Taos
cityTaos, New Mexico, nestled in the north-central part of the state between the Rio Grande Gorge and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, is a town steeped in history and culture. Located roughly 50 miles south of the Colorado border, Taos serves as the county seat of Taos County and is the largest municipality in the area. The town is known for its blend of Native American, Hispanic, and Anglo influences, which contribute to its unique character. Taos's economy is supported by tourism, arts, and outdoor recreation. The town has a long-standing reputation as an art colony, attracting artists and visitors alike. The surrounding area offers numerous opportunities for skiing, hiking, and other outdoor activities, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts. What makes Taos distinctive is its rich cultural heritage, anchored by the Taos Pueblo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has been inhabited for nearly a millennium. The town's history as a trading outpost, its role in the Taos Revolt, and its subsequent development as an art colony have all contributed to its unique identity. Taos continues to be a place where diverse traditions and artistic expression thrive.
Taos, New Mexico
- Classification
- Town
- FIPS Code
- 35-76200
- Country
- United States
- County
- Taos
- Region
- North-central New Mexico
- Elevation
- 6,969 ft
- Total Area
- 6.04 sq mi
- Land Area
- 6.04 sq mi
- Water Area
- 0 sq mi
- Latitude
- 36.38694
- Longitude
- -105.58
- Climate
- Taos has a semi-arid climate with warm summers and cold, snowy winters. The temperature typically varies from 12°F to 84°F.
- Notable Features
- Rio Grande Gorge · Sangre de Cristo Mountains · Wheeler Peak
- Neighboring Areas
- Ranchos de Taos · Cañon · Taos Canyon · Ranchitos · El Prado · Arroyo Seco
- Population (2020)
- 6,474
- Est. Population (2026)
- 6,433
- Median Age
- 53.7
- Median Income
- $47,304
- Poverty Rate
- 13.69%
- Owner-Occupied
- 59.3%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- The racial composition of Taos includes 53.17% White, 47.9% Hispanic, 19.2% Other Race, and smaller percentages of Asian, Native American, and Black or African American.
- Government Type
- Mayor-Council-Manager
- Governing Body
- Town Council
- School District
- Taos Municipal Schools
- Municipal Services
- Police · Fire · Public Works
- Unemployment Rate
- 10.5%
- Economic Profile
- Tourism · Art · Outdoor Recreation
- Employment Sectors
- Retail Trade · Health Care & Social Assistance · Construction
- Schools
- 6
- Students
- 2,234
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 15:1
- School Districts
- Taos Municipal Schools
- Colleges & Universities
- University of New Mexico-Taos
- Transportation
- U.S. Route 64 · New Mexico State Road 68 · Taos Regional Airport
- Utilities
- Municipal water · Natural gas · Electricity
- Major Facilities
- Holy Cross Hospital · Taos Regional Airport
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- Major Recreation Areas
- Carson National Forest · Rio Grande del Norte National Monument · Wheeler Peak Wilderness Area
- Parks & Trails
- Kit Carson Park · Rio Grande Gorge trails
- Founded
- 1795
- Incorporated
- 1934
- Named After
- Taos Pueblo
- Historical Significance
- Taos has been a center of trade, conflict, and artistic expression for centuries, blending Native American, Hispanic, and Anglo cultures.
- Key Events
- Spanish conquistadors arrive in 1540 · Town of Don Fernando de Taos established around 1615 · Taos Revolt in 1847 · Taos Society of Artists founded in 1915





