McKinley County is located in the northwestern corner of New Mexico and is one of the state’s largest counties. It covers an area of 6,721 square miles and has a population of approximately 73,000 people. The county seat is Gallup, which is also the county’s largest city.
Geographically speaking, McKinley County is mostly flat with some rugged terrain in the southeastern part of the county near Zuni Mountains. The western two-thirds are mainly desert plains while in the eastern third lies a high mountain range with elevations ranging from 5,000 to 8,000 feet above sea level.
The weather in McKinley County can be unpredictable due to its elevation and location at the base of the Rocky Mountains. Summers are usually hot and dry with temperatures often reaching into triple digits during peak months while winters tend to be cold and wet with occasional snowfall. Spring and fall tend to be milder with temperatures ranging from 45-80 degrees Fahrenheit depending on elevation.
McKinley County has a diverse population made up of Native Americans, Hispanics/Latinos, Whites, African Americans and Asians among others. According to 2019 estimates from US Census Bureau, approximately 35% of residents identify as Native American or Alaska Native while Hispanics or Latinos make up 41%. Other racial groups include Whites (14%), African Americans (3%) and Asians (2%). The median household income for McKinley County was $36,944 in 2019 according to census data.
McKinley County is an interesting place with a wide range of geographical features as well as diverse cultural influences that make it an exciting place to visit or live. With its unpredictable weather patterns and stunning natural beauty, it’s no wonder why so many people choose this part of New Mexico as their home.
Economy of McKinley County, New Mexico
McKinley County, New Mexico has a thriving economy that is driven by the county’s diverse population and varied industries. The county’s most significant industry is tourism, which brings in millions of dollars in revenue each year. This includes visitors from all over the world who come to experience the area’s stunning natural beauty, unique culture and various attractions.
The second largest industry in McKinley County is agriculture, with the majority of crops being grown in the western portion of the county. These include corn, wheat, cotton and hay as well as other produce such as pecans and chiles. Livestock such as cattle and sheep are also raised here.
In addition to these two main industries, McKinley County also has a strong manufacturing sector that includes food processing plants, furniture makers and other factories that employ hundreds of people throughout the county. Retail businesses are also an important part of the local economy with many stores located throughout Gallup and other towns in the area.
The oil and gas industry is another major contributor to McKinley County’s economy with several large companies operating here including Chevron, Anadarko Petroleum Corporation and Apache Corporation. The mining industry is also present in some areas with copper being mined near Grants while coal mining occurs near Gallup.
McKinley County also has a vibrant arts community with many galleries, museums and performing art venues located throughout the county. There are numerous art festivals held each year featuring local artists displaying their work as well as musical performances from regional bands playing at outdoor venues like Red Rock State Park or Gallup Community Center Park.
McKinley County has a strong economy that provides employment opportunities for its residents while also attracting tourists from all over the world who come to experience its unique culture and stunning natural beauty.
Libraries in McKinley County, New Mexico
According to babyinger, McKinley County, New Mexico is home to a number of libraries that serve the local community and visitors alike. From public libraries to university collections, there’s something for everyone in this part of the state.
The McKinley County Public Library System is comprised of five branches located in Gallup, Mentmore, Ramah, Rehoboth and Tohatchi. The branches offer a variety of services such as free Wi-Fi access, computer labs, book clubs and storytimes for children. In addition to their extensive collection of books and other media materials including DVDs and CDs, the library also offers access to online databases like ProQuest Research Library and WorldCat Discovery Services.
For those interested in higher education resources, the University of New Mexico-Gallup Library provides access to research databases as well as print and digital collections on various topics. The library also has a special collection dedicated to Native American studies which includes books on culture, history and language.
The Navajo Nation Library System includes three branches located in Window Rock, Chinle and Shiprock which all offer a variety of services such as access to computers with internet connection as well as book clubs for both adults and children. The library also offers an interlibrary loan service which allows patrons to check out books from other libraries within the system.
In addition to these public libraries, there are a number of private collections scattered throughout McKinley County such as the El Morro Public Library located at El Morro National Monument which houses an extensive collection on Native American history or the Zuni Nation Collection at Zuni Pueblo which focuses on Zuni language and culture.
McKinley County has an abundance of library resources available for its residents or visitors who are looking for knowledge or entertainment alike. Whether you’re looking for research materials or just want a good read while relaxing in nature’s beauty this county has something for everyone.
Landmarks in McKinley County, New Mexico
McKinley County, New Mexico is a vibrant and diverse county located in the Four Corners region of the United States. From ancient archaeological sites to breathtaking natural landscapes, this county has a wealth of attractions for visitors. See EHOTELAT for hotels in New Mexico.
The El Morro National Monument is a must-see destination in the county. Located just outside of Ramah, this monument includes an ancient sandstone bluff that was used by ancestral Puebloans and Spanish explorers as an inscription site. Visitors can explore the inscriptions and petroglyphs carved into the rocks as well as take in stunning views from atop El Morro Mesa.
Another popular attraction in McKinley County is Chaco Culture National Historical Park, located near Nageezi. This park features many ancient ruins and artifacts from ancestral Puebloan culture that date back to 850 CE. Visitors can explore these ruins, take guided tours, or attend special events at the park throughout the year.
The Gallup Cultural Center is another great place to visit in McKinley County. This center showcases various aspects of Navajo culture such as art, music, dance, and more through its exhibits and performances throughout the year. The center also offers workshops to teach visitors about Navajo history and culture while encouraging them to get involved with local projects and activities.
For those who are looking for an outdoor adventure in McKinley County, there are plenty of options available too. The Bluewater Lake State Park provides visitors with opportunities for fishing, swimming, boating, camping and more while Red Rock State Park offers hiking trails with stunning views of red rock formations as well as bird-watching opportunities throughout the year.
No matter what type of experience you’re looking for during your visit to McKinley County you’re sure to find something exciting here. From ancient archaeological sites to beautiful landscapes, there’s something for everyone here.