New Mexico is divided into 33 counties, each with a rich history and unique features. Bernalillo County, established in 1852, is home to Albuquerque, the state’s largest city. Santa Fe County, also founded in 1852, includes the state capital and is renowned for its art and culture. Taos County, another 1852 establishment, features Taos Pueblo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Counties of New Mexico
Each county link opens a new tab, providing easy access to detailed information on New Mexico’s diverse regions. Whether you’re researching for travel, history, or education, our list of New Mexico counties will guide you through the unique characteristics and offerings of each area.
Other early counties include San Miguel, Rio Arriba, Socorro, and Valencia, all formed in 1852, each offering historical sites and scenic landscapes. Grant County, founded in 1868, is known for the Gila National Forest, while Lincoln County (1869) is famous for its connection to Billy the Kid.
Otero County (1899) houses White Sands National Park, and McKinley County (1901) is celebrated for Gallup’s Native American culture. Eddy County (1889) boasts Carlsbad Caverns National Park, and Chaves County (1889) is renowned for the Roswell UFO incident. Dona Ana County, established in 1852, includes Las Cruces and New Mexico State University.
Lea County (1917) is significant for oil and gas production, while Luna, Mora, Torrance, Union, Hidalgo, and Catron counties, founded between 1860 and 1921, offer rural landscapes and historical landmarks. Cibola County, the newest, formed in 1981, is home to El Morro National Monument. Roosevelt, Sandoval, Sierra, Curry, Los Alamos, Quay, and Harding counties, established between 1903 and 1949, further enrich New Mexico with universities, natural wonders, and cultural heritage.
Bernalillo, with Albuquerque, is the most populous, while Santa Fe and Taos are cultural hubs. Rural counties like Catron and Mora offer serene landscapes, whereas Eddy and Lea are vital for energy production. New Mexico’s counties collectively highlight the state’s historical richness, natural beauty, and cultural diversity.
4o