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Doña Ana County, New Mexico

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Doña Ana County(Spanish:Condado de Doña Ana) is acountylocated in the southern part of theNew Mexico,United States. As of the2020 U.S. Census,its population was 219,561,[1]which makes it the second-most populated county in New Mexico. Itscounty seatisLas Cruces,[2]the second-most populous municipality in New Mexico afterAlbuquerque,with 111,385 as of the 2020 U.S. Census.[3]

Doña Ana County
County
Doña Ana County Government Center
Doña Ana County Government Center
Flag of Doña Ana County
Flag
Official seal of Doña Ana County
Seal
Map of New Mexico highlighting Doña Ana County
Location within the U.S. state ofNew Mexico
Map of the United States highlighting New Mexico
New Mexico's location within theU.S.
Coordinates:32°18′44″N106°46′42″W/ 32.31222°N 106.77833°W/32.31222; -106.77833
CountryUnited States
StateNew Mexico
Founded1852
SeatLas Cruces
Largest cityLas Cruces
Area
• Total3,814 sq mi (9,880 km2)
• Land3,808 sq mi (9,860 km2)
• Water6.9 sq mi (18 km2) 0.2%
Population
(2020)
• Total219,561
• Density55/sq mi (21/km2)
Time zoneUTC−7(Mountain)
• Summer (DST)UTC−6(MDT)
Congressional district2nd
Websitewww.donaanacounty.org

The county is named for Doña Ana Robledo, who died there in 1680 while fleeing thePueblo Revolt.[4]Doña Ana County is one of only two counties in the United States to have adiacritical markin its name, the other beingCoös County, New Hampshire.[5]Notably, both Doña Ana County and Coös County lie on short international borders, the former withMexicoand the latter withCanada.

Doña Ana County consists of the Las Cruces, NMMetropolitan Statistical Area,which is also included in theEl Paso–Las Cruces,TX–NMCombined Statistical Area. It bordersLuna,Sierra,andOterocounties in New Mexico, andEl Paso County, Texasto the east and southeast.

The state ofChihuahua,Mexico, borders the county to the south. Construction of an improvedbarrier on the borderwas expedited in 2019 withwaivers of environmental and other laws.The waivers applied to 27 laws, including protection ofendangered species,archaeological sites,andhistoric places.[6]

Being 67.3% Hispanic in 2020, Doña Ana isNew Mexico's largest majority-Hispanic county.[7]

Geography

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According to theU.S. Census Bureau,the county has a total area of 3,814 square miles (9,880 km2), of which 3,808 square miles (9,860 km2) is land and 6.9 square miles (18 km2), or 0.2%, is covered by water.[8]

The county contains a number of prominent geographical features, most notably theMesilla Valley(the flood plain of theRio Grande) going north to south through the center and theOrgan Mountainsalong the county's eastern edge. Other mountain ranges in the county are theRobledo Mountains,Doña Ana Mountains,Sierra de las Uvas,the southern end of theSan Andres Mountains,East Potrillo Mountains,andWest Potrillo Mountains,as well as two small, isolated mountains, Tortugas (or A) Mountain on the east and Picacho Peak on the west side of Las Cruces. The county also includes one of New Mexico's four largelavafields, the Aden Malpais, and one of the world's largestmaarevolcanoes,Kilbourne Hole.

Adjacent counties andmunicipios

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National protected areas

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Demographics

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Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
18606,239—
18705,864−6.0%
18807,61229.8%
18909,19120.7%
190010,18710.8%
191012,89326.6%
192016,54828.3%
193027,45565.9%
194030,41110.8%
195039,55730.1%
196059,94851.5%
197069,77316.4%
198096,34038.1%
1990135,51040.7%
2000174,68228.9%
2010209,23319.8%
2020219,5614.9%
U.S. Decennial Census[9]
1790–1960[10]1900–1990[11]
1990–2000[12]2010–2020[1]

2010 U.S. census

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As of the2010 United States census,there were 209,233 people, 75,532 households, and 51,863 families residing in the county.[13]The population density was 55.0 inhabitants per square mile (21.2/km2). There were 81,492 housing units at an average density of 21.4 per square mile (8.3/km2).[14]The racial makeup of the county was 74.1% white, 1.7% black or African American, 1.5% American Indian, 1.1% Asian, 0.1% Pacific islander, 18.5% from other races, and 3.0% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 65.7% of the population.[13]In terms of ancestry, 7.3% wereGerman,and 2.2% wereAmerican.[15]

Of the 75,532 households, 37.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.8% were married couples living together, 16.0% had a female householder with no husband present, 31.3% were non-families, and 24.2% of all households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.71 and the average family size was 3.25. The median age was 32.4 years.[13]

The median income for a household in the county was $36,657 and the median income for a family was $43,184. Males had a median income of $33,510 versus $25,217 for females. The per capita income for the county was $18,315. About 20.1% of families and 24.5% of the population were below thepoverty line,including 34.8% of those under age 18 and 13.6% of those age 65 or over.[16]

2000 U.S. census

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As of the2000 United States census,[17]there were 174,682 people, 59,556 households, and 42,939 families residing in the county. The population density was 46 inhabitants per square mile (18/km2). There were 65,210 housing units at an average density of 17 units per square mile (6.6/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 67.8%White,1.6%BlackorAfrican American,1.5%Native American,0.8%Asian,0.1%Pacific Islander,24.7% fromother races,and 3.6% from two or more races. 63.4% of the population wereHispanicorLatinoof any race.

There were 59,556 households, out of which 38.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.4% weremarried couplesliving together, 14.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.9% were non-families. 21.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.85 and the average family size was 3.36.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 29.7% under the age of 18, 13.3% from 18 to 24, 27.1% from 25 to 44, 19.3% from 45 to 64, and 10.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 30 years. For every 100 females there were 96.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.5 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $29,808, and the median income for a family was $33,576. Males had a median income of $27,215 versus $20,883 for females. Theper capita incomefor the county was $13,999. 25.4% of the population and 20.2% of families were below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 34.4% are under the age of 18 and 12.7% are 65 or older.

Politics

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Doña Ana is a Democratic-leaning county inPresidentialandCongressionalelections. Since1920,Doña Ana has voted for the candidate who also won statewide, with the only exception being in2004when DemocratJohn Kerrywon Doña Ana 51–48%, while RepublicanGeorge W. Bushwon statewide 50–49%. The last Republican to win a majority in the county wasGeorge H. W. Bushin1988.

United States presidential election results for Doña Ana County, New Mexico[18]
Year Republican Democratic Third party(ies)
No.  % No.  % No.  %
2020 32,802 39.69% 47,957 58.03% 1,882 2.28%
2016 25,374 35.92% 37,947 53.71% 7,327 10.37%
2012 27,322 41.13% 37,139 55.91% 1,962 2.95%
2008 28,068 40.51% 40,282 58.14% 930 1.34%
2004 29,548 47.69% 31,762 51.26% 650 1.05%
2000 21,263 45.58% 23,912 51.26% 1,478 3.17%
1996 17,541 40.26% 22,766 52.26% 3,257 7.48%
1992 16,308 36.88% 19,894 44.99% 8,015 18.13%
1988 21,582 51.70% 19,608 46.97% 557 1.33%
1984 22,153 60.87% 13,878 38.13% 362 0.99%
1980 15,539 53.92% 10,839 37.61% 2,442 8.47%
1976 13,888 53.09% 12,036 46.01% 233 0.89%
1972 14,562 59.76% 9,416 38.64% 388 1.59%
1968 10,824 54.15% 7,658 38.31% 1,508 7.54%
1964 7,280 40.25% 10,748 59.43% 57 0.32%
1960 7,789 46.49% 8,905 53.15% 61 0.36%
1956 7,025 58.59% 4,918 41.01% 48 0.40%
1952 5,902 56.33% 4,556 43.48% 20 0.19%
1948 3,440 40.03% 5,116 59.54% 37 0.43%
1944 3,149 42.98% 4,172 56.94% 6 0.08%
1940 3,720 41.63% 5,208 58.28% 8 0.09%
1936 2,494 30.78% 5,544 68.43% 64 0.79%
1932 2,354 30.99% 5,133 67.58% 108 1.42%
1928 3,141 59.06% 2,169 40.79% 8 0.15%
1924 2,823 58.58% 1,775 36.83% 221 4.59%
1920 2,627 66.27% 1,318 33.25% 19 0.48%
1916 1,606 59.35% 1,078 39.84% 22 0.81%
1912 912 44.19% 895 43.36% 257 12.45%

Doña Ana is part ofNew Mexico's 2nd congressional district,which is currently held by DemocratGabe Vasquez.

In theState Senate,Doña Ana is part of the 31st, 35th, 36th, 37th, and 38th Senate districts, which currently held byJoe Cervantes,Crystal Brantley,Jeff Steinborn,William SoulesandCarrie Hamblen,respectively.[19][20]

In theState House,Doña Ana is part of the 32nd, 33rd, 34th, 35th, 36th, 37th, 38th, 52nd and 53rd House districts. The current state representatives areJenifer Jones,Micaela Lara Cadena,Raymundo Lara,Angelica Rubio,Nathan Small,Joanne Ferrary,Tara Jaramillo,Doreen GallegosandWillie Madrid,respectively.[21][22]

The current County Commissioners are as follows: Christopher Schaljo-Hernandez (District 1), Diana Murillo (District 2), Shannon Reynolds (District 3), Susana Chaparro (District 4) and Manuel A. Sanchez (District 5).[23]

Notable Events

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In January 2012, a federal court awarded former County prisoner Stephen Slevin a $22 million award[24]for inhumane treatment and for keeping him jailed for 2 years without a trial.[25][26]In a radio interview on the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation programAs It Happensbroadcast on February 7, 2012, Slevin's lawyer indicated that he was arrested for "DWI". During his incarceration, Slevin was placed in solitary confinement. When his health deteriorated, Slevin was removed to a hospital, but after two weeks in the hospital, he was returned to solitary confinement. The lawyer stated that pictures taken before and after Slevin's time in jail were key to the trial's outcome.[27]The District Attorney for the 3rd Judicial District in Doña Ana County during the 2005 - 2007 indefinite detention without trial of Mr. Slevin wasSusana Martinez,who later became the Governor of New Mexico.[28]

In August 2013, County Clerk Lynn Ellins announced he would begin grantingmarriage licensestosame-sex couples.[29]Several Republican state legislators vowed to file suit against Ellins in a bid to halt the licenses from being issued.[30]In the aftermath of the 2015Supreme CourtcaseObergefell v. Hodges,such controversies have not been raised.

Communities

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Map of Doña Ana County

Cities

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Towns

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Village

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Census-designated places

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Other places

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Ghost towns

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Education

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School districts in the county include:[31]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ab"U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Doña Ana County, New Mexico".United States Census Bureau.RetrievedSeptember 26,2021.
  2. ^"Find a County".National Association of Counties. Archived fromthe originalon May 31, 2011.RetrievedJune 7,2011.
  3. ^"U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Las Cruces city, New Mexico".U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Las Cruces city, New Mexico.RetrievedSeptember 26,2021.
  4. ^"Doña Ana Historical Marker".The Historical Marker Database.RetrievedJune 3,2018.
  5. ^"United States Counties".www.statoids.com.RetrievedOctober 24,2024.
  6. ^Kocherga, Angela (April 28, 2019)."Homeland Security expedites border wall project".Albuquerque Journal.RetrievedApril 28,2019.
  7. ^"P2: HISPANIC OR LATINO, AND NOT HISPANIC OR LATINO BY RACE".2020 Census.United States Census Bureau.Archivedfrom the original on September 18, 2021.RetrievedOctober 10,2021.
  8. ^"2010 Census Gazetteer Files".United States Census Bureau. August 22, 2012. Archived fromthe originalon January 1, 2015.RetrievedJanuary 1,2015.
  9. ^"U.S. Decennial Census".United States Census Bureau.RetrievedJanuary 1,2015.
  10. ^"Historical Census Browser".University of Virginia Library.RetrievedJanuary 1,2015.
  11. ^"Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990".United States Census Bureau.RetrievedJanuary 1,2015.
  12. ^"Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000"(PDF).United States Census Bureau.RetrievedJanuary 1,2015.
  13. ^abc"DP-1 Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010 Demographic Profile Data".United States Census Bureau.Archived fromthe originalon February 13, 2020.RetrievedJanuary 24,2016.
  14. ^"Population, Housing Units, Area, and Density: 2010 - County".United States Census Bureau.Archived fromthe originalon February 13, 2020.RetrievedJanuary 24,2016.
  15. ^"DP02 SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS IN THE UNITED STATES – 2006–2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates".United States Census Bureau.Archived fromthe originalon February 13, 2020.RetrievedJanuary 24,2016.
  16. ^"DP03 SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS – 2006–2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates".United States Census Bureau.Archived fromthe originalon February 13, 2020.RetrievedJanuary 24,2016.
  17. ^"U.S. Census website".United States Census Bureau.RetrievedJanuary 31,2008.
  18. ^Leip, David."Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections".uselectionatlas.org.RetrievedApril 1,2018.
  19. ^"LWV New Mexico".www.lwvnm.org.RetrievedOctober 16,2024.
  20. ^"Legislators Listing - New Mexico Legislature".www.nmlegis.gov.RetrievedOctober 16,2024.
  21. ^"LWV New Mexico".www.lwvnm.org.RetrievedOctober 16,2024.
  22. ^"Legislators Listing - New Mexico Legislature".www.nmlegis.gov.RetrievedOctober 16,2024.
  23. ^https://www.donaanacounty.org/government/board-of-county-commissioners[bare URL]
  24. ^Stephen Slevin vs. Board of Commissioners for the County of Doña Ana, et al."Special Verdict Form."United States District Court, Santa Fe, NM. January 24, 2012
  25. ^"Lonely hell of long forgotten prisoner Stephen Slevin".The Telegraph (AU).January 29, 2012.RetrievedJanuary 28,2012.
  26. ^Mears, Bill (January 25, 2012)."Former inmate wins $22 million over 'forgotten' solitary confinement".CNN.RetrievedJanuary 28,2012.
  27. ^Canadian Broadcasting Corporation programAs It Happens,February 7, 2012
  28. ^"Meet the Governor."New Mexico Office of the Governor Susana Martinez. January 29, 2012.
  29. ^"ELLINS: DOÑA ANA COUNTY ISSUING SAME-GENDER MARRIAGE LICENSES".Doña Ana County. August 21, 2013.RetrievedAugust 26,2013.
  30. ^"GOP to challenge state's gay marriages".Santa Fe New Mexican. August 22, 2013.RetrievedAugust 26,2013.
  31. ^"2020 CENSUS - SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENCE MAP: Doña Ana County, NM"(PDF).U.S. Census Bureau.RetrievedJune 28,2022.-Text list
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