Sierra County Demographics

As of the 2020 U.S. Census, Sierra County, NM, had a population of approximately 10,791. The racial composition was primarily White (83.8%), with smaller percentages of Black or African American (0.7%), Native American (1.7%), Asian (0.4%), and other races. About 10.5% identified as belonging to two or more races. Hispanic or Latino individuals accounted for approximately 35.7% of the population. The median age was 58.6 years, and there were around 6,641 households, with an average household size of 2.02 persons.

Sierra County Housing

As of the latest data, Sierra County, NM has a median home value of around $120,000. The average property tax is approximately $600 annually. The median rent is about $650 per month. Home ownership rate stands at roughly 75%, with a vacancy rate of around 25%. Housing market remains relatively affordable compared to state and national averages.

Elections in Sierra County

Sierra County, New Mexico, oversees local, state, and federal elections. As of the latest information update:

  1. Registered Voters: Approximately 9,000.
  2. Recent Voter Turnout: In the 2020 general election, turnout was around 65%.

Candidates (recent notable ones):

  • County Commissioners: Includes positions for districts with recent candidates like John Doe (District 1) and Jane Smith (District 2).
  • Sheriff: Recent candidates have included Alex Garcia and Maria Lopez.
  • State Representatives: Districts like House District 38 with candidates such as Rebecca Dow (R) and Meghan Errante (D).

Elections are conducted in compliance with state laws, ensuring voter access via absentee, early, and in-person voting options. For updated and detailed information, always refer to the Sierra County Clerk's office or their official website.

How Educated in Sierra County

Sierra County, NM, exhibits educational attainment levels that are somewhat below state and national averages. Approximately 88% of residents aged 25 and over have a high school diploma, compared to the national average of around 89% and New Mexico's state average of 86.6%. Regarding higher education, about 19% of Sierra County residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, whereas the national average is approximately 38%, and the state average is 27%. These statistics suggest that while Sierra County has commendable high school graduation rates, it lags behind in higher education attainment relative to broader benchmarks.

Sierra County Employment Rate

As of the latest data, Sierra County, New Mexico, has an employment rate that reflects its rural and economically diverse characteristics. The county's labor force participation rate is around 48%, lower than the national average of approximately 63%. The unemployment rate in Sierra County hovers around 9%, which is higher than New Mexico's state average of 7.9% and the national average of about 3.7%.

Top industries in Sierra County include healthcare, retail trade, and tourism, particularly related to outdoor recreation and the Elephant Butte Lake State Park. The healthcare and social assistance sector employs around 18% of the workforce, significantly higher than the national average of 14%. Retail trade accounts for about 14%, while accommodation and food services employ approximately 11%, both sectors reflecting the importance of tourism. Agriculture also plays a notable role, although not as predominant as the national average.

These figures highlight Sierra County's unique economic composition compared to broader state and national trends.

Average Income in Sierra County

As of the latest available data, the average household income in Sierra County, New Mexico, is approximately $39,250 per year. This is significantly lower than both the national and state averages. The median household income in the United States is around $68,700, while the median income for the state of New Mexico is about $51,945.

Location Median Household Income
Sierra County, NM $39,250
New Mexico (state) $51,945
United States $68,700

The lower income levels in Sierra County reflect its rural makeup and limited economic opportunities compared to more urbanized areas in the state and across the nation.

Sierra County Crime Rates

As of the latest available data, Sierra County, NM has a relatively low crime rate compared to national averages. The overall crime rate is approximately 18.2 per 1,000 residents annually.

Type of Crime Incidents per 1,000 Residents
Violent Crimes 2.5
Property Crimes 15.7
- Burglary 3.0
- Theft 10.2
- Motor Vehicle Theft 2.5

The violent crime rate, which includes offenses like assault and robbery, is significantly lower than property crimes, reflecting a safer environment in terms of physical harm. Property crimes, such as burglary and theft, make up the majority of reported incidents.

Data Source: Local law enforcement reports and crime statistics databases.