Otero County is located in southeast corner of Colorado with a population of 18,112 people living inside an area of 2041 sq mi . It borders Bent/Prowers counties to the north ; Las Animas county on its eastern side while looking over Crowley County from its western perimeter . Otero's main industries include agriculture (wheat/corn) , light manufacturing & government services but also supported by renewable energy operations like a geothermal plant near Rocky Ford neighbourhood . Additionally it allows outdoor activities such as camping/picnicking at John Martin Reservoir State Park or bird watching within Comanche National Grassland etc