Mckinley County Public RecordsNew Mexico

McKinley County, NM, serves about 17,000 K-12 students across 35 public schools, including 6 high schools. Around 72% of adults hold a high school diploma, while 10% have a bachelor’s degree or higher. Average public school test scores are below the state average. The graduation rate is approximately 70%. School safety measures and programs such as Native American cultural education and STEM initiatives are present. Adult education opportunities, including GED and vocational training, are offered through local institutions and community colleges to support workforce development and lifelong learning.

As of 2022, McKinley County, NM, had an employment rate of approximately 47.9%. Key industries include health care and social assistance (17.5%), retail trade (12.7%), and educational services (11.6%). The most common occupations are office and administrative support (13.2%), sales (10.4%), and education/training/library (9%). About 80.2% of workers commute by car, with an average commute time of 22.6 minutes. Most residents work within the county, with Gallup being the primary employment location.

McKinley County, NM, has a homeownership rate of about 67%, with a median property value of around $99,000 in 2022. The median gross rent is approximately $730 per month. Housing types primarily include single-family homes and some mobile homes, with neighborhoods such as Gallup being the population center. The housing market has seen modest value growth of roughly 4% annually in recent years. Property taxes are relatively low, averaging 0.61% of property value, making homeownership more affordable compared to national averages. Rental vacancy rates hover near 7%, reflecting moderate rental availability.

McKinley County, New Mexico, had approximately 41,000 registered voters as of 2022, with major parties being Democratic (about 73%) and Republican (around 10%). Elections include local, state, and federal races, with notable Democratic dominance; in the 2020 presidential race, over 77% voted Democratic. The county has six main polling locations in Gallup and surrounding towns. Key issues are education, healthcare, and tribal government relations. Elections are overseen by the County Clerk’s Office, ensuring compliance and accessibility for the county’s significant Native American population (nearly 75% of residents).

As of the 2020 Census, McKinley County, NM, had a population of approximately 72,900. The median age is about 32 years. Females make up 51%, and males 49% of the population. The county is predominantly Native American (about 75%), primarily Navajo; 15% are Hispanic or Latino, 7% White (non-Hispanic), and small percentages of African American, Asian, and other groups.

McKinley County, NM, has one of the highest crime rates in the state, with a violent crime rate of approximately 12.5 per 1,000 residents, over double the national average. Property crime is also significant, with rates around 30 per 1,000. The county reported over 320 violent crimes and more than 820 property crimes in 2022. Local law enforcement actively promotes community reporting and safety programs, but challenges persist, especially in Gallup, the county seat. Residents are advised to remain vigilant and participate in neighborhood watch initiatives to help reduce crime.