Chaves County

As of the 2020 Census, Chaves County, NM had a population of 64,019. The racial composition was 54.3% White (non-Hispanic), 2.6% Black or African American, 1.9% Native American, 1.0% Asian, and 36.4% Hispanic or Latino. The county's population density was approximately 18 people per square mile. The median household income was $43,566, with 19.2% below the poverty line. The median age was 36.1 years, and 25.5% of the population was under 18, while 16.3% were 65 years or older.

As of the latest available data, Chaves County, NM has a median home value of approximately $150,000. The median household income is around $45,000. Homeownership rates are about 65%, while rental vacancy rates hover near 10%. Monthly median rent is roughly $800. The area has seen a modest annual growth rate in property values of around 3-4%. Construction of new homes is limited, with a focus on single-family residences.

Chaves County, NM, administers local, state, and federal elections. Typical election positions include county commissioners, sheriff, treasurer, assessor, and clerk, alongside judicial seats and state representatives. Congressional representation falls under New Mexico's 2nd District.

In general elections, voter turnout varies by year, often between 50-60% in presidential election years and lower in midterms. For example, Chaves County saw a 61% turnout in the 2020 Presidential Election, with 14,000 votes for Donald Trump and 4,500 for Joe Biden. In 2022, the gubernatorial race featured incumbent Democrat Michelle Lujan Grisham and Republican Mark Ronchetti, attracting a 52% turnout locally.

Local candidates frequently reflect party endorsements; for instance, a 2022 county commissioner seat may feature a Republican candidate like Will Cavin versus a Democratic candidate such as Neil McMahan. Detailed and up-to-date candidate information and election results can be found on the Chaves County Clerk’s website or the New Mexico Secretary of State's portal.

As of the latest data, Chaves County, NM, has a high school graduation rate of approximately 82.5%, lower than the national average of around 87%. The county features a college attainment rate (bachelor's degree or higher) of around 16.1%, significantly below the national average of about 34% and the New Mexico state average of 27%.

Educational attainment in Chaves County lags behind both national and state averages. While the high school graduation rate is relatively close to the national figure, college attainment is markedly lower, indicating fewer residents obtaining higher education degrees. This disparity highlights educational challenges within the county compared to broader metrics in the U.S. and New Mexico.

As of the most recent data, Chaves County, NM, has an employment rate of approximately 94.3%, slightly below the national average of 95%. The top industries in Chaves County are agriculture, oil and gas extraction, education, healthcare, and retail. Agriculture and oil and gas are more prominent in Chaves County than in many other parts of the state and country, due to its geographical and natural resource advantages.

Agriculture employs about 10% of the workforce in Chaves County, compared to the national average of 1.3%. Similarly, the oil and gas sector employs around 8%, significantly higher than the national average of 0.5%. Education and healthcare sectors also play crucial roles, with each employing around 15% of the local workforce, aligning closely with national averages. Retail employs about 13%, slightly above the national average of 11%.

These figures highlight the unique economic characteristics of Chaves County within both state and national contexts.

As of recent data, Chaves County, New Mexico, has an average household income of approximately $44,000 per year. This is significantly below the national average household income, which is about $68,700, and also lower than the New Mexico state average of around $51,300.

In comparison, Chaves County's income levels indicate economic challenges relative to broader benchmarks. This disparity highlights potential areas for economic development and support within the county to bridge the income gap.

Chaves County, NM, population approximately 64,000, features varied crime rates. According to recent data:

• Violent crimes: 672 incidents per 100,000 people, above the national average of 383.
• Property crimes: 3,936 incidents per 100,000 people, significantly higher than the national average of 2,110.