According to Countryaah, Chaves County is located in eastern New Mexico, and is bordered by Eddy County to the north, Lea County to the east, Roosevelt County to the south, and Lincoln and Otero Counties to the west. The county seat is Roswell, which is also the largest city in Chaves County. The county spans an area of 6,075 square miles and has a population of approximately 64,000 people.
Chaves County is home to a number of attractions including Bottomless Lakes State Park located near Roswell which features nine small lakes with depths reaching up to 90 feet. In addition, there are several other parks such as Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge which offers visitors a chance to observe different species of birds and other wildlife. The town of Roswell also offers a variety of shopping centers and restaurants for visitors to enjoy. Other attractions include Bitter Lake State Monument which features ancient petroglyphs carved into rocks by Native Americans many centuries ago. Chaves County also has several museums such as Anderson Museum of Contemporary Art in Roswell and Historical Society Museum in Dexter which are great places for people interested in learning more about the history of this region.
Demographics of Chaves County, New Mexico
Chaves County, New Mexico has a population of approximately 64,000 people. The majority of the population is made up of White Americans (61.8%), followed by Hispanic or Latino (31.5%), African American (1.8%), Native American (2.6%) and Asian (1%). The median age in the county is 35 years old, with almost a quarter of the population being under 18 years old and 9% being over 65 years old.
The median household income in Chaves County is $47,609 and 17% of the population lives below the poverty line. This number is higher than both the New Mexico state average (16%) and national average (13%). The majority of households are married couples living together with an average household size of 2.9 people per household.
The largest employment sectors in Chaves County are health care and social assistance, retail trade, educational services, manufacturing, food services and accommodation services, public administration and construction. The unemployment rate in Chaves County is 6%, which is lower than both the state average (7%) and national average (6%).
Places of Interest in Chaves County, New Mexico
Chaves County, New Mexico is home to a variety of places of interest for visitors to explore. One of the most popular attractions in the area is Bottomless Lakes State Park, located near Roswell. Here, visitors can enjoy nine small lakes with depths reaching up to 90 feet as well as a variety of wildlife such as different species of birds. Another popular destination is Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge which provides visitors with an opportunity to observe various species of birds and other wildlife.
The town of Roswell also offers plenty of shopping centers and restaurants for visitors to enjoy. Other attractions include Bitter Lake State Monument which features ancient petroglyphs carved into rocks by Native Americans many centuries ago. Chaves County also has several museums such as Anderson Museum of Contemporary Art in Roswell and Historical Society Museum in Dexter which are great places for people interested in learning more about the history of this region.
For those who love outdoor activities, Chaves County has something for everyone. The area is home to a number of parks including Bottomless Lakes State Park, Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge, and Lincoln National Forest which offer hiking trails, fishing spots, camping sites and more. Additionally, nearby towns such as Ruidoso offer skiing during the winter months while camping and fishing can be enjoyed year-round at nearby lakes like Bottomless Lakes and Sumner Lake State Park.
Finally, those looking for some rest and relaxation will find plenty to do in Chaves County as well. Visitors can take a stroll along the Pecos River or take part in some wine tasting at local wineries like La Vina Winery or Noisy Water Winery & Brewery. There are also several spas located throughout the county that provide massages and other services for those looking to relax after a long day exploring all that Chaves County has to offer.
Notable People of Chaves County, New Mexico
Chaves County, New Mexico is a region with a rich history and culture, and its people are some of the most notable in the state. From politicians to entertainers, Chaves County has produced some of the most influential people in the nation.
One of the most prominent figures from Chaves County is former U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman. He served for 30 years as a Democratic senator from 1983 to 2013 and was an advocate for environmental protection, renewable energy, and nuclear disarmament. Bingaman was also instrumental in passing the Energy Policy Act of 1992 which helped to create jobs in renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power.
Another notable figure from Chaves County is actor Wilford Brimley. He was born in Roswell and began his career as a blacksmith before becoming an actor in 1975 after being cast in The China Syndrome. Brimley went on to star in many films including Cocoon and The Firm as well as television shows such as Our House and The Waltons.
The county is also home to musician Buddy Holly who was born on September 7th, 1936 near Lubbock, Texas but moved to Roswell at age 16 where he began his career playing at local clubs like the Cotton Club. Holly went on to become one of the most influential musicians of all time with songs like “That’ll Be The Day” and “Peggy Sue” becoming some of his biggest hits.
Other notable people from Chaves County include country music singer Marty Haggard; astronaut Michael E. Lopez-Alegria; professional golfer Scott Verplank; businessman Joe Baca; former NFL player Larry Centers; college basketball coach Lou Henson; Congresswoman Heather Wilson; author Max Evans; rancher/actor Tom Baca; singer/songwriter JJ Cale; political activist Dolores Huerta; broadcaster Bill Kurtis; politician John Biggers Jr.; newspaper editor Bob Moorehead Jr.; actress Ellen Burstyn; artist Georgia O’Keeffe; chef/TV host Bobby Flay; comedian Bill Engvall;and baseball player Davey Johnson among many others who have made significant contributions to society over their lifetimes.