Eddy County, New Mexico

Infobox U.S. County
county = Eddy County
state = New Mexico

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map size = 200
founded = 25 February 1889
seat = Carlsbad
largest city = Carlsbad
area_total_sq_mi =4198
area_water_sq_mi =16
area percentage = 0.37%
census yr = 2000
pop = 51658
density_km2 =5
web = www.co.eddy.nm.us/

Eddy County is a county located in the U.S. state of New Mexico. As of 2000, the population was 51,658. Its county seat and largest city is CarlsbadGR|6.

Carlsbad Caverns National Park is located in Eddy County.

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 4,198 square miles (10,872 km²), of which, 4,182 square miles (10,831 km²) of it is land and 16 square miles (40 km²) of it (0.37%) is water.

Adjacent counties

* Otero County, New Mexico - west
* Chaves County, New Mexico - north
* Lea County, New Mexico - east
* Loving County, Texas - southeast
* Reeves County, Texas - south
* Culberson County, Texas - south

National protected areas

* Carlsbad Caverns National Park
* Lincoln National Forest (part)

Demographics

As of the censusGR|2 of 2000, there were 51,658 people, 19,379 households, and 14,069 families residing in the county. The population density was 12 people per square mile (5/km²). There were 22,249 housing units at an average density of 5 per square mile (2/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 76.34% White, 1.56% Black or African American, 1.25% Native American, 0.45% Asian, 0.09% Pacific Islander, 17.67% from other races, and 2.64% from two or more races. 38.76% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 19,379 households out of which 35.60% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.10% were married couples living together, 11.90% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.40% were non-families. 24.20% of all households were made up of individuals and 10.70% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.63 and the average family size was 3.12.

In the county the population was spread out with 28.90% under the age of 18, 8.40% from 18 to 24, 25.70% from 25 to 44, 22.40% from 45 to 64, and 14.70% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 95.90 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.70 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $31,998, and the median income for a family was $36,789. Males had a median income of $31,909 versus $19,686 for females. The per capita income for the county was $15,823. About 13.60% of families and 17.20% of the population were below the poverty line, including 21.50% of those under age 18 and 13.40% of those age 65 or over.

Eddy County in popular culture

*Within the Myst and series of computer games, Eddy County is the fictional location of The Cleft, a fissure near a dormant volcano leading down to the large D'ni Cavern. This is most likely a reference to the aforementioned Carlsbad Caverns National Park.

Localities

Cities

*Artesia
*Carlsbad

Villages

*Hope
*Loving

Census-designated place

*Carlsbad North

References

External links

* [http://www.co.eddy.nm.us Eddy County Official Website]