Taos County, New Mexico

County in New Mexico, United States

County in New Mexico

Taos County

County

Taos Mountain from El Prado

Seal

Location within the U.S. state of New Mexico

New Mexico's location within the U.S.

Coordinates: 36°34′N 105°38′W﻿ / ﻿36.57°N 105.63°W﻿ / 36.57; -105.63
Country|  United States
State|  New Mexico
Founded| January 9, 1852
Seat| Taos
Largest town| Taos
Area

• Total

| 2,204 sq mi (5,710 km2)
• Land| 2,203 sq mi (5,710 km2)
• Water| 1.3 sq mi (3 km2)  0.06%
Population

(2020)

• Total

| 34,489
• Density| 16/sq mi (6.0/km2)
Time zone| UTC−7 (Mountain)
• Summer (DST)| UTC−6 (MDT)
Congressional district| 3rd
Website| www.taoscounty.org

Taos County is a county in the U.S. state of New Mexico. As of the 2020 census, the population was 34,489.[1] Its county seat is Taos.[2] The county was formed in 1852 as one of the original nine counties in New Mexico Territory.[3]

Taos County comprises the Taos, New Mexico Micropolitan Statistical Area.

## Geography

[edit]

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 2,204 square miles (5,710 km2), of which 2,203 square miles (5,710 km2) is land and 1.3 square miles (3.4 km2) (0.06%) is water.[4]

The county's highest point is the summit of Wheeler Peak at 13,161 feet (4,011 m). This summit is also the highest natural point in New Mexico.[5] The county has the highest mean elevation of any U.S. county outside of Colorado at 8,510 feet (2,590 m), even though it ranks only 22nd overall.[6] Taos County contains 17 of New Mexico's highest 25 peaks.

### Adjacent counties

[edit]

* Rio Arriba County \- west
* Mora County \- southeast
* Colfax County \- east
* Costilla County, Colorado \- north
* Conejos County, Colorado \- northwest

### National protected area

[edit]

* Carson National Forest (part)
* Rio Grande del Norte National Monument

## Demographics

[edit]

Historical population Census| Pop.| Note| %±

|
|
|

1850| 9,507| | —
1860| 14,103| | 48.3%
1870| 12,079| | −14.4%
1880| 11,029| | −8.7%
1890| 9,868| | −10.5%
1900| 10,889| | 10.3%
1910| 12,008| | 10.3%
1920| 12,773| | 6.4%
1930| 14,394| | 12.7%
1940| 18,528| | 28.7%
1950| 17,146| | −7.5%
1960| 15,934| | −7.1%
1970| 17,516| | 9.9%
1980| 19,456| | 11.1%
1990| 23,118| | 18.8%
2000| 29,979| | 29.7%
2010| 32,937| | 9.9%
2020| 34,489| | 4.7%
2024 (est.)| 34,482| [7]| 0.0%
U.S. Decennial Census[8]
1790-1960[9] 1900-1990[10]
1990-2000[11] 2010-2020[7]

### 2000 census

[edit]

As of the 2000 census,[12] there were 29,979 people, 12,675 households, and 7,757 families living in the county. The population density was 14 people per square mile (5.4 people/km2).[13] There were 17,404 housing units at an average density of 8 per square mile (3.1/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 63.77% White, 0.35% Black or African American, 6.59% Native American, 0.38% Asian, 0.12% Pacific Islander, 24.84% from other races, and 3.95% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 57.94% of the population.[12]

There were 12,675 households, out of which 29.90% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 42.70% were married couples living together, 12.70% had a female householder with no husband present, and 38.80% were non-families. 32.10% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.90% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.34 and the average family size was 2.98.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 24.50% under the age of 18, 6.90% from 18 to 24, 27.40% from 25 to 44, 28.80% from 45 to 64, and 12.30% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females there were 96.20 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.70 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $26,762, and the median income for a family was $33,995. Males had a median income of $27,310 versus $21,121 for females. The per capita income for the county was $16,103. About 16.10% of families and 20.90% of the population were below the poverty line, including 24.60% of those under age 18 and 20.80% of those age 65 or over.

### 2010 census

[edit]

As of the 2010 census, there were 32,937 people, 14,806 households, and 8,437 families living in the county.[14] The population density was 15.0 inhabitants per square mile (5.8/km2). There were 20,265 housing units at an average density of 9.2 per square mile (3.6/km2).[15] The racial makeup of the county was 68.7% white, 6.2% American Indian, 0.7% Asian, 0.4% black or African American, 19.1% from other races, and 4.9% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 55.8% of the population.[14] In terms of ancestry, 10.8% were English, 10.3% were German, 9.0% were Irish, and 1.2% were American.[16]

Of the 14,806 households, 26.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 38.3% were married couples living together, 12.6% had a female householder with no husband present, 43.0% were non-families, and 36.0% of all households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.19 and the average family size was 2.85. The median age was 45.2 years.[14]

The median income for a household in the county was $35,441 and the median income for a family was $43,236. Males had a median income of $34,245 versus $28,325 for females. The per capita income for the county was $22,145. About 14.5% of families and 17.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 28.3% of those under age 18 and 11.9% of those age 65 or over.[17]

## Communities

[edit]

### Towns

[edit]

* Red River
* Taos (county seat)

### Villages

[edit]

* Questa
* Taos Ski Valley

### Census-designated places

[edit]

* Arroyo Hondo
* Arroyo Seco
* Chamisal
* Costilla
* Ojo Caliente (part)
* Peñasco
* Picuris Pueblo
* Ranchos de Taos
* Rio Lucio
* San Cristobal
* Talpa
* Taos Pueblo
* Vadito

### Other communities

[edit]

* Amalia
* Cañoncito
* Carson
* Cerro
* El Prado
* El Rito
* Las Trampas
* Llano
* Llano Quemado
* No Agua
* Pilar
* Tres Piedras
* Valdez

## Politics

[edit]

Taos County is heavily Democratic; the last Republican candidate to win the county was Richard Nixon in 1972 by just over 2%. Taos County often rivals Santa Fe County as the most Democratic county in New Mexico. Taos itself, Ranchos de Taos, Taos Pueblo, Taos Ski Valley, Picuris Pueblo, the Arroyo Seco and Arroyo Hondo areas, and the rural southern and western parts of the county all vote strongly Democratic, while the Red River area votes strongly Republican. Questa and El Prado are also Democratic-leaning, though they saw heavy Republican trends in 2024.[18]

United States presidential election results for Taos County, New Mexico[19] Year  | Republican | Democratic | Third party(ies)

|
|
|

No. | % | No. | % | No. | %
2024 | 4,139  | 24.88%  | 12,038  | 72.36% | 459  | 2.76%
2020 | 3,715  | 21.62%  | 13,121  | 76.37% | 345  | 2.01%
2016 | 2,727  | 17.87%  | 10,668  | 69.91% | 1,865  | 12.22%
2012 | 2,730  | 17.80%  | 11,978  | 78.09% | 631  | 4.11%
2008 | 2,866  | 16.97%  | 13,816  | 81.82% | 204  | 1.21%
2004 | 3,666  | 24.71%  | 10,987  | 74.06% | 182  | 1.23%
2000 | 2,744  | 25.19%  | 7,039  | 64.61% | 1,112  | 10.21%
1996 | 2,126  | 21.15%  | 6,635  | 66.00% | 1,292  | 12.85%
1992 | 2,260  | 21.16%  | 7,051  | 66.01% | 1,370  | 12.83%
1988 | 2,897  | 31.29%  | 6,271  | 67.73% | 91  | 0.98%
1984 | 4,154  | 44.04%  | 5,144  | 54.54% | 134  | 1.42%
1980 | 3,584  | 41.67%  | 4,346  | 50.53% | 671  | 7.80%
1976 | 3,012  | 40.07%  | 4,414  | 58.72% | 91  | 1.21%
1972 | 3,617  | 50.49% | 3,472  | 48.46%  | 75  | 1.05%
1968 | 3,119  | 49.89% | 2,993  | 47.87%  | 140  | 2.24%
1964 | 2,006  | 32.16%  | 4,204  | 67.39% | 28  | 0.45%
1960 | 2,620  | 41.87%  | 3,631  | 58.03% | 6  | 0.10%
1956 | 3,100  | 53.02% | 2,743  | 46.91%  | 4  | 0.07%
1952 | 2,763  | 48.94%  | 2,877  | 50.96% | 6  | 0.11%
1948 | 2,852  | 48.59%  | 2,977  | 50.72% | 41  | 0.70%
1944 | 2,557  | 50.30% | 2,525  | 49.67%  | 2  | 0.04%
1940 | 3,342  | 49.07%  | 3,463  | 50.85% | 5  | 0.07%
1936 | 2,918  | 48.80%  | 3,051  | 51.03% | 10  | 0.17%
1932 | 2,416  | 42.22%  | 3,277  | 57.26% | 30  | 0.52%
1928 | 2,441  | 56.98% | 1,842  | 43.00%  | 1  | 0.02%
1924 | 2,470  | 58.68% | 1,655  | 39.32%  | 84  | 2.00%
1920 | 2,519  | 64.86% | 1,359  | 34.99%  | 6  | 0.15%
1916 | 1,320  | 57.95% | 910  | 39.95%  | 48  | 2.11%
1912 | 855  | 44.58% | 765  | 39.89%  | 298  | 15.54%

## Education

[edit]

School districts for the county include:[20]

* Mesa Vista Consolidated Schools
* Peñasco Independent Schools
* Questa Independent Schools
* Taos Municipal Schools

## In popular culture

[edit]

Earthship home under construction, 2011

The Rio Grande Gorge Bridge is featured in the 1994 crime-drama film Natural Born Killers,[21] in the 2007 comedy Wild Hogs,[22] and in the 2009 film Terminator: Salvation.[23]

The 2007 film Garbage Warrior documents architect Mike Reynolds who builds Earthships in and around Taos County.[24]

## See also

[edit]

* National Register of Historic Places listings in Taos County, New Mexico

## References

[edit]

1. ^ "Taos County, New Mexico". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved July 3, 2023.
2. ^ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
3. ^ "New Mexico: Consolidated Chronology of State and County Boundaries". New Mexico Atlas of Historical County Boundaries. The Newberry Library. 2007. Archived from the original on August 22, 2016. Retrieved January 2, 2015.
4. ^ "2010 Census Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. August 22, 2012. Archived from the original on January 1, 2015. Retrieved January 2, 2015.
5. ^ "Wheeler Peak Wilderness". United States Forest Service - USDA.
6. ^ Carl Mills. "Mean County Elevation Lists". Retrieved October 19, 2014.
7. ^ a b "State & County QuickFacts". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved June 3, 2025.
8. ^ "U.S. Decennial Census". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 2, 2015.
9. ^ "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. Retrieved January 2, 2015.
10. ^ "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 2, 2015.
11. ^ "Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. Archived (PDF) from the original on March 27, 2010. Retrieved January 2, 2015.
12. ^ a b "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
13. ^ Detailed Tables, U.S. Census Bureau
14. ^ a b c "DP-1 Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010 Demographic Profile Data". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved January 24, 2016.
15. ^ "Population, Housing Units, Area, and Density: 2010 - County". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved January 24, 2016.
16. ^ "DP02 SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS IN THE UNITED STATES – 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved January 24, 2016.
17. ^ "DP03 SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS – 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved January 24, 2016.
18. ^ Datar, Saurabh; Marcus, Ilana; Murray, Eli; Singer, Ethan; Lemonides, Alex; Zhang, Christine (January 15, 2025). "An Extremely Detailed Map of the 2024 Election". The New York Times.
19. ^ Leip, David. "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org. Retrieved April 2, 2018.
20. ^ "2020 CENSUS - SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENCE MAP: Taos County, NM" (PDF). U.S. Census Bureau. Archived (PDF) from the original on July 12, 2022. Retrieved July 12, 2022. \- Text list
21. ^ "Rio Grande Gorge Bridge". New York Times. 2011. Retrieved June 4, 2011.
22. ^ "Goofs for Wild Hogs (2007)". IMDb. Retrieved June 4, 2011.
23. ^ "Terminator Salvation: Set Locations Revisited". TheTerminatorFans.com. January 28, 2010. Retrieved June 3, 2011.
24. ^ "Garbage Warrior". HESO Magazine. October 7, 2009. Archived from the original on October 22, 2017. Retrieved August 11, 2021.

## External links

[edit]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Taos County, New Mexico.

* Official website
* TaosCounty.net

Places adjacent to Taos County, New Mexico

| Conejos County, Colorado | Costilla County, Colorado |

|
|

|  |
Rio Arriba County |

Taos County, New Mexico

| Colfax County
|  |
| Rio Arriba County | Mora County

* v
* t
* e

Municipalities and communities of Taos County, New Mexico, United States

County seat: Taos

Towns|

* Red River
* Taos

Map of New Mexico highlighting Taos County

Villages|

* Questa
* Taos Ski Valley

CDPs|

* Arroyo Hondo
* Arroyo Seco
* Chamisal
* Costilla
* Ojo Caliente‡
* Peñasco
* Picuris Pueblo
* Ranchos de Taos
* Rio Lucio
* San Cristobal
* Talpa
* Taos Pueblo
* Vadito

Other
communities|

* Amalia
* Cañoncito
* Carson
* Cerro
* El Prado
* El Rito
* Las Trampas
* Llano
* Llano Quemado
* No Agua
* Pilar
* Tres Piedras
* Valdez

Ghost towns|

* La Belle
* Twining

Indian reservation|

* Taos Pueblo

Footnotes|

‡This populated place also has portions in an adjacent county or counties

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See: List of counties in New Mexico

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36°34′N 105°38′W﻿ / ﻿36.57°N 105.63°W﻿ / 36.57; -105.63
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