Gallup
RANK #571 / 996 NAT · #4 / 11 NM · POP 72,073
1YR FORECAST: +0.9%
5YR OUTLOOK: +22%
McKinley County, New Mexico, is distinguished by its dramatic red rock landscapes and its role as the "Heart of Indian Country," with a significant portion of its population identifying as Native American, including Navajo, Hopi, and Zuni tribes. The county seat, Gallup, sits along historic Route 66 and Interstate 40, approximately 136 miles west of Albuquerque. This location makes it a stopping point for travelers and a hub for regional commerce. Outdoor recreation is a major draw, with Red Rock Park offering hiking trails like the Pyramid Rock Trail and Church Rock Trail, along with campgrounds and events such as the Gallup Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial and the Red Rock Balloon Rally. The Zuni Mountain Trail System also provides over 186 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and other activities.
Life in McKinley County blends a connection to ancient cultural traditions with modern amenities. The Gallup-McKinley County School District serves most of the county, operating numerous elementary, middle, and high schools. Commute times average around 27 minutes, with most residents driving alone, though carpooling and local bus services like Gallup Express are available. The economy is supported by sectors such as retail trade, accommodation and food services, and healthcare and social assistance. Government employment, including state and federal facilities, also plays a significant role. Recent economic development efforts have focused on attracting investment in energy, industrial, and logistics sectors, leveraging the county's transportation networks.
Contracting economy
Below national median
Housing looks undervalued at 2.3x — home prices are low relative to local economic output. Climate and geography support a structural premium. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Estimated local headcount ranges. Larger employers shown as floor + "+"; smaller employers show exact counts where reported.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Source: CDC/NCHS vital statistics via County Health Rankings (2020–2022 avg). Rates per 100,000 population. Grade based on homicide rate relative to national average (~6.3). Learn more →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Arroyo Solar Energy Storage Hybrid
Arroyo Solar LLC / D.E. Shaw Renewable Investments (DESRI)
|
$525M | Operating |
|
Moasi Solar
RWE
|
$188M | In Development |
|
McKinley County Local & Tribal Capital Outlay Projects (2019-2023)
Various Local and Tribal Entities
|
$144M | Operating |
|
Wildcat Solar Power Plant LLC
Solariant Capital, LLC
|
$135M | Planned |
|
Prewitt Industrial Park Development
McKinley County / Greater Gallup Economic Development Corporation
|
$75M | Planned |
|
I-40 @ US-491/NM-602 Interchange Improvements
New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT)
|
$60M | Study and Design |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
McKinley County scores 42/100 on the Boom Town Index, landing in the middle of the pack among 996 U.S. counties (#571). Median household income is $44,029 and job growth is running at -1.7%. The data points to a county with mixed signals — some positive indicators alongside areas that lag faster-growing peers.
By national standards, McKinley County is quite affordable. Homes here have a median value of $70,200, and the income-to-home-value ratio of 0.63 is well above the U.S. average — especially with median rent at just $806/month. Residents can generally buy a home without being cost-burdened.
Both population (-1.2% YoY) and employment (-1.7%) are contracting in McKinley County, though housing tells its own story with values moving +1.0% over the past 12 months. This is a county where the trend lines are pointing in the wrong direction.
Not particularly — 1.14% of McKinley County's population moved in from another state, which is below the national average. Most residents are long-term locals rather than recent transplants.