Editing Socorro County, New Mexico

{{Short description|County in New Mexico, United States}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2024}}
{{Infobox U.S. county
 | county               = Socorro County
 | state                = New Mexico
 | flag                 =
 | seal                 = 
 | founded year         = 1852
 | founded date         = January 9
 | seat wl              = Socorro
 | largest city wl      = Socorro
 | area_total_sq_mi     = 6649
 | area_land_sq_mi      = 6647
 | area_water_sq_mi     = 2.1
 | area percentage      = 0.03%
 | census yr            = 2020
 | pop                  = 16595
 | density_sq_mi        = auto
 | web                  = www.socorrocounty.net
 | ex image             = Socorro County New Mexico Court House.jpg
 | ex image cap         = Socorro County Courthouse in Socorro
 | district             = 2nd
 | time zone            = Mountain
}}
[[File:San Mateo Mtns South.jpg|thumb|right|The view from the southern San Mateo Mountains in Socorro County, New Mexico.]]
[[File:Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array (8279314499).jpg|thumb|The Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array in Socorro County.]]

'''Socorro County''' ({{langx|es|Condado de Socorro|link=}}) is a [[List of counties in New Mexico|county]] in the [[U.S. state]] of [[New Mexico]]. As of the [[2020 United States census]], the population was 16,595.<ref name=":0">{{cite web|title=Socorro County, New Mexico|url=https://data.census.gov/profile/Socorro_County,_New_Mexico?g=050XX00US35053|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=July 3, 2023}}</ref> The county seat is [[Socorro, New Mexico|Socorro]].<ref name="GR6">{{cite web|url=http://www.naco.org/Counties/Pages/FindACounty.aspx|access-date=June 7, 2011|title=Find a County|publisher=National Association of Counties}}</ref> The county was formed in 1852 as one of the original nine counties of [[New Mexico Territory]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://publications.newberry.org/ahcbp/documents/NM_Consolidated_Chronology.htm|title=New Mexico: Consolidated Chronology of State and County Boundaries|work=New Mexico Atlas of Historical County Boundaries|publisher=The Newberry Library|date=2007|access-date=January 2, 2015|archive-date=August 22, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160822051237/http://publications.newberry.org/ahcbp/documents/NM_Consolidated_Chronology.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.socorrocounty.net/culture-recreation/history-of-socorro-county|title=History of Socorro County|publisher=Socorro County InfoNet|access-date=January 2, 2015|archive-date=January 3, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150103051944/http://www.socorrocounty.net/culture-recreation/history-of-socorro-county|url-status=dead}}</ref> Socorro was originally the name given to a [[Native Americans in the United States|Native American]] village (''see'': [[Puebloan peoples]]) by Don [[Juan de Oñate]] in 1598. Having received vitally needed food and assistance from the native population, Oñate named the pueblo ''Socorro'' ("succor" in English).

Socorro County is home to multiple scientific research institutions including [[New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology]], the [[National Radio Astronomy Observatory]] and its associated [[Very Large Array]], the [[Magdalena Ridge Observatory]], and the [[Langmuir Laboratory for Atmospheric Research]]. Federal public lands in Socorro County include parts of the [[Cibola National Forest]], the [[Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge]], the [[Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge]], the [[Bureau of Land Management]] (BLM) Socorro Field Office, parts of the [[Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument]], and parts of the [[El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro National Historic Trail]].

==History==
Socorro County's history is intimately linked with the rich history of the surrounding area. Basham noted in his report documenting the archeological history of the Cibola National Forest's Magdalena Ranger District, which is almost entirely within Socorro County, that “[t]he heritage resources on the district are diverse and representative of nearly every prominent human evolutionary event known to anthropology. Evidence for human use of district lands date back 14,000 years to the [[Paleoindian]] period providing glimpses into the peopling of the [[New World]] and [[Megafauna#Megafaunal mass extinctions|megafaunal extinction]].“<ref name=Basham>{{cite book|last=Basham|first=M.|title=Magdalena Ranger District Background for Survey|year=2011|publisher=US Forest Service}}</ref>
Much of the now Magdalena Ranger District were a province of the [[Apache]]. Bands of Apache effectively controlled the Magdalena-Datil region from the seventeenth century until they were defeated in the [[Apache Wars]] in the late nineteenth century.<ref name="Basham" />

Outlaw renegades [[Butch Cassidy's Wild Bunch|Butch Cassidy and the Wild Bunch]] and notorious Apaches like [[Cochise]] and [[Geronimo]] have ties to Socorro County's San Mateo Mountains. Vicks Peak was named after [[Victorio]], “a Mimbreño Apache leader whose territory included much of the south and southwest New Mexico.”<ref name="Julyan 2006">{{cite book|last=Julyan|first=Robert|title=The Mountains of New Mexico|year=2006|publisher=University of New Mexico Press}}</ref> Famous for defying relocation orders in 1879 and leading his warriors “on a two-year reign of terror before he was killed,” Victorio is at least as highly regarded as Geronimo or Cochise among Apaches.<ref name="Julyan 2006" /> Perhaps most famous outlaw was the [[Apache Kid]] whose supposed grave lies within the Apache Kid Wilderness. Stories of depredations by the Apache Kid, and of his demise, became so common and dramatic that in southwestern folklore they may be exceeded only by tales of lost Spanish gold.<ref name="Basham" /> Native Americans lingered in the San Mateos well into the 1900s. We know this by an essay written by [[Aldo Leopold]] in 1919 where he documents stumbling upon the remains of a recently abandoned Indian hunting camp.<ref>{{cite book|last=Leopold|first=A.|title=Aldo Leopold's Southwest|year=2003|publisher=University of New Mexico Press|editor=Brown, D. E. |editor2=Carmony, N. B.}}</ref>

<gallery widths="110" heights="160" caption="Cultural or Historic Figures with Ties to Socorro County" class="center" style="line-height:130%">
File:The Apache Kid.jpg|The Apache Kid is the namesake for a Wilderness area in the Cibola National Forest.
File:Victorio Chiricahua Apache Chief.jpg|Vicks Peak in the San Mateo Mountains is named for Victorio, an Apache warrior and chief.
File:Goyaale.jpg|Geronimo (Goyaałé), a Bedonkohe Apache; kneeling with rifle, 1887.
File:Butch Cassidy with bowler hat.jpg|Butch Cassidy poses in the Wild Bunch group photo, Fort Worth, Texas, 1901.
</gallery>

A mining rush followed the Apache wars – gold, silver, and copper were found in the mountains. It wasn't until this time that extensive use of the area by non-Native Americans occurred.<ref>{{cite book|last=Ugnade|first=H.E.|title=Guide to the New Mexico Mountains|year=1972|publisher=University of New Mexico Press}}</ref> While some mining activity, involving gold, silver, and copper, occurred in the southern part of the range near the end of the nineteenth century,<ref name="butterfield_greene">Butterfield, Mike, and Greene, Peter, ''Mike Butterfield's Guide to the Mountains of New Mexico'', New Mexico Magazine Press, 2006, {{ISBN|978-0-937206-88-1}}</ref> the prospecting/mining remnants are barely visible today due to collapse, topographic screening, and vegetation regrowth. While miners combed the mountains for mineral riches during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, stockmen drove tens of thousands of sheep and cattle to stockyards at the village of Magdalena, then linked by rail with Socorro.<ref name="Julyan 2006" /> In fact, the last regularly used cattle trail in the United States stretched 125 miles westward from Magdalena. The route was formally known as the Magdalena Livestock Driveway, but more popularly known to cowboys and cattlemen as the Beefsteak Trail. The trail began use in 1865 and its peak was in 1919. The trail was used continually until trailing gave way to trucking and the trail officially closed in 1971.<ref name="Basham" />

==Geography==
According to the [[United States Census Bureau|U.S. Census Bureau]], the county has a total area of {{convert|6649|sqmi}}, of which {{convert|6647|sqmi}} is land and {{convert|2.1|sqmi}} (0.03%) is water.<ref name="GR1">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/geo/maps-data/data/docs/gazetteer/counties_list_35.txt|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=January 2, 2015|date=August 22, 2012|title=2010 Census Gazetteer Files|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150101195546/http://www.census.gov/geo/maps-data/data/docs/gazetteer/counties_list_35.txt|archive-date=January 1, 2015}}</ref> It is the second-largest county in New Mexico by area, after [[Catron County, New Mexico|Catron County]].

Socorro County ranges in elevation from approximately {{convert|4528|ft|m|abbr=on}} on the banks of the [[Rio Grande]] to {{convert|10784|ft|m|abbr=on}} at the top of [[South Baldy (New Mexico)|South Baldy]] peak in the [[Magdalena Mountains]]. The southern portion of the Rocky Mountains extend into New Mexico and Socorro County. There are several mountain ranges that spread throughout the county. The Forest Service manages portions of four mountain ranges: the [[Bear Mountains (New Mexico)|Bear]], [[Datil Mountains|Datil]], [[Magdalena Mountains|Magdalena]], and [[San Mateo Mountains (Socorro County, New Mexico)|San Mateo Mountains]]. Most of the land that comprises these mountains are within the Cibola National Forest. These ranges, as well as [[Ladron Peak]] located in Socorro County, are classified as [[sky island]]s.

===Adjacent counties===
* [[Cibola County, New Mexico|Cibola County]] – northwest
* [[Valencia County, New Mexico|Valencia County]] – north
* [[Torrance County, New Mexico|Torrance County]] – northeast
* [[Lincoln County, New Mexico|Lincoln County]] – east
* [[Sierra County, New Mexico|Sierra County]] – south
* [[Catron County, New Mexico|Catron County]] – west

===National protected areas===
* [[Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge]]
* [[Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge]]
* [[Cibola National Forest]] (part)
* National System of Public Lands managed by the [[Bureau of Land Management|BLM]]’s Socorro Field Office (part)
* [[El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro National Historic Trail]] (part)
* [[Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument]] (part)

==Demographics==
{{US Census population
| 1860 = 5787
| 1870 = 6603
| 1880 = 7875
| 1890 = 9595
| 1900 = 12195
| 1910 = 14761
| 1920 = 14061
| 1930 = 9611
| 1940 = 11422
| 1950 = 9670
| 1960 = 10168
| 1970 = 9763
| 1980 = 12566
| 1990 = 14764
| 2000 = 18078
| 2010 = 17866
| 2020 = 16595
| estyear = 
| estimate = 
| estref = 
| align-fn = center
| footnote = U.S. Decennial Census<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html|title=U.S. Decennial Census|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=January 2, 2015}}</ref><br />1790-1960<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mapserver.lib.virginia.edu/|title=Historical Census Browser|publisher=University of Virginia Library|access-date=January 2, 2015|archive-date=August 11, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120811110448/http://mapserver.lib.virginia.edu/|url-status=dead}}</ref> 1900–1990<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/population/cencounts/nm190090.txt|title=Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=January 2, 2015}}</ref><br />1990-2000<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/population/www/cen2000/briefs/phc-t4/tables/tab02.pdf|title=Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=January 2, 2015}}</ref> 2010<ref name="QF">{{cite web|title=State & County QuickFacts|url=http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/35/35053.html|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=September 30, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150905062602/http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/35/35053.html|archive-date=September 5, 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref>
}}

===2000 census===
As of the [[2000 United States Census|2000 census]],<ref name="GR2">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=January 31, 2008|title=U.S. Census website}}</ref> there were 18,078 people, 6,675 households, and 4,492 families residing in the county. The [[population density]] was {{convert|3|/mi2|/km2|disp=preunit|people&nbsp;|people}}. There were 7,808 housing units at an average density of {{convert|1|/mi2|/km2}}. The racial makeup of the county was 62.9% [[Race (United States Census)|White]], 0.6% [[Race (United States Census)|Black]] or [[Race (United States Census)|African American]], 10.9% [[Race (United States Census)|Native American]], 1.1% [[Race (United States Census)|Asian]], 0.1% [[Race (United States Census)|Pacific Islander]], 20.1% from [[Race (United States Census)|other races]], and 4.3% from two or more races. 48.7% of the population were [[Race (United States Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Race (United States Census)|Latino]] of any race.

There were 6,675 households, out of which 33.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.4% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 13.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.7% were non-families. 26.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.62 and the average family size was 3.20.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 28.4% under the age of 18, 12.6% from 18 to 24, 26.1% from 25 to 44, 22.0% from 45 to 64, and 10.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 32 years. For every 100 females there were 103.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 103.9 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $23,439, and the median income for a family was $29,544. Males had a median income of $28,490 versus $22,482 for females. The [[per capita income]] for the county was $12,826. About 24.1% of families and 31.7% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 43.6% of those under age 18 and 24.3% of those age 65 or over.

===2010 census===
As of the [[2010 United States Census|2010 census]], there were 17,866&nbsp;people, 7,014&nbsp;households, and 4,349&nbsp;families residing in the county.<ref name="census-dp1">{{cite web
  |url=http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_DP/DPDP1/0500000US35053
  |title=DP-1 Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010 Demographic Profile Data
  |access-date=January 24, 2016
  |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]
  |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200213024451/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_DP/DPDP1/0500000US35053
  |archive-date=February 13, 2020
|url-status=dead
  }}</ref> The population density was {{convert|2.7|PD/sqmi}}. There were 8,059 housing units at an average density of {{convert|1.2|/sqmi}}.<ref name="census-density">{{cite web
  |url=http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_SF1/GCTPH1.CY07/0500000US35053
  |access-date=January 24, 2016
  |title=Population, Housing Units, Area, and Density: 2010 – County
  |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]
  |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200213185255/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_SF1/GCTPH1.CY07/0500000US35053
  |archive-date=February 13, 2020
|url-status=dead
  }}</ref> The racial makeup of the county was 75.1% white, 11.7% American Indian, 1.2% Asian, 1.1% black or African American, 8.1% from other races, and 2.8% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 48.5% of the population.<ref name="census-dp1"/> In terms of ancestry, 7.1% were [[English people|English]], 6.8% were [[Germans|German]], and 4.2% were [[Americans|American]].<ref name="census-dp2">{{cite web
  |url=http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ACS/10_5YR/DP02/0500000US35053
  |title=DP02 SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS IN THE UNITED STATES – 2006–2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates
  |access-date=January 24, 2016
  |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]
  |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200213012557/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ACS/10_5YR/DP02/0500000US35053
  |archive-date=February 13, 2020
|url-status=dead
  }}</ref>

Of the 7,014&nbsp;households, 30.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 43.1% were married couples living together, 12.9% had a female householder with no husband present, 38.% were non-families, and 30.8% of all households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.46 and the average family size was 3.09. The median age was 36.9 years.<ref name="census-dp1"/>

The median income for a household in the county was $33,284 and the median income for a family was $41,964. Males had a median income of $40,295 versus $27,819 for females. The per capita income for the county was $17,801. About 22.7% of families and 26.8% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 33.1% of those under age 18 and 19.0% of those age 65 or over.<ref name="census-dp3">{{cite web
  |url=http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ACS/10_5YR/DP03/0500000US35053
  |title=DP03 SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS – 2006–2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates
  |access-date=January 24, 2016
  |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]
  |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200213034000/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ACS/10_5YR/DP03/0500000US35053
  |archive-date=February 13, 2020
|url-status=dead
  }}</ref>

==Politics==
In the past, Socorro County had leaned toward the [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic Party]], though in recent elections, it has been shifting toward the [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican Party]]. The majority (51 percent) of voters registered in the 2012 General Election were Democrats, with the rest of registered voters breaking down as 30 percent Republican, 15 percent Declined To Say, and 3 percent Other.<ref>{{cite web|title=Voting Registration Statistics Report|url=http://www.sos.state.nm.us/uploads/FileLinks/2966cef424224c59b1abaf5b30a91116/STATEWIDEOCT312012.PDF|publisher=New Mexico Secretary of State|access-date=August 8, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160411142004/http://www.sos.state.nm.us/uploads/FileLinks/2966cef424224c59b1abaf5b30a91116/STATEWIDEOCT312012.PDF|archive-date=April 11, 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2012, Socorro County voted for President Obama 56 percent to 38 percent,<ref>{{cite web|title=2012 General Election Results for Socorro County|url=http://www.sos.state.nm.us/uploads/files/Socorro2012Gen.pdf|publisher=New Mexico Secretary of State|access-date=August 8, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150906010223/http://www.sos.state.nm.us/uploads/files/Socorro2012Gen.pdf|archive-date=September 6, 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> with a trend of voting Democratic from 1992 through 2020. In 2024, [[Donald Trump]] carried the county with a narrow majority, the first time a Republican presidential candidate had done this since [[George H. W. Bush|Bush]] in 1988.

{{PresHead|place=Socorro County, New Mexico|source=<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://uselectionatlas.org/RESULTS|title=Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections|last=Leip|first=David|website=uselectionatlas.org|access-date=April 2, 2018}}</ref>}}
<!-- PresRow should be {{PresRow|Year|Winning party|GOP vote #|Dem vote #|3rd party vote #|State}} -->
{{PresRow|2024|Republican|3,651|3,384|198|New Mexico}}
{{PresRow|2020|Democratic|3,255|3,722|183|New Mexico}}
{{PresRow|2016|Democratic|2,616|3,313|939|New Mexico}}
{{PresRow|2012|Democratic|2,722|4,058|413|New Mexico}}
{{PresRow|2008|Democratic|3,032|4,696|167|New Mexico}}
{{PresRow|2004|Democratic|3,696|4,025|130|New Mexico}}
{{PresRow|2000|Democratic|3,173|3,294|359|New Mexico}}
{{PresRow|1996|Democratic|2,315|3,374|675|New Mexico}}
{{PresRow|1992|Democratic|2,186|2,908|994|New Mexico}}
{{PresRow|1988|Republican|3,114|2,960|143|New Mexico}}
{{PresRow|1984|Republican|3,403|2,541|104|New Mexico}}
{{PresRow|1980|Republican|2,685|2,226|511|New Mexico}}
{{PresRow|1976|Democratic|2,265|2,606|68|New Mexico}}
{{PresRow|1972|Republican|2,658|1,994|78|New Mexico}}
{{PresRow|1968|Republican|2,230|1,871|182|New Mexico}}
{{PresRow|1964|Democratic|1,774|2,397|10|New Mexico}}
{{PresRow|1960|Democratic|1,796|2,327|5|New Mexico}}
{{PresRow|1956|Republican|2,365|1,476|0|New Mexico}}
{{PresRow|1952|Republican|2,224|1,777|5|New Mexico}}
{{PresRow|1948|Republican|2,139|1,650|9|New Mexico}}
{{PresRow|1944|Republican|2,030|1,967|3|New Mexico}}
{{PresRow|1940|Republican|2,703|2,489|5|New Mexico}}
{{PresRow|1936|Republican|2,530|2,477|16|New Mexico}}
{{PresRow|1932|Democratic|1,931|2,495|12|New Mexico}}
{{PresRow|1928|Republican|1,940|1,564|3|New Mexico}}
{{PresRow|1924|Republican|2,332|1,251|159|New Mexico}}
{{PresRow|1920|Republican|3,150|1,807|30|New Mexico}}
{{PresRow|1916|Republican|1,954|1,558|22|New Mexico}}
{{PresFoot|1912|Democratic|960|1,078|289|New Mexico}}

Socorro County voted for Senator Heinrich (D) 53 percent to 43 percent in 2012. While Rep. Pearce (R) won Socorro County 52 percent to 48 percent in 2012, Socorro supported Democrats for the U.S. House in both 2008 and 2010 (with 50.2% and 63% Democratic, respectively).<ref>{{cite web|title=2010 General Election Results for Socorro County|url=http://www.sos.state.nm.us/uploads/FileLinks/0c807ac075af44f89901e0520c768de1/SocorroGen10.pdf|publisher=New Mexico Secretary of State|access-date=August 8, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160312140234/http://www.sos.state.nm.us/uploads/FileLinks/0c807ac075af44f89901e0520c768de1/SocorroGen10.pdf|archive-date=March 12, 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> The County supported Governor Martinez (R) 53 percent to 47 percent in 2010 but went for Governor Richardson (D) in both 2002<ref>{{cite web|title=Official 2002 General Election Results for SOCORRO County|url=http://www.sos.state.nm.us/uploads/FileLinks/308947684091406b930f2fc3974c9057/conty024.HTM.html|publisher=State of New Mexico|access-date=August 8, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140221142225/http://www.sos.state.nm.us/uploads/FileLinks/308947684091406b930f2fc3974c9057/conty024.HTM.html|archive-date=February 21, 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> and 2006.<ref>{{cite web|title=2006 General Election Results for Socorro County|url=http://www.sos.state.nm.us/uploads/FileLinks/219baefcbb124c528aa5af44dbfef350/Socorro.pdf|publisher=State of New Mexico|access-date=August 8, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160315040358/http://www.sos.state.nm.us/uploads/FileLinks/219baefcbb124c528aa5af44dbfef350/Socorro.pdf|archive-date=March 15, 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> Socorro has supported Democratic state senators in Districts 28 and 30 for every election since 2000. In contrast, the county has supported a Republican state representative in District 49 since 2000.
The current county commissioners of Socorro County are:
* Pauline Jaramillo, R-Dist. 1, Chair
* Martha Salas, R-Dist. 2, Vice Chair
* Manuel Anaya, D-Dist. 3
* Danny Monette, R-Dist. 4,
* Juan Gutierrez, R-Dist. 5
Socorro County backed Democratic gubernatorial nominee [[Michelle Lujan Grisham]] in [[2018 New Mexico gubernatorial election|2018]] by 57.4%, defeating  Republican [[Steve Pearce (politician)|Steve Pearce]] by nearly 15 points in the county. However, in [[2022 New Mexico gubernatorial election|2022]], Republicans rebounded considerably and Grisham lost Socorro county to Republican Mark Ronchetti, by a margin of just 38 votes (2,988 votes to 2,950 respectively).<ref name=":0" /> It was the only county in the state to flip Republican that year, even as Grisham handedly won re-election statewide.

==Ecology, recreation and tourism==
{{wide image|Bosque del Apache at night.jpg|400px|Sandhill cranes sleep under a starry sky at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge.}}
With multiple mountain ranges, extents of grasslands and marshes providing a wide array of available habitats, Socorro County is home to an extensive variety of ecosystems and wildlife. Socorro County contains 826 species of wildlife, including 14 amphibians, 60 reptiles, 336 birds, and 96 mammals.<ref>Biota Information System of New Mexico.[[BISON-M home page]]. Retrieved March 28, 2013.</ref> Wildlife in the County includes [[coyote]], [[deer]], [[elk]], [[pronghorn antelope]], [[bighorn sheep]], [[Barbary sheep]], [[American black bear|black bear]], [[mountain lion]], [[wild turkey]], various [[furbearer]]s, [[Mexican spotted owl]], and [[quail]].

There are three congressionally designated Wilderness areas located within Socorro County. The [[Apache Kid Wilderness|Apache Kid]] and the [[Withington Wilderness]] Areas are both located in the San Mateo Mountains within the Cibola National Forest's Magdalena Ranger District. The Bosque del Apache Wilderness comprises two separate sections, totaling 30,427 acres of the National Wildlife Refuge. There are an additional 172,143 acres of Forest Service Inventoried Roadless Areas and 159,891 acres of BLM Wilderness Study Areas in the county. These undeveloped lands without roads offer outstanding opportunities to experience the area's amazing natural heritage, to getaway and enjoy the outdoors and, for the hearty, to explore deep into the backcountry and challenge yourself in the area's big wild.

The high mountains, remote canyons, pristine forests and diverse wildlife found on the area's national forests, national wildlife refuges, national monuments, and BLM's national system of public lands provide for phenomenal recreation opportunities, including picnicking, hiking, backpacking, wildlife viewing, horseback-riding, and hunting. In fact, the four biggest elk in New Mexico were bagged in Socorro county and the [[Datil Mountains]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Safari Club International (SCI) New Mexico Big Game Records|url=http://www.wildlife.state.nm.us/recreation/hunting/documents/records/NMexoticrecords.htm|publisher=New Mexico Game and Fish|access-date=August 8, 2013|archive-date=October 18, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131018000142/http://www.wildlife.state.nm.us/recreation/hunting/documents/records/NMexoticrecords.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref> The two most popular recreational activities on the Cibola National Forest are hiking/walking and viewing natural features with 35% and 15% of visitors citing these as their main activities, respectively.<ref>{{cite book|title=National Visitor Use Monitoring Results for FY 2011 for the Cibola National Forest|year=2012|publisher=US Forest Service|url=http://apps.fs.usda.gov/nrm/nvum/results/ReportCache/Rnd3_A03003_Master_Report.pdf}}{{Dead link|date=March 2020 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> The [[Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge]] hosts the Festival of the Cranes every November, celebrating the arrival of sandhill cranes and other migratory birds.<ref>{{cite web|last=Sharpe|first=Tom|title=Refuge prepares for 25th annual crane festival|url=http://www.sfnewmexican.com/Local%20News/110412cranes#.UfbSiazO3FM|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130808195147/http://www.sfnewmexican.com/Local%20News/110412cranes%23.UfbSiazO3FM|url-status=dead|archive-date=August 8, 2013|publisher=The New Mexican}}</ref> Rare [[whooping crane]]s are also found occasionally on the Bosque del Apache.

<gallery caption="Wildlife in Socorro County, New Mexico" class="center" widths="160" heights="130" style="line-height:130%">
File:Strix occidentalis lucida-2.jpg|Socorro County contains thousands of acres of critical habitat for the threatened [[Mexican spotted owl]].
File:Sandhill cranes at Bosque del Apache NWR.jpg|[[Sandhill crane]]s at [[Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge]] during the Festival of the Cranes.
File:Kaibab Elk.jpg|Socorro County is home to healthy populations of elk.
File:Bear on MtTaylor USFS.jpg|A black bear in the [[Cibola National Forest]].
File:mule_deer_fawn_in_snow.jpg|A mule deer fawn in the snow.
File:Pronghorn - Magdelena Background.JPG|A pronghorn herd standing in front of the Magdalena Mountains.
</gallery>

The natural amenities in Socorro contribute to a strong tourism industry for the county. Visitors spent $47.4 million in Socorro County in 2011. Recreation alone accounted for more than $4 million in visitor spending in both 2010 and 2011.<ref>{{cite book|title=Socorro County Visitor Spending by Industry.|publisher=Tourism Economics}}</ref> Tourism accounts for 8.8% of employment and 4.5% of labor income for the county. Additionally, tourism resulted in $7.7 million of total tax revenue, including $1.1 million in local tax revenue.<ref>{{cite book|title=Socorro County, Tourism Impact.|publisher=Tourism Economics}}</ref>

==Communities==
[[File:Fluorite-23807.jpg|thumb|[[Fluorite]] from the Blanchard mine, near [[Bingham, New Mexico]] ]]

===City===
* [[Socorro, New Mexico|Socorro]] (county seat)

===Village===
* [[Magdalena, New Mexico|Magdalena]]

===Census-designated places===
{{div col|colwidth=22em}}
* [[Abeytas, New Mexico|Abeytas]]
* [[Alamillo, New Mexico|Alamillo]]
* [[Alamo, New Mexico|Alamo]]
* [[Chamizal, New Mexico|Chamizal]]
* [[Escondida, New Mexico|Escondida]]
* [[La Joya, New Mexico|La Joya]]
* [[Las Nutrias, New Mexico|Las Nutrias]]
* [[Lemitar, New Mexico|Lemitar]]
* [[Luis Lopez, New Mexico|Luis Lopez]]
* [[Polvadera, New Mexico|Polvadera]]
* [[San Acacia, New Mexico|San Acacia]]
* [[San Antonio, New Mexico|San Antonio]]
* [[San Antonito, Socorro County, New Mexico|San Antonito]]
* [[Veguita, New Mexico|Veguita]]
{{div col end}}

===Unincorporated communities===
{{div col}}
* [[Bernardo, New Mexico|Bernardo]]
* [[Claunch, New Mexico|Claunch]]
{{div col end}}

===Populated Places===
{{div col}}
* [[Bingham, New Mexico|Bingham]]
* [[Sabinal, Socorro County, New Mexico|Sabinal]]
{{div col end}}

===Ghost towns===
{{div col}}
* [[Adobe Ranch, Socorro County, New Mexico|Adobe]]
* [[Alamillo Pueblo]]
* [[Bosquecito, New Mexico|Bosquecito]]
* [[Canta Recio, New Mexico|Canta Recio]]
* [[Carthage, New Mexico|Carthage]]
* [[Contadero, New Mexico|Contadero]]
* [[Council Rock, New Mexico|Council Rock]]
* [[Field, New Mexico|Field]]
* [[Kelly, New Mexico|Kelly]]
* [[La Parida, New Mexico|Pueblito de la Parida]]
* [[Paraje, Socorro County, New Mexico|Paraje]]
* [[Park City, New Mexico|Park City]]
* [[Pilabó]]
* [[Qualacu Pueblo|Qualacu]]
* [[Riley, New Mexico|Riley]]
* [[Rosedale, New Mexico (Ghost Town)|Rosedale]]
* [[San Felipe Pueblo Ruin|San Felipe]]
* [[San Marcial, New Mexico|San Marcial]]
* [[San Pascual Pueblo]]
* [[San Pedro, Socorro County, New Mexico|San Pedro]]
* [[Senecú]]
* [[Tajo, New Mexico|Tajo]]
* [[Tokay, New Mexico|Tokay]]
* [[Val Verde, New Mexico|Val Verde]]
{{div col end}}

==Education==
School districts include:<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/maps/DC2020/PL20/st35_nm/schooldistrict_maps/c35053_socorro/DC20SD_C35053.pdf|title=2020 CENSUS - SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENCE MAP: Socorro County, NM|publisher=[[U.S. Census Bureau]]|accessdate=July 12, 2022}} - [https://www2.census.gov/geo/maps/DC2020/PL20/st35_nm/schooldistrict_maps/c35053_socorro/DC20SD_C35053_SD2MS.txt Text list]</ref>
* [[Belen Consolidated Schools]]
* [[Carrizozo Municipal Schools]]
* [[Corona Municipal Schools]]
* [[Magdalena Municipal Schools]]
* [[Mountainair Public Schools]]
* [[Socorro Consolidated Schools]]

==See also==
* [[National Register of Historic Places listings in Socorro County, New Mexico]]
* [[New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology]]
* [[Trinity Site]], the first test of an atomic bomb
* [[Very Large Array]]
* [[Cibola National Forest]]
* [[Bureau of Land Management]]
* [[Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge]]
* [[Magdalena Ridge Observatory]]
* [[Langmuir Laboratory for Atmospheric Research]]
* [[Box Recreation Area]]

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==Further reading==
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20130220222011/http://www.blm.gov/wo/st/en/info/newsroom/2008/december/NR_12_16_2008.html Interior Secretary Formally Designates BLM Lands the National System of Public Lands]
* <cite>The Mountains of New Mexico</cite> by Robert Julyan, {{ISBN|978-0826335166}}
* <cite>New Mexico's Wilderness Areas: The Complete Guide</cite> by Robert Julyan, {{ISBN|978-1565792913}}
* <cite>Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge: 48 Hours of Flight</cite> by Jim Jamieson, {{ISBN|978-0972912600}}
* <cite>Bosque Del Apache National Wildlife Refuge- A Photographer's and Visitor's Guide</cite> by Ralph H. Wetmore II, {{ISBN|978-0982566206}}
* <cite>Finding Refuge: A Safe Place to Land </cite> by Sandy Seth, Valerie Graves, Laurel Seth, ASIN: B000S9LU5W. "The Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge seen through the hearts of an artist, a photographer, and a birder."
* [https://purl.fdlp.gov/GPO/gpo45429 ''Geologic Map of the Becker SW And Cerro Montoso Quadrangles, Socorro County, New Mexico''], by Donald A. Myers, Joseph A. Sharps, and E.J. McKay. Reston, Va.: [[United States Department of the Interior|U.S. Department of the Interior]], [[United States Geological Survey|U.S. Geological Survey]], 1986.
* <cite>Socorro County, New Mexico: Including its History, The Fort Craig, The Very Large Array, The Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument, and More</cite> by Johnathan Black, {{ISBN|978-1249235507}}
* <cite>The Socorro Country Fat Tire Trail Book</cite>, The Socorro Fat Tire Committee in association with the Socorro County Chamber of Commerce, Socorro County Chamber of Commerce, Socorros, New Mexico, 1993, stapled paperback pamphlet, {{ISBN|0-88307-712-4}} see [[mountain bicycling]].

==External links==
* [http://www.SocorroNews.com Socorro News] {{Webarchive|url=http://webarchive.loc.gov/all/20080919155628/http%3A//www.socorronews.com/ |date=September 19, 2008 }}
* [http://www.mymountainmail.com Mountain Mail newspaper] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211208133420/http://mymountainmail.com/ |date=December 8, 2021 }}
* [http://www.dchieftain.com/ El Defensor Chieftain newspaper]
* [http://www.socorrocounty.net/ Socorro County InfoNet]
* [http://www.wilderness.net/ wilderness.net]
* [http://www.hsnm.org/  Historical Society of New Mexico]
* [http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/cibola/districts/magdalena.shtml Magdalena Ranger District] - Cibola National Forest
* [http://www.wildlife.state.nm.us/ New Mexico Game and Fish]
* [http://www.fws.gov/ US Fish & Wildlife Service]
* [http://www.blm.gov/wo/st/en.html Bureau of Land Management]

{{Geographic Location
|Centre    = Socorro County, New Mexico
|North     = [[Valencia County, New Mexico|Valencia County]]
|Northeast = [[Torrance County, New Mexico|Torrance County]]
|East      = [[Lincoln County, New Mexico|Lincoln County]]
|Southeast =
|South     = [[Sierra County, New Mexico|Sierra County]]
|Southwest =
|West      = [[Catron County, New Mexico|Catron County]]
|Northwest = [[Cibola County, New Mexico|Cibola County]]
}}
{{Socorro County, New Mexico}}
{{New Mexico}}
{{Authority control}}
{{Coord|34.02|-106.93|display=title|type:adm2nd_region:US-NM_source:UScensus1990}}

[[Category:Socorro County, New Mexico| ]]
[[Category:1852 establishments in New Mexico Territory]]
[[Category:Populated places established in 1852]]