CEDSSummary Background People & Communities
Race and Ethnicity
The five counties have distinct community profiles. Read the categories carefully, then use the comparison to ask better questions about access and participation.
- Cultural Identity
- Access & Participation
- Tribal Leadership
Race and Hispanic Origin, Clearly Defined
Hispanic or Latino origin can be reported by people of any race. To avoid double-counting, the table places all Hispanic or Latino residents in one category; every other column includes only residents who are not Hispanic or Latino.
| County | Hispanic or Latino, Any Race | White, Not Hispanic | American Indian / Alaska Native, Not Hispanic | Black, Not Hispanic | Asian, Not Hispanic | Other / Multiracial, Not Hispanic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chaves | 58.4% | 36.1% | 0.6% | 1.5% | 1.1% | 2.2% |
| Eddy | 51.6% | 42.9% | 0.8% | 1.2% | 0.6% | 3.0% |
| Lea | 62.7% | 31.0% | 0.4% | 3.1% | 0.7% | 2.0% |
| Lincoln | 33.0% | 60.2% | 3.2% | 0.8% | 0.5% | 2.3% |
| Otero | 39.6% | 45.5% | 5.8% | 3.5% | 1.5% | 4.2% |
Race columns other than “Other / multiracial” describe people reporting one race. “Other / multiracial” combines Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander, some other race, and two or more races. County figures describe residents within county boundaries; they do not measure tribal citizenship.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2020–2024 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, U.S. Census Bureau: American Community Survey Data. Percentages are calculated from unrounded estimates; rounding may affect totals. Survey estimates have margins of error.
Culture, Access, and Opportunity
Hispanic or Latino residents account for 62.7% of Lea County, 58.4% of Chaves, and 51.6% of Eddy. Otero and Lincoln also have substantial Hispanic communities. The Mescalero Apache Tribe is a sovereign government and an essential regional partner; county statistics cannot substitute for Tribe-directed priorities.
Make Participation Accessible
Use plain language, accessible formats, and English and Spanish outreach where needed. Ask communities which channels and services work for them.
Support Entrepreneurs Broadly
Connect business owners with financing, technical assistance, procurement opportunities, and trusted local networks.
Respect Tribal Leadership
Coordinate with the Mescalero Apache Tribe through its chosen representatives and government-to-government processes.
Do Not Infer Individual Needs
Demographic categories do not establish a person’s language, values, skills, or priorities. Pair statistical context with direct community engagement.