Socorro County, New Mexico: Difference between revisions

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{{Short description|County in New Mexico, United States}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2014}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2024}}
{{Infobox U.S. county
{{Infobox U.S. county
| county = Socorro County
| county = Socorro County
| state = New Mexico
| state = New Mexico
| flag =
| seal =
| seal =
| founded year = 1852
| founded date = January 9
| founded year = 1852
| founded date = January 9
| seat wl = Socorro
| largest city wl = Socorro
| seat wl = Socorro
| largest city wl = Socorro
| area_total_sq_mi = 6649
| area_total_sq_mi = 6649
| area_land_sq_mi = 6647
| area_land_sq_mi = 6647
| area_water_sq_mi = 2.1
| area_water_sq_mi = 2.1
| area percentage = 0.03%
| area percentage = 0.03%
| census estimate yr = 2018
| census yr = 2020
| pop = 16735
| pop = 16595
| density_sq_mi = 2.7
| density_sq_mi = auto
| web = www.socorrocounty.net
| web = www.socorrocounty.net
| ex image = Socorro County New Mexico Court House.jpg
| ex image cap = Socorro County Courthouse in Socorro
| ex image = Socorro County New Mexico Court House.jpg
| ex image cap = Socorro County Courthouse in Socorro
| district = 2nd
| district = 2nd
| time zone = Mountain
| time zone = Mountain
}}
}}
[[File:San Mateo Mtns South.jpg|thumb|right|The view from the southern San Mateo Mountains in Socorro County, New Mexico.]]
[[File:San Mateo Mtns South.jpg|thumb|right|The view from the southern San Mateo Mountains in Socorro County, New Mexico.]]
[[File:Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array (8279314499).jpg|thumb|The Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array in Socorro County.]]
[[File:Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array (8279314499).jpg|thumb|The Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array in Socorro County.]]


'''Socorro County''' is a [[List of counties in New Mexico|county]] in the [[U.S. state]] of [[New Mexico]]. As of the [[2010 United States Census|2010 census]], the population was 17,866.<ref name="QF">{{cite web|title=State & County QuickFacts|url=http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/35/35053.html|publisher=United States Census Bureau|accessdate=September 30, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150905062602/http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/35/35053.html|archive-date=September 5, 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> The county seat is [[Socorro, New Mexico|Socorro]].<ref name="GR6">{{cite web|url=http://www.naco.org/Counties/Pages/FindACounty.aspx|accessdate=June 7, 2011|title=Find a County|publisher=National Association of Counties}}</ref> The county was formed in 1852 as one of the original nine counties of [[New Mexico Territory]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://publications.newberry.org/ahcbp/documents/NM_Consolidated_Chronology.htm|title=New Mexico: Consolidated Chronology of State and County Boundaries|work=New Mexico Atlas of Historical County Boundaries|publisher=The Newberry Library|date=2007|accessdate=January 2, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.socorrocounty.net/culture-recreation/history-of-socorro-county|title=History of Socorro County|publisher=Socorro County InfoNet|accessdate=January 2, 2015}}</ref> Socorro was originally the name given to a [[Native Americans in the United States|Native American]] village (''see'': [[Puebloan peoples]]) by Don [[Juan de Oñate]] in 1598. Having received vitally needed food and assistance from the native population, Oñate named the pueblo ''Socorro'' ("succor" in English).
'''Socorro County''' ({{lang-es|Condado de Socorro|link=}}) is a [[List of counties in New Mexico|county]] in the [[U.S. state]] of [[New Mexico]]. As of the [[2020 United States Census|2020 census]], the population was 16,595.<ref name=":0">{{cite web|title=Socorro County, New Mexico|url=https://data.census.gov/profile/Socorro_County,_New_Mexico?g=050XX00US35053|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=July 3, 2023}}</ref> The county seat is [[Socorro, New Mexico|Socorro]].<ref name="GR6">{{cite web|url=http://www.naco.org/Counties/Pages/FindACounty.aspx|access-date=June 7, 2011|title=Find a County|publisher=National Association of Counties}}</ref> The county was formed in 1852 as one of the original nine counties of [[New Mexico Territory]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://publications.newberry.org/ahcbp/documents/NM_Consolidated_Chronology.htm|title=New Mexico: Consolidated Chronology of State and County Boundaries|work=New Mexico Atlas of Historical County Boundaries|publisher=The Newberry Library|date=2007|access-date=January 2, 2015|archive-date=August 22, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160822051237/http://publications.newberry.org/ahcbp/documents/NM_Consolidated_Chronology.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.socorrocounty.net/culture-recreation/history-of-socorro-county|title=History of Socorro County|publisher=Socorro County InfoNet|access-date=January 2, 2015|archive-date=January 3, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150103051944/http://www.socorrocounty.net/culture-recreation/history-of-socorro-county|url-status=dead}}</ref> Socorro was originally the name given to a [[Native Americans in the United States|Native American]] village (''see'': [[Puebloan peoples]]) by Don [[Juan de Oñate]] in 1598. Having received vitally needed food and assistance from the native population, Oñate named the pueblo ''Socorro'' ("succor" in English).


Socorro County is home to multiple scientific research institutions including [[New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology]], the [[National Radio Astronomy Observatory]] and its associated [[Very Large Array]], the [[Magdalena Ridge Observatory]], and the [[Langmuir Laboratory for Atmospheric Research]]. Federal public lands in Socorro County include parts of the [[Cibola National Forest]], the [[Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge]], the [[Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge]], the [[Bureau of Land Management]] (BLM) Socorro Field Office, parts of the [[Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument]], and parts of the [[El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro National Historic Trail]].
Socorro County is home to multiple scientific research institutions including [[New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology]], the [[National Radio Astronomy Observatory]] and its associated [[Very Large Array]], the [[Magdalena Ridge Observatory]], and the [[Langmuir Laboratory for Atmospheric Research]]. Federal public lands in Socorro County include parts of the [[Cibola National Forest]], the [[Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge]], the [[Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge]], the [[Bureau of Land Management]] (BLM) Socorro Field Office, parts of the [[Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument]], and parts of the [[El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro National Historic Trail]].


==History==
==History==
Socorro County's history is intimately linked with the rich history of the surrounding area. Basham noted in his report documenting the archeological history of the Cibola National Forest’s Magdalena Ranger District, which is almost entirely within Socorro County, that “[t]he heritage resources on the district are diverse and representative of nearly every prominent human evolutionary event known to anthropology. Evidence for human use of district lands date back 14,000 years to the [[Paleoindian]] period providing glimpses into the peopling of the [[New World]] and [[Megafauna#Megafaunal mass extinctions|megafaunal extinction]].“<ref name=Basham>{{cite book|last=Basham|first=M.|title=Magdalena Ranger District Background for Survey|year=2011|publisher=US Forest Service}}</ref>
Socorro County's history is intimately linked with the rich history of the surrounding area. Basham noted in his report documenting the archeological history of the Cibola National Forest's Magdalena Ranger District, which is almost entirely within Socorro County, that “[t]he heritage resources on the district are diverse and representative of nearly every prominent human evolutionary event known to anthropology. Evidence for human use of district lands date back 14,000 years to the [[Paleoindian]] period providing glimpses into the peopling of the [[New World]] and [[Megafauna#Megafaunal mass extinctions|megafaunal extinction]].“<ref name=Basham>{{cite book|last=Basham|first=M.|title=Magdalena Ranger District Background for Survey|year=2011|publisher=US Forest Service}}</ref>
Much of the now Magdalena Ranger District were a province of the [[Apache]]. Bands of Apache effectively controlled the Magdalena-Datil region from the seventeenth century until they were defeated in the [[Apache Wars]] in the late nineteenth century.<ref name="Basham" />
Much of the now Magdalena Ranger District were a province of the [[Apache]]. Bands of Apache effectively controlled the Magdalena-Datil region from the seventeenth century until they were defeated in the [[Apache Wars]] in the late nineteenth century.<ref name="Basham" />


Outlaw renegades [[Butch Cassidy's Wild Bunch|Butch Cassidy and the Wild Bunch]] and notorious Apaches like [[Cochise]] and [[Geronimo]] have ties to Socorro County's San Mateo Mountains. Vicks Peak was named after [[Victorio]], “a Mimbreño Apache leader whose territory included much of the south and southwest New Mexico.”<ref name="Julyan 2006">{{cite book|last=Julyan|first=Robert|title=The Mountains of New Mexico|year=2006|publisher=University of New Mexico Press}}</ref> Famous for defying relocation orders in 1879 and leading his warriors “on a two-year reign of terror before he was killed,” Victorio is at least as highly regarded as Geronimo or Cochise among Apaches.<ref name="Julyan 2006" /> Perhaps most famous outlaw was the [[Apache Kid]] whose supposed grave lies within the Apache Kid Wilderness. Stories of depredations by the Apache Kid, and of his demise, became so common and dramatic that in southwestern folklore they may be exceeded only by tales of lost Spanish gold.<ref name="Basham" /> Native Americans lingered in the San Mateos well into the 1900s. We know this by an essay written by [[Aldo Leopold]] in 1919 where he documents stumbling upon the remains of a recently abandoned Indian hunting camp.<ref>{{cite book|last=Leopold|first=A.|title=Aldo Leopold’s Southwest|year=2003|publisher=University of New Mexico Press|editor=Brown, D. E. |editor2=Carmony, N. B.}}</ref>
Outlaw renegades [[Butch Cassidy's Wild Bunch|Butch Cassidy and the Wild Bunch]] and notorious Apaches like [[Cochise]] and [[Geronimo]] have ties to Socorro County's San Mateo Mountains. Vicks Peak was named after [[Victorio]], “a Mimbreño Apache leader whose territory included much of the south and southwest New Mexico.”<ref name="Julyan 2006">{{cite book|last=Julyan|first=Robert|title=The Mountains of New Mexico|year=2006|publisher=University of New Mexico Press}}</ref> Famous for defying relocation orders in 1879 and leading his warriors “on a two-year reign of terror before he was killed,” Victorio is at least as highly regarded as Geronimo or Cochise among Apaches.<ref name="Julyan 2006" /> Perhaps most famous outlaw was the [[Apache Kid]] whose supposed grave lies within the Apache Kid Wilderness. Stories of depredations by the Apache Kid, and of his demise, became so common and dramatic that in southwestern folklore they may be exceeded only by tales of lost Spanish gold.<ref name="Basham" /> Native Americans lingered in the San Mateos well into the 1900s. We know this by an essay written by [[Aldo Leopold]] in 1919 where he documents stumbling upon the remains of a recently abandoned Indian hunting camp.<ref>{{cite book|last=Leopold|first=A.|title=Aldo Leopold's Southwest|year=2003|publisher=University of New Mexico Press|editor=Brown, D. E. |editor2=Carmony, N. B.}}</ref>


<gallery widths=110 heights=160 caption="Cultural or Historic Figures with Ties to Socorro County" class=center style="line-height:130%">
<gallery widths="110" heights="160" caption="Cultural or Historic Figures with Ties to Socorro County" class="center" style="line-height:130%">
File:The Apache Kid.jpg|The Apache Kid is the namesake for a Wilderness area in the Cibola National Forest.
File:The Apache Kid.jpg|The Apache Kid is the namesake for a Wilderness area in the Cibola National Forest.
File:Victorio Chiricahua Apache Chief.jpg|Vicks Peak in the San Mateo Mountains is named for Victorio, an Apache warrior and chief.
File:Victorio Chiricahua Apache Chief.jpg|Vicks Peak in the San Mateo Mountains is named for Victorio, an Apache warrior and chief.
Line 41: Line 43:
</gallery>
</gallery>


A mining rush followed the Apache wars – gold, silver, and copper were found in the mountains. It wasn’t until this time that extensive use of the area by non-Native Americans occurred.<ref>{{cite book|last=Ugnade|first=H.E.|title=Guide to the New Mexico Mountains|year=1972|publisher=University of New Mexico Press}}</ref> While some mining activity, involving gold, silver, and copper, occurred in the southern part of the range near the end of the nineteenth century,<ref name="butterfield_greene">Butterfield, Mike, and Greene, Peter, ''Mike Butterfield's Guide to the Mountains of New Mexico'', New Mexico Magazine Press, 2006, {{ISBN|978-0-937206-88-1}}</ref> the prospecting/mining remnants are barely visible today due to collapse, topographic screening, and vegetation regrowth. While miners combed the mountains for mineral riches during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, stockmen drove tens of thousands of sheep and cattle to stockyards at the village of Magdalena, then linked by rail with Socorro.<ref name="Julyan 2006" /> In fact, the last regularly used cattle trail in the United States stretched 125 miles westward from Magdalena. The route was formally known as the Magdalena Livestock Driveway, but more popularly known to cowboys and cattlemen as the Beefsteak Trail. The trail began use in 1865 and its peak was in 1919. The trail was used continually until trailing gave way to trucking and the trail officially closed in 1971.<ref name="Basham" />
A mining rush followed the Apache wars – gold, silver, and copper were found in the mountains. It wasn't until this time that extensive use of the area by non-Native Americans occurred.<ref>{{cite book|last=Ugnade|first=H.E.|title=Guide to the New Mexico Mountains|year=1972|publisher=University of New Mexico Press}}</ref> While some mining activity, involving gold, silver, and copper, occurred in the southern part of the range near the end of the nineteenth century,<ref name="butterfield_greene">Butterfield, Mike, and Greene, Peter, ''Mike Butterfield's Guide to the Mountains of New Mexico'', New Mexico Magazine Press, 2006, {{ISBN|978-0-937206-88-1}}</ref> the prospecting/mining remnants are barely visible today due to collapse, topographic screening, and vegetation regrowth. While miners combed the mountains for mineral riches during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, stockmen drove tens of thousands of sheep and cattle to stockyards at the village of Magdalena, then linked by rail with Socorro.<ref name="Julyan 2006" /> In fact, the last regularly used cattle trail in the United States stretched 125 miles westward from Magdalena. The route was formally known as the Magdalena Livestock Driveway, but more popularly known to cowboys and cattlemen as the Beefsteak Trail. The trail began use in 1865 and its peak was in 1919. The trail was used continually until trailing gave way to trucking and the trail officially closed in 1971.<ref name="Basham" />


==Geography==
==Geography==
According to the [[United States Census Bureau|U.S. Census Bureau]], the county has a total area of {{convert|6649|sqmi}}, of which {{convert|6647|sqmi}} is land and {{convert|2.1|sqmi}} (0.03%) is water.<ref name="GR1">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/geo/maps-data/data/docs/gazetteer/counties_list_35.txt|publisher=United States Census Bureau|accessdate=January 2, 2015|date=August 22, 2012|title=2010 Census Gazetteer Files|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150101195546/http://www.census.gov/geo/maps-data/data/docs/gazetteer/counties_list_35.txt|archivedate=January 1, 2015|df=mdy-all}}</ref> It is the second-largest county in New Mexico by area, after [[Catron County, New Mexico]].
According to the [[United States Census Bureau|U.S. Census Bureau]], the county has a total area of {{convert|6649|sqmi}}, of which {{convert|6647|sqmi}} is land and {{convert|2.1|sqmi}} (0.03%) is water.<ref name="GR1">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/geo/maps-data/data/docs/gazetteer/counties_list_35.txt|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=January 2, 2015|date=August 22, 2012|title=2010 Census Gazetteer Files|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150101195546/http://www.census.gov/geo/maps-data/data/docs/gazetteer/counties_list_35.txt|archive-date=January 1, 2015}}</ref> It is the second-largest county in New Mexico by area, after [[Catron County, New Mexico|Catron County]].


Socorro County ranges in elevation from approximately {{convert|4528|ft|m|abbr=on}} on the banks of the [[Rio Grande]] to {{convert|10784|ft|m|abbr=on}} at the top of [[South Baldy (New Mexico)|South Baldy]] peak in the [[Magdalena Mountains]]. The southern portion of the Rocky Mountains extend into New Mexico and Socorro County. There are several mountain ranges that spread throughout the county. The Forest Service manages portions of four mountain ranges: the [[Bear Mountains (New Mexico)|Bear]], [[Datil Mountains|Datil]], [[Magdalena Mountains|Magdalena]], and [[San Mateo Mountains (Socorro County, New Mexico)|San Mateo]] Mountains. Most of the land that comprises these mountains are within the Cibola National Forest. These ranges, as well as [[Ladron Peak]] located in Socorro County, are classified as [[sky island]]s.
Socorro County ranges in elevation from approximately {{convert|4528|ft|m|abbr=on}} on the banks of the [[Rio Grande]] to {{convert|10784|ft|m|abbr=on}} at the top of [[South Baldy (New Mexico)|South Baldy]] peak in the [[Magdalena Mountains]]. The southern portion of the Rocky Mountains extend into New Mexico and Socorro County. There are several mountain ranges that spread throughout the county. The Forest Service manages portions of four mountain ranges: the [[Bear Mountains (New Mexico)|Bear]], [[Datil Mountains|Datil]], [[Magdalena Mountains|Magdalena]], and [[San Mateo Mountains (Socorro County, New Mexico)|San Mateo Mountains]]. Most of the land that comprises these mountains are within the Cibola National Forest. These ranges, as well as [[Ladron Peak]] located in Socorro County, are classified as [[sky island]]s.


===Adjacent counties===
===Adjacent counties===
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|2000= 18078
|2000= 18078
|2010= 17866
|2010= 17866
|2020= 16595
|estyear=2018
|estyear=
|estimate=16735
|estimate=
|estref=<ref name="USCensusEst2018">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest/data/tables.2018.html|title=Population and Housing Unit Estimates|accessdate=December 24, 2019}}</ref>
|estref=
|align-fn=center
|align-fn=center
|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html|title=U.S. Decennial Census|publisher=United States Census Bureau|accessdate=January 2, 2015}}</ref><br />1790-1960<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mapserver.lib.virginia.edu|title=Historical Census Browser|publisher=University of Virginia Library|accessdate=January 2, 2015}}</ref> 1900-1990<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/population/cencounts/nm190090.txt|title=Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990|publisher=United States Census Bureau|accessdate=January 2, 2015}}</ref><br />1990-2000<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/population/www/cen2000/briefs/phc-t4/tables/tab02.pdf|title=Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000|publisher=United States Census Bureau|accessdate=January 2, 2015}}</ref> 2010-2016<ref name="QF"/>
|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html|title=U.S. Decennial Census|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=January 2, 2015}}</ref><br />1790-1960<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mapserver.lib.virginia.edu/|title=Historical Census Browser|publisher=University of Virginia Library|access-date=January 2, 2015|archive-date=August 11, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120811110448/http://mapserver.lib.virginia.edu/|url-status=dead}}</ref> 1900–1990<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/population/cencounts/nm190090.txt|title=Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=January 2, 2015}}</ref><br />1990-2000<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/population/www/cen2000/briefs/phc-t4/tables/tab02.pdf|title=Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=January 2, 2015}}</ref> 2010<ref name="QF">{{cite web|title=State & County QuickFacts|url=http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/35/35053.html|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=September 30, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150905062602/http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/35/35053.html|archive-date=September 5, 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref>
}}
}}


===2000 census===
===2000 census===
As of the [[2000 United States Census|2000 census]],<ref name="GR2">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|accessdate=January 31, 2008|title=U.S. Census website}}</ref> there were 18,078 people, 6,675 households, and 4,492 families residing in the county. The [[population density]] was 3 people per square mile (1/km<sup>2</sup>). There were 7,808 housing units at an average density of 1 per square&nbsp;mile (0/km<sup>2</sup>). The racial makeup of the county was 62.87% [[Race (United States Census)|White]], 0.64% [[Race (United States Census)|Black]] or [[Race (United States Census)|African American]], 10.92% [[Race (United States Census)|Native American]], 1.14% [[Race (United States Census)|Asian]], 0.06% [[Race (United States Census)|Pacific Islander]], 20.10% from [[Race (United States Census)|other races]], and 4.28% from two or more races. 48.73% of the population were [[Race (United States Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Race (United States Census)|Latino]] of any race.
As of the [[2000 United States Census|2000 census]],<ref name="GR2">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=January 31, 2008|title=U.S. Census website}}</ref> there were 18,078 people, 6,675 households, and 4,492 families residing in the county. The [[population density]] was {{convert|3|/mi2|/km2|disp=preunit|people&nbsp;|people}}. There were 7,808 housing units at an average density of {{convert|1|/mi2|/km2}}. The racial makeup of the county was 62.9% [[Race (United States Census)|White]], 0.6% [[Race (United States Census)|Black]] or [[Race (United States Census)|African American]], 10.9% [[Race (United States Census)|Native American]], 1.1% [[Race (United States Census)|Asian]], 0.1% [[Race (United States Census)|Pacific Islander]], 20.1% from [[Race (United States Census)|other races]], and 4.3% from two or more races. 48.7% of the population were [[Race (United States Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Race (United States Census)|Latino]] of any race.


There were 6,675 households out of which 33.80% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.40% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 13.30% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.70% were non-families. 26.80% of all households were made up of individuals and 8.20% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.62 and the average family size was 3.20.
There were 6,675 households, out of which 33.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.4% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 13.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.7% were non-families. 26.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.62 and the average family size was 3.20.


In the county, the population was spread out with 28.40% under the age of 18, 12.60% from 18 to 24, 26.10% from 25 to 44, 22.00% from 45 to 64, and 10.90% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 32 years. For every 100 females there were 103.30 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 103.90 males.
In the county, the population was spread out, with 28.4% under the age of 18, 12.6% from 18 to 24, 26.1% from 25 to 44, 22.0% from 45 to 64, and 10.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 32 years. For every 100 females there were 103.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 103.9 males.


The median income for a household in the county was $23,439, and the median income for a family was $29,544. Males had a median income of $28,490 versus $22,482 for females. The [[per capita income]] for the county was $12,826. About 24.10% of families and 31.70% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 43.60% of those under age 18 and 24.30% of those age 65 or over.
The median income for a household in the county was $23,439, and the median income for a family was $29,544. Males had a median income of $28,490 versus $22,482 for females. The [[per capita income]] for the county was $12,826. About 24.1% of families and 31.7% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 43.6% of those under age 18 and 24.3% of those age 65 or over.


===2010 census===
===2010 census===
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|url=http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_DP/DPDP1/0500000US35053
|url=http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_DP/DPDP1/0500000US35053
|title=DP-1 Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010 Demographic Profile Data
|title=DP-1 Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010 Demographic Profile Data
|accessdate=2016-01-24
|access-date=January 24, 2016
|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]
|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]
|archive-url=https://archive.today/20200213024451/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_DP/DPDP1/0500000US35053
|archive-url=https://archive.today/20200213024451/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_DP/DPDP1/0500000US35053
|archive-date=February 13, 2020
|archive-date=February 13, 2020
|url-status=dead
|url-status=dead
}}</ref> The population density was {{convert|2.7|PD/sqmi}}. There were 8,059 housing units at an average density of {{convert|1.2|/sqmi}}.<ref name="census-density">{{cite web
}}</ref> The population density was {{convert|2.7|PD/sqmi}}. There were 8,059 housing units at an average density of {{convert|1.2|/sqmi}}.<ref name="census-density">{{cite web
|url=http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_SF1/GCTPH1.CY07/0500000US35053
|url=http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_SF1/GCTPH1.CY07/0500000US35053
|accessdate=2016-01-24
|access-date=January 24, 2016
|title=Population, Housing Units, Area, and Density: 2010 - County
|title=Population, Housing Units, Area, and Density: 2010 – County
|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]
|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]
|archive-url=https://archive.today/20200213185255/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_SF1/GCTPH1.CY07/0500000US35053
|archive-url=https://archive.today/20200213185255/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_SF1/GCTPH1.CY07/0500000US35053
|archive-date=February 13, 2020
|archive-date=February 13, 2020
|url-status=dead
|url-status=dead
}}</ref> The racial makeup of the county was 75.1% white, 11.7% American Indian, 1.2% Asian, 1.1% black or African American, 8.1% from other races, and 2.8% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 48.5% of the population.<ref name="census-dp1"/> In terms of ancestry, 7.1% were [[English people|English]], 6.8% were [[Germans|German]], and 4.2% were [[Americans|American]].<ref name="census-dp2">{{cite web
}}</ref> The racial makeup of the county was 75.1% white, 11.7% American Indian, 1.2% Asian, 1.1% black or African American, 8.1% from other races, and 2.8% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 48.5% of the population.<ref name="census-dp1"/> In terms of ancestry, 7.1% were [[English people|English]], 6.8% were [[Germans|German]], and 4.2% were [[Americans|American]].<ref name="census-dp2">{{cite web
|url=http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ACS/10_5YR/DP02/0500000US35053
|url=http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ACS/10_5YR/DP02/0500000US35053
|title=DP02 SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS IN THE UNITED STATES – 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates
|title=DP02 SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS IN THE UNITED STATES – 2006–2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates
|accessdate=2016-01-24
|access-date=January 24, 2016
|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]
|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]
|archive-url=https://archive.today/20200213012557/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ACS/10_5YR/DP02/0500000US35053
|archive-url=https://archive.today/20200213012557/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ACS/10_5YR/DP02/0500000US35053
|archive-date=February 13, 2020
|archive-date=February 13, 2020
|url-status=dead
|url-status=dead
}}</ref>
}}</ref>


Of the 7,014&nbsp;households, 30.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 43.1% were married couples living together, 12.9% had a female householder with no husband present, 38.0% were non-families, and 30.8% of all households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.46 and the average family size was 3.09. The median age was 36.9 years.<ref name="census-dp1"/>
Of the 7,014&nbsp;households, 30.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 43.1% were married couples living together, 12.9% had a female householder with no husband present, 38.% were non-families, and 30.8% of all households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.46 and the average family size was 3.09. The median age was 36.9 years.<ref name="census-dp1"/>


The median income for a household in the county was $33,284 and the median income for a family was $41,964. Males had a median income of $40,295 versus $27,819 for females. The per capita income for the county was $17,801. About 22.7% of families and 26.8% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 33.1% of those under age 18 and 19.0% of those age 65 or over.<ref name="census-dp3">{{cite web
The median income for a household in the county was $33,284 and the median income for a family was $41,964. Males had a median income of $40,295 versus $27,819 for females. The per capita income for the county was $17,801. About 22.7% of families and 26.8% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 33.1% of those under age 18 and 19.0% of those age 65 or over.<ref name="census-dp3">{{cite web
|url=http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ACS/10_5YR/DP03/0500000US35053
|url=http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ACS/10_5YR/DP03/0500000US35053
|title=DP03 SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS – 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates
|title=DP03 SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS – 2006–2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates
|accessdate=2016-01-24
|access-date=January 24, 2016
|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]
|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]
|archive-url=https://archive.today/20200213034000/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ACS/10_5YR/DP03/0500000US35053
|archive-url=https://archive.today/20200213034000/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ACS/10_5YR/DP03/0500000US35053
|archive-date=February 13, 2020
|archive-date=February 13, 2020
|url-status=dead
|url-status=dead
}}</ref>
}}</ref>


Line 135: Line 138:
The majority (51 percent) of voters registered in the 2012 General Election were Democrats, with the rest of registered voters breaking down as 30 percent Republican, 15 percent Declined To Say, and 3 percent Other.<ref>{{cite web|title=Voting Registration Statistics Report|url=http://www.sos.state.nm.us/uploads/FileLinks/2966cef424224c59b1abaf5b30a91116/STATEWIDEOCT312012.PDF|publisher=New Mexico Secretary of State|access-date=August 8, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160411142004/http://www.sos.state.nm.us/uploads/FileLinks/2966cef424224c59b1abaf5b30a91116/STATEWIDEOCT312012.PDF|archive-date=April 11, 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2012, Socorro County voted for President Obama 56 percent to 38 percent,<ref>{{cite web|title=2012 General Election Results for Socorro County|url=http://www.sos.state.nm.us/uploads/files/Socorro2012Gen.pdf|publisher=New Mexico Secretary of State|access-date=August 8, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150906010223/http://www.sos.state.nm.us/uploads/files/Socorro2012Gen.pdf|archive-date=September 6, 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> with a trend of voting Democratic in the previous five presidential elections.
The majority (51 percent) of voters registered in the 2012 General Election were Democrats, with the rest of registered voters breaking down as 30 percent Republican, 15 percent Declined To Say, and 3 percent Other.<ref>{{cite web|title=Voting Registration Statistics Report|url=http://www.sos.state.nm.us/uploads/FileLinks/2966cef424224c59b1abaf5b30a91116/STATEWIDEOCT312012.PDF|publisher=New Mexico Secretary of State|access-date=August 8, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160411142004/http://www.sos.state.nm.us/uploads/FileLinks/2966cef424224c59b1abaf5b30a91116/STATEWIDEOCT312012.PDF|archive-date=April 11, 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2012, Socorro County voted for President Obama 56 percent to 38 percent,<ref>{{cite web|title=2012 General Election Results for Socorro County|url=http://www.sos.state.nm.us/uploads/files/Socorro2012Gen.pdf|publisher=New Mexico Secretary of State|access-date=August 8, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150906010223/http://www.sos.state.nm.us/uploads/files/Socorro2012Gen.pdf|archive-date=September 6, 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> with a trend of voting Democratic in the previous five presidential elections.


{{PresHead|place=Socorro County, New Mexico|whig=no|source1=<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://uselectionatlas.org/RESULTS|title=Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections|last=Leip|first=David|website=uselectionatlas.org|access-date=April 2, 2018}}</ref>}}
{| class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="float:right; margin-left: 1em; font-size:88%; min-width:25em;"
<!-- PresRow should be {{PresRow|Year|Winning party|GOP/Whig vote #|Dem vote #|3rd party vote #|State}} -->
|+ Presidential elections results<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://uselectionatlas.org/RESULTS|title=Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections|last=Leip|first=David|website=uselectionatlas.org|access-date=2018-04-02}}</ref>
{{PresRow|2020|Democratic|3,255|3,722|183|New Mexico}}
|- bgcolor=lightgrey
{{PresRow|2016|Democratic|2,616|3,313|939|New Mexico}}
! Year
{{PresRow|2012|Democratic|2,722|4,058|413|New Mexico}}
! [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]]
{{PresRow|2008|Democratic|3,032|4,696|167|New Mexico}}
! [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic]]
{{PresRow|2004|Democratic|3,696|4,025|130|New Mexico}}
! [[Third Party (United States)|Third parties]]
{{PresRow|2000|Democratic|3,173|3,294|359|New Mexico}}
|-
{{PresRow|1996|Democratic|2,315|3,374|675|New Mexico}}
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''[[United States presidential election in New Mexico, 2016|2016]]'''
{{PresRow|1992|Democratic|2,186|2,908|994|New Mexico}}
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|38.1% ''2,616''
{{PresRow|1988|Republican|3,114|2,960|143|New Mexico}}
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''48.2% ''' ''3,313''
{{PresRow|1984|Republican|3,403|2,541|104|New Mexico}}
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|13.7% ''939''
{{PresRow|1980|Republican|2,685|2,226|511|New Mexico}}
|-
{{PresRow|1976|Democratic|2,265|2,606|68|New Mexico}}
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''[[United States presidential election in New Mexico, 2012|2012]]'''
{{PresRow|1972|Republican|2,658|1,994|78|New Mexico}}
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|37.8% ''2,722''
{{PresRow|1968|Republican|2,230|1,871|182|New Mexico}}
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''56.4% ''' ''4,058''
{{PresRow|1964|Democratic|1,774|2,397|10|New Mexico}}
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|5.7% ''413''
{{PresRow|1960|Democratic|1,796|2,327|5|New Mexico}}
|-
{{PresRow|1956|Republican|2,365|1,476|0|New Mexico}}
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''[[United States presidential election in New Mexico, 2008|2008]]'''
{{PresRow|1952|Republican|2,224|1,777|5|New Mexico}}
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|38.4% ''3,032''
{{PresRow|1948|Republican|2,139|1,650|9|New Mexico}}
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''59.5% ''' ''4,696''
{{PresRow|1944|Republican|2,030|1,967|3|New Mexico}}
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|2.1% ''167''
{{PresRow|1940|Republican|2,703|2,489|5|New Mexico}}
|-
{{PresRow|1936|Republican|2,530|2,477|16|New Mexico}}
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''[[United States presidential election in New Mexico, 2004|2004]]'''
{{PresRow|1932|Democratic|1,931|2,495|12|New Mexico}}
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|47.1% ''3,696''
{{PresRow|1928|Republican|1,940|1,564|3|New Mexico}}
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''51.3% ''' ''4,025''
{{PresRow|1924|Republican|2,332|1,251|159|New Mexico}}
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|1.7% ''130''
{{PresRow|1920|Republican|3,150|1,807|30|New Mexico}}
|-
{{PresRow|1916|Republican|1,954|1,558|22|New Mexico}}
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''[[United States presidential election in New Mexico, 2000|2000]]'''
{{PresFoot|1912|Democratic|960|1,078|289|New Mexico}}
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|46.5% ''3,173''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''48.3% ''' ''3,294''
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|5.3% ''359''
|-
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''[[United States presidential election in New Mexico, 1996|1996]]'''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|36.4% ''2,315''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''53.0% ''' ''3,374''
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|10.6% ''675''
|-
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''[[United States presidential election in New Mexico, 1992|1992]]'''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|35.9% ''2,186''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''47.8% ''' ''2,908''
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|16.3% ''994''
|-
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''[[United States presidential election in New Mexico, 1988|1988]]'''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''50.1% ''' ''3,114''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|47.6% ''2,960''
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|2.3% ''143''
|-
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''[[United States presidential election in New Mexico, 1984|1984]]'''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''56.3% ''' ''3,403''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|42.0% ''2,541''
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|1.7% ''104''
|-
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''[[United States presidential election in New Mexico, 1980|1980]]'''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''49.5% ''' ''2,685''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|41.1% ''2,226''
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|9.4% ''511''
|-
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''[[United States presidential election in New Mexico, 1976|1976]]'''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|45.9% ''2,265''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''52.8% ''' ''2,606''
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|1.4% ''68''
|-
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''[[United States presidential election in New Mexico, 1972|1972]]'''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''56.2% ''' ''2,658''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|42.2% ''1,994''
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|1.7% ''78''
|-
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''[[United States presidential election in New Mexico, 1968|1968]]'''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''52.1% ''' ''2,230''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|43.7% ''1,871''
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|4.3% ''182''
|-
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''[[United States presidential election in New Mexico, 1964|1964]]'''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|42.4% ''1,774''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''57.3% ''' ''2,397''
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|0.2% ''10''
|-
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''[[United States presidential election in New Mexico, 1960|1960]]'''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|43.5% ''1,796''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''56.4% ''' ''2,327''
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|0.1% ''5''
|-
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''[[United States presidential election in New Mexico, 1956|1956]]'''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''61.6% ''' ''2,365''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|38.4% ''1,476''
| style="text-align:center;"|
|-
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''[[United States presidential election in New Mexico, 1952|1952]]'''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''55.5% ''' ''2,224''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|44.4% ''1,777''
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|0.1% ''5''
|-
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''[[United States presidential election in New Mexico, 1948|1948]]'''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''56.3% ''' ''2,139''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|43.4% ''1,650''
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|0.2% ''9''
|-
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''[[United States presidential election in New Mexico, 1944|1944]]'''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''50.8% ''' ''2,030''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|49.2% ''1,967''
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|0.1% ''3''
|-
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''[[United States presidential election in New Mexico, 1940|1940]]'''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''52.0% ''' ''2,703''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|47.9% ''2,489''
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|0.1% ''5''
|-
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''[[United States presidential election in New Mexico, 1936|1936]]'''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''50.4% ''' ''2,530''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|49.3% ''2,477''
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|0.3% ''16''
|-
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''[[United States presidential election in New Mexico, 1932|1932]]'''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|43.5% ''1,931''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''56.2% ''' ''2,495''
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|0.3% ''12''
|-
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''[[United States presidential election in New Mexico, 1928|1928]]'''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''55.3% ''' ''1,940''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|44.6% ''1,564''
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|0.1% ''3''
|-
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''[[United States presidential election in New Mexico, 1924|1924]]'''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''62.3% ''' ''2,332''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|33.4% ''1,251''
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|4.3% ''159''
|-
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''[[United States presidential election in New Mexico, 1920|1920]]'''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''63.2% ''' ''3,150''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|36.2% ''1,807''
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|0.6% ''30''
|-
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''[[United States presidential election in New Mexico, 1916|1916]]'''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''55.3% ''' ''1,954''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|44.1% ''1,558''
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|0.6% ''22''
|-
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''[[United States presidential election in New Mexico, 1912|1912]]'''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|41.3% ''960''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''46.3% ''' ''1,078''
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|12.4% ''289''
|}
{{Hidden end}}


Socorro County voted for Senator Heinrich (D) 53 percent to 43 percent in 2012. While Rep. Pearce (R) won Socorro County 52 percent to 48 percent in 2012, Socorro supported Democrats for the U.S. House in both 2008 and 2010 (with 50.2% and 63% Democratic, respectively).<ref>{{cite web|title=2010 General Election Results for Socorro County|url=http://www.sos.state.nm.us/uploads/FileLinks/0c807ac075af44f89901e0520c768de1/SocorroGen10.pdf|publisher=New Mexico Secretary of State|access-date=August 8, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160312140234/http://www.sos.state.nm.us/uploads/FileLinks/0c807ac075af44f89901e0520c768de1/SocorroGen10.pdf|archive-date=March 12, 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> The County supported Governor Martinez (R) 53 percent to 47 percent in 2010 but went for Governor Richardson (D) in both 2002<ref>{{cite web|title=Official 2002 General Election Results for SOCORRO County|url=http://www.sos.state.nm.us/uploads/FileLinks/308947684091406b930f2fc3974c9057/conty024.HTM.html|publisher=State of New Mexico|access-date=August 8, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140221142225/http://www.sos.state.nm.us/uploads/FileLinks/308947684091406b930f2fc3974c9057/conty024.HTM.html|archive-date=February 21, 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> and 2006.<ref>{{cite web|title=2006 General Election Results for Socorro County|url=http://www.sos.state.nm.us/uploads/FileLinks/219baefcbb124c528aa5af44dbfef350/Socorro.pdf|publisher=State of New Mexico|access-date=August 8, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160315040358/http://www.sos.state.nm.us/uploads/FileLinks/219baefcbb124c528aa5af44dbfef350/Socorro.pdf|archive-date=March 15, 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> Socorro has supported Democratic state senators in Districts 28 and 30 for every election since 2000. In contrast, the County has supported a Republican state representative in District 49 since 2000.
Socorro County voted for Senator Heinrich (D) 53 percent to 43 percent in 2012. While Rep. Pearce (R) won Socorro County 52 percent to 48 percent in 2012, Socorro supported Democrats for the U.S. House in both 2008 and 2010 (with 50.2% and 63% Democratic, respectively).<ref>{{cite web|title=2010 General Election Results for Socorro County|url=http://www.sos.state.nm.us/uploads/FileLinks/0c807ac075af44f89901e0520c768de1/SocorroGen10.pdf|publisher=New Mexico Secretary of State|access-date=August 8, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160312140234/http://www.sos.state.nm.us/uploads/FileLinks/0c807ac075af44f89901e0520c768de1/SocorroGen10.pdf|archive-date=March 12, 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> The County supported Governor Martinez (R) 53 percent to 47 percent in 2010 but went for Governor Richardson (D) in both 2002<ref>{{cite web|title=Official 2002 General Election Results for SOCORRO County|url=http://www.sos.state.nm.us/uploads/FileLinks/308947684091406b930f2fc3974c9057/conty024.HTM.html|publisher=State of New Mexico|access-date=August 8, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140221142225/http://www.sos.state.nm.us/uploads/FileLinks/308947684091406b930f2fc3974c9057/conty024.HTM.html|archive-date=February 21, 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> and 2006.<ref>{{cite web|title=2006 General Election Results for Socorro County|url=http://www.sos.state.nm.us/uploads/FileLinks/219baefcbb124c528aa5af44dbfef350/Socorro.pdf|publisher=State of New Mexico|access-date=August 8, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160315040358/http://www.sos.state.nm.us/uploads/FileLinks/219baefcbb124c528aa5af44dbfef350/Socorro.pdf|archive-date=March 15, 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> Socorro has supported Democratic state senators in Districts 28 and 30 for every election since 2000. In contrast, the county has supported a Republican state representative in District 49 since 2000.
The current county commissioners of Socorro County are:
The current county commissioners of Socorro County are:
*Pauline Jaramillo, R-Dist. 1, Chair
* Pauline Jaramillo, R-Dist. 1, Chair
*Martha Salas, R-Dist. 2, Vice Chair
* Martha Salas, R-Dist. 2, Vice Chair
*Manuel Anaya, D-Dist. 3
* Manuel Anaya, D-Dist. 3
*Danny Monette, R-Dist. 4,
* Danny Monette, R-Dist. 4,
*Juan Gutierrez, R-Dist. 5
* Juan Gutierrez, R-Dist. 5
Ravi Bhasker has been serving as the mayor of [[Socorro, New Mexico|Socorro]] since 1990 and is a general practice medical doctor.<ref>{{cite web|last=Staff|title=The sixth time’s a charm for Socorro mayor|url=http://www.dchieftain.com/2010/03/06/the-sixth-times-a-charm-for-socorro-mayor|publisher=El Defensor Chieftain}}</ref> The current mayor of [[Magdalena, New Mexico|Magdalena]] is Richard Rumpf (ZW), elected by the village board upon the previous mayor's resignation in 2016.
Ravi Bhasker has been serving as the mayor of [[Socorro, New Mexico|Socorro]] since 1990 and is a general practice medical doctor.<ref>{{cite web|last=Staff|title=The sixth time's a charm for Socorro mayor|url=http://www.dchieftain.com/2010/03/06/the-sixth-times-a-charm-for-socorro-mayor|publisher=El Defensor Chieftain|access-date=August 8, 2013|archive-date=July 28, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140728074015/http://www.dchieftain.com/2010/03/06/the-sixth-times-a-charm-for-socorro-mayor|url-status=dead}}</ref> The current mayor of [[Magdalena, New Mexico|Magdalena]] is Richard Rumpf (ZW), elected by the village board upon the previous mayor's resignation in 2016.

Socorro County backed Democratic gubernatorial nominee [[Michelle Lujan Grisham]] in [[2018 New Mexico gubernatorial election|2018]] by 57.4%, defeating Republican [[Steve Pearce (politician)|Steve Pearce]] by nearly 15 points in the county. However, in [[2022 New Mexico gubernatorial election|2022]], Republicans rebounded considerably and Grisham lost Socorro county to Republican [[Mark Ronchetti]], by a margin of just 38 votes (2,988 votes to 2,950 respectively).<ref name=":0" /> It was the only county in the state to flip Republican that year, even as Grisham handedly won re-election statewide.


==Ecology, recreation and tourism==
==Ecology, recreation and tourism==
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With multiple mountain ranges, extents of grasslands and marshes providing a wide array of available habitats, Socorro County is home to an extensive variety of ecosystems and wildlife. Socorro County contains 826 species of wildlife, including 14 amphibians, 60 reptiles, 336 birds, and 96 mammals.<ref>Biota Information System of New Mexico.[[BISON-M home page]]. Retrieved March 28, 2013.</ref> Wildlife in the County includes [[coyote]], [[deer]], [[elk]], [[pronghorn antelope]], [[bighorn sheep]], [[Barbary sheep]], [[American black bear|black bear]], [[mountain lion]], [[wild turkey]], various [[furbearer]]s, [[Mexican spotted owl]], and [[quail]].
With multiple mountain ranges, extents of grasslands and marshes providing a wide array of available habitats, Socorro County is home to an extensive variety of ecosystems and wildlife. Socorro County contains 826 species of wildlife, including 14 amphibians, 60 reptiles, 336 birds, and 96 mammals.<ref>Biota Information System of New Mexico.[[BISON-M home page]]. Retrieved March 28, 2013.</ref> Wildlife in the County includes [[coyote]], [[deer]], [[elk]], [[pronghorn antelope]], [[bighorn sheep]], [[Barbary sheep]], [[American black bear|black bear]], [[mountain lion]], [[wild turkey]], various [[furbearer]]s, [[Mexican spotted owl]], and [[quail]].


There are three congressionally designated Wilderness areas located within Socorro County. The [[Apache Kid Wilderness|Apache Kid]] and the [[Withington Wilderness]] Areas are both located in the San Mateo Mountains within the Cibola National Forest's Magdalena Ranger District. The Bosque del Apache Wilderness comprises two separate sections, totaling 30,427 acres of the National Wildlife Refuge. There are an additional 172,143 acres of Forest Service Inventoried Roadless Areas and 159,891 acres of BLM Wilderness Study Areas in the county. These undeveloped lands without roads offer outstanding opportunities to experience the area’s amazing natural heritage, to getaway and enjoy the outdoors and, for the hearty, to explore deep into the backcountry and challenge yourself in the area’s big wild.
There are three congressionally designated Wilderness areas located within Socorro County. The [[Apache Kid Wilderness|Apache Kid]] and the [[Withington Wilderness]] Areas are both located in the San Mateo Mountains within the Cibola National Forest's Magdalena Ranger District. The Bosque del Apache Wilderness comprises two separate sections, totaling 30,427 acres of the National Wildlife Refuge. There are an additional 172,143 acres of Forest Service Inventoried Roadless Areas and 159,891 acres of BLM Wilderness Study Areas in the county. These undeveloped lands without roads offer outstanding opportunities to experience the area's amazing natural heritage, to getaway and enjoy the outdoors and, for the hearty, to explore deep into the backcountry and challenge yourself in the area's big wild.


The high mountains, remote canyons, pristine forests and diverse wildlife found on the area's national forests, national wildlife refuges, national monuments, and BLM's national system of public lands provide for phenomenal recreation opportunities, including picnicking, hiking, backpacking, wildlife viewing, horseback-riding, and hunting. In fact, the four biggest elk in New Mexico were bagged in Socorro county and the [[Datil Mountains]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Safari Club International (SCI) New Mexico Big Game Records|url=http://www.wildlife.state.nm.us/recreation/hunting/documents/records/NMexoticrecords.htm|publisher=New Mexico Game and Fish}}</ref> The two most popular recreational activities on the Cibola National Forest are hiking/walking and viewing natural features with 35% and 15% of visitors citing these as their main activities, respectively.<ref>{{cite book|title=National Visitor Use Monitoring Results for FY 2011 for the Cibola National Forest|year=2012|publisher=US Forest Service|url=http://apps.fs.usda.gov/nrm/nvum/results/ReportCache/Rnd3_A03003_Master_Report.pdf}}{{Dead link|date=March 2020 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> The [[Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge]] hosts the Festival of the Cranes every November, celebrating the arrival of sandhill cranes and other migratory birds.<ref>{{cite web|last=Sharpe|first=Tom|title=Refuge prepares for 25th annual crane festival|url=http://www.sfnewmexican.com/Local%20News/110412cranes#.UfbSiazO3FM|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130808195147/http://www.sfnewmexican.com/Local%20News/110412cranes%23.UfbSiazO3FM|url-status=dead|archive-date=2013-08-08|publisher=The New Mexican}}</ref> Rare [[whooping crane]]s are also found occasionally on the Bosque del Apache.
The high mountains, remote canyons, pristine forests and diverse wildlife found on the area's national forests, national wildlife refuges, national monuments, and BLM's national system of public lands provide for phenomenal recreation opportunities, including picnicking, hiking, backpacking, wildlife viewing, horseback-riding, and hunting. In fact, the four biggest elk in New Mexico were bagged in Socorro county and the [[Datil Mountains]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Safari Club International (SCI) New Mexico Big Game Records|url=http://www.wildlife.state.nm.us/recreation/hunting/documents/records/NMexoticrecords.htm|publisher=New Mexico Game and Fish|access-date=August 8, 2013|archive-date=October 18, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131018000142/http://www.wildlife.state.nm.us/recreation/hunting/documents/records/NMexoticrecords.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref> The two most popular recreational activities on the Cibola National Forest are hiking/walking and viewing natural features with 35% and 15% of visitors citing these as their main activities, respectively.<ref>{{cite book|title=National Visitor Use Monitoring Results for FY 2011 for the Cibola National Forest|year=2012|publisher=US Forest Service|url=http://apps.fs.usda.gov/nrm/nvum/results/ReportCache/Rnd3_A03003_Master_Report.pdf}}{{Dead link|date=March 2020 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> The [[Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge]] hosts the Festival of the Cranes every November, celebrating the arrival of sandhill cranes and other migratory birds.<ref>{{cite web|last=Sharpe|first=Tom|title=Refuge prepares for 25th annual crane festival|url=http://www.sfnewmexican.com/Local%20News/110412cranes#.UfbSiazO3FM|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130808195147/http://www.sfnewmexican.com/Local%20News/110412cranes%23.UfbSiazO3FM|url-status=dead|archive-date=August 8, 2013|publisher=The New Mexican}}</ref> Rare [[whooping crane]]s are also found occasionally on the Bosque del Apache.


<gallery caption="Wildlife in Socorro County, New Mexico" class=center widths=160 heights=130 style="line-height:130%">
<gallery caption="Wildlife in Socorro County, New Mexico" class="center" widths="160" heights="130" style="line-height:130%">
File:Strix occidentalis lucida-2.jpg|Socorro County contains thousands of acres of critical habitat for the threatened [[Mexican spotted owl]].
File:Strix occidentalis lucida-2.jpg|Socorro County contains thousands of acres of critical habitat for the threatened [[Mexican spotted owl]].
File:Sandhill cranes at Bosque del Apache NWR.jpg|[[Sandhill crane]]s at [[Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge]] during the Festival of the Cranes.
File:Sandhill cranes at Bosque del Apache NWR.jpg|[[Sandhill crane]]s at [[Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge]] during the Festival of the Cranes.
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</gallery>
</gallery>


The natural amenities in Socorro contribute to a strong tourism industry for the County. Visitors spent $47.4 million in Socorro County in 2011. Recreation alone accounted for more than $4 million in visitor spending in both 2010 and 2011.<ref>{{cite book|title=Socorro County Visitor Spending by Industry.|publisher=Tourism Economics}}</ref> Tourism accounts for 8.8% of employment and 4.5% of labor income for the County. Additionally, tourism resulted in $7.7 million of total tax revenue, including $1.1 million in local tax revenue.<ref>{{cite book|title=Socorro County, Tourism Impact.|publisher=Tourism Economics}}</ref>
The natural amenities in Socorro contribute to a strong tourism industry for the county. Visitors spent $47.4 million in Socorro County in 2011. Recreation alone accounted for more than $4 million in visitor spending in both 2010 and 2011.<ref>{{cite book|title=Socorro County Visitor Spending by Industry.|publisher=Tourism Economics}}</ref> Tourism accounts for 8.8% of employment and 4.5% of labor income for the county. Additionally, tourism resulted in $7.7 million of total tax revenue, including $1.1 million in local tax revenue.<ref>{{cite book|title=Socorro County, Tourism Impact.|publisher=Tourism Economics}}</ref>


==Communities==
==Communities==
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===City===
===City===
*[[Socorro, New Mexico|Socorro]] (county seat)
* [[Socorro, New Mexico|Socorro]] (county seat)


===Village===
===Village===
*[[Magdalena, New Mexico|Magdalena]]
* [[Magdalena, New Mexico|Magdalena]]


===Census-designated places===
===Census-designated places===
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* [[Luis Lopez, New Mexico|Luis Lopez]]
* [[Luis Lopez, New Mexico|Luis Lopez]]
* [[Polvadera, New Mexico|Polvadera]]
* [[Polvadera, New Mexico|Polvadera]]
* [[San Acacia, New Mexico|San Acacia]]
* [[San Acacia, New Mexico|San Acacia]]
* [[San Antonio, New Mexico|San Antonio]]
* [[San Antonio, New Mexico|San Antonio]]
* [[San Antonito, Socorro County, New Mexico|San Antonito]]
* [[San Antonito, Socorro County, New Mexico|San Antonito]]
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* [[Bernardo, New Mexico|Bernardo]]
* [[Bernardo, New Mexico|Bernardo]]
* [[Claunch, New Mexico|Claunch]]
* [[Claunch, New Mexico|Claunch]]
* [[Luis Lopez, New Mexico|Luis Lopez]]
* [[Polvadera, New Mexico|Polvadera]]
{{div col end}}
{{div col end}}


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* [[Val Verde, New Mexico|Val Verde]]
* [[Val Verde, New Mexico|Val Verde]]
{{div col end}}
{{div col end}}

==Education==
School districts include:<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/maps/DC2020/PL20/st35_nm/schooldistrict_maps/c35053_socorro/DC20SD_C35053.pdf|title=2020 CENSUS - SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENCE MAP: Socorro County, NM|publisher=[[U.S. Census Bureau]]|accessdate=July 12, 2022}} - [https://www2.census.gov/geo/maps/DC2020/PL20/st35_nm/schooldistrict_maps/c35053_socorro/DC20SD_C35053_SD2MS.txt Text list]</ref>
* [[Belen Consolidated Schools]]
* [[Carrizozo Municipal Schools]]
* [[Corona Municipal Schools]]
* [[Magdalena Municipal Schools]]
* [[Mountainair Public Schools]]
* [[Socorro Consolidated Schools]]


==See also==
==See also==
*[[National Register of Historic Places listings in Socorro County, New Mexico]]
* [[National Register of Historic Places listings in Socorro County, New Mexico]]
*[[New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology]]
* [[New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology]]
*[[Trinity Site]], the first test of an atomic bomb
* [[Trinity Site]], the first test of an atomic bomb
*[[Very Large Array]]
* [[Very Large Array]]
*[[Cibola National Forest]]
* [[Cibola National Forest]]
* [[Bureau of Land Management]]
* [[Bureau of Land Management]]
*[[Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge]]
* [[Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge]]
*[[Magdalena Ridge Observatory]]
* [[Magdalena Ridge Observatory]]
*[[Langmuir Laboratory for Atmospheric Research]]
* [[Langmuir Laboratory for Atmospheric Research]]
* [[Box Recreation Area]]


==References==
==References==
{{reflist|30em}}
{{Reflist|30em}}


==Further reading==
==Further reading==
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20130220222011/http://www.blm.gov/wo/st/en/info/newsroom/2008/december/NR_12_16_2008.html Interior Secretary Formally Designates BLM Lands the National System of Public Lands]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20130220222011/http://www.blm.gov/wo/st/en/info/newsroom/2008/december/NR_12_16_2008.html Interior Secretary Formally Designates BLM Lands the National System of Public Lands]
*<cite>The Mountains of New Mexico</cite> by Robert Julyan, {{ISBN|978-0826335166}}
* <cite>The Mountains of New Mexico</cite> by Robert Julyan, {{ISBN|978-0826335166}}
*<cite>New Mexico's Wilderness Areas: The Complete Guide</cite> by Robert Julyan, {{ISBN|978-1565792913}}
* <cite>New Mexico's Wilderness Areas: The Complete Guide</cite> by Robert Julyan, {{ISBN|978-1565792913}}
*<cite>Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge: 48 Hours of Flight</cite> by Jim Jamieson, {{ISBN|978-0972912600}}
* <cite>Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge: 48 Hours of Flight</cite> by Jim Jamieson, {{ISBN|978-0972912600}}
*<cite>Bosque Del Apache National Wildlife Refuge- A Photographer's and Visitor's Guide</cite> by Ralph H. Wetmore II, {{ISBN|978-0982566206}}
* <cite>Bosque Del Apache National Wildlife Refuge- A Photographer's and Visitor's Guide</cite> by Ralph H. Wetmore II, {{ISBN|978-0982566206}}
*<cite>Finding Refuge: A Safe Place to Land </cite> by Sandy Seth, Valerie Graves, Laurel Seth, ASIN: B000S9LU5W. "The Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge seen through the hearts of an artist, a photographer, and a birder."
* <cite>Finding Refuge: A Safe Place to Land </cite> by Sandy Seth, Valerie Graves, Laurel Seth, ASIN: B000S9LU5W. "The Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge seen through the hearts of an artist, a photographer, and a birder."
*[https://purl.fdlp.gov/GPO/gpo45429 ''Geologic Map of the Becker SW And Cerro Montoso Quadrangles, Socorro County, New Mexico''], by Donald A. Myers, Joseph A. Sharps, and E.J. McKay. Reston, Va.: [[United States Department of the Interior|U.S. Department of the Interior]], [[United States Geological Survey|U.S. Geological Survey]], 1986.
* [https://purl.fdlp.gov/GPO/gpo45429 ''Geologic Map of the Becker SW And Cerro Montoso Quadrangles, Socorro County, New Mexico''], by Donald A. Myers, Joseph A. Sharps, and E.J. McKay. Reston, Va.: [[United States Department of the Interior|U.S. Department of the Interior]], [[United States Geological Survey|U.S. Geological Survey]], 1986.
*<cite>Socorro County, New Mexico: Including its History, The Fort Craig, The Very Large Array, The Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument, and More</cite> by Johnathan Black, {{ISBN|978-1249235507}}
* <cite>Socorro County, New Mexico: Including its History, The Fort Craig, The Very Large Array, The Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument, and More</cite> by Johnathan Black, {{ISBN|978-1249235507}}
*<cite>The Socorro Country Fat Tire Trail Book</cite>, The Socorro Fat Tire Committee in association with the Socorro County Chamber of Commerce, Socorro County Chamber of Commerce, Socorros, New Mexico, 1993, stapled paperback pamphlet, {{ISBN|0-88307-712-4}} see [[mountain bicycling]].
* <cite>The Socorro Country Fat Tire Trail Book</cite>, The Socorro Fat Tire Committee in association with the Socorro County Chamber of Commerce, Socorro County Chamber of Commerce, Socorros, New Mexico, 1993, stapled paperback pamphlet, {{ISBN|0-88307-712-4}} see [[mountain bicycling]].


==External links==
==External links==
*[http://www.SocorroNews.com Socorro News]
* [http://www.SocorroNews.com Socorro News] {{Webarchive|url=http://webarchive.loc.gov/all/20080919155628/http%3A//www.socorronews.com/ |date=September 19, 2008 }}
* [http://www.mymountainmail.com Mountain Mail newspaper] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211208133420/http://mymountainmail.com/ |date=December 8, 2021 }}
*[http://www.socorro-nm.com/ Chamber of Commerce]
*[http://www.mymountainmail.com Mountain Mail newspaper]
* [http://www.dchieftain.com/ El Defensor Chieftain newspaper]
*[http://www.dchieftain.com/ El Defensor Chieftain newspaper]
* [http://www.socorrocounty.net/ Socorro County InfoNet]
*[http://www.socorrocounty.net/ Socorro County InfoNet]
* [http://www.wilderness.net/ wilderness.net]
*[http://www.wilderness.net/ wilderness.net]
* [http://www.hsnm.org/ Historical Society of New Mexico]
* [http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/cibola/districts/magdalena.shtml Magdalena Ranger District] - Cibola National Forest
*[http://www.hsnm.org/ Historical Society of New Mexico]
*[http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/cibola/districts/magdalena.shtml Magdalena Ranger District] - Cibola National Forest
* [http://www.wildlife.state.nm.us/ New Mexico Game and Fish]
* [http://www.wildlife.state.nm.us/ New Mexico Game and Fish]
*[http://www.fws.gov/ US Fish & Wildlife Service]
* [http://www.fws.gov/ US Fish & Wildlife Service]
*[http://www.blm.gov/wo/st/en.html Bureau of Land Management]
* [http://www.blm.gov/wo/st/en.html Bureau of Land Management]


{{Geographic Location
{{Geographic Location
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|Northeast = [[Torrance County, New Mexico|Torrance County]]
|Northeast = [[Torrance County, New Mexico|Torrance County]]
|East = [[Lincoln County, New Mexico|Lincoln County]]
|East = [[Lincoln County, New Mexico|Lincoln County]]
|Southeast =
|Southeast =
|South = [[Sierra County, New Mexico|Sierra County]]
|South = [[Sierra County, New Mexico|Sierra County]]
|Southwest =
|Southwest =
|West = [[Catron County, New Mexico|Catron County]]
|West = [[Catron County, New Mexico|Catron County]]
|Northwest = [[Cibola County, New Mexico|Cibola County]]
|Northwest = [[Cibola County, New Mexico|Cibola County]]
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{{Socorro County, New Mexico}}
{{Socorro County, New Mexico}}
{{New Mexico}}
{{New Mexico}}
{{Authority control}}
{{Western U.S. majority-minority counties}}
{{coord|34.02|-106.93|display=title|type:adm2nd_region:US-NM_source:UScensus1990}}
{{Coord|34.02|-106.93|display=title|type:adm2nd_region:US-NM_source:UScensus1990}}

{{authority control}}


[[Category:Socorro County, New Mexico| ]]
[[Category:Socorro County, New Mexico| ]]

Latest revision as of 22:45, 16 May 2024

Socorro County
County
Socorro County Courthouse in Socorro
Socorro County Courthouse in Socorro
Map of New Mexico highlighting Socorro 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: 34°01′N 106°56′W / 34.02°N 106.93°W / 34.02; -106.93
Country United States
State New Mexico
FoundedJanuary 9, 1852
SeatSocorro
Largest citySocorro
Area
 • Total6,649 sq mi (17,220 km2)
 • Land6,647 sq mi (17,220 km2)
 • Water2.1 sq mi (5 km2)  0.03%
Population
 (2020)
 • Total16,595
 • Density2.5/sq mi (0.96/km2)
Time zoneUTC−7 (Mountain)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−6 (MDT)
Congressional district2nd
Websitewww.socorrocounty.net
The view from the southern San Mateo Mountains in Socorro County, New Mexico.
The Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array in Socorro County.

Socorro County (Spanish: Condado de Socorro) is a county in the U.S. state of New Mexico. As of the 2020 census, the population was 16,595.[1] The county seat is Socorro.[2] The county was formed in 1852 as one of the original nine counties of New Mexico Territory.[3][4] Socorro was originally the name given to a Native American village (see: Puebloan peoples) by Don Juan de Oñate in 1598. Having received vitally needed food and assistance from the native population, Oñate named the pueblo Socorro ("succor" in English).

Socorro County is home to multiple scientific research institutions including New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, the National Radio Astronomy Observatory and its associated Very Large Array, the Magdalena Ridge Observatory, and the Langmuir Laboratory for Atmospheric Research. Federal public lands in Socorro County include parts of the Cibola National Forest, the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, the Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Socorro Field Office, parts of the Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument, and parts of the El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro National Historic Trail.

History[edit]

Socorro County's history is intimately linked with the rich history of the surrounding area. Basham noted in his report documenting the archeological history of the Cibola National Forest's Magdalena Ranger District, which is almost entirely within Socorro County, that “[t]he heritage resources on the district are diverse and representative of nearly every prominent human evolutionary event known to anthropology. Evidence for human use of district lands date back 14,000 years to the Paleoindian period providing glimpses into the peopling of the New World and megafaunal extinction.“[5] Much of the now Magdalena Ranger District were a province of the Apache. Bands of Apache effectively controlled the Magdalena-Datil region from the seventeenth century until they were defeated in the Apache Wars in the late nineteenth century.[5]

Outlaw renegades Butch Cassidy and the Wild Bunch and notorious Apaches like Cochise and Geronimo have ties to Socorro County's San Mateo Mountains. Vicks Peak was named after Victorio, “a Mimbreño Apache leader whose territory included much of the south and southwest New Mexico.”[6] Famous for defying relocation orders in 1879 and leading his warriors “on a two-year reign of terror before he was killed,” Victorio is at least as highly regarded as Geronimo or Cochise among Apaches.[6] Perhaps most famous outlaw was the Apache Kid whose supposed grave lies within the Apache Kid Wilderness. Stories of depredations by the Apache Kid, and of his demise, became so common and dramatic that in southwestern folklore they may be exceeded only by tales of lost Spanish gold.[5] Native Americans lingered in the San Mateos well into the 1900s. We know this by an essay written by Aldo Leopold in 1919 where he documents stumbling upon the remains of a recently abandoned Indian hunting camp.[7]

  • Cultural or Historic Figures with Ties to Socorro County
  • The Apache Kid is the namesake for a Wilderness area in the Cibola National Forest.
    The Apache Kid is the namesake for a Wilderness area in the Cibola National Forest.
  • Vicks Peak in the San Mateo Mountains is named for Victorio, an Apache warrior and chief.
    Vicks Peak in the San Mateo Mountains is named for Victorio, an Apache warrior and chief.
  • Geronimo (Goyaałé), a Bedonkohe Apache; kneeling with rifle, 1887.
    Geronimo (Goyaałé), a Bedonkohe Apache; kneeling with rifle, 1887.
  • Butch Cassidy poses in the Wild Bunch group photo, Fort Worth, Texas, 1901.
    Butch Cassidy poses in the Wild Bunch group photo, Fort Worth, Texas, 1901.

A mining rush followed the Apache wars – gold, silver, and copper were found in the mountains. It wasn't until this time that extensive use of the area by non-Native Americans occurred.[8] While some mining activity, involving gold, silver, and copper, occurred in the southern part of the range near the end of the nineteenth century,[9] the prospecting/mining remnants are barely visible today due to collapse, topographic screening, and vegetation regrowth. While miners combed the mountains for mineral riches during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, stockmen drove tens of thousands of sheep and cattle to stockyards at the village of Magdalena, then linked by rail with Socorro.[6] In fact, the last regularly used cattle trail in the United States stretched 125 miles westward from Magdalena. The route was formally known as the Magdalena Livestock Driveway, but more popularly known to cowboys and cattlemen as the Beefsteak Trail. The trail began use in 1865 and its peak was in 1919. The trail was used continually until trailing gave way to trucking and the trail officially closed in 1971.[5]

Geography[edit]

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 6,649 square miles (17,220 km2), of which 6,647 square miles (17,220 km2) is land and 2.1 square miles (5.4 km2) (0.03%) is water.[10] It is the second-largest county in New Mexico by area, after Catron County.

Socorro County ranges in elevation from approximately 4,528 ft (1,380 m) on the banks of the Rio Grande to 10,784 ft (3,287 m) at the top of South Baldy peak in the Magdalena Mountains. The southern portion of the Rocky Mountains extend into New Mexico and Socorro County. There are several mountain ranges that spread throughout the county. The Forest Service manages portions of four mountain ranges: the Bear, Datil, Magdalena, and San Mateo Mountains. Most of the land that comprises these mountains are within the Cibola National Forest. These ranges, as well as Ladron Peak located in Socorro County, are classified as sky islands.

Adjacent counties[edit]

National protected areas[edit]

Demographics[edit]

Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
191014,761—
192014,061−4.7%
19309,611−31.6%
194011,42218.8%
19509,670−15.3%
196010,1685.1%
19709,763−4.0%
198012,56628.7%
199014,76417.5%
200018,07822.4%
201017,866−1.2%
202016,595−7.1%
U.S. Decennial Census[11]
1790-1960[12] 1900–1990[13]
1990-2000[14] 2010[15]

2000 census[edit]

As of the 2000 census,[16] there were 18,078 people, 6,675 households, and 4,492 families residing in the county. The population density was 3 people per square mile (1.2 people/km2). There were 7,808 housing units at an average density of 1 per square mile (0.39/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 62.9% White, 0.6% Black or African American, 10.9% Native American, 1.1% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 20.1% from other races, and 4.3% from two or more races. 48.7% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 6,675 households, out of which 33.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.4% were married couples living together, 13.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.7% were non-families. 26.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.62 and the average family size was 3.20.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 28.4% under the age of 18, 12.6% from 18 to 24, 26.1% from 25 to 44, 22.0% from 45 to 64, and 10.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 32 years. For every 100 females there were 103.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 103.9 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $23,439, and the median income for a family was $29,544. Males had a median income of $28,490 versus $22,482 for females. The per capita income for the county was $12,826. About 24.1% of families and 31.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 43.6% of those under age 18 and 24.3% of those age 65 or over.

2010 census[edit]

As of the 2010 census, there were 17,866 people, 7,014 households, and 4,349 families residing in the county.[17] The population density was 2.7 inhabitants per square mile (1.0/km2). There were 8,059 housing units at an average density of 1.2 per square mile (0.46/km2).[18] The racial makeup of the county was 75.1% white, 11.7% American Indian, 1.2% Asian, 1.1% black or African American, 8.1% from other races, and 2.8% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 48.5% of the population.[17] In terms of ancestry, 7.1% were English, 6.8% were German, and 4.2% were American.[19]

Of the 7,014 households, 30.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 43.1% were married couples living together, 12.9% had a female householder with no husband present, 38.% were non-families, and 30.8% of all households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.46 and the average family size was 3.09. The median age was 36.9 years.[17]

The median income for a household in the county was $33,284 and the median income for a family was $41,964. Males had a median income of $40,295 versus $27,819 for females. The per capita income for the county was $17,801. About 22.7% of families and 26.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 33.1% of those under age 18 and 19.0% of those age 65 or over.[20]

Politics[edit]

The majority (51 percent) of voters registered in the 2012 General Election were Democrats, with the rest of registered voters breaking down as 30 percent Republican, 15 percent Declined To Say, and 3 percent Other.[21] In 2012, Socorro County voted for President Obama 56 percent to 38 percent,[22] with a trend of voting Democratic in the previous five presidential elections.

United States presidential election results for Socorro County, New Mexico[23]
Year Republican Democratic Third party
No.  % No.  % No.  %
2020 3,255 45.46% 3,722 51.98% 183 2.56%
2016 2,616 38.09% 3,313 48.24% 939 13.67%
2012 2,722 37.84% 4,058 56.42% 413 5.74%
2008 3,032 38.40% 4,696 59.48% 167 2.12%
2004 3,696 47.08% 4,025 51.27% 130 1.66%
2000 3,173 46.48% 3,294 48.26% 359 5.26%
1996 2,315 36.38% 3,374 53.02% 675 10.61%
1992 2,186 35.91% 2,908 47.77% 994 16.33%
1988 3,114 50.09% 2,960 47.61% 143 2.30%
1984 3,403 56.27% 2,541 42.01% 104 1.72%
1980 2,685 49.52% 2,226 41.05% 511 9.42%
1976 2,265 45.86% 2,606 52.76% 68 1.38%
1972 2,658 56.19% 1,994 42.16% 78 1.65%
1968 2,230 52.07% 1,871 43.68% 182 4.25%
1964 1,774 42.43% 2,397 57.33% 10 0.24%
1960 1,796 43.51% 2,327 56.37% 5 0.12%
1956 2,365 61.57% 1,476 38.43% 0 0.00%
1952 2,224 55.52% 1,777 44.36% 5 0.12%
1948 2,139 56.32% 1,650 43.44% 9 0.24%
1944 2,030 50.75% 1,967 49.18% 3 0.08%
1940 2,703 52.01% 2,489 47.89% 5 0.10%
1936 2,530 50.37% 2,477 49.31% 16 0.32%
1932 1,931 43.51% 2,495 56.22% 12 0.27%
1928 1,940 55.32% 1,564 44.60% 3 0.09%
1924 2,332 62.32% 1,251 33.43% 159 4.25%
1920 3,150 63.16% 1,807 36.23% 30 0.60%
1916 1,954 55.29% 1,558 44.09% 22 0.62%
1912 960 41.25% 1,078 46.33% 289 12.42%

Socorro County voted for Senator Heinrich (D) 53 percent to 43 percent in 2012. While Rep. Pearce (R) won Socorro County 52 percent to 48 percent in 2012, Socorro supported Democrats for the U.S. House in both 2008 and 2010 (with 50.2% and 63% Democratic, respectively).[24] The County supported Governor Martinez (R) 53 percent to 47 percent in 2010 but went for Governor Richardson (D) in both 2002[25] and 2006.[26] Socorro has supported Democratic state senators in Districts 28 and 30 for every election since 2000. In contrast, the county has supported a Republican state representative in District 49 since 2000. The current county commissioners of Socorro County are:

  • Pauline Jaramillo, R-Dist. 1, Chair
  • Martha Salas, R-Dist. 2, Vice Chair
  • Manuel Anaya, D-Dist. 3
  • Danny Monette, R-Dist. 4,
  • Juan Gutierrez, R-Dist. 5

Ravi Bhasker has been serving as the mayor of Socorro since 1990 and is a general practice medical doctor.[27] The current mayor of Magdalena is Richard Rumpf (ZW), elected by the village board upon the previous mayor's resignation in 2016.

Socorro County backed Democratic gubernatorial nominee Michelle Lujan Grisham in 2018 by 57.4%, defeating Republican Steve Pearce by nearly 15 points in the county. However, in 2022, Republicans rebounded considerably and Grisham lost Socorro county to Republican Mark Ronchetti, by a margin of just 38 votes (2,988 votes to 2,950 respectively).[1] It was the only county in the state to flip Republican that year, even as Grisham handedly won re-election statewide.

Ecology, recreation and tourism[edit]

Sandhill cranes sleep under a starry sky at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge.

With multiple mountain ranges, extents of grasslands and marshes providing a wide array of available habitats, Socorro County is home to an extensive variety of ecosystems and wildlife. Socorro County contains 826 species of wildlife, including 14 amphibians, 60 reptiles, 336 birds, and 96 mammals.[28] Wildlife in the County includes coyote, deer, elk, pronghorn antelope, bighorn sheep, Barbary sheep, black bear, mountain lion, wild turkey, various furbearers, Mexican spotted owl, and quail.

There are three congressionally designated Wilderness areas located within Socorro County. The Apache Kid and the Withington Wilderness Areas are both located in the San Mateo Mountains within the Cibola National Forest's Magdalena Ranger District. The Bosque del Apache Wilderness comprises two separate sections, totaling 30,427 acres of the National Wildlife Refuge. There are an additional 172,143 acres of Forest Service Inventoried Roadless Areas and 159,891 acres of BLM Wilderness Study Areas in the county. These undeveloped lands without roads offer outstanding opportunities to experience the area's amazing natural heritage, to getaway and enjoy the outdoors and, for the hearty, to explore deep into the backcountry and challenge yourself in the area's big wild.

The high mountains, remote canyons, pristine forests and diverse wildlife found on the area's national forests, national wildlife refuges, national monuments, and BLM's national system of public lands provide for phenomenal recreation opportunities, including picnicking, hiking, backpacking, wildlife viewing, horseback-riding, and hunting. In fact, the four biggest elk in New Mexico were bagged in Socorro county and the Datil Mountains.[29] The two most popular recreational activities on the Cibola National Forest are hiking/walking and viewing natural features with 35% and 15% of visitors citing these as their main activities, respectively.[30] The Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge hosts the Festival of the Cranes every November, celebrating the arrival of sandhill cranes and other migratory birds.[31] Rare whooping cranes are also found occasionally on the Bosque del Apache.

The natural amenities in Socorro contribute to a strong tourism industry for the county. Visitors spent $47.4 million in Socorro County in 2011. Recreation alone accounted for more than $4 million in visitor spending in both 2010 and 2011.[32] Tourism accounts for 8.8% of employment and 4.5% of labor income for the county. Additionally, tourism resulted in $7.7 million of total tax revenue, including $1.1 million in local tax revenue.[33]

Communities[edit]

Fluorite from the Blanchard mine, near Bingham, New Mexico

City[edit]

Village[edit]

Census-designated places[edit]

Unincorporated communities[edit]

Populated Places[edit]

Ghost towns[edit]

Education[edit]

School districts include:[34]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b "Socorro County, New Mexico". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved July 3, 2023.
  2. ^ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
  3. ^ "New Mexico: Consolidated Chronology of State and County Boundaries". New Mexico Atlas of Historical County Boundaries. The Newberry Library. 2007. Archived from the original on August 22, 2016. Retrieved January 2, 2015.
  4. ^ "History of Socorro County". Socorro County InfoNet. Archived from the original on January 3, 2015. Retrieved January 2, 2015.
  5. ^ a b c d Basham, M. (2011). Magdalena Ranger District Background for Survey. US Forest Service.
  6. ^ a b c Julyan, Robert (2006). The Mountains of New Mexico. University of New Mexico Press.
  7. ^ Leopold, A. (2003). Brown, D. E.; Carmony, N. B. (eds.). Aldo Leopold's Southwest. University of New Mexico Press.
  8. ^ Ugnade, H.E. (1972). Guide to the New Mexico Mountains. University of New Mexico Press.
  9. ^ Butterfield, Mike, and Greene, Peter, Mike Butterfield's Guide to the Mountains of New Mexico, New Mexico Magazine Press, 2006, ISBN 978-0-937206-88-1
  10. ^ "2010 Census Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. August 22, 2012. Archived from the original on January 1, 2015. Retrieved January 2, 2015.
  11. ^ "U.S. Decennial Census". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 2, 2015.
  12. ^ "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. Archived from the original on August 11, 2012. Retrieved January 2, 2015.
  13. ^ "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 2, 2015.
  14. ^ "Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 2, 2015.
  15. ^ "State & County QuickFacts". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on September 5, 2015. Retrieved September 30, 2013.
  16. ^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
  17. ^ a b c "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.
  18. ^ "Population, Housing Units, Area, and Density: 2010 – County". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved January 24, 2016.
  19. ^ "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.
  20. ^ "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.
  21. ^ "Voting Registration Statistics Report" (PDF). New Mexico Secretary of State. Archived from the original (PDF) on April 11, 2016. Retrieved August 8, 2013.
  22. ^ "2012 General Election Results for Socorro County" (PDF). New Mexico Secretary of State. Archived from the original (PDF) on September 6, 2015. Retrieved August 8, 2013.
  23. ^ Leip, David. "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org. Retrieved April 2, 2018.
  24. ^ "2010 General Election Results for Socorro County" (PDF). New Mexico Secretary of State. Archived from the original (PDF) on March 12, 2016. Retrieved August 8, 2013.
  25. ^ "Official 2002 General Election Results for SOCORRO County". State of New Mexico. Archived from the original on February 21, 2014. Retrieved August 8, 2013.
  26. ^ "2006 General Election Results for Socorro County" (PDF). State of New Mexico. Archived from the original (PDF) on March 15, 2016. Retrieved August 8, 2013.
  27. ^ Staff. "The sixth time's a charm for Socorro mayor". El Defensor Chieftain. Archived from the original on July 28, 2014. Retrieved August 8, 2013.
  28. ^ Biota Information System of New Mexico.BISON-M home page. Retrieved March 28, 2013.
  29. ^ "Safari Club International (SCI) New Mexico Big Game Records". New Mexico Game and Fish. Archived from the original on October 18, 2013. Retrieved August 8, 2013.
  30. ^ National Visitor Use Monitoring Results for FY 2011 for the Cibola National Forest (PDF). US Forest Service. 2012.[permanent dead link]
  31. ^ Sharpe, Tom. "Refuge prepares for 25th annual crane festival". The New Mexican. Archived from the original on August 8, 2013.
  32. ^ Socorro County Visitor Spending by Industry. Tourism Economics.
  33. ^ Socorro County, Tourism Impact. Tourism Economics.
  34. ^ "2020 CENSUS - SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENCE MAP: Socorro County, NM" (PDF). U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved July 12, 2022. - Text list

Further reading[edit]

External links[edit]

34°01′N 106°56′W / 34.02°N 106.93°W / 34.02; -106.93

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