Lincoln County

As of the latest estimates, Lincoln County, New Mexico, has a population of approximately 19,572 people. The racial composition is around 82% White, 2% Native American, 1% African American, and 15% from other races. The Hispanic or Latino population accounts for about 34%. The median age is 52.6 years. The per capita income is approximately $28,666, and 17.2% of the population lives below the poverty line. The county covers an area of 4,831 square miles.

As of 2023, the median home price in Lincoln County, NM is approximately $250,000, with an average price per square foot of $150. Rental prices average around $1,200 per month for a two-bedroom apartment. The housing market shows a mix of single-family homes, townhouses, and rural properties. The county has experienced moderate growth, with a 2% annual increase in median home values. Homeownership rate stands at around 66%, with approximately 20% of homes being vacant seasonally, reflecting the area's appeal to part-time residents and vacation homeowners.

Lincoln County, New Mexico, conducts elections for various local, state, and federal positions. Significant local offices include County Commissioners, Sheriff, Assessor, Clerk, and Treasurer. The numerical values, such as voter turnout and results, vary per election cycle.

In the 2022 General Election:

• County Commissioner District 3 saw Tom Stewart (R) win with 3,262 votes against Karen Whitmire (D) who received 2,189 votes.
• Carrie Montoya-Perez (R) secured the County Clerk position with 4,735 votes to Alicia Sanders' (D) 3,546.
• Michael G. Wood (R) was elected Sheriff with 4,879 votes, surpassing Jodie A. Boyer (D) who had 3,218 votes.

Election information, including key dates, polling locations, and detailed candidate lists, is available on the Lincoln County Clerk's official website or the New Mexico Secretary of State's portal. For accurate and extensive data, residents should refer to these official resources.

As of the latest data, Lincoln County, NM has notable educational statistics. Approximately 85.3% of residents aged 25 and older have attained at least a high school diploma, which is lower than the national average of around 90% and the New Mexico state average of 87%. The county sees about 20.1% of its residents holding a bachelor's degree or higher, which also falls below the national average of approximately 33% and the state average of 27%. These figures indicate that Lincoln County lags behind both state and national averages in terms of educational attainment, reflecting potential areas for growth and improvement in local education systems.

As of recent data, Lincoln County, NM, has a labor force of approximately 9,000 individuals, with an unemployment rate of about 6.0%, slightly above the national average of 5.0%. Key industries include healthcare and social assistance (20%), retail trade (18%), and educational services (15%). Tourism also plays a significant role due to attractions like Ruidoso Downs and historic sites related to Billy the Kid. Compared to the state of New Mexico, which has a higher emphasis on mining and oil extraction, Lincoln County's economy leans more heavily towards healthcare and retail. Nationally, the county’s industry distribution is similar to rural averages but with a stronger presence in tourism-related services.

As of the most recent data (2023), Lincoln County, NM has an average household income of approximately $46,000 per year. In comparison, the median household income for the state of New Mexico is around $49,754, while the national average stands at approximately $68,703.

Income Comparison Chart

This indicates that Lincoln County's average household income is lower than both the state and national averages. The economic inequalities highlight regional disparities that may impact local development and standards of living.

As of the latest available data, Lincoln County, NM, has a relatively low crime rate compared to national averages. The county reports lower incidences of violent crimes but encounters property crimes more frequently. Below is a brief summary:

The violent crime rate includes offenses like assault and robbery, which are less frequent. Property crimes, particularly larceny-theft and burglary, are more common. Always refer to the most recent sources or local law enforcement for updated information.