Portales is a municipality located in Roosevelt County, New Mexico, USA, with a total population of 11,131 (2000 census). It is the county seat of Roosevelt County and is also the home of Eastern New Mexico University. It is located near the larger city of Clovis as well as Cannon Air Force Base, a major contributor to the economy of the region.
Eastern New Mexico University opened in 1934 and has grown to become the third largest university in the state. Peanuts and sweet potatoes were formerly the largest crops in the area. Although Portales is one of the largest producers of Valencia Peanuts in the United States, it is now best known for its successful, growing dairy industry.
Portales is located at 34°10'56" North, 103°20'19" West (34.182184, -103.338737).
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 17.7 km2 (6.8 mi2). 17.7 km2 (6.8 mi2) of it is land and none of the area is covered with water.
As of the census of 2000, there are 11,131 people, 4,188 households, and 2,659 families residing in the city. The population density is 627.4/km2 (1,624.9/mi2). There are 4,862 housing units at an average density of 274.0/km2 (709.7/mi2). The racial makeup of the city is 68.80% White, 2.28% African American, 1.12% Native American, 0.96% Asian, 0.09% Pacific Islander, 23.39% from other races, and 3.35% from two or more races. 38.13% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There are 4,188 households out of which 33.6% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.3% are married couples living together, 14.2% have a female householder with no husband present, and 36.5% are non-families. 27.8% of all households are made up of individuals and 10.0% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.49 and the average family size is 3.09.
In the city the population is spread out with 26.3% under the age of 18, 20.1% from 18 to 24, 25.4% from 25 to 44, 15.9% from 45 to 64, and 12.2% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 27 years. For every 100 females there are 93.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 89.8 males.
The median income for a household in the city is $24,658, and the median income for a family is $30,462. Males have a median income of $27,080 versus $20,625 for females. The per capita income for the city is $12,935. 24.9% of the population and 18.8% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 25.5% of those under the age of 18 and 17.5% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.
The town and surrounding communities are heavily dependent on agriculture, including cattle ranching and dairy farming, peanuts, and grain, as well as the service industry. Retailers include Wal-Mart, many dollar stores and Allsups convenience stores. There are two bars in Portales.
The town takes its name (Spanish for "gates"), from a nearby rock formation thought by the first Western visitors to resemble gates or porches. The settlement was founded in the late 1800s and the city was formally established in 1909. Its first mayor was Washington Ellsworth Lyndsey, later a state governor of New Mexico.
Source:
PortalesNewMexico.com
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