including significant events, social conditions, and historical movements that shaped their lives. For instance, the transatlantic slave trade, the Irish Potato Famine, or the Jewish diaspora have profoundly influenced the ancestry of millions of people, leaving lasting imprints on their descendants' identities. Understanding historical ancestry often involves grappling with complex narratives of triumph and tragedy, resilience and oppression, and the interplay of individual and collective experiences.

Ancestry also has a deeply personal and emotional dimension. For many, exploring their ancestry is a journey of self-discovery, offering insights into who they are and where they come from. It can foster a sense of pride, connection, and continuity, as well as a deeper appreciation for the struggles and achievements of those who came before. At the same time, it can raise questions about identity, belonging, and the complexities of heritage, particularly for individuals with mixed or multicultural backgrounds.

In a globalized world, ancestry serves as a bridge between the past and the present, connecting individuals to their roots while also highlighting the interconnectedness of human history. It underscores the diversity and richness of human experience, reminding us that every person's story is part of a larger tapestry woven over centuries. Whether through genetic testing, genealogical research, cultural practices, or historical exploration, ancestry offers a profound way to understand ourselves and our place in the world.

A diversification score measures the diversity of ancestries in the county. As the value appoaches 100, ancestry diversity decreases and therefore increasing the risk of a lack of cultural diversity. The ancestry diversification score for this county is:

10.30

Most common ancestry not including "Unknown" is:

German

 
Ancestry Report Part I
DescriptionTotal Population American Native American Hawaiian Carribean Mexican Central American South American Other Hispanic British Dutch French German Italian

Gunnison County17,992557737441,234221572741,7533123992,622670
Colorado (in 000's)5,9811683295791343392473984674617152
National (in 000's)340,98116,5892,16560710,91237,9175,6004,1394,87718,3212,0964,23427,00610,025
Mesa County161,9906,6217621651,08113,7394159768,19613,4141,7822,34819,8874,664
Montrose County44,8342,07223824747,8972391281,1043,3483414154,1931,084
Delta County32,3881,8871169503,39825121,1523,0943084643,564675
Pitkin County16,6334964282761,024282841991,5782425611,762652
Chaffee County20,7127471131089940194277381,9232012542,957915
Saguache County6,51513175201,2762309423141810752183
Ouray County5,2872561420157011938555596753126
Hinsdale County8081661021003110102815319
 
Per Cent to Total PopulationDiversity
Index
 

Gunnison County10.303.100.410.040.246.860.120.871.529.741.732.2214.573.72
Colorado10.752.810.530.140.9515.260.720.664.136.660.771.2410.312.53
National10.644.870.640.183.2011.121.641.211.435.370.611.247.922.94
Mesa County11.234.090.470.100.678.480.260.605.068.281.101.4512.282.88
Montrose County13.514.620.530.050.1717.610.530.292.467.470.760.939.352.42
Delta County12.245.830.360.030.1510.490.080.043.569.550.951.4311.002.08
Pitkin County10.822.980.250.051.666.160.171.711.209.491.453.3710.593.92
Chaffee County11.763.610.550.050.434.540.940.133.569.280.971.2314.284.42
Saguache County12.732.011.150.030.0019.590.350.0014.464.820.281.648.001.27
Ouray County12.594.840.260.040.002.970.000.211.7616.171.041.8214.242.38
Hinsdale County13.861.980.740.120.002.600.000.000.3713.611.243.4718.942.35
 
Comparisons to State Norms % to Total >= 150% % to Total < 50% 

Gunnison County 109.9976.7427.3325.8244.9517.00132.6036.86146.31224.39178.51141.31146.93
Colorado 100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00
National 172.86120.11124.97337.9372.88228.28184.4534.6280.6879.5499.9676.80116.00
Mesa County 145.2288.9771.5670.4755.5935.6191.55122.46124.35142.35116.68119.04113.60
Montrose County 164.20100.4137.6117.43115.4474.1043.3859.60112.1498.4274.5190.6995.40
Delta County 207.0167.7419.5216.3068.7610.735.6386.09143.45123.05115.32106.7082.23
Pitkin County 105.9547.7633.79175.2240.3523.40259.4528.96142.46188.26271.50102.72154.66
Chaffee County 128.14103.1933.9245.3829.75130.2019.8186.24139.42125.5798.72138.44174.30
Saguache County 71.44217.7421.570.00128.3749.070.00349.9572.3735.75132.2177.5450.27
Ouray County 172.0450.0926.580.0019.460.0031.6242.57242.84134.61146.16138.1094.03
Hinsdale County 70.36140.4586.950.0017.030.000.008.99204.43160.14278.95183.6192.78
 
Comparisons to National Norms % to Total >= 150% % to Total < 50% 

Gunnison County 63.6363.9021.877.6461.687.4571.89106.48181.34282.11178.58184.00126.66
Colorado 57.8583.2680.0229.59137.2143.8154.22288.88123.94125.72100.04130.2186.21
National 100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00
Mesa County 84.0174.0857.2620.8576.2715.6049.64353.75154.12178.96116.72155.0197.93
Montrose County 94.9983.6030.095.16158.4032.4623.52172.16138.98123.7374.54118.0882.24
Delta County 119.7656.4015.624.8294.354.703.05248.68177.80154.71115.36138.9470.89
Pitkin County 61.2939.7727.0451.8555.3610.25140.6683.65176.57236.69271.60133.75133.33
Chaffee County 74.1385.9227.1413.4340.8157.0310.74249.12172.80157.8798.75180.26150.26
Saguache County 41.33181.2917.260.00176.1321.500.001,010.9289.7044.95132.25100.9743.33
Ouray County 99.5341.7021.270.0026.700.0017.14122.99300.99169.24146.22179.8381.06
Hinsdale County 40.70116.9469.580.0023.370.000.0025.96253.38201.34279.05239.0979.98
 
Ancestry Report Part II
DescriptionTotal Population Polish Scandi­navian Scotish Irish Other European Chinese Japanese Korean South Central Asian South East Asian Other Asian Middle Eastern Other Ancestry Unknown

Gunnison County17,9923661,0252,2749750252527140751,9063,129
Colorado (in 000's)5,98172195440237331224416027251,049972
National (in 000's)340,9815,2116,56222,89210,8864,3408331,7585,3296,0541,4412,14472,84556,198
Mesa County161,9901,7456,50514,0134,9484011342146951836041724,14534,471
Montrose County44,8343211,1933,231937151294408844697,24210,391
Delta County32,3882811,1452,9047861233681110224,8927,380
Pitkin County16,6331806161,631774127135346141902,2463,645
Chaffee County20,7123117671,89391289663973152,9024,636
Saguache County6,515522015071380019049151,187864
Ouray County5,2874925468825590108494641,128
Hinsdale County808621135180001002111147
 
Per Cent to Total PopulationDiversity
Index
 

Gunnison County10.302.035.7012.645.420.000.140.140.150.010.220.4210.5917.39
Colorado10.751.203.267.363.960.550.190.400.681.000.450.4217.5416.25
National10.641.531.926.713.191.270.240.521.561.780.420.6321.3616.48
Mesa County11.231.084.028.653.050.250.080.130.040.320.220.2614.9121.28
Montrose County13.510.722.667.212.090.030.030.210.090.200.100.1516.1523.18
Delta County12.240.873.548.972.430.000.070.010.020.250.340.0715.1022.79
Pitkin County10.821.083.709.814.650.760.080.320.020.370.250.5413.5021.91
Chaffee County11.761.503.709.144.400.040.040.320.010.040.350.0714.0122.38
Saguache County12.730.803.097.782.120.000.000.290.000.750.020.0818.2213.26
Ouray County12.590.934.8013.014.820.170.000.020.000.150.080.178.7821.34
Hinsdale County13.860.742.6016.712.230.000.000.000.120.000.000.2513.7418.19
 
Comparisons to State Norms % to Total >= 150% % to Total < 50% 

Gunnison County 169.40174.84171.71136.740.0071.3634.8322.080.5549.1798.5260.39106.99
Colorado 100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00
National 127.2659.0691.2180.56231.25125.52129.24229.95177.2993.49148.62121.79101.40
Mesa County 89.70123.24117.5377.0844.9842.4833.126.2731.9349.1560.8484.97130.92
Montrose County 59.6281.6697.9152.746.0813.7552.5613.1319.6021.7036.3792.08142.59
Delta County 72.25108.50121.8261.240.5636.472.322.7324.9775.1116.0586.11140.19
Pitkin County 90.12113.66133.22117.42138.7340.1479.883.5436.6254.52127.8876.98134.82
Chaffee County 125.04113.65124.17111.117.0222.3279.882.134.3477.9517.1279.87137.71
Saguache County 66.4694.68105.7353.450.000.0073.110.0075.103.3918.14103.8681.59
Ouray County 77.18147.44176.80121.7130.930.004.740.0015.1116.7340.2350.03131.26
Hinsdale County 61.8479.76226.9956.210.000.000.0018.210.000.0058.5078.31111.93
 
Comparisons to National Norms % to Total >= 150% % to Total < 50% 

Gunnison County 133.11296.05188.26169.730.0056.8526.959.600.3152.5966.2949.59105.52
Colorado 78.58169.33109.63124.1243.2479.6777.3843.4956.40106.9667.2982.1198.62
National 100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00
Mesa County 70.49208.68128.8595.6719.4533.8525.632.7318.0152.5740.9469.77129.11
Montrose County 46.85138.28107.3465.462.6310.9540.675.7111.0523.2224.4775.61140.62
Delta County 56.77183.71133.5576.010.2429.061.801.1914.0980.3410.8070.70138.26
Pitkin County 70.81192.46146.06145.7559.9931.9861.811.5420.6558.3186.0563.21132.96
Chaffee County 98.26192.44136.13137.923.0317.7861.810.932.4583.3811.5265.59135.81
Saguache County 52.23160.33115.9166.350.000.0056.570.0042.363.6312.2085.2880.47
Ouray County 60.65249.66193.83151.0713.370.003.670.008.5217.9027.0741.08129.45
Hinsdale County 48.59135.06248.8669.780.000.000.007.920.000.0039.3664.30110.39


Sources: STI: PopStats