Lincoln County, New Mexico

History In the late 1870s the so-called Lincoln County War broke out between ranchers and the owners of the county's largest general store. William Bonney, better known as Billy the Kid became involved on the side of the ranchers after his friend and employer was killed. In the end Bonney killed the deputy that killed his friend, another deputy and the county sheriff. Several other people were slain in the conflict which included the other leader of the rancher faction. His death ended the conflict. In 1878 the new territorial governor, retired Union General Lew Wallace offered an amnesty to the combatants in order to bring a long-lasting truce between the factions.

Geography According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 12,513 km² (4,831 mi²). 12,512 km² (4,831 mi²) of it is land and 1 km² (0 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 0.01% water.

Demographics As of the census of 2000, there are 19,411 people, 8,202 households, and 5,634 families residing in the county. The population density is 2/km² (4/mi²). There are 15,298 housing units at an average density of 1/km² (3/mi²). The racial makeup of the county is 83.60% White, 0.35% African American, 1.95% Native American, 0.27% Asian, 0.06% Pacific Islander, 11.28% from other races, and 2.48% from two or more races. 25.63% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 8,202 households out of which 26.20% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.60% are married couples living together, 9.30% have a female householder with no husband present, and 31.30% are non-families. 26.70% of all households are made up of individuals and 10.00% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.34 and the average family size is 2.80.

In the county the population is spread out with 22.70% under the age of 18, 6.00% from 18 to 24, 23.20% from 25 to 44, 30.20% from 45 to 64, and 17.90% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 44 years. For every 100 females there are 95.90 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 93.30 males.

The median income for a household in the county is $33,886, and the median income for a family is $40,035. Males have a median income of $27,323 versus $19,923 for females. The per capita income for the county is $19,338. 14.90% of the population and 10.80% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 24.70% are under the age of 18 and 8.70% are 65 or older.

Cities and Towns

• Capitan
• Carrizozo
• Corona
• Ruidoso
• Ruidoso Downs