Rio Arriba County, New Mexico

Rio Arriba County: County in New Mexico, United States

About

Rio Arriba County is a county located in the U.S. state of New Mexico. As of the 2010 census, the population was 40,246 and a population density of 3 people per km². After 10 years in 2020 county had an estimated population of 38,521 inhabitants. Its county seat is Tierra Amarilla. The county was created 172 years ago in 1851.

Rio Arriba County is located in north central New Mexico. As of 2019, the population was 39,461. The county seat is Tierra Amarilla, with a population of 544 as of 2020.

Some key facts about Rio Arriba County:

  • Rio Arriba County was established in 1852 and named after the Rio Arriba region along the Rio Grande river that flows through the county.
  • The county has a long history of Native American and Spanish/Mexican settlement. Many residents today are Hispanic or Native American.
  • The economy is focused on government services, agriculture, mining, and tourism. Main crops include beans, wheat, hay, and potatoes.
  • Rio Arriba County is home to the Carson National Forest which offers hiking, fishing, and camping. The Brazos Cliffs are a popular scenic attraction within the forest.
  • The county has the oldest county courthouse in New Mexico, the Rio Arriba County Courthouse built in 1866.
  • Ghost Ranch near Abiquiu features hiking trails and the home of artist Georgia O’Keefe. It attracts tourists to the county.
  • Ancestral Puebloan archaeological sites like the Petroglyph National Monument showcase ancient Native history in the region.

Rio Arriba County has an abundance of Native and colonial historical sites set amongst natural landmarks like the Carson National Forest. The area provides outdoor recreation mixed with cultural attractions.

Rio Arriba County locator map
Location of Rio Arriba County on New Mexico map.

Quick Facts about Rio Arriba County

Population : 38,521 (2020)
Country : United States of America
State : New Mexico (United States)
Twitter username : arribario
Area : 15171 km2
Water as percent of area : 0.6%
Land as percent of area : 99.4%
Named for : Rio Grande
Altitude : 7,208 feet / 2197 meters
Capital : Tierra Amarilla
Establishment : January 01, 1852
Time Zone : America/Denver
Local time : 08:06:39 (21st December 2024)
Density : 3 Pop. per km² as of 2020
Population growth : -4.48% (2010-2020)
Rio Arriba CCH image
Rio Arriba CCH
Rio Arriba CCH image
Rio Arriba CCH image

Geography

Rio Arriba County is located at 36°30'34"N 106°41'35"W (36.5095700, -106.6931100). It has 7 neighbors: Archuleta County, Conejos County, Los Alamos County, Mora County, Sandoval County, Santa Fe County and Taos County.

Rio Arriba County map

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The largest city of Rio Arriba County is Española with a population of 9,981. Other cities include, Chimayo population 3,177 and Dixon population 926. See all Rio Arriba County cities & populated places.

Rio Arriba County Populated Places

Cities, towns, neighborhoods & other populated places in Rio Arriba County.

City Name Population Title
Española 9,981 City primarily in Rio Arriba County, New Mexico, in the United States
Chimayo 3,177 City in Rio Arriba County, New Mexico, United States of America
Dulce 2,743 Census-designated place (CDP) in Rio Arriba County, New Mexico, United States
Santa Clara 1,761 Village in Grant County, New Mexico, United States
Chama 976 Village in New Mexico
Dixon 926 Unincorporated community in New Mexico

Rio Arriba County has 7 neighbours.

  • Tierra Amarilla

Demographics

According to census records, the population of Rio Arriba County decreased by 4.48% in 10 years.

Year Population % Change Method
2010 40,246 - census
2011 40,244 -0% estimation process
2012 40,195 -0.12% estimation process
2013 40,064 -0.33% estimation process
2014 39,736 -0.83% estimation process
2015 39,370 -0.93% estimation process
2016 39,245 -0.32% estimation process
2017 39,235 -0.03% estimation process
2018 39,023 -0.54% estimation process
2019 38,921 -0.26% estimation process
2020 38,521 -1.04% estimation process

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People born in Rio Arriba County (2)

People born in Rio Arriba County, including serial killer Felipe Espinosa, musician Raul Midón, .

List

New Mexico Other Counties (more counties)

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Bernalillo County 681,666 County in New Mexico, United States
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Curry County 48,793 County in Oregon, United States