Rio Arriba County, New Mexico

Rio Arriba County (Spanish: Condado de Río Arriba) is a county in the U.S. state of New Mexico. As of the 2020 census, the population was 40,363.[1] Its county seat is Tierra Amarilla.[2] Its northern border is the Colorado state line.

Rio Arriba County
County
Rio Arriba County Courthouse, Isaac Rapp, architect, 1916-17
Rio Arriba County Courthouse, Isaac Rapp, architect, 1916-17
Official seal of Rio Arriba County
Seal
Map of New Mexico highlighting Rio Arriba County
Location within the U.S. state of New Mexico
Map of the United States highlighting New Mexico
New Mexico's location within the U.S.
Coordinates: 36°31′N 106°42′W
Country United States
State New Mexico
Founded1852
Named forlocation on the upper Rio Grande (río arriba means "upriver" in Spanish)
SeatTierra Amarilla
Largest cityEspañola
Government
 • County ManagerJeremy G. Maestas
Area
 • Total5,896 sq mi (15,270 km2)
 • Land5,861 sq mi (15,180 km2)
 • Water35 sq mi (90 km2)  0.6%
Population
 (2020)
 • Total40,363
 • Density6.8/sq mi (2.6/km2)
Time zoneUTC−7 (Mountain)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−6 (MDT)
Congressional district3rd
Websitewww.rio-arriba.org

Rio Arriba County comprises the Española, NM Micropolitan Statistical Area, which is also included in the Albuquerque-Santa Fe-Las Vegas, NM Combined Statistical Area.

History

The county was one of nine originally created for the Territory of New Mexico in 1852. Originally extending west to the California line, it included the site of present-day Las Vegas, Nevada.[3] The county seat was initially sited at San Pedro de Chamita, and shortly afterwards at Los Luceros. In 1860 the seat was moved to Plaza del Alcalde. Since 1880 Tierra Amarilla has been the county seat.[4]

The Battle of Embudo Pass took place in the southern part of the county during the Mexican–American War in January 1847.

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 5,896 square miles (15,270 km2), of which 5,861 square miles (15,180 km2) are land and 35 square miles (91 km2) (0.6%) are water.[5] It is the fifth-largest county in New Mexico by area. The highest point in the county is the summit of Truchas Peak at 13,102 feet (3,993 m).

The county acquired its present proportions after the creation of San Juan County and other adjustments.[4]

Adjacent counties

National protected areas

Demographics
Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
191016,624—
192019,55217.6%
193021,3819.4%
194025,35218.6%
195024,997−1.4%
196024,193−3.2%
197025,1704.0%
198029,28216.3%
199034,36517.4%
200041,19019.9%
201040,246−2.3%
202040,3630.3%
U.S. Decennial Census[6]
1790-1960[7] 1900-1990[8]
1990-2000[9] 2010[10]

2000 census

As of the 2000 census,[11] there were 41,190 people, 15,044 households, and 10,816 families living in the county. The population density was 7 people per square mile (2.7 people/km2). There were 18,016 housing units at an average density of 3 units per square mile (1.2/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 56.62% White, 0.35% Black or African American, 13.88% Native American, 0.14% Asian, 0.11% Pacific Islander, 25.62% from other races, and 3.28% from two or more races. 72.89% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 15,044 households, out of which 36.90% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.80% were married couples living together, 15.90% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.10% were non-families. 23.50% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.80% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.71 and the average family size was 3.19.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 28.60% under the age of 18, 8.90% from 18 to 24, 28.80% from 25 to 44, 22.90% from 45 to 64, and 10.90% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females there were 98.00 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.70 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $29,429, and the median income for a family was $32,901. Males had a median income of $26,897 versus $22,223 for females. The per capita income for the county was $14,263. About 16.60% of families and 20.30% of the population were below the poverty line, including 23.30% of those under age 18 and 22.90% of those age 65 or over.

2010 census

As of the 2010 census, there were 40,246 people, 15,768 households, and 10,477 families living in the county.[12] The population density was 6.9 inhabitants per square mile (2.7/km2). There were 19,638 housing units at an average density of 3.4 units per square mile (1.3 units/km2).[13] The racial makeup of the county was 51.6% white, 16.0% American Indian, 0.5% black or African American, 0.4% Asian, 28.0% from other races, and 3.3% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 71.3% of the population.[12]

The largest ancestry groups were:[14]

  • 20.6% Mexican
  • 15.5% Spanish
  • 4.5% German
  • 3.2% English
  • 2.7% Irish
  • 1.7% French
  • 1.5% Navajo
  • 1.2% Scottish

Of the 15,768 households, 33.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 42.3% were married couples living together, 16.0% had a female householder with no husband present, 33.6% were non-families, and 28.2% of all households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.53 and the average family size was 3.09. The median age was 39.0 years.[12]

The median income for a household in the county was $41,437 and the median income for a family was $47,840. Males had a median income of $39,757 versus $31,657 for females. The per capita income for the county was $19,913. About 15.7% of families and 19.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 20.6% of those under age 18 and 18.3% of those age 65 or over.[15]

Politics

From New Mexico's statehood to the early 1940s Rio Arriba was a traditional Republican county. The county became a Democratic stronghold from the 1960s onwards. The last Republican presidential candidate to carry the county was Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1956.[16] No Republican candidate for governor has won the county since at least 1966.[17]

United States presidential election results for Rio Arriba County, New Mexico[18]
Year Republican Democratic Third party
No. %No. %No. %
2020 5,408 32.52% 10,990 66.09% 230 1.38%
2016 3,599 24.19% 9,592 64.47% 1,687 11.34%
2012 3,397 22.14% 11,465 74.72% 481 3.13%
2008 4,086 24.12% 12,703 74.99% 151 0.89%
2004 5,149 34.33% 9,753 65.02% 97 0.65%
2000 3,495 28.89% 8,169 67.53% 433 3.58%
1996 2,551 22.57% 7,965 70.46% 789 6.98%
1992 2,680 23.22% 7,832 67.86% 1,030 8.92%
1988 3,024 28.46% 7,503 70.61% 99 0.93%
1984 4,116 36.93% 6,938 62.25% 92 0.83%
1980 3,794 35.82% 6,245 58.97% 552 5.21%
1976 3,213 30.75% 7,125 68.19% 111 1.06%
1972 4,351 42.68% 5,642 55.34% 202 1.98%
1968 3,935 43.23% 4,799 52.72% 368 4.04%
1964 2,906 29.78% 6,787 69.56% 64 0.66%
1960 3,716 37.28% 6,250 62.69% 3 0.03%
1956 4,566 51.53% 4,291 48.43% 3 0.03%
1952 4,336 48.69% 4,564 51.25% 5 0.06%
1948 4,273 47.25% 4,753 52.56% 17 0.19%
1944 3,532 48.21% 3,792 51.75% 3 0.04%
1940 4,289 46.38% 4,952 53.55% 6 0.06%
1936 4,093 46.50% 4,691 53.29% 18 0.20%
1932 2,880 35.00% 5,337 64.86% 12 0.15%
1928 4,109 62.67% 2,444 37.27% 4 0.06%
1924 3,707 56.24% 2,734 41.48% 150 2.28%
1920 3,986 65.97% 2,056 34.03% 0 0.00%
1916 1,992 56.57% 1,528 43.40% 1 0.03%
1912 1,549 58.25% 1,004 37.76% 106 3.99%

It is located in New Mexico's 3rd congressional district, which has a Cook Partisan Voting Index rating of D+7 and is represented by Democrat Teresa Leger Fernandez. In the New Mexico legislature it is represented by Representatives Christine Chandler (District 43), Susan Herrera (District 41), Derrick Lente (District 65), and Joseph Sanchez (District 40), and by Senators Richard C. Martinez (District 5), Carlos Cisneros (District 6), and Benny Shendo, Jr. (District 22).[19]

Current commissioners are:

District Name Party First elected Term ends
District 1Brandon M. BustosDemocratic20232026
District 2Alex M. NaranjoDemocratic20232026
District 3Moises A. Morales, Jr.Democratic20202024

Education
Ghost Ranch rainbow

Primary and secondary schools

Rio Arriba County has six public school districts.[20]

Española Public Schools is the largest school district.

Additionally, there is a Bureau of Indian Education (BIE)-affiliated tribal elementary school,[21] Kha'p'o Community School, in Santa Clara Pueblo (the school's postal address states "Espanola").[22]

Colleges

Points of interest

Communities
Trick Rider, Rio Arriba Rodeo, 2013
Truchas Peaks in winter, viewed from Espanola

City

Village

Census-designated places

Other communities

Ghost towns

See also

References
  1. "Rio Arriba County, New Mexico". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved July 3, 2023.
  2. "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
  3. David Rumsey Historical Map Collection
  4. Twitchell, Ralph Emerson (1911–1917). The leading facts of New Mexican history. Cedar Rapids, Iowa: Torch Press. pp. 538–539. OCLC 3828708.
  5. "2010 Census Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. August 22, 2012. Archived from the original on January 1, 2015. Retrieved January 2, 2015.
  6. "U.S. Decennial Census". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 2, 2015.
  7. "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. Retrieved January 2, 2015.
  8. "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 2, 2015.
  9. "Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. Archived (PDF) from the original on March 27, 2010. Retrieved January 2, 2015.
  10. "State & County QuickFacts". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on June 6, 2011. Retrieved September 30, 2013.
  11. "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
  12. "DP-1 Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010 Demographic Profile Data". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved January 24, 2016.
  13. "Population, Housing Units, Area, and Density: 2010 - County". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved January 24, 2016.
  14. "DP02 SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS IN THE UNITED STATES – 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved January 24, 2016.
  15. "DP03 SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS – 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved January 24, 2016.
  16. "Presidential election of 1956 - Map by counties". geoelections.free.fr. Retrieved July 27, 2016.
  17. "Gubernatorial General Election Map Comparison New Mexico". uselectionatlas.org. Retrieved July 27, 2016.
  18. Leip, David. "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org. Retrieved February 22, 2021.
  19. "Districts - New Mexico Legislature". www.nmlegis.gov. Retrieved September 5, 2019.
  20. "2020 CENSUS - SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENCE MAP: Rio Arriba County, NM" (PDF). U.S. Census Bureau. Archived (PDF) from the original on July 30, 2021. Retrieved July 12, 2022. - Text list
  21. "Kha'p'o Community School". National Center for Education Statistics. Retrieved March 16, 2023.
  22. "Contact Us". Kha'p'o Community School. Retrieved March 16, 2023. Kha'p'o Community School 625 Kee Street Espanola, NM 87532 - While the address says "Espanola", the school is in Santa Clara Pueblo (see US Census Bureau map for 2020)

Further reading
  • Dethier, D.P. (2004). Geologic map of the Puye quadrangle, Los Alamos, Rio Arriba, Sandoval, and Santa Fe Counties, New Mexico [Miscellaneous Field Studies Map MF-2419)]. Reston, Va.: U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Geological Survey.
  • Maldonado, F. (2008). Geologic map of the Abiquiu quadrangle, Rio Arriba County, New Mexico [Scientific Investigations Map 2998]. Reston, Va.: U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Geological Survey.

36.51°N 106.70°W / 36.51; -106.70

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