Torrance County

As of the 2020 census, Torrance County, New Mexico, had a population of approximately 15,045. The racial makeup was around 81.3% White, 1.2% Black or African American, 2.2% Native American, 0.4% Asian, and 13.0% from other races. Approximately 51.1% of the population was Hispanic or Latino of any race. The median age was 44.9 years, and the median household income was about $37,683. The county covers 3,346 square miles and has a population density of roughly 4.5 people per square mile.

As of the latest data, Torrance County, NM has a median home value of approximately $130,000. The median household income is about $38,000, and the homeownership rate is around 75%. The average rent is roughly $650 per month. Housing units total approximately 8,000, with a vacancy rate near 20%.

For up-to-date figures, please refer to local real estate listings and county statistics.

As of the 2022 General Election, Torrance County, NM, had several key races. Election data identified five county commission candidates from districts 1, 2, and 5. In District 1, Democratic incumbent LeRoy Candelaria faced Republican challenger Yvette T. Apodaca. District 2 had Republican incumbent Kevin McCall running unopposed. District 5's open seat saw Democratic candidate Lorena Sanchez contesting Republican Javier Sanchez. Voter turnout in the county was notable, with 5,173 out of 10,450 registered voters participating, resulting in a turnout rate of roughly 49.5%. Additionally, the elections included votes for the positions of sheriff, probate judge, and other local offices. For the most current and detailed information, please refer to Torrance County’s official government or election website.

As of the most recent data, Torrance County, NM, has an educational attainment rate below state and national averages. Approximately 84.7% of individuals aged 25 and older have completed high school, compared to the national average of 88.0% and the New Mexico state average of 86.4%. Only about 15.8% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, significantly lower than the national average of 33.1% and the state average of 27.1%. Torrance County’s education levels reflect challenges in higher educational achievement compared to broader benchmarks.

As of the most recent data, Torrance County, NM has an employment rate reflective of its rural nature. The labor force participation rate is around 55%, with an unemployment rate fluctuating around 6-7%, slightly higher than the national average of about 3.5% and the New Mexico state average of approximately 4.6%.

Top industries in Torrance County include agriculture, wind energy, retail trade, and healthcare. Agriculture, a key sector, employs a substantial portion of the workforce, given the county's rural composition. Wind energy has seen growth due to favorable geographic conditions. Retail trade and healthcare services also contribute significantly to local employment.

In comparison, the national labor force participation rate is approximately 61%, with healthcare, professional services, and manufacturing being top employment sectors. At the state level, New Mexico's employment also heavily features healthcare, education, and retail trade, but with a growing emphasis on technology and aerospace industries.

As of the latest data available, Torrance County, NM, has a median household income of approximately $36,510. For comparison, the median household income in New Mexico is around $51,945, while the national average is approximately $68,703.

Torrance County's income is significantly lower than both the state and national averages, reflecting economic challenges in the area.

Torrance County, NM, has seen various fluctuations in crime rates over recent years. As of the most recent data, the overall crime rate in Torrance County is approximately 2,500 incidents per 100,000 people annually. This includes both violent and property crimes.

Note: These numbers are illustrative and based on available public data. For the most accurate, up-to-date statistics, please refer to local law enforcement agencies or official reports.