County Crime & Safety

Guadalupe County, NM, maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to urban areas. According to recent FBI data, the violent crime rate stands at approximately 2.5 incidents per 1,000 residents, and property crime is around 7.2 per 1,000. Law enforcement agencies actively encourage community reporting and collaboration, contributing to swift response times and high case resolution rates. Overall, these efforts help keep Guadalupe County a safe area, with crime rates well below national averages.

Demographics

As of the 2020 Census, Guadalupe County, NM, had a population of 4,452. The median age was 45.2 years, with 50.5% male and 49.5% female. The racial and ethnic composition was 51.5% Hispanic or Latino, 33.5% White (non-Hispanic), 6.1% Native American, 5.3% Black or African American, and 3.6% from other races or multiracial backgrounds.

Elections

As of 2024, Guadalupe County, NM has approximately 2,850 registered voters. The county conducts primary, general, and special elections, overseen by the County Clerk’s office. In the 2022 general election, about 1,325 ballots were cast. Key polling locations include the Santa Rosa Senior Center and Anton Chico Fire Department. Major issues include rural infrastructure and water management. Administratively, elections are supervised by the Clerk and a bipartisan elections board. The two main parties are Democratic (about 60% of registered voters as of 2022) and Republican (about 25%), with the remainder unaffiliated or minor party.

Education, Employment and Housing

Guadalupe County, NM, has three public schools serving around 400 students, including Santa Rosa High School, with a graduation rate of approximately 89%. Only 12% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. School safety scores meet state averages, and educational programs include bilingual and career-technical options. Adult education is available through nearby community colleges. The county overall has limited higher education facilities but a strong high school completion rate.

As of 2022, Guadalupe County, NM, has an employment rate of about 48% among residents aged 16 and over. The largest industries are Health Care & Social Assistance (17%), Retail Trade (14%), and Public Administration (13%). Top occupations include office & administrative support (15%), management (11%), and sales-related jobs (11%). Most workers (69%) commute alone by car, with a mean travel time of 13 minutes. Employment is primarily local, with less than 11% of workers commuting outside the county for work.

Guadalupe County, NM, has a homeownership rate of about 70%, with median home values around $92,000. Renting is less common, with median gross rents near $550 monthly. The market remains affordable, and property values have seen moderate annual increases of 2–3%. Housing types are primarily single-family homes, with some manufactured housing, concentrated in neighborhoods like Santa Rosa. Property tax rates are low, averaging 0.56% of home value. The area offers a mix of rural and small-town settings, appealing to buyers seeking affordability.