Las Cruces

The City in Brief

Founded: 1848; incorporated 1907

Head Official: William Michael Mattiace (since 2003)

City Population

1980: 45,086

1990: 62,648

2000: 74,267

2003 estimate: 76,990

Percent change, 1990–2000: 19.5%

U.S. rank in 1980: 475th

U.S. rank in 1990: 396th (State rank: 2nd)

U.S. rank in 2000: 408th (State rank: 2nd)

Metropolitan Area Population

1980: 96,340

1990: 135,510

2000: 174,682

Percent change, 1990–2000: 29.0%

U.S. rank in 1990: 208th

U.S. rank in 2000: 181st

Area: 52.22 square miles (2000)

Elevation: 3,909 feet above sea level

Average Annual Temperature: 64.0° F

Average Annual Precipitation: 8.5 inches rain, 3.2 inches snow

Major Economic Sectors: government/military, services, trade, education, agriculture

Unemployment Rate: 6.3% (January 2005)

Per Capita Income: $15,704 (1999)

2002 FBI Crime Index Total: Not reported

Major Colleges and Universities: New Mexico State University, La Dona Branch Community College

Daily Newspaper: Las Cruces Sun-News