Torrance County Public RecordsNew Mexico

Torrance County, NM, has around 11 public schools, including 3 high schools, serving approximately 3,000 students. About 79% of residents hold a high school diploma, while only 14% have a bachelor’s degree or higher. Schools such as Moriarty High have average test scores below the state average, with a 30% proficiency rate in math and reading. The county offers adult education programs like GED through Central New Mexico Community College. School safety measures are in place, though some schools report occasional incidents. Educational programs include vocational and dual credit courses for high school students.

Torrance County, NM, had an unemployment rate of 5.1% in 2023. The largest employment sectors are health care (16%), retail trade (13%), and public administration (10%). Top occupations include office and administrative support (16%), sales (11%), and management (10%). About 41% of workers commute to jobs in Bernalillo or Valencia counties, with an average commute time of 35 minutes. Overall, roughly 6,300 residents are employed, with agriculture also playing a significant local role.

Torrance County, NM, has a homeownership rate of about 79%, with a median home value near $133,000 and median rent around $750. Most housing consists of single-family homes, mobiles, and some multi-family units. Property values have grown modestly in recent years, with a 5% annual increase. Notable neighborhoods include Estancia and Moriarty. Property tax rates average 0.55% of assessed value, lower than the national average, making the area relatively affordable. Rental vacancy rates hover around 8%, reflecting a stable rental market.

Torrance County, NM, reports a crime rate lower than the national average. In 2022, the county experienced approximately 12.7 crimes per 1,000 residents, with violent crime making up 2.5 and property crime 10.2 per 1,000. Law enforcement agencies actively report data to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting system. Due to the county’s rural nature and a population of about 15,000, major crimes are rare, but property-related offenses like burglary and theft remain notable concerns. Community policing and neighborhood watch programs contribute to local safety efforts.

Torrance County, NM, had 10,322 registered voters as of 2024—about 48% Republican, 32% Democrat, and 20% unaffiliated/other. Elections include primaries, generals, and municipal races, with the 2022 general election seeing 56% turnout. Key polling locations include Estancia Elementary and Torrance County Clerk’s Office. Recent issues involve water rights and wind energy projects. Administration is overseen by the Torrance County Clerk. In the 2020 presidential election, Republicans received 65% of local votes versus Democrats’ 33%. Election integrity and rural representation are frequent concerns among voters.

As of 2022, Torrance County, NM, has a population of approximately 15,400. The median age is 43.6 years, with about 52% male and 48% female residents. Racially, 67% are White (non-Hispanic), 32% are Hispanic or Latino, 2% Native American, and less than 1% African American, Asian, or other races. The population skews older compared to the state average, reflecting rural trends in New Mexico.