CEDSSummary Background People & Communities
Age Distribution
Age shares reveal different community needs across the five counties. Compare children, working-age adults, and older residents in one clear view.
- Future Workers
- Working-Age Residents
- Aging in Place
County Data Explorer
Different Ages, Different Community Needs
One Region
Choose a measure, then select a county on the map or in the comparison below.
Compare the Five Counties
Sources and Map Notes
County boundaries are from the U.S. Census Bureau, January 1, 2024. This is a county comparison, not a map of neighborhoods, parcels, tribal jurisdiction, or hazard zones. County totals include residents of the Mescalero Apache Tribe within those boundaries.
U.S. Census Bureau: About County Boundaries ↗Reference Data
Age Shares by County
The table gives the exact estimated share in each age group for every county. Read across a row to see the full age mix; read down a column to compare one life stage across the region. These are percentages of residents within each county, not counts of people.
| County | Under 18 | Ages 18–64 | Age 65+ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chaves | 24.6% | 58.9% | 16.5% |
| Eddy | 25.8% | 59.4% | 14.8% |
| Lea | 29.5% | 59.1% | 11.4% |
| Lincoln | 16.7% | 52.1% | 31.3% |
| Otero | 21.9% | 60.6% | 17.5% |
U.S. Census Bureau, 2020–2024 American Community Survey five-year estimates. Percentages may differ slightly from 100% because of rounding, and estimates have sampling uncertainty. Explore ACS data ↗
What This Means for the Region
Support Families and Future Workers
Connect childcare, schools, career exploration, and training so younger residents can build their futures locally.
Plan for Aging in Place
Pair accessible housing with healthcare, transportation, and everyday services, particularly in communities with larger older populations.
Keep Working-Age Residents Connected
Reliable transportation, housing, and flexible training help residents take part in the regional economy.
Use Local Evidence
County averages are a starting point. Match investments to neighborhood needs and avoid assuming that everyone in an age group has the same circumstances.