Dona Ana County

As of the 2020 Census, Dona Ana County, NM has a population of approximately 219,561 people. The racial makeup is diverse: 69.5% Hispanic or Latino, 24.4% White (Non-Hispanic), 1.5% Black or African American, 1.4% Native American, and 1.3% Asian. The median household income is around $41,783. The county has a total area of 3,814 square miles, with significant portions dedicated to both urban and rural settings. Education levels show 79% high school graduates and 25% holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. The population density is about 57.6 people per square mile.

As of 2023, Dona Ana County, NM has a median home value of approximately $168,000. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is around $800 per month. The county has a homeownership rate of about 60%, with a median household income of around $40,000. Housing affordability remains a concern, as approximately 30% of residents spend over 30% of their income on housing costs. The housing market is moderately competitive, with homes typically staying on the market for 30-45 days.

For the 2023 elections in Doña Ana County, NM, here is a concise overview:

• County Commission District 1: Candidates include Cassie McClure (D) and Thomas Austen Smith (R).
• County Commission District 3: Shannon Reynolds (D, incumbent) vs. Kim Hakes (R).
• Las Cruces City Council:
  • District 1 has candidates Gloria C. Rodriguez-Burke and Joshua Price.
  • District 2 features incumbent Tessa Abeyta-Stuve vs. Beatrice Angela Valdespino.
  • District 4 includes Johana Bencomo (incumbent) vs. Henry Young.
• Dona Ana County Clerk: Amanda López Askin (D) runs unopposed.

Election day: November 7, 2023. Registered voters: ~105,000. Expected turnout: ~30%. Early voting: October 10 - November 4 at various locations.

For more detailed information, visit the Doña Ana County Clerk's official website.

Dona Ana County, NM, showcases varied educational attainment. As of the latest figures, about 78.4% of residents have a high school diploma or higher, which trails the national average of 88%. Approximately 23.8% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 34%. Statewide, New Mexico sees roughly 85% of its populace with a high school diploma and 26.9% with a bachelor's degree or higher. Thus, Dona Ana County lags both state and national averages in educational attainment, highlighting a need for enhanced educational resources and opportunities.

As of the latest available data, Dona Ana County, NM, has a labor force participation rate of about 60.8%, with an unemployment rate of approximately 6.1%, higher than the national average of roughly 3.7% and the state average of 5.3%. Major employment sectors include education and health services (about 25%), trade, transportation, and utilities (around 18%), and public administration (roughly 14%). The presence of New Mexico State University significantly contributes to employment in education. Agriculture also plays a vital role, with Dona Ana being a leading producer of pecans and chile peppers. Nationally, education and health services employ around 16%, and trade, transportation, and utilities about 18%. Compared to the national average, Dona Ana has higher employment in education and agriculture but faces higher unemployment issues.

Sources:

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
• New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions

As of the latest available data, the average household income in Dona Ana County, NM, is approximately $48,000. In comparison, the median household income for New Mexico is around $51,945, while the national average stands at approximately $68,700.

Here’s a statistics table illustrating this comparison:

Dona Ana County's average income falls below both the state and national averages, indicating a lower economic standing relative to broader benchmarks.

As of the latest available data, Dona Ana County, NM, has experienced varying crime rates.

For 2022:

• Violent Crime Rate: 480 cases per 100,000 residents
• Property Crime Rate: 2,100 cases per 100,000 residents

These figures indicate a significant focus on property crimes compared to violent crimes. Local law enforcement continues efforts to reduce these rates and improve community safety.