Cities and Towns in Valencia County, New Mexico
Founded in 1852, Valencia County is one of 33 counties in the state of New Mexico. Historically, Valencia County was one of the nine original counties. The city of Los Lunas is the county seat. With FIPS code of 61, Valencia County has a population of 77,190 and area of 1,068 square miles (2,766 km²).
List of all cities in Valencia County, NM alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Abeytas, NM | 87006 | 505 |
| Acomita, NM | 87034 | 505 |
| Belen, NM | 87002 | 505 |
| Bernardo, NM | 87006 | 505 |
| Bosque, NM | 87006 | 505 |
| Bosque Farms, NM | 87042 | 505 |
| 87068 | 505 | |
| Jarales, NM | 87023 | 505 |
| Los Chavez, NM | 87002 | 505 |
| Los Lunas, NM | 87031 | 505 |
| Los Trujillos, NM | 87002 | 505 |
| Peralta, NM | 87042 | 505 |
| 87068 | 505 | |
| Pueblitos, NM | 87002 | 505 |
| Pueblo of Acoma, NM | 87034 | 505 |
| Sabinal, NM | 87006 | 505 |
| San Francisco, NM | 87006 | 505 |
| Tome, NM | 87060 | 505 |
Major Cities and Towns in Valencia County, New Mexico
Belen
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 8.7 square miles
- Population: Approximately 7,000
- Zip Codes: 87002
- Latitude: 34.6473° N
- Longitude: 106.7722° W
Location and History
Belen is the largest city in Valencia County, located in central New Mexico, about 30 miles south of Albuquerque. The city lies along the Rio Grande River and is situated at the intersection of U.S. Route 60 and Interstate 25. Belen’s history dates back to the early 17th century when it was originally settled by Spanish colonists as part of the larger Albuquerque-area expansion. The name “Belen” is derived from the Spanish word for “Bethlehem,” reflecting the town’s religious and cultural roots. In the late 1800s, the arrival of the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railway in the area helped Belen develop into a transportation hub, and the city’s economy was bolstered by agriculture, particularly the cultivation of chile peppers. The city saw significant growth throughout the 20th century and remains an important residential and commercial center in Valencia County. Today, Belen is a mix of small-town charm and suburban growth, serving as a gateway to the larger Albuquerque metropolitan area.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Belen is served by the Belen Consolidated Schools district, which includes several elementary and middle schools, as well as Belen High School. The town also has a number of private schools. Key landmarks in Belen include the Belen Harvey House Museum, which showcases the history of the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railway, as well as Belen’s role in the development of the railroad industry. The city also features the Belen Airport, serving both private and commercial flights. The Valencia County Historical Society and Museum provides additional insight into the region’s rich history, including Native American, Spanish, and American settler influences. Belen is known for its scenic views of the Rio Grande Valley and nearby mesas, making it a popular spot for outdoor activities such as hiking and birdwatching. Additionally, the city’s proximity to Albuquerque offers easy access to urban amenities and cultural events.
Los Lunas
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 6.4 square miles
- Population: Approximately 15,000
- Zip Codes: 87031
- Latitude: 34.8961° N
- Longitude: 106.7341° W
Location and History
Los Lunas is located just south of Albuquerque, in central New Mexico, and serves as the county seat of Valencia County. The town sits along the Rio Grande River and is part of the Albuquerque metropolitan area. Los Lunas was originally settled in the 16th century by Spanish colonists, and it was established as a formal settlement in the late 1800s. The town’s name, “Los Lunas,” is derived from Spanish, meaning “the moons,” likely referencing the nearby lunar-shaped hills. Historically, Los Lunas developed as a farming and agricultural community, with crops such as chile, cotton, and vegetables grown along the fertile banks of the Rio Grande. The town experienced significant growth during the mid-20th century, aided by its proximity to Albuquerque and the construction of major highways, including Interstate 25. Today, Los Lunas maintains a small-town atmosphere while benefiting from suburban expansion, offering a mix of residential, commercial, and industrial growth.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Los Lunas is served by the Los Lunas Schools district, which includes several elementary and secondary schools, as well as Los Lunas High School. The district is known for its strong academic and athletic programs, and the town is also home to several private and charter schools. Notable landmarks in Los Lunas include the historic Los Lunas Museum of Heritage and Arts, which showcases the town’s Native American, Spanish, and pioneer history. The famous “Los Lunas Decalogue Stone,” a 200-ton rock inscribed with what some believe to be an ancient Hebrew inscription, is a point of local and archaeological interest. Los Lunas is also home to the Valencia County Fairgrounds, which hosts annual events like the county fair and rodeo. The town’s location near the Rio Grande also provides access to scenic outdoor areas for hiking, birdwatching, and fishing, making it a popular spot for nature lovers.
Bosque Farms
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 3.9 square miles
- Population: Approximately 4,500
- Zip Codes: 87068
- Latitude: 34.9113° N
- Longitude: 106.7466° W
Location and History
Bosque Farms is a small, rural community located in the southwestern part of Valencia County, New Mexico, about 12 miles south of Albuquerque. The town is situated along the Rio Grande, in a region known for its fertile soil and agricultural potential. Bosque Farms has a long history tied to farming and ranching, with Spanish settlers establishing the area in the 1600s. It was originally a part of the land granted to Spanish landowners in the colonial era, and farming, especially irrigation-based agriculture, was central to the community’s development. In the 20th century, the town began to grow as suburban expansion from Albuquerque reached the area. Today, Bosque Farms maintains its agricultural roots while offering a quieter, more rural lifestyle, making it a popular location for those seeking a rural setting close to the amenities of Albuquerque.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Bosque Farms is served by the Bosque Farms Elementary School, which is part of the Los Lunas School District, as well as other local schools within the district. The community is known for its strong agricultural and farming traditions, and this is reflected in local events and activities. One of the most popular landmarks is the Bosque Farms Community Center, which offers recreational facilities, meeting spaces, and hosts local events such as the annual Bosque Farms Harvest Festival. The town is also home to the Bosque Farms Public Library, which serves as an educational and cultural hub for residents. The town’s location along the Rio Grande provides access to a variety of outdoor activities, including birdwatching and hiking, particularly within the Bosque (forest) areas along the river. The nearby Los Lunas Decalogue Stone is a point of interest for both locals and visitors.
Peralta
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 5.8 square miles
- Population: Approximately 3,000
- Zip Codes: 87042
- Latitude: 34.7456° N
- Longitude: 106.7415° W
Location and History
Peralta is a small community in Valencia County, located about 15 miles south of Albuquerque, along the Rio Grande. Peralta’s history dates back to Spanish colonization in the 17th century, and the town’s name comes from the Spanish word “peralta,” meaning “high,” likely referring to the land’s elevation relative to the Rio Grande. The area was primarily settled by Spanish settlers who engaged in farming, particularly in the fertile lands near the river. Peralta’s economy remained centered around agriculture for much of its history, but the community saw growth in the 20th century as Albuquerque’s suburban sprawl extended southward. Today, Peralta is a largely rural town that retains its agricultural roots but is increasingly influenced by nearby urban development. The town’s close proximity to Albuquerque makes it a desirable place for people looking for a quieter, more rural lifestyle while still being close to city amenities.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Peralta is served by the Los Lunas School District, which includes schools such as Peralta Elementary. The town’s residents often utilize schools in nearby communities for secondary education, such as Los Lunas High School. Notable landmarks in Peralta include the Peralta Historical Museum, which showcases the area’s Native American and colonial history, and the nearby Rio Grande Nature Center, which offers a variety of outdoor activities such as birdwatching, hiking, and wildlife observation. The town is also home to a number of local parks and recreational areas, offering sports fields and community events. Peralta’s scenic location near the Rio Grande and its historical significance make it a charming and historically rich community in the region.
El Cerro Mission
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 1.7 square miles
- Population: Approximately 1,100
- Zip Codes: 87002
- Latitude: 34.7798° N
- Longitude: 106.7499° W
Location and History
El Cerro Mission is a small, unincorporated community located in the southeastern part of Valencia County, New Mexico, near the town of Belen. The area was originally home to Native American peoples before being settled by the Spanish in the 17th century. El Cerro Mission’s history is closely tied to the Catholic Church, with a mission established by Spanish settlers in the early 1800s. The mission became a focal point for religious and cultural activity in the region, and the area around the mission developed as an agricultural community. Over time, the town grew slowly, and today it is a small, rural community with residential and agricultural development. El Cerro Mission is part of the Albuquerque metropolitan area, and while it retains a rural character, it is increasingly influenced by suburban expansion from nearby cities.
Major Schools and Landmarks
El Cerro Mission is part of the Belen Consolidated Schools district, with students attending schools in Belen. Major landmarks in the community include the historic San Antonio Mission, which stands as a testament to the area’s early colonial history and its religious significance. The mission is a popular spot for visitors interested in the region’s Spanish heritage and offers scenic views of the surrounding agricultural lands. The community is also known for its proximity to the Rio Grande, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities, including hiking, birdwatching, and fishing. El Cerro Mission’s rural atmosphere and historical importance make it a unique part of Valencia County.
