Southwest New Mexico Community Network

Southwest New Mexico represents the four-county area of Catron, Grant, Hidalgo, and Luna covering 17,285 square miles with a population of 62,635. The natural beauty of the region is spread out between desert spaces to mountain peaks creating unique combinations of climate, lifestyle, environment, and opportunity. The Gila National Forest spans three million acres and is the first nationally recognized wilderness in the nation. With an abundance of wildlife, flowers, desert plants, incredible rocks and minerals, individuals can find activities that suit their interests.

The region has a rich history and is known for the incarceration of William Bonney, aka, “Billy the Kid” and the burial of his mother in Silver City; Pancho Villa’s invasion over the Mexico border into Columbus; and the Kneeling Nun monolith.

The economic base is comprised of governmental, health, and education services as well as agriculture and mining activities. Luna County has the only 24-hour port of entry, and Hidalgo County has a passenger port of entry. This region is known for its renewable energy amenities that include geothermal, solar, and wind technologies.