Cities and Towns in Roosevelt County, New Mexico
Founded in 1903, Roosevelt County is one of 33 counties in the state of New Mexico. Historically, Roosevelt County was formed from parts of Chaves County and Guadalupe County. The city of Portales is the county seat. With FIPS code of 41, Roosevelt County has a population of 19,019 and area of 2,449 square miles (6,343 km²).
List of all cities in Roosevelt County, NM alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Arch, NM | 88130 | 575 |
| Causey, NM | 88113 | 575 |
| Dora, NM | 88115 | 575 |
| Elida, NM | 88116 | 575 |
| 88122 | 575 | |
| Floyd, NM | 88118 | 575 |
| Garrison, NM | 88132 | 575 |
| Kenna, NM | 88122 | 575 |
| Lingo, NM | 88123 | 575 |
| Milnesand, NM | 88125 | 575 |
| Pep, NM | 88126 | 575 |
| Portales, NM | 88123 | 575 |
| 88130 | 575 | |
| Rogers, NM | 88132 | 575 |
Major Cities and Towns in Roosevelt County, New Mexico
Portales
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 12.4 square miles
- Population: Approximately 12,000
- Zip Codes: 88130
- Latitude: 34.1849° N
- Longitude: 103.3372° W
Location and History
Portales is located in eastern New Mexico, about 15 miles west of the Texas border, and serves as the county seat of Roosevelt County. The town was founded in the late 19th century and named after the Spanish word “portales,” meaning “portals,” due to its location near natural gateways through the surrounding plains. The arrival of the railroad in the early 1900s spurred the town’s growth, primarily as an agricultural center for cotton and other crops. The establishment of Eastern New Mexico University (ENMU) in 1934 further contributed to the town’s development, both culturally and economically. The town has always maintained a close connection to agriculture, with ranching, cotton farming, and pecan orchards being key to its economy. Over the years, Portales has evolved into a diverse community with a strong educational presence due to ENMU, attracting residents and students from across the country.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Portales is home to Eastern New Mexico University, a major institution that provides a variety of academic programs and cultural opportunities to the region. The Portales Municipal Schools district operates local elementary, middle, and high schools, including Portales High School. The town features several cultural landmarks, including the Roosevelt County Museum, which displays exhibits on local history, ranching, and the region’s Native American heritage. The nearby Blackwater Draw Archaeological Site is of particular importance, as it contains ancient evidence of the Clovis culture, one of the earliest known human settlements in North America. The Portales city park offers recreational opportunities, including walking trails, sports fields, and picnic areas. The city also celebrates local events like the annual Portales Heritage Days, which highlight the area’s agricultural traditions.
Elida
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 1.4 square miles
- Population: Approximately 200
- Zip Codes: 88116
- Latitude: 34.2492° N
- Longitude: 103.7596° W
Location and History
Elida is a small village in the southeastern part of Roosevelt County, about 20 miles southeast of Portales. The village was established in the early 1900s, and its economy was historically driven by agriculture, especially cotton farming and cattle ranching. Elida was officially incorporated in 1919, and like many rural New Mexico towns, it has remained a quiet, tight-knit community with a focus on family and farming. The town’s rural location gives it a peaceful, small-town charm, and while Elida has seen little growth in population, it remains a stable agricultural center within the county. The surrounding plains are known for their rich soil, making Elida an ideal location for farming, particularly of cotton, peanuts, and other crops.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Elida is part of the Elida Municipal Schools district, which operates a small K-12 school serving the local population. The village does not have many major landmarks but is known for its agricultural significance in the region. The rural landscape surrounding Elida offers scenic views of New Mexico’s plains and is a popular area for those who enjoy the outdoors and wide-open spaces. The area is home to a number of small local events that bring the community together, such as agricultural fairs and town celebrations. Elida’s peaceful environment and rural charm continue to make it a destination for those looking for a quieter lifestyle away from the more urban areas of Roosevelt County.
Dora
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 1.1 square miles
- Population: Approximately 100
- Zip Codes: 88115
- Latitude: 34.3160° N
- Longitude: 103.7580° W
Location and History
Dora is a very small, rural town located in the northeastern part of Roosevelt County, about 20 miles east of Portales. The town was founded in the early 20th century, and like many small towns in New Mexico, its economy has always been driven by agriculture. The village is primarily known for its cotton production and ranching activities, though it also has a rich history tied to the development of farming in the region. Dora remains an agricultural community, with the land around it used for growing crops such as cotton, hay, and peanuts. Over the years, it has maintained its small-town rural character, with a steady but small population and limited commercial development.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Dora is served by the Dora Independent Schools district, which provides education for the local children. The school offers programs from kindergarten through high school, and like many small rural schools, it has a strong sense of community involvement. There are few landmarks in Dora, but the surrounding countryside offers scenic views of the plains and is home to a number of small agricultural operations. The town hosts a few local events, mostly centered around community and agricultural activities, including harvest festivals and local fairs. Dora remains a quiet, peaceful spot for those seeking a rural lifestyle, with easy access to the larger communities of Portales and Clovis.
Causey
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.5 square miles
- Population: Approximately 30
- Zip Codes: 88113
- Latitude: 34.3840° N
- Longitude: 103.5420° W
Location and History
Causey is a tiny rural community located in the southwestern corner of Roosevelt County, near the border with Chaves County. The town was founded in the early 1900s and grew as an agricultural settlement, with farming and ranching as its primary industries. Causey was named after the Causey family, who were early settlers in the area. Like other small towns in the region, its economy is primarily centered around agriculture, particularly cattle ranching and crop farming. Due to its small size and remote location, Causey has remained a quiet, rural community with little growth over the years. The area is known for its expansive farmland and peaceful atmosphere, making it an ideal location for those who appreciate a slower-paced, rural lifestyle.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Causey is part of the small, rural school district that serves the surrounding communities, and most children in the area attend schools in nearby towns like Portales. There are few notable landmarks in Causey due to its small size, but the town is surrounded by vast fields and ranches, contributing to its rural charm. The community is centered around agriculture, and local events often focus on farming, livestock, and community gatherings. The nearby countryside offers opportunities for outdoor activities, particularly those related to farming and ranching. Causey remains a quiet, peaceful spot for people who value rural living and wide-open spaces.