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