[4] Deer Trail is a part of the Denver–Aurora–Lakewood, CO Metropolitan Statistical Area and the Front Range Urban Corridor.

The town is situated along Interstate 70, approximately 55 miles (89 km) east of Denver.

The town was platted by the railway in 1875 and soon became a shipping point for grain, livestock, and eggs.

By the late 1920s Deer Trail grew into a town larger than it is today with two banks, five grocery stores, and three hotels.

The Great Depression of the 1930s took a major toll on the town's economy, and a further blow took place in June 1965 when a devastating flood destroyed or severely damaged the businesses along main street.

30.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.