Lincoln County Public RecordsNew Mexico

As of 2022, Lincoln County, NM has a population of about 19,605. The median age is 51.5 years, with 23% under 18 and 28% aged 65 or older. The gender split is approximately 50.2% male and 49.8% female. Racially, the county is 82% White, 1.3% Native American, 1% Black, 1% Asian, and 12% of other races; 33% of residents identify as Hispanic or Latino.

Lincoln County, New Mexico, has 13 public schools, including Ruidoso and Capitan high schools. The district's high school graduation rate is about 83%, with roughly 22% of adults holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. SchoolDigger rates Ruidoso High with a 3/5 score. Safety programs and school resource officers are present in most schools. Adult education programs are provided by ENMU-Ruidoso, which offers GED and workforce training. Advanced placement and dual credit programs are available, supporting college readiness among students.

As of 2023, Lincoln County, NM had an unemployment rate of approximately 4.2%. Major employment sectors include health care and social assistance (18%), retail trade (13%), and accommodation and food services (12%). The leading occupation types are management, sales, and office roles, comprising roughly 48% of jobs. About 76% of workers drive alone to work, with an average commute time of 21 minutes. Most residents are employed locally, with Ruidoso and Ruidoso Downs as the main employment hubs.

Lincoln County, NM, features a homeownership rate of about 81%, with median home values around $235,000 in 2023. The median rent is approximately $850 per month. The market has seen a 7% increase in property values year-over-year. Housing consists mainly of single-family homes, cabins, and ranch properties; neighborhoods like Ruidoso and Capitan are popular choices. Property tax rates average roughly 0.74%, below the national average. The area offers a blend of rural and small-town lifestyles, attracting retirees and outdoor enthusiasts.

Lincoln County, NM, boasts a relatively low crime rate compared to national averages. In 2022, the violent crime rate was approximately 1.9 per 1,000 residents, while the property crime rate stood at 15.7 per 1,000 residents. The sheriff’s office regularly reports data to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program, helping maintain transparency. Most incidents involve property crimes, with burglary and theft being the most common. Community policing and local engagement contribute to the county’s overall sense of safety and proactive crime prevention efforts.

In Lincoln County, NM (population approx. 20,269), there were 13,432 registered voters as of 2022: 47% Republican, 30% Democrat, 19% Independent, and 4% Other. The county primarily votes in statewide, federal, and local races, with Republicans typically winning (Trump: 69% in 2020). Key polling locations include the Lincoln County Courthouse in Carrizozo and community centers in Ruidoso and Capitan. Issues of interest are water rights, rural development, and wildfire management. Elections are overseen by the Lincoln County Clerk’s office, ensuring compliance with state laws and accessible voting for all registered parties.