[4] The area of Huerfano County boomed early in the 1900s with the discovery of large coal deposits.

After large scale World War II coal demand ended in the 1940s Walsenburg and Huerfano saw a steady economic decline through 2015.

Huerfano County and neighboring Las Animas County were the central locations of the 1913-1914 United Mine Workers of America strike against the Rockefeller-owned Colorado Fuel and Iron company, which is now referred to as the Colorado Coalfield War.

[5] The price of property saw an increase of more than 10% after a moratorium on commercial marijuana grows was lifted in July 2015.

"[6] Visitors are attracted to the Spanish Peaks and the many mountain-related activities they offer, such as mountain climbing, hiking, hunting, and sightseeing.

The towns of La Veta and Cuchara offer art galleries and lodging.

[11] Lathrop State Park offers hiking, camping, picnicking, fishing and 4.5 miles (7.2 kilometers) of mountain bike trails.

[12][13] Adjacent to the park, the city of Walsenburg offers a public, nine-hole golf course.

A Democratic stronghold for much of the 20th century, Huerfano has become a competitive swing county in recent elections.