Major cities or towns:

Portales
Elida
Roosevelt County, New Mexico is a rural county located in the eastern part of the state. The geography is characterized by flat, arid plains, with an average elevation of around 4,000 feet. The climate is semi-arid, with hot summers and mild winters. The population is just over 18,000, with a median age of 34 and a diverse mix of Hispanic, White, and Native American residents. The economy is largely agricultural, with crops like cotton, peanuts, and sorghum being major industries. The job market is limited, with many residents commuting to larger cities like Clovis or Lubbock, Texas for employment. The cost of living is relatively low, with affordable housing options, but the housing market can be limited. The education system includes several public school districts, as well as Eastern New Mexico University-Roswell, which provides associate's degrees and vocational training. Healthcare facilities are basic, with a small regional hospital and limited specialist services, requiring travel to larger cities for more complex medical needs. Cultural attractions are limited, though the area offers outdoor recreation opportunities like hunting, fishing, and hiking in the surrounding natural areas. The community vibe is rural and tight-knit, with a slower pace of life. Transportation infrastructure is adequate, with a network of highways, but public transit options are minimal. Overall, Roosevelt County offers an affordable cost of living and a relaxed, small-town lifestyle, but the limited job market, healthcare, and cultural amenities may not appeal to all potential residents.

Demographics

Population

19K

Ethnicity %

White
53
Black
2
Asian
1
Hispanic
43

Median Age

30

Density

1 of 10

8 / Mile²

Avg Family Size

3.1

Religious

59%

Foreign Born

9%

Veterans

7.9%

Adult Smokers

18%

Adult Obesity

34%

Uninsured

15%

Excessive Drinking

16%

Poverty Rate

18.4%

Weather

Sunlight

6.8 hours winter dailyVery sunny

Summer average temp

88°F

Winter max temp

54°F

Precipitation

16 in.

Snowfall (inches)

10.1 (avg)

Drought risk

High

Earthquake risk

Very Low

Wildfire risk

Moderate

Tornado risk

Low

Hurricane risk

Very Low

Crime

Rank: 3.3 of 10

(crimes per 1,000 people yearly)

Violent

8 (5.7)

Property

3 (14)

Assault

9 (5.3)

Larceny (theft)

3 (11)

Robbery

2 (0.3)

Burglary

2 (1.8)

Rape

1 (0.09)

Auto Theft

4 (1.3)

Murder

3 (0.05)

Arson

2 (0.09)

Driving deaths involving alcohol

17%

Politics and Law

State politics

Blue (Democrat)

Abortion laws

Legal at any stage

Marijuana laws

Legal for recreational use

Gun Laws

Permit required for concealed carry

Democrat

27%

Republican

71%

State Tax Burden

8.19%

Cigarette Tax

$2

Jobs

Income (per capita)

$43,207

Unemployment

3.1%

Employment

51.7%

Hours worked

43.2

Outdoors

Natural Amenities

4.7 / 10

Water Area

0.26%

Near park?

84%

Beaches

Not near the coast

Mountains

1-3 hours

Tree Area

1%

Housing

Home Ownership

70%

Median Home Price

$141K

Average Rent

$820

Internet over 25mbps

74%

Transportation

Walkability

9

Cycling

27

Public Transit

unknown

Major Airport

<2 hours

Average Commute Time

16

Education

K-12 Test Scores

3 of 10  

(avg: -0.20)

College graduates

24%

Culture

Arts scene

unknown

Food awards per 100k

unknown