Valencia County Public RecordsNew Mexico

As of 2023, Valencia County, NM, has a population of approximately 77,852. The median age is about 39. Females comprise 50.4% of residents, while males make up 49.6%. The county is ethnically diverse: about 67% identify as Hispanic or Latino, 28% as non-Hispanic White, 2% as Native American, 1% as Black or African American, and 1% as Asian or other races.

Valencia County, NM, has 29 public schools, including 6 high schools. The high school graduation rate is about 78%, and approximately 17% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Average school ratings range from 3 to 6 out of 10. The county offers adult education and GED programs. School safety initiatives include resource officers and anti-bullying programs. Educational programs emphasize STEM, vocational training, and dual-credit courses. Despite challenges with test scores and resources, dedicated staff and several afterschool programs support student development.

As of 2022, Valencia County, NM, had an employment rate of approximately 54.3%. The leading industries are educational services, health care, and social assistance (27.5%), retail trade (13.6%), and public administration (10.7%). Most prevalent occupations include office/administrative support (14.8%) and management/business roles (10.2%). About 83% of employed residents commute outside their home city for work, primarily to Albuquerque, with an average commute time of 30 minutes. Only 5.2% of workers work from home.

Valencia County, NM, has a homeownership rate of about 75%, with median home values around $210,000 (2023), up 5% year-over-year. The average rent for a 2-bedroom is approximately $1,100 monthly. Housing types include single-family homes, manufactured houses, and some townhouses, spread across neighborhoods like Los Lunas and Belen. Property taxes are relatively low, averaging 0.6% of assessed value. The area continues to see steady demand due to Albuquerque proximity, with growth focused mainly in Los Lunas.

Valencia County, NM, reported a crime rate of 3,590 per 100,000 residents in 2022, notably higher than the national average of 2,350. Violent crimes accounted for 380 incidents per 100,000, including assaults and burglaries, while property crimes reached 3,210 per 100,000. Crime reports are managed by the Valencia County Sheriff’s Office, which emphasizes community policing and transparency. Despite recent efforts, local data shows Valencia County’s crime rate remains above New Mexico’s average, highlighting the ongoing need for public safety initiatives and citizen vigilance.

Valencia County, NM, had about 53,000 registered voters as of 2024. Elections held include local, state, and federal races, with recent turnout near 44%. In the 2020 presidential election, 50.2% voted Republican and 47.6% Democrat, reflecting its bellwether status. The Valencia County Clerk’s Office administers elections, overseeing 16 polling locations in 2024. Major issues include water rights, economic development, and education. Both Republican and Democratic parties are active, with independents comprising roughly 16% of registrants.