RANK #984 / 996 · POP 64,701 · NM
PROJECTED GROWTH: -4.5%
Chaves County, New Mexico, is widely recognized for Roswell, its county seat, which draws visitors globally due to the alleged 1947 UFO incident. Beyond the extraterrestrial lore, the county, located in southeastern New Mexico, offers a blend of desert landscapes and the Pecos River valley. It is approximately three hours southeast of Albuquerque. Commutes within the main city of Roswell are generally manageable, and the community maintains a small-town feel despite its notable reputation. Outdoor recreation is a significant draw, with Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge providing habitat for migratory birds and diverse aquatic life, and Bottomless Lakes State Park offering opportunities for hiking, swimming, and kayaking amidst unique sinkhole lakes.
Life in Chaves County is characterized by a welcoming atmosphere and a focus on community values, appealing to families and retirees. The public school districts in Chaves County, including Roswell Independent Schools, Dexter Consolidated Schools, Hagerman Municipal Schools, and Lake Arthur Municipal Schools, are noted for their quality. The local economy is supported by diverse sectors such as agriculture, dairying, ranching, and manufacturing. Recent economic developments indicate growth in areas like retail trade, construction, and oil and gas extraction, with ongoing investments in data centers and energy.
Prices declining
Housing looks undervalued at 3.8x — home prices are low relative to local economic output. Climate and geography support a structural premium. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Zenith Volts Corp. Data Center Campus
Zenith Volts Corp.
|
$6,000M | Approved |
|
Chaves Battery/Storage Portfolio (3 projects)
Undisclosed
|
$509M | Planned |
|
Coyote Willow Energy Park (Solar & Battery Storage)
Undisclosed (NextEra Energy Resources is a major developer in the area)
|
$375M | Planned |
|
Roswell and Chaves County Solar Energy Centers
NextEra Energy Resources and Xcel Energy
|
$140M | Operating |
|
Chaves County Solar II
Chaves County Solar II, LLC
|
$30M | Built |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Chaves County has a Boom Town Index score of 1/100, ranking #984 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +1.8% and a median household income of $49,673, it faces some economic headwinds compared to faster-growing counties.
The median home value in Chaves County is $133,200 with median rent at $850/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.3729, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: -0.5% year-over-year. Job growth: +1.8%. Home values changed -3.5% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 2.76% of Chaves County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.