Dona Ana County, New Mexico

Geography According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 9,880 km² (3,815 mi²). 9,861 km² (3,807 mi²) of it is land and 19 km² (7 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 0.20% water.

Demographics As of the census of 2000, there are 174,682 people, 59,556 households, and 42,939 families residing in the county. The population density is 18/km² (46/mi²). There are 65,210 housing units at an average density of 7/km² (17/mi²). The racial makeup of the county is 67.82% White, 1.56% African American, 1.48% Native American, 0.76% Asian, 0.07% Pacific Islander, 24.74% from other races, and 3.58% from two or more races. 63.35% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 59,556 households out of which 38.40% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.40% are married couples living together, 14.70% have a female householder with no husband present, and 27.90% are non-families. 21.30% of all households are made up of individuals and 6.90% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.85 and the average family size is 3.36.

In the county the population is spread out with 29.70% under the age of 18, 13.30% from 18 to 24, 27.10% from 25 to 44, 19.30% from 45 to 64, and 10.60% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 30 years. For every 100 females there are 96.50 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 93.50 males.

The median income for a household in the county is $29,808, and the median income for a family is $33,576. Males have a median income of $27,215 versus $20,883 for females. The per capita income for the county is $13,999. 25.40% of the population and 20.20% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 34.40% are under the age of 18 and 12.70% are 65 or older.

Cities and Towns

• Anthony
• Chaparral
• Dona Ana
• Hatch
• Las Cruces
• Mesilla
• Mesquite
• Radium Springs
• Rincon
• Salem
• Santa Teresa
• Sunland Park
• University Park
• Vado
• White Sands