Cities and Towns in Sierra County, New Mexico
Founded in 1884, Sierra County is one of 33 counties in the state of New Mexico. Historically, Sierra County was formed from parts of Doña Ana County and Socorro County. The city of Truth or Consequences is the county seat. With FIPS code of 51, Sierra County has a population of 11,502 and area of 4,180 square miles (10,826 km²).
List of all cities in Sierra County, NM alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Arrey, NM | 87930 | 575 |
| Caballo, NM | 87931 | 575 |
| Chloride, NM | 87943 | 575 |
| Cuchillo, NM | 87901 | 575 |
| Derry, NM | 87933 | 575 |
| Dusty, NM | 87943 | 575 |
| Elephant Butte, NM | 87935 | 575 |
| Engle, NM | 87935 | 575 |
| Hillsboro, NM | 88042 | 575 |
| Kingston, NM | 88042 | 575 |
| Las Palomas, NM | 87942 | 575 |
| Monticello, NM | 87939 | 575 |
| Rock Canyon, NM | 87935 | 575 |
| Truth or Consequences, NM | 87901 | 575 |
| Williamsburg, NM | 87942 | 575 |
| Winston, NM | 87943 | 575 |
Major Cities and Towns in Sierra County, New Mexico
Truth or Consequences
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 6.0 square miles
- Population: Approximately 6,000
- Zip Codes: 87901
- Latitude: 33.1253° N
- Longitude: 107.2545° W
Location and History
Truth or Consequences, often abbreviated as T or C, is the county seat of Sierra County and is located in southern New Mexico, along the Rio Grande. The town is nestled between the Sierra Oscura Mountains to the east and the Black Range to the west, offering scenic desert landscapes and a mild climate. Originally known as Hot Springs, the town was renamed in 1950 after the popular radio quiz show “Truth or Consequences,” when the show’s host, Ralph Edwards, offered to broadcast an episode from the first town that changed its name to the show’s title. The town’s original identity as Hot Springs reflects its long history as a spa town, famous for its natural hot springs that have been used for therapeutic purposes for centuries. These springs were utilized by Native American tribes before the Spanish arrived in the 16th century, and the town grew during the late 19th and early 20th centuries as a health resort. T or C became a bustling destination for those seeking the therapeutic benefits of the mineral-rich waters. The town continues to attract visitors for its hot springs, but it also has a rich cultural heritage and a vibrant arts scene.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Truth or Consequences is served by the Truth or Consequences Municipal Schools district, which includes Truth or Consequences High School and the Sierra Elementary School. The schools provide a variety of educational programs and extracurricular activities for the local population. The town is known for its hot springs, with many hotels, spas, and public bathhouses offering access to the mineral-rich waters. The Riverbend Hot Springs and the Sierra Grande Lodge and Spa are among the most popular locations to experience these waters. Another landmark is the Geronimo Springs Museum, which showcases local history, including exhibits on the town’s Native American heritage, the arrival of Spanish settlers, and the area’s role in the development of the American West. Elephant Butte Lake State Park, located just outside the town, is another popular attraction, providing opportunities for boating, fishing, and camping. With its therapeutic waters, historical landmarks, and surrounding natural beauty, Truth or Consequences has become a unique destination for both relaxation and exploration.
Williamsburg
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.8 square miles
- Population: Approximately 200
- Zip Codes: 87942
- Latitude: 32.9164° N
- Longitude: 107.7243° W
Location and History
Williamsburg is a small, rural community located in the southern part of Sierra County, about 20 miles northeast of Truth or Consequences. It sits in a fertile valley surrounded by the rugged terrain of the Sierra Mountains, with the Rio Grande flowing nearby. The town was originally established in the late 19th century as a stop on the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railway, which helped foster early agricultural development in the region. The community grew as a farming and ranching hub, with the main industries being the cultivation of cotton, vegetables, and livestock. Over time, the town’s population has remained small, but it has preserved its agricultural roots and continues to be a quiet farming community. Williamsburg offers a glimpse of rural life in New Mexico, with a pace that is slower and more tranquil compared to larger nearby towns. Its location along the Rio Grande makes it ideal for agriculture, and it is situated in an area rich in both natural and cultural history.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Williamsburg is part of the Truth or Consequences Municipal Schools district, with children in the area attending schools in the nearby town of Truth or Consequences. Although the village itself does not have large educational institutions, it is supported by the resources available in the surrounding region. Major landmarks in Williamsburg include the nearby Elephant Butte Lake, which is one of New Mexico’s largest and most popular recreational areas. The lake offers boating, fishing, and camping opportunities. Additionally, the area around Williamsburg is known for its natural beauty, with nearby hiking trails and desert landscapes attracting outdoor enthusiasts. The local economy is still tied to agriculture, with many farms dotting the surrounding area, producing crops such as pecans, cotton, and vegetables. Williamsburg is also close to the historic Elephant Butte Dam, which provides irrigation and recreation for the surrounding region. The combination of natural beauty and historical landmarks makes Williamsburg an interesting place to visit or live for those seeking a rural New Mexico lifestyle.
Chloride
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.4 square miles
- Population: Approximately 30
- Zip Codes: 87924
- Latitude: 33.1351° N
- Longitude: 107.4437° W
Location and History
Chloride is a tiny, historic mining town located about 20 miles northwest of Truth or Consequences in Sierra County. Nestled in the foothills of the Black Range, the town was established in the late 19th century after silver was discovered in the area. It quickly became a bustling mining camp, and by the 1880s, Chloride was one of the more prosperous towns in the region. However, the town’s success was short-lived, as the silver deposits were soon depleted, and many residents moved on. Chloride’s decline was further exacerbated by the rise of larger nearby mining towns. Today, Chloride is a ghost town with only a handful of residents, but it is a fascinating spot for history enthusiasts and visitors interested in New Mexico’s mining past. The town remains a reminder of the boom-and-bust nature of mining in the American West, and its old buildings and structures stand as a testament to its former life. Despite its small size, Chloride retains an air of mystery and historical significance, drawing those curious about the Old West and New Mexico’s mining history.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Chloride is part of the Truth or Consequences Municipal Schools district, though its population is so small that children usually attend schools in the nearby town of Truth or Consequences. Chloride does not have major landmarks or schools of its own, but it remains historically significant due to its mining heritage. Visitors can explore the remnants of old mining operations, including abandoned buildings and mining equipment, which offer a glimpse into the town’s past. Chloride is also located near the Gila National Forest, which is popular for hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. The nearby Black Range Mountains offer excellent opportunities for outdoor exploration, and the town’s history is preserved in the nearby Ghost Towns of New Mexico, which attract history buffs and explorers. Although small and largely forgotten, Chloride stands as a reminder of the early mining days in New Mexico, and it continues to intrigue visitors with its quiet, desolate charm.
Caballo
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.6 square miles
- Population: Approximately 25
- Zip Codes: 87931
- Latitude: 33.2689° N
- Longitude: 107.2941° W
Location and History
Caballo is a very small village located in the southern part of Sierra County, near the Caballo Reservoir, approximately 30 miles south of Truth or Consequences. The village’s name comes from the Spanish word for “horse,” reflecting its early history as a ranching and farming community. The town’s development was tied to the construction of the Caballo Dam in the 1930s, which created the Caballo Reservoir and provided irrigation for the surrounding agricultural lands. The town’s population has remained small, with most residents living in the area to work on nearby ranches or for recreation. Caballo’s proximity to Elephant Butte Lake and its location on the Rio Grande make it an attractive place for those who enjoy outdoor activities, especially boating, fishing, and camping. The village remains relatively quiet and has a rural atmosphere, offering a slower pace of life compared to larger towns in the region. Caballo is also located near the historic Elephant Butte Dam, which further ties it to the region’s early agricultural and water management history.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Caballo is part of the Truth or Consequences Municipal Schools district, and children in the area typically attend schools in Truth or Consequences. Caballo is too small to have its own schools or major public institutions, but its proximity to nearby communities provides residents with educational resources. Major landmarks around Caballo include the Caballo Reservoir, which offers boating, fishing, and water sports, and is a popular spot for both locals and visitors. The nearby Elephant Butte Lake and State Park provide additional recreational opportunities, including camping, hiking, and birdwatching. The surrounding area is also known for its scenic beauty, with rugged desert landscapes and views of the Rio Grande. Caballo’s quiet location and natural attractions make it an ideal destination for those seeking outdoor adventure in a rural New Mexico setting. Despite its small size, Caballo offers a unique blend of recreational opportunities and historical significance related to water management in the region.
