De Baca County Public RecordsNew Mexico

De Baca County, NM, had 1,247 registered voters as of 2022, with major parties being Democratic (about 48%) and Republican (about 42%), plus independents. The county holds general, primary, and special elections, with recent general election turnout around 45%. Polling locations include the De Baca County Courthouse in Fort Sumner. Local issues involve water rights and rural infrastructure. Election administration is handled by the County Clerk. In the 2020 presidential race, De Baca voted 66% Republican, 32% Democratic. Results are certified at the county and state levels, with strict compliance to New Mexico election laws.

De Baca County, NM, has a population of approximately 1,650 (2020 Census). The median age is about 46 years, reflecting an older population. Gender distribution is nearly even, with 50.3% male and 49.7% female. Racially, the county is 81% White, 1% Black or African American, 1% Native American, and 14% from other races, with 3% reporting two or more races. Around 45% identify as Hispanic or Latino.

De Baca County, NM, served primarily by Fort Sumner Municipal Schools, has one high school and one elementary/middle school, enrolling about 270 students total. Only 10% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, well below the US average of 34%. Graduation rates hover near 90%. School safety is a priority, with no major incidents reported in recent years. The district offers limited Advanced Placement and career-technical programs. Adult education options are sparse, mainly distant or online. Test scores in math and reading average slightly below state benchmarks.

De Baca County, NM, had an unemployment rate of approximately 4.3% in 2023. Employment is primarily in agriculture (27%), education and health services (21%), and public administration (15%). Major occupations include management, farming, and office/administrative support. About 81% of workers drive alone to their jobs, with an average commute time of 16 minutes. Most residents work within the county, although 17% commute to neighboring counties such as Roosevelt and Guadalupe for employment.

De Baca County, NM, has a homeownership rate of around 73%, with median home values at approximately $91,000 (2022). Rental opportunities are limited, and the median gross rent is about $565. Housing stock is largely single-family detached homes, with few multifamily units, concentrated in the county seat, Fort Sumner. The area maintains a stable but slow property value market. Neighborhoods are rural and dispersed, offering affordable living. Property tax rates are low, averaging roughly $4.32 per $1,000 of assessed value, making De Baca County one of the more affordable housing markets in New Mexico.

De Baca County, NM, maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to state and national averages. In 2022, the county reported an overall crime rate of approximately 580 incidents per 100,000 residents, significantly lower than New Mexico's state average of 3,420 per 100,000. Most reported crimes are minor property offenses; violent crime is rare, with only 1-2 incidents annually. The local Sheriff's Office ensures prompt reporting and response, encouraging community safety. Residents benefit from a close-knit environment, contributing to De Baca County’s reputation as one of the safer rural areas in New Mexico.