Torrance County
countyTorrance County is located in central New Mexico and is part of the Albuquerque metropolitan area. As of 2020, the population was 15,045. The county seat is Estancia. The county features a mix of gently rolling grasslands and mountainous terrain, with the Manzano Mountains providing significant topographic relief. The geographic center of New Mexico is located in Torrance County. Agriculture is a key component of Torrance County's economy, with productive farmlands used for crops such as pinto beans, corn, and alfalfa. Other significant sectors include construction, healthcare, and public administration. The county provides various services including law enforcement, fire protection, and road maintenance. Torrance County offers a unique blend of historical sites and natural attractions. The Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument and Manzano Mountains State Park provide opportunities for recreation and exploration. The county's dark skies are also popular for stargazing.
Torrance County, New Mexico
- Classification
- County
- FIPS Code
- 35057
- Country
- United States
- County
- County
- Region
- Basin and Range Province
- Elevation
- 6,000 ft
- Total Area
- 3,346 sq mi
- Land Area
- 3,344 sq mi
- Water Area
- 2 sq mi
- Latitude
- 34.7438
- Longitude
- -105.9974
- Climate
- The average total precipitation is about fifteen inches per year, of which probably one quarter is snow. Spring rains are common, but not certain, the rainy season beginning usually about the 1st of July.
- Notable Features
- Manzano Mountains · Estancia Valley · Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument · Estancia Salt Lakes
- Neighboring Areas
- Santa Fe County · San Miguel County · Guadalupe County · Lincoln County · Socorro County · Valencia County · Bernalillo County
- Population (2020)
- 15,045
- Est. Population (2026)
- 16,560
- Median Age
- 42.5
- Median Income
- $46,250
- Poverty Rate
- 15%
- Owner-Occupied
- 81.7%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- The racial makeup of the county was 48.9% White (Non-Hispanic), 14.1% Other (Hispanic), 13.5% White (Hispanic), 11.6% Two Races Including Other (Hispanic), and 2.17% American Indian & Alaska Native (Non-Hispanic). Approximately 42.5% of the population is Hispanic.
- Government Type
- County Commission
- Governing Body
- Board of County Commissioners
- Municipal Services
- Law enforcement · Fire protection · Emergency medical services · Road maintenance · Property tax assessment · Property tax collection · Election services · Judicial services
- Unemployment Rate
- 5.3%
- Economic Profile
- Agricultural · Rural
- Employment Sectors
- Health Care & Social Assistance · Public Administration · Retail Trade · Construction
- Schools
- 14
- Students
- 2,843
- School Districts
- Estancia Public Schools · Moriarty-Edgewood School District · Mountainair Public Schools
- Transportation
- Interstate 40 · U.S. Route 60 · U.S. Route 285 · New Mexico State Road 41
- Utilities
- Broadband service is expanding
- Major Facilities
- Neil Mertz Judicial Complex · Torrance County Fairgrounds
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- Major Recreation Areas
- Manzano Mountains State Park · Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument · Manzano Mountain Wilderness
- Founded
- 1903
- Named After
- Francis J. Torrance
- Historical Significance
- Torrance County was named for Francis J. Torrance, a promoter connected with the building of the New Mexico Central Railroad. It is one of the most productive agricultural counties in the United States.
- Key Events
- County created from Valencia County in 1903 · First county election held in November 1904 · Estancia became the County Seat in February 1905