City Town Info

Socorro, NM


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Socorro, New Mexico

Introduction to Socorro, New Mexico

Socorro, New Mexico, in Socorro county, is 72 miles S of Albuquerque, New Mexico. About 8,877 people live in Socorro.

Socorro History

Socorro was originally founded by a group of Spanish settlers in 1598. The town got its name from the Spanish version of the word "help," as the Piro Indians had helped the Spanish settlers as they arrived from the desert. Socorro was claimed by Americans in 1846 by Colonel Stephen W. Kearny, during the Mexican-American war. It was officially incorporated as a territory of the United States in 1850.

Socorro and nearby Attractions

  • Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge
  • El Camino Real Heritage Center
  • New Mexico Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources Mineralogical Museum
  • Escondida Lake Park
  • National Radio Astronomy Observatory

Things To Do In Socorro

Socorro has a number of recreational sites close by, including the Box Canyon and the San Lorenzo Canyon, which are popular for hiking, mountain biking and climbing. The San Miguel Mission and the El Camino Heritage Center provide visitors with an insight into the town’s history. Local festivals include the Festival of the Cranes, the San Miguel Fiesta and the Socorro County Fair. One can also visit the Cibola National Forest and the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge to see some rare migratory birds.

Socorro Transportation

Albuquerque International is the nearest major airport.

Socorro Higher Education

The New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology is the local institute of higher education. Other nearby institutes include the University of New Mexico, the Albuquerque Technical Vocational Institute and the University of Phoenix-Albuquerque Campus.

High Points

Socorro strengths, compared to Peers (similar size places nationally) or State (other places in New Mexico):

CategoryTrophy
Walking and Biking to Work
(vs. Peers)		Top 2%trophySocorro Walking and Biking to Work
Affordability of Rents
(vs. Peers)		Top 6%Socorro Affordability of Rents
Short Commute Times
(vs. Peers)		Top 6%Socorro Short Commute Times
Affordability of Property Taxes
(vs. Peers)		Top 11%Socorro Affordability of Property Taxes
Racial Diversity
(vs. Peers)		Top 12%Socorro Racial Diversity
College Educated Adults
(vs. State)		Top 16%Socorro College Educated Adults

Comparative Profile of Socorro, NM

Comparing Socorro to similar size places nationwide (Peers) and to other places in New Mexico (State):

Ratings range from 1 (lowest) to 10 (highest).


The People

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers		Compared
to State
Male Share of the Population1010
Racial Diversity99
Children Under 5 Years Old66
Senior Citizens42
Age of the Population22
Well-Paid Single Men14
Female Share of the Population11

Families

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers		Compared
to State
Average Household Size54
Portion of People Married31

Wealth

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers		Compared
to State
College Educated Adults79
Median Family Income26
People in Middle Class or Better14
People Above Poverty11

Commute & Sprawl

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers		Compared
to State
Walking and Biking to Work1010
Short Commute Times1010
Working at Home87
Public Transportation Use23

Housing

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers		Compared
to State
Affordability of Rents107
Affordability of Property Taxes93
Seasonal and Vacation Housing97
Housing Recently Built87
People Living Alone67
Studio & One-Bedroom Rentals69

Crime

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers		Compared
to State
Low Property Crime23
Low Violent Crime11

Detailed pages on related topics: Socorro colleges • Socorro travel.

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Additional Details

Socorro CollegesSocorro Colleges
Socorro colleges and trade schools.
Socorro Hotels & TravelSocorro Hotels & Travel
Socorro hotels, landmarks, tourism, transportation.

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