Regional Opportunity Guide

Catron County is the largest county in land mass, but has the third smallest population in the state of New Mexico. Catron County covers almost 7,000 square miles, which is comprised of mostly rugged mountainous terrain.

Less than 20% of the land in Catron County is privately owned, with the rest of the land being publicly owned. Approximately 3,500 people make up the population of the county; this translates to two square miles of space per person. Reserve is the County Seat and largest town in the county and boasts a population of about 300.

Catron County has a history of the ranching, mining, Indian and Spanish hide-outs, rodeos, and dark, starry nights. Catron County is the home to one of New Mexico’s working sawmills, hunters and campers getaways, geothermic and biomass energies, and majestic mountains and views.

Download Sierra County Economic Development Guide

Located midway between El Paso, Texas, and Albuquerque, New Mexico, Sierra County is a perfect getaway spot for those wanting to escape urban sprawl and spend time in the great outdoors.

Elephant Butte Lake, the largest body of water in the state and the location of one of its most popular state parks, is connected by the Rio Grande to quieter Caballo Lake. Both lakes offer excellent boating, camping, fishing & birding.

Downtown Truth or Consequences, formerly “Hot Springs,” has some of the finest hot mineral water in the world and is touted as America’s Most Affordable Spa Town. Ten commercial spas downtown are available for soaks, lodging, and other forms of pampering.

The downtown area also features the renowned Geronimo Springs Museum. This museum showcases many never-before-seen artifacts, fossils, and murals, including prehistoric finds from the area and one of the best Apache and Mimbres artifact collections in the world.

The Gila High Country lies along the west edge of Sierra County, providing cooler temperatures and hours of exploration in the form of pristine wilderness and living ghost towns. The beautiful Geronimo Trail Scenic Byway connects the Gila to the shimmering desert lakes offering landscapes with a raw authentic southwest flavor.

Now the home of Spaceport America, Sierra County merges the past with the future in the new era of rocketry. The commercialization of space travel is launching from our back yard, thanks to Sir Richard Branson and Virgin Galactic. Come experience Sierra County!

Download Socorro County Economic Development Guide

 

Valencia County is flanked to the east by the Manzano Mountains, and to the west by rolling mesas with occasional volcanic hills. The county has become increasingly diversified, while maintaining its strong agricultural base.

In Valencia County, residents cherish a quality of life that’s both country and cool, with access to big-city amenities, but rural in character.

The city of Los Lunas has developed into the county’s commercial center, as well as a growing satellite community for the Albuquerque metro area. The city of Belen, farther south, maintains its identity as a transportation (primarily rail) center with a recently expanded crosswind airport.

Besides Los Lunas and Belen, the county includes Tomé, site of the University of New Mexico-Valencia campus; Bosque Farms; Peralta; Isleta Pueblo, one of the state’s largest pueblos; and one of the newest municipalities to the state, Rio Communities.

While many – especially in northern Valencia County – commute to jobs in Albuquerque, Valencia County has drawn industries needing room to expand. East of Belen and south of Rio Communities lies the Rio Grande Industrial Park. In Los Lunas, to the west of I25, you will also find the Los Morros Business Park.

Source: www.mrcog-nm.gov