FAQs and Infomation About Grant County

Grant County is largely rural, with a total population of just under 30,000. Silver City represents about one-third of the total County population, with a population of 10,054. Both population figures are from 2004 estimates by the U.S. Census Bureau.

The next Census estimate of the County's population will be available in late 2007 or early 2008; in the meantime, population indicators like building permits and gross receipts tax records suggest the County population is increasing.

In addition to Silver City, the communities of Hurley, Bayard, Tyrone, Pinos Altos and Santa Clara are clustered near the north-central portion of the County, around Highway 180 and Highway 90. This clustering gives the center of the County a somewhat larger "metropolitan" area than the Silver City population alone would suggest — although, from the U.S. Census Bureau's standpoint, this congregation of municipalities is labeled a "micropolitan" area.

Whatever you call it, the center of Grant County offers casual, relaxed living in low-density cities and communities, while the smaller towns in the County, including Arenas Valley, Cliff, White Signal, Redrock, Buckhorn, Mule Creek, Steeple Rock, Mimbres, San Lorenzo, Fierro, Faywood, Hachita and Vanadium offer small-town living with a real Western feel. Outside of these communities, it is still possible to find folks living miles from one another, and to find places where a secluded lifestyle is more than just a possibility—it's a fact of life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there churches and social organizations to join?

Yes, there are many, with more than 50 congregations active in the county and with civic and social groups for gardening, quilting, hunting, astronomy, bird watching and more.

You can find a listing of many civic organizations here.

Where should I live in Grant County?

Grant County is remarkably diverse: Silver City, the county seat and the largest town in the County, has a history dating back well over 150 years but has modern clubs, art galleries and eateries. Its home prices are typically at the upper end of those found in the County. The County's regional medical center is in Silver City.

Hurley, Bayard, Fiero and the other towns in the Mining District are distinctive communities with wonderful heritages of their own. Although smaller than Silver City, many of Grant County's smaller towns have their own police and fire departments, libraries and community services. Great home prices and values can be found in these communities.

Cliff is a charming rural ranch and agricultural community set in mountain foothills alongside the Gila River.

Faywood and the southern end of the County offer a ruggedly beautiful high desert landscape that contrasts with the more mountainous north.

And, finally, there are many places to live in rural parts of the County that offer complete seclusion. Whatever your needs, do not hesitate to contact Colleen for information on finding the perfect spot.

Are there good hospitals?

You can find a summary of healthcare resources here.

Gila Regional Medical Center is an outstanding regional care facility with a number of accute-care specialties. It's an award-winning facility with a diverse staff of medical professionals associated with it. Owned by the county, Gila Regional is a source of pride for our community and an important community asset.

What is the altitude?

Altitudes in the County range from 4,000 above sea level in the high desert at the southern end of the county to mountains touching 10,000 feet in the north. Silver City, Bayard, Hurley and the central part of the county are just under 6,000 feet above sea level.

How much snow do you get?

Each winter brings one or two snow storms to the County, although it is unusual for snow to persist on the roads in the southern and central part of the county for more than a day, and snow accumulation of any amount in the south is not common.

Area schools occasionally have snow-day cancellations, although these seem to be far too few in number for the students' liking.

The northern tier of the county and places elsewhere in the county above 7,000 feet can have snow on the ground for several days or more. The Burro Mountains, while quite close to Silver City, often have snow cover for several days at a time, as do the mountains east and north of Silver City.

Snow pack in the highest elevations of the county is an important source of river and groundwater, and is highly prized and welcome. Cross-country skiing, sledding and tubing are possible in these locations at times, but these activities are not reliably available throughout winter. There is no ski resort in the county.

How cold does it get?

Because of our low-humidity environment, temperature swings from day to night can be pronounced: The dry air heats up rapidly, but cools rapidly, as well. December and January nights can sometimes see temperatures in the teens or high single-digits, but the following afternoon can see temperatures in the 40s, 50s or higher.

More information on winter weather, freezes and precipitation is available here.

How hot does it get?

The same low-humidity environment that causes temperature swings in the winter provides a real benefit in the summer: Although sunny days in summer can occasionally reach 100 degrees, especially in the south of the County, nighttime temperatures can be cooler by 30 degrees or more. After the arrival of summer monsoon rains, cooling can take place rapidly any time after a rain.

While blisteringly hot weather is very rare, the County is almost always dry: Plan to take plenty of water whenever you travel, and most visitors find a lip ointment and/or sunscreen to be handy additions.

Never leave children or pets in cars, RVs or enclosed spaces. Summer temperatures in vehicles and enclosed spaces can reach 130 degrees or more very quickly.

More information on summer weather is available here.

How dry is it?

The County includes semi-arid mountains and high desert. Prolonged rainy periods are uncommon, although sudden downpours are not. Stay out of streams and gullies during rains of any kind.

The County receives less than 30 inches of precipitation a year on average: 16 inches of rain and 11 inches of snow. In the past decade, total precipitation has been well below that average.

More information on precipitation is available here.

What are your taxes like?

Recent changes in state taxes have made New Mexico an even more economical place to live and work. Find more information on personal and property taxes here.