According to babyinger, De Baca County is a county in the state of New Mexico. It is located in the east-central part of the state, about an hour and a half drive from Albuquerque. The county is bordered by Chaves County to the north, Roosevelt County to the east, Curry County to the south and Quay County to the west. The county seat is Fort Sumner, and other towns in De Baca include Grady, Taiban and Lake Arthur.
The geography of De Baca County is mostly flat with rolling hills near its western edge. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, De Baca has an area of 2,202 square miles – 1,869 square miles land area and 333 square miles water area – making it one of the largest counties in New Mexico by total area. It also has several mountain ranges including Gran Quivira Mountains, Oscura Mountains and Sierra Oscura Range as well as numerous rivers including Pecos River and its tributaries such as Black River and Canadian River which provide irrigation for local farms and ranches.
De Baca County has a semi-arid climate with hot summers and cold winters due to its high elevation of 4100 feet above sea level. Average temperatures range from lows around 20 degrees Fahrenheit in January to highs around 90 degrees Fahrenheit in July with average annual precipitation totaling around 12 inches annually mainly occurring between May through September when thunderstorms are common throughout the county during this time period.
As of 2019, De Baca had a population estimated at 2,066 people according to U.S Census Bureau data with over 97% identifying as White non-Hispanic or Latino followed by Native American at 1%. Other racial groups include Black or African American (0%), Asian (0%) Pacific Islander (0%) and other races (1%). The median household income was $43,527 while per capita income was $18,902 according to data from 2019 census estimates indicating that many households are living below poverty line which is estimated at 18%.
In conclusion, De Baca County is located in eastern New Mexico offering residents a unique blend of rural living combined with access to nearby cities like Albuquerque which offer more amenities than those found within De Baca’s borders. Its geography consists mostly of flat land but also includes several mountain ranges as well as numerous rivers providing irrigation for local farms and ranches while its weather consists of hot summers and cold winters due to its high elevation above sea level along with average annual precipitation totaling around 12 inches annually mainly occurring between May through September when thunderstorms are common throughout the county during this time period finally its population was estimated at 2 066 people according to 2019 census estimates indicating that many households are living below poverty line which stands at 18%.
Economy of De Baca County, New Mexico
The economy of De Baca County, New Mexico is largely driven by agriculture and ranching. It is situated in the heart of the High Plains region, so its climate and soil conditions are suitable for a wide variety of crops. The county is home to several large farms and ranches that produce corn, wheat, alfalfa, hay, and other crops. Livestock production is also important in the county with cattle and sheep being raised on many local ranches. In addition to farming and ranching, De Baca County’s economy is bolstered by mining operations in gypsum, limestone, sandstone, and other minerals found in the area.
The county’s relatively low population size has helped it remain a largely rural area. There are few large employers or industries based in the county which makes it difficult for residents to find high-paying jobs within its borders. This has led many people to commute outside of the county for employment opportunities. Despite this challenge, De Baca County’s unemployment rate has remained relatively low when compared to other counties in New Mexico due to its diversified economy which provides various employment opportunities throughout the year.
Tourism is another important sector of De Baca County’s economy as visitors flock to the area for its natural beauty and outdoor recreation activities such as hunting, fishing, camping, hiking trails etc.. The town of Fort Sumner offers a variety of tourist attractions such as Billy The Kid Museum and Historic Site which draws visitors from all over the world who want to learn more about Billy The Kid’s notorious history as an outlaw in New Mexico during the 19th century.
De Baca County’s economy is largely dependent on agriculture and ranching but also relies on mining operations along with tourism which helps bring additional revenue into local businesses throughout the year. While it may be difficult for residents to find high-paying jobs within its borders due to its small population size, many people have chosen to commute outside of De Baca County for employment opportunities while still enjoying all that this rural part of New Mexico has offered them including outdoor recreation activities such as hunting or fishing or simply exploring all that historical sites like Billy The Kid Museum have offer them when they visit Fort Sumner each year.
Education in De Baca County, New Mexico
According to Topschoolsintheusa, De Baca County, New Mexico is home to a variety of educational opportunities for its residents. The county consists of three public school districts that serve the communities of Fort Sumner, Grady, and House. The Fort Sumner Municipal School District serves students from pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade and focuses on preparing students for college and career readiness. The district also offers an alternative education program for students who may not be successful in a traditional classroom setting.
The Grady Independent School District provides educational services to students from pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade as well and focuses on providing quality programs that will prepare its students for college and career readiness. In addition to traditional academic courses the district also offers a variety of extra-curricular activities such as sports, fine arts, music, and clubs.
The House Independent School District serves students from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade with an emphasis on providing quality education while also instilling values such as respect for others and responsibility in their student body.
In addition to public schools there are also several private schools located in De Baca County including St Josephs Catholic School which provides religious instruction in addition to its academic curriculum. There are also several charter schools in the area such as Clovis Christian Schools which offer a variety of programs such as Advanced Placement classes, dual enrollment options for high schoolers, and honors classes for middle schoolers.
Higher education opportunities in De Baca County include Eastern New Mexico University which has a campus located in Portales just outside of De Baca County’s borders. ENMU offers undergraduate degrees as well as graduate degrees at its main campus along with various satellite campuses throughout the state of New Mexico including one located in Clovis about 45 miles away from De Baca County’s eastern border.
De Baca County also has two community colleges available to residents; Mesalands Community College located about 30 miles away from Fort Sumner provides associate degrees along with certificate programs while Central New Mexico Community College located about 80 miles away from Fort Sumner offers associate degrees along with various certificate programs online or at their physical campuses throughout the state of New Mexico including one located in Clovis about 45 miles away from De Baca County’s eastern border.
De Baca County is home to a variety of educational opportunities ranging from traditional public schools all the way up to universities making it easy for residents to pursue higher education within or near its borders regardless of their desired field or level of study.
Landmarks in De Baca County, New Mexico
According to best-medical-schools, De Baca County, New Mexico is home to a variety of iconic landmarks and attractions. Located in the eastern portion of the state, De Baca County is known for its stunning landscapes and unique culture.
The Bosque Redondo Memorial at Fort Sumner is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the county. This memorial marks the location of an infamous Native American internment camp during the 1860s. Visitors can learn more about this dark period in American history by taking a guided tour of the grounds.
Not far from Fort Sumner lies Fort Stanton Cave, a National Natural Landmark and popular tourist destination. The cave features some of the most stunning geological formations in New Mexico, including stalactites, stalagmites, columns, and rimstone dams. Guided tours are offered year-round which allow visitors to explore this incredible natural wonder up close.
The Carrizozo Malpais Lava Flow is another must-see attraction in De Baca County. This massive lava flow covers nearly 400 square miles and offers spectacular views of volcanic activity from centuries ago. Hiking trails wind through this area allowing visitors to explore this unique landscape up close.
The Caprock Escarpment Nature Trail is another popular attraction located within De Baca County’s boundaries. This hiking trail offers stunning views from atop a dramatic rock formation that rises out of the plains below it. The trail also passes through several different ecosystems, including grasslands and woodlands, making it an ideal spot for wildlife watching as well as hiking and photography opportunities.
Finally, no visit to De Baca County would be complete without stopping by The Billy The Kid Museum in Fort Sumner or Alanreed Ghost Town near Carrizozo which are both must-visit attractions for anyone looking to learn more about local history and culture while exploring this beautiful corner of New Mexico.