Bernalillo County, New Mexico
According to countryaah, Bernalillo County is located in central New Mexico and is the most populous county in the state. The county seat is Albuquerque, which is also the largest city in New Mexico. Bernalillo County covers an area of 2,569 square miles and has a population of 676,680 people (as of 2019). The county borders Sandoval, Torrance, Valencia and Santa Fe counties to the north; McKinley and Cibola counties to the east; Socorro County to the south; and Valencia, Sandoval and Cibola counties to the west.
The Rio Grande River runs through Bernalillo County from north to south providing a natural border between it and its neighboring counties. The county has a unique blend of cultures from Native American tribes such as the Pueblo peoples, Spanish settlers, Mexican immigrants, Anglo-American settlers and other diverse populations that have all contributed to its vibrant culture today.
The landscape of Bernalillo County varies widely with mountains in the north near Santa Fe National Forest; flat plains in the middle along with rivers like Rio Grande; deserts in the south near White Sands Missile Range; volcanoes like Mount Taylor in the east near Grants; mesas like Petroglyph National Monument in Albuquerque’s northwest corner; and forests like Manzano Mountains Wilderness Area near Mountainair.
In addition to its diverse landscape, Bernalillo County is home to many attractions that draw visitors from all over including Old Town Albuquerque which offers shopping, dining, art galleries and museums; Petroglyph National Monument featuring ancient Native American rock carvings on cliffs overlooking Albuquerque’s West Mesa volcanic field; Coronado State Monument offering hiking trails with views of Sandia Mountains; Isleta Pueblo where visitors can experience traditional dances performed by members of this Native American tribe during Pow Wows held throughout summer months; ABQ BioPark Zoo & Aquarium providing educational experiences about animal species around world; Balloon Fiesta Park hosting world’s largest hot air balloon festival each October since 1972.
With so much diversity within its borders there’s no wonder why Bernalillo County continues to be one of New Mexico’s top tourist destinations year after year!
Demographics of Bernalillo County, New Mexico
Bernalillo County, New Mexico is located in the central part of the state and has a population of 676,685 according to the 2019 U.S. Census Bureau estimates. It is the most populous county in New Mexico and is home to almost one-third of its population. The county seat is Albuquerque, which is also the largest city in the state and has an estimated population of 559,121 as of 2019.
The racial makeup of Bernalillo County is 65.2% White (non-Hispanic), 9.3% African American (non-Hispanic), 3.1% Native American (non-Hispanic), 5.9% Asian (non-Hispanic), 0.1% Pacific Islander (non-Hispanic), 14.2% from other races (non-Hispanic) and 2.3% from two or more races (non-Hispanic). The Hispanic or Latino population makes up 48% of Bernalillo County’s total population, with Mexican being by far the largest ethnic group at 34%. Other Hispanic/Latino ethnicities include Puerto Rican at 4%, Guatemalan at 2%, Salvadoran at 1%, Cuban at 0.2%, Dominican at 0%.
The median household income for the county was $45,902 in 2018 with a poverty rate of 17%. In terms of educational attainment among adults 25 years and older, 48% had a high school degree or higher while 27% had a bachelor’s degree or higher; this was slightly lower than the national average for both categories which were 84% and 33%, respectively.
In terms of employment, Bernalillo County had an unemployment rate of 4.7%, which was slightly lower than that for New Mexico as a whole which was 5%. The largest industry sector in Bernalillo County was healthcare and social assistance which accounted for 18% followed by retail trade at 13%. The largest employers were University of New Mexico Hospital with 11,000 employees followed by Presbyterian Healthcare Services with 8,000 employees; both are located in Albuquerque.
Overall, Bernalillo County is a diverse and vibrant place to live, work, and play. With its rich culture, stunning landscapes, and proximity to the state’s borders there’s no wonder why it continues to be one of New Mexico’s top tourist destinations year after year!
Places of Interest in Bernalillo County, New Mexico
Bernalillo County is home to many attractions and places of interest. Located in the heart of New Mexico, the county offers a diverse array of activities and experiences for visitors and residents alike. From outdoor recreation and cultural attractions to unique shopping experiences, there’s something for everyone in Bernalillo County.
One of the most popular outdoor attractions in Bernalillo County is Petroglyph National Monument. This site preserves over 20,000 petroglyphs created by ancient Native American cultures, offering insight into their lifestyles and beliefs. Visitors can explore these petroglyphs on their own or take a guided tour from one of the park rangers.
For a cultural experience, visit Old Town Albuquerque. This historic district features adobe buildings that date back to the 1700s as well as numerous shops, restaurants, galleries, and museums that showcase traditional New Mexican culture. There are also plenty of festivals held throughout the year such as the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta which draws thousands of visitors each October.
For those looking for some retail therapy, head over to Coronado Center or ABQ Uptown Shopping Center where you can find all your favorite stores like Macy’s, Nordstrom Rack, Best Buy, Sephora and more! There are also plenty of independent boutiques with unique items you won’t find anywhere else like handmade jewelry and pottery made by local artisans.
If you’re interested in learning more about New Mexico’s history and culture then check out The National Hispanic Cultural Center which offers educational programs about Hispanic heritage as well as a variety of events such as concerts and theatrical performances throughout the year. The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center is another great option; this museum showcases exhibits related to Native American cultures from across North America including artifacts from over 19 different pueblos in New Mexico alone.
Finally no trip to Bernalillo County would be complete without exploring its stunning natural beauty! There are numerous parks located throughout the county like Sandia Mountain Park which has miles of trails perfect for hiking or biking or Los Poblanos Open Space where visitors can enjoy bird watching or simply take in breathtaking views from atop its mesas!
So whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure or cultural exploration Bernalillo County has something for everyone! With so much to see and do it’s easy to see why this region continues to be one of New Mexico’s top tourist destinations year after year!
Communities in Bernalillo County, New Mexico
Bernalillo County, New Mexico is a vibrant and diverse community that offers something for everyone. The county is made up of a number of unique communities, each with its own unique culture and history.
The city of Albuquerque is the largest city in the county. It is home to a variety of cultural attractions like the National Hispanic Cultural Center and the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, as well as numerous shops and restaurants. It also hosts festivals like the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta which draws thousands of visitors each year.
Rio Rancho is a rapidly growing suburb located just north of Albuquerque. It has become increasingly popular with families due to its excellent schools, affordable housing, and many recreational opportunities such as golf courses, parks, and trails.
The Village of Los Ranchos de Albuquerque is a charming rural community located east of Albuquerque along the Rio Grande River. This small village boasts beautiful adobe homes and lush gardens that provide an idyllic setting for its residents. There are also many local shops and restaurants where you can find traditional New Mexican cuisine as well as handmade goods from local artisans.
Corrales is another rural village situated between Rio Rancho and Albuquerque along the Rio Grande River Valley. Corrales features some stunning views of nearby Sandia Mountains as well as an abundance of outdoor activities such as horseback riding, hiking, biking, fishing, kayaking, bird-watching and more!
The pueblos of Isleta del Sur and Santo Domingo are two sovereign nations located within Bernalillo County that have kept their traditions alive for centuries despite colonization efforts by Europeans in the 16th century. These pueblos offer visitors a unique opportunity to experience traditional Native American culture through their museums, festivals, dances and crafts markets.
No matter where you go in Bernalillo County there will be plenty to explore! From historic sites to outdoor adventures to cultural experiences there’s something here for everyone! Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation this region has it all so come explore all that Bernalillo County has to offer!
Notable People of Bernalillo County, New Mexico
Bernalillo County, New Mexico is home to many notable people who have left their mark on the region. From writers and politicians to athletes and entertainers, the area has seen many famous faces throughout its history.
One of Bernalillo County’s most famous residents is author Tony Hillerman, best known for his mystery novels set in the Southwest. Hillerman was born in Sacred Heart Hospital in Albuquerque and spent much of his life living in Albuquerque and Corrales. His novels often featured characters from Native American tribes located near Albuquerque, including the Navajo Nation which covers parts of Bernalillo County.
Another prominent figure from Bernalillo County is former Governor Bill Richardson. Richardson served as Governor of New Mexico from 2003-2011 and was born in Pasadena, California but raised in Los Ranchos de Albuquerque. During his time as Governor he championed education reform, pushed for renewable energy initiatives, and worked to improve relations between Native American tribes and the state government.
The list of notable people from Bernalillo County also includes several athletes such as NFL player Brian Urlacher who was born in Pasco, Washington but attended Rio Rancho High School; NBA player Danny Granger who played at Rio Grande High School; and professional golfer Notah Begay III who grew up on Isleta Pueblo Reservation near Albuquerque.
Bernalillo County has also been home to several well-known entertainers including singer Demi Lovato who grew up in nearby Albuquerque; actor Willem Dafoe who attended high school at Valley High School; actor Neil Patrick Harris who attended La Cueva High School; actress Anna Gunn who graduated from Eldorado High School; actor Lou Diamond Phillips who graduated from Manzano High School; actress Amber Tamblyn who attended La Cueva High School; actress Jane Lynchwho attended Eldorado High School; and singer/songwriter Jewel Kilcherwho was born on Isleta Pueblo Reservation near Albuquerque.
The list of notable people from Bernalillo County continues with politicians such as US Senator Tom Udallwho graduated from Sandia Preparatory Academy; US Representative Deb Haalandwho graduated from Del Norte High School; former US Senator Jeff Bingamanwho graduated from Highland High School; former New Mexico Secretary of State Rebecca Vigil-Gironwho graduated from West Mesa High School; former President Pro Tempore Ben Lujánwho attended St. Pius X Catholic Church & Elementary Schools located within the county boundaries ;and current US Senator Martin Heinrichwho graduated high school at Manzano Day School located within the county boundaries.
These are just a few of the many notable people that have come out of Bernalillo County throughout its history – a testament to its rich culture, diverse population, and vibrant community!
Bordering States of New Mexico
According to abbreviationfinder, New Mexico is bordered by five states: Colorado, Oklahoma, Texas, Arizona and Utah. The border between New Mexico and Colorado measures approximately 350 miles in total length as it stretches from the northeastern corner of New Mexico near Raton Pass up to its southwesternmost point near the Four Corners Monument. Additionally, New Mexico shares a lengthy border with Oklahoma that measures about 120 miles in total length. It extends from the eastern corner of New Mexico near Texico up to its northwesternmost point near Clayton.
To the north, New Mexico has a relatively short border with Texas that measures only 90 miles in total length as it runs along Texas’ western edge from El Paso up to its northwesternmost point near Dalhart. Additionally, New Mexico also has a border with Arizona that measures about 375 miles in length as it extends from Corrales on the Gila River up to its northwestern tip near Tohatchi.
To the west, New Mexico has borders with both Colorado and Oklahoma that measure about 200 miles each in total length as they run along Colorado’s southwestern edge and Oklahoma’s northeastern edge from Springer up to their northwesternmost points near Bloomfield and Boise City respectively. Finally, New Mexico also has a small border with Utah that measure only 160 miles in total length as it extends from Navajo Mountain on the San Juan River Valley up to its northwesternmost point near Mexican Hat on the San Juan River Valley.
