Cities and Towns in Socorro County, New Mexico

Founded in 1852, Socorro County is one of 33 counties in the state of New Mexico. Historically, Socorro County was one of the nine original counties. The city of Socorro is the county seat. With FIPS code of 53, Socorro County has a population of 16,311 and area of 6,647 square miles (17,216 km²).

List of all cities in Socorro County, NM alphabetically

City/Town	Postal Code	Area Code
Alamillo, NM	87831	575
Alamo, NM	87825	575
Bingham, NM	87832	575
Campus, NM	87801	575
Claunch, NM	87011	575
Contreras, NM	87028	575
Escondida, NM	87801	575
Florida, NM	87801	575
La Joya, NM	87028	575
Las Nutrias, NM	87062	575
Lemitar, NM	87823	575
Luis Lopez, NM	87801	575
Magdalena, NM	87825	575
Polvadera, NM	87828	575
San Acacia, NM	87831	575
San Antonio, NM	87832	575
Socorro, NM	87801	575
Veguita, NM	87062	575

Major Cities and Towns in Socorro County, New Mexico

Socorro

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude

• Area: 5.0 square miles
• Population: Approximately 9,000
• Zip Codes: 87801
• Latitude: 34.0694° N
• Longitude: 106.9023° W

Location and History

Socorro is the county seat of Socorro County and one of the oldest towns in New Mexico, with a history that dates back to Spanish colonization. The town is located in central New Mexico, about 75 miles south of Albuquerque, and sits along the Rio Grande River. It was founded in 1598 by the Spanish as part of their efforts to settle the New Mexico Territory. Socorro became a key agricultural and trade center due to its location along the Rio Grande, serving as a crossroads for settlers, traders, and later, travelers on the Santa Fe Trail. The name “Socorro” comes from the Spanish word for “help” or “aid,” reflecting the town’s role as a supply point for settlers and travelers. During the 19th century, Socorro was a center of mining and ranching, and it grew steadily throughout the years. Socorro was also important during the Civil War, with both Union and Confederate forces fighting over control of the area. Today, Socorro remains a small but thriving community, blending its rich history with modern institutions such as New Mexico Tech, a leading research university in the area.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Socorro is home to the Socorro Consolidated Schools district, which includes Socorro High School, which offers a wide range of academic and extracurricular programs, including sports and the arts. Socorro is also home to New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology (New Mexico Tech), a prominent public university known for its focus on science and engineering. Key landmarks in Socorro include the San Miguel Mission, a historic church that dates back to the late 1500s, and the Socorro County Courthouse, a beautiful building that serves as the hub of local government. The New Mexico Tech campus also contains the Very Large Array (VLA), an iconic radio astronomy observatory located outside of town. The VLA is one of the world’s most important scientific facilities and attracts thousands of visitors each year. The nearby Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge is another major landmark, offering hiking, birdwatching, and wildlife photography opportunities in one of New Mexico’s most scenic areas.

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Magdalena

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude

• Area: 1.2 square miles
• Population: Approximately 900
• Zip Codes: 87825
• Latitude: 34.1303° N
• Longitude: 107.1528° W

Location and History

Magdalena is a small town located in the western part of Socorro County, approximately 30 miles southwest of Socorro. It is situated in the foothills of the Magdalena Mountains, which provide a beautiful backdrop for the town. Magdalena has a rich history that dates back to the 19th century, originally as a stopover for travelers on the Old West stagecoach route. The town was established in the late 1800s as a ranching and mining community, with the discovery of nearby silver and gold deposits spurring economic growth. However, by the early 20th century, the mining boom had faded, and the town’s economy shifted toward agriculture, particularly cattle ranching. Today, Magdalena is a quiet, rural community that continues to maintain its agricultural roots. It has become known for its scenic beauty and historical significance, with many visitors coming to explore the surrounding mountains and the town’s role in the Old West.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Magdalena is served by the Magdalena Municipal Schools district, which includes Magdalena High School and the local elementary and middle schools. The district offers a variety of academic and athletic programs, with a focus on preparing students for higher education and careers in agriculture and trades. Notable landmarks in Magdalena include the historic Magdalena Courthouse, which reflects the town’s importance during the late 1800s. The Magdalena Mountains and the surrounding Gila National Forest are popular for outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. The nearby Very Large Array (VLA), located just north of Magdalena, is one of the world’s premier radio telescope facilities and an iconic landmark for astronomy enthusiasts. Magdalena is also close to the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, making it a great spot for nature lovers. The town’s quiet atmosphere and beautiful setting make it a peaceful place to visit or live, with a deep connection to New Mexico’s cultural and natural heritage.

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San Antonio

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude

• Area: 0.6 square miles
• Population: Approximately 200
• Zip Codes: 87832
• Latitude: 34.2792° N
• Longitude: 106.8950° W

Location and History

San Antonio is a small village located about 20 miles south of Socorro, in the central part of Socorro County, New Mexico. The village has deep roots in the region’s agricultural history and was once an important stop on the route between Socorro and the southern parts of New Mexico. San Antonio’s early settlers were primarily farmers and ranchers, with irrigation from the Rio Grande allowing the area to support crops and livestock. The village is named after Saint Anthony (San Antonio in Spanish), reflecting the region’s Spanish colonial influence. San Antonio played a small but vital role during the mining boom of the late 1800s, as it served as a supply stop for mining operations in the nearby areas. While the town’s population has remained small, it has retained a rural charm and is known for its close-knit community. The area surrounding San Antonio remains primarily agricultural, with some residents engaged in tourism, particularly given the proximity to the Very Large Array (VLA) and the scenic landscapes of the Rio Grande Valley.

Major Schools and Landmarks

San Antonio falls under the Socorro Consolidated Schools district, with students attending schools in Socorro. The village’s small size means it has limited educational facilities, but it benefits from access to the resources of Socorro’s public school system. One of the major landmarks in San Antonio is the San Antonio Mission, a historic church that was established in the 17th century, showcasing Spanish colonial architecture. The village is also located near the Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge, which offers scenic landscapes and is home to a variety of wildlife, making it popular for outdoor activities like birdwatching and hiking. The nearby Very Large Array (VLA) also draws attention, as it is one of the most important radio astronomy observatories in the world. This large array of radio antennas, situated on the plains outside of San Antonio, is a major scientific landmark and a significant draw for visitors interested in space and astronomy. Despite its small size, San Antonio offers a quiet retreat with easy access to cultural and natural landmarks.

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Lemitar

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude

• Area: 2.5 square miles
• Population: Approximately 500
• Zip Codes: 87823
• Latitude: 34.2735° N
• Longitude: 106.9006° W

Location and History

Lemitar is a small, rural village located along the Rio Grande, about 10 miles north of Socorro in central New Mexico. The community is situated in the fertile valley of the Rio Grande, an area that has been historically important for farming and agriculture. The name “Lemitar” is derived from the Spanish word “limitar,” which means “to limit” or “border,” likely referring to the village’s location along the boundary of the Rio Grande Valley. The area was originally settled by Spanish colonists in the 17th century and became a vital agricultural region. In the late 19th century, Lemitar and surrounding areas benefited from the expansion of railroads and farming, but over the years, the town’s population has remained small. Today, Lemitar continues to serve as a quiet, rural community where farming and ranching are still the primary industries. Its proximity to Socorro and its scenic location along the Rio Grande make it a peaceful and attractive place to live.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Lemitar is part of the Socorro Consolidated Schools district, and students typically attend schools in Socorro. The village’s small population means there are no schools directly in Lemitar, but the residents benefit from the educational opportunities offered in nearby Socorro. While the village itself does not have many large landmarks, its location along the Rio Grande offers beautiful views and outdoor recreation opportunities. Nearby landmarks include the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, a popular destination for birdwatching and wildlife photography, particularly during migratory seasons. The region around Lemitar is known for its peaceful rural landscapes, with open fields and views of the nearby mountains and desert. Lemitar’s proximity to Socorro and its access to outdoor attractions make it an attractive place for those who enjoy a slower pace of life in New Mexico’s countryside.