List of Counties in New Mexico
New Mexico has 33 counties. The most populous counties are Bernalillo County (Albuquerque), Doña Ana County (Las Cruces), Santa Fe County, San Juan County, Sandoval County, Valencia County, Chaves County, McKinley County, Lea County, and Otero County. Bernalillo County is by far the largest in terms of population, containing Albuquerque, the state’s largest city. Santa Fe County, home to the state capital, is also highly populated and an important cultural hub.
List of All Counties in New Mexico
- Bernalillo County, New Mexico
- Catron County, New Mexico
- Chaves County, New Mexico
- Cibola County, New Mexico
- Colfax County, New Mexico
- Curry County, New Mexico
- De Baca County, New Mexico
- Doña Ana County, New Mexico
- Eddy County, New Mexico
- Grant County, New Mexico
- Guadalupe County, New Mexico
- Harding County, New Mexico
- Hidalgo County, New Mexico
- Lea County, New Mexico
- Lincoln County, New Mexico
- Los Alamos County, New Mexico
- Luna County, New Mexico
- McKinley County, New Mexico
- Mora County, New Mexico
- Otero County, New Mexico
- Quay County, New Mexico
- Rio Arriba County, New Mexico
- Roosevelt County, New Mexico
- San Juan County, New Mexico
- San Miguel County, New Mexico
- Sandoval County, New Mexico
- Santa Fe County, New Mexico
- Sierra County, New Mexico
- Socorro County, New Mexico
- Taos County, New Mexico
- Torrance County, New Mexico
- Union County, New Mexico
- Valencia County, New Mexico
Largest Counties in New Mexico
1. Catron County
Overview
Catron County is the largest county in New Mexico, covering 6,929 square miles. Located in the southwestern part of the state, it is bordered by Arizona to the west, Cibola County to the north, and Socorro County to the east. Catron County was created in 1921 and named after Thomas B. Catron, a prominent lawyer and politician who played a major role in New Mexico’s path to statehood. The county seat is Reserve, a small community that serves as the administrative center. Catron County is sparsely populated, with much of its economy based on ranching and outdoor recreation. The county is home to parts of the Gila National Forest, including the Gila Wilderness, the first designated wilderness area in the U.S.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 3,500
- County Seat: Reserve
- Major Airports: None (Nearest major airport: Albuquerque International Sunport)
- Major Highways: U.S. Highway 60, U.S. Highway 180, New Mexico State Road 12
2. San Juan County
Overview
San Juan County is located in the northwestern corner of New Mexico, covering 5,538 square miles. It is bordered by Colorado to the north, Arizona to the west, and McKinley County to the south. The county was established in 1887 and is named after the San Juan River, which runs through the region. The county seat, Aztec, is known for the Aztec Ruins National Monument, which preserves ancient Pueblo structures. Farmington, the largest city in the county, is a regional hub for energy production, particularly natural gas and oil, which are key drivers of the local economy. In addition to energy, San Juan County has a strong agricultural base and serves as a gateway to the Four Corners region.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 121,000
- County Seat: Aztec
- Major Airports: Four Corners Regional Airport (Farmington)
- Major Highways: U.S. Highway 64, U.S. Highway 550, New Mexico State Road 516
3. Rio Arriba County
Overview
Rio Arriba County is located in northern New Mexico and covers 5,858 square miles. It is bordered by Taos County to the east, San Juan County to the west, and Santa Fe County to the south. The county was one of the original nine counties in New Mexico, established in 1852. The name “Rio Arriba” translates to “Upper River” in Spanish, referring to its location along the upper reaches of the Rio Grande. The county seat, Tierra Amarilla, is a small town with historical significance, while Española is the largest city and a key cultural center. Rio Arriba County’s economy is largely based on agriculture, tourism, and government services. The county is known for its natural beauty, including the Carson National Forest and part of the Jemez Mountains.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 39,000
- County Seat: Tierra Amarilla
- Major Airports: None (Nearest major airport: Albuquerque International Sunport)
- Major Highways: U.S. Highway 84, U.S. Highway 285, New Mexico State Road 68
4. Otero County
Overview
Otero County is located in the southern part of New Mexico, covering 6,627 square miles. It is bordered by Texas to the east, Lincoln County to the north, and Doña Ana County to the west. The county was established in 1899 and named after Miguel A. Otero, the territorial governor of New Mexico at the time. The county seat, Alamogordo, is known for its proximity to White Sands National Park and Holloman Air Force Base. Otero County’s economy is largely based on federal and military installations, tourism, and agriculture. The region is also home to part of the Lincoln National Forest, the birthplace of Smokey Bear, and the Sacramento Mountains, which attract outdoor enthusiasts.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 67,000
- County Seat: Alamogordo
- Major Airports: Alamogordo-White Sands Regional Airport
- Major Highways: U.S. Highway 54, U.S. Highway 70, U.S. Highway 82
5. Eddy County
Overview
Eddy County is located in southeastern New Mexico, covering 4,198 square miles. It is bordered by Texas to the south, Chaves County to the north, and Lea County to the east. The county was established in 1889 and named after Charles B. Eddy, a local rancher and businessman. The county seat, Carlsbad, is home to Carlsbad Caverns National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a major tourist destination. Eddy County’s economy is heavily reliant on oil and gas production, which has led to significant economic growth in recent years. Agriculture, particularly cotton and alfalfa farming, and tourism are also important contributors to the local economy.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 58,000
- County Seat: Carlsbad
- Major Airports: Cavern City Air Terminal (Carlsbad)
- Major Highways: U.S. Highway 62, U.S. Highway 285, U.S. Highway 82
6. Chaves County
Overview
Chaves County is located in southeastern New Mexico and covers 6,071 square miles. It is bordered by Lincoln County to the west, Roosevelt County to the east, and Eddy County to the south. The county was created in 1889 and named after José Francisco Chaves, a 19th-century military leader and politician. The county seat, Roswell, is famous for the 1947 Roswell UFO incident and has become a center for tourism related to extraterrestrial lore. In addition to tourism, the economy of Chaves County is driven by agriculture, particularly dairy farming and ranching, as well as oil and gas production. The county is also home to the New Mexico Military Institute, a prestigious military school.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 64,000
- County Seat: Roswell
- Major Airports: Roswell International Air Center
- Major Highways: U.S. Highway 70, U.S. Highway 285, New Mexico State Road 2
7. Lea County
Overview
Lea County is located in the southeastern corner of New Mexico, covering 4,394 square miles. It is bordered by Texas to the east, Eddy County to the west, and Chaves County to the north. The county was established in 1917 and named after Joseph Calloway Lea, a prominent rancher and politician. The county seat, Lovington, serves as a key agricultural and energy hub. Lea County is a major player in New Mexico’s oil and gas industry, with significant production from the Permian Basin. Agriculture, particularly cattle ranching and cotton farming, is also important to the local economy. Hobbs, the largest city in the county, has a growing role as a center for education and energy research.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 72,000
- County Seat: Lovington
- Major Airports: Lea County Regional Airport (Hobbs)
- Major Highways: U.S. Highway 62, U.S. Highway 82, U.S. Highway 385
8. Grant County
Overview
Grant County is located in southwestern New Mexico, covering 3,967 square miles. It is bordered by Hidalgo County to the west, Luna County to the south, and Sierra County to the east. The county was established in 1868 and named after Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th President of the United States. The county seat, Silver City, is known for its historic downtown and nearby natural attractions, such as the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument and the Gila National Forest. Mining, particularly copper mining, has historically been a major industry in Grant County. Today, the county’s economy is also supported by tourism, education (Western New Mexico University), and healthcare.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 27,000
- County Seat: Silver City
- Major Airports: Grant County Airport
- Major Highways: U.S. Highway 180, New Mexico State Road 152, New Mexico State Road 90
9. Lincoln County
Overview
Lincoln County is located in south-central New Mexico, covering 4,831 square miles. It is bordered by Otero County to the south, Torrance County to the west, and Chaves County to the east. The county was established in 1869 and is named after President Abraham Lincoln. The county seat, Carrizozo, is a small town with a rich history dating back to the Old West. Lincoln County is perhaps best known for the Lincoln County War and the legend of Billy the Kid. The county’s economy is largely based on tourism, ranching, and forestry. Ruidoso, a popular mountain resort town in the Sierra Blanca Mountains, is a major center for recreation and tourism, especially for skiing and horse racing at Ruidoso Downs.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 20,000
- County Seat: Carrizozo
- Major Airports: Sierra Blanca Regional Airport (Ruidoso)
- Major Highways: U.S. Highway 54, U.S. Highway 380, New Mexico State Road 48
10. Doña Ana County
Overview
Doña Ana County is located in southern New Mexico, covering 3,815 square miles. It is bordered by Texas to the east, Otero County to the north, and Mexico to the south. The county was established in 1852 and named after Doña Ana Robledo, an early Spanish settler in the region. The county seat is Las Cruces, the second-largest city in New Mexico and a major hub for education, healthcare, and agriculture. The county’s economy is diverse, with significant contributions from New Mexico State University, agriculture (particularly chile peppers and pecans), and tourism. The Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument is a notable natural feature that draws visitors to the area.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 220,000
- County Seat: Las Cruces
- Major Airports: Las Cruces International Airport
- Major Highways: Interstate 10, Interstate 25, U.S. Highway 70