Valencia County

Valencia County, NM, had a population of approximately 76,205 as of the 2020 U.S. Census. The racial composition was 74% White, 2.4% Native American, 1.3% Black or African American, 0.5% Asian, and 18.7% from other races. Approximately 58.4% were Hispanic or Latino of any race. The median household income was around $40,668, and about 18.8% of the population lived below the poverty line. The county covers an area of 1,068 square miles.

As of 2023, Valencia County, NM, has a median home price of approximately $220,000. The county's homeownership rate is around 80%, with a rental vacancy rate near 12%. Median household income is about $45,000, affecting housing affordability. The average property tax rate is roughly 0.9%. Most homes are single-family units, with newer developments and older properties contributing to a diverse market. Rental costs average $1,100 monthly for a three-bedroom home. The housing market has seen moderate growth, with a 3-5% annual appreciation rate.

Valencia County, New Mexico, engages in various local, state, and federal elections. For local elections, positions such as County Commissioners, Sheriff, Clerk, Assessor, Treasurer, and Magistrate Judges are contested. These elections typically see candidates from the Democratic and Republican parties, along with occasional independent or minor party candidates.

For the 2022 general elections, key races included District 5 for the County Commission, contested by Democratic candidate Joshua Jones and Republican candidate Gerald Marquez. Additionally, the Sheriff's race featured Democratic incumbent Denise Vigil running against Republican challenger Mark Daniels.

Voter turnout in Valencia County often varies but saw about 40% participation in the 2020 presidential election, where around 30,000 out of approximately 75,000 registered voters cast their ballots. For precise numerical values and a complete list of candidates, the Valencia County Clerk's official website and the New Mexico Secretary of State’s office offer detailed and updated information.

As of recent statistics, Valencia County, New Mexico, presents a mixed education profile. Approximately 82.6% of residents aged 25 and over have at least a high school diploma, compared to the national average of 88.3% and the New Mexico state average of 86.5%. However, only about 17% of the county's residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher, lagging behind both the national average of roughly 33.1% and the state average of 28.6%. These figures indicate that while high school completion rates in Valencia County are relatively close to the state average, the county falls significantly behind both state and national levels in higher education attainment.

As of the latest available data, Valencia County, New Mexico, has a labor force participation rate of approximately 56%, with an unemployment rate around 6.5%, slightly higher than both the national average of 3.5-4% and New Mexico's state average of 5.8%. The county's top industries include Retail Trade (employing around 19% of the workforce), Education and Health Services (approximately 17%), and Construction (about 10%). Agriculture also plays a significant role, reflecting the region's rural characteristics. The national average for retail trade employment is about 10%, while education and health services sit around 15%, making both sectors relatively more significant in Valencia County. Construction employment nationwide is about 7%, indicating a higher local reliance on this industry.

Valencia County, NM, has a median household income of approximately $47,000. This is significantly lower than the national median household income, which stands around $67,500. Within New Mexico, the state median income is approximately $51,000, still higher than Valencia County's average.

Valencia County's income levels reflect broader economic challenges more prevalent in rural areas. The county's median household income is about 31% lower than the national average and 8% lower than the state's median, highlighting regional disparities in economic conditions.

As of 2021, Valencia County, NM, has a crime rate of approximately 3,450 per 100,000 residents. Below is a summary of the types of crimes and their incidence rates:

Crime rates can fluctuate, and it is essential to consult recent reports or local law enforcement for the latest statistics.