Torrance County, New Mexico

Torrance County Education, Geography, and History

Torrance County is a county located in the state of New Mexico. Based on the 2010 census, the population was 16,383. The county seat is Estancia.

Torrance County is included in the Albuquerque, NM Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Etymology - Origin of Torrance County Name

It was named for Francis J. Torrance who was an early builder of commerce in New Mexico.

Demographics:

County QuickFacts: CensusBureau Quick Facts

Torrance County History

Torrance County was created 16 March 1903. It is near the heart of New Mexico. It was named for Francis J. Torrance who was an early builder of commerce in New Mexico. Estancia is the county seat. It is rich in farming, ranching, and orchards. Two railroads cross its lands. Torrance County's Manzano area, saw the first apple orchard planted in the southwest.

Geography: Land and Water

As reported by the Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 3,346 square miles (8,670 km²), of which 3,345 square miles (8,660 km²) is land and 0.9 square miles (2.3 km²) (0.03%) is water.

Most of the county is primarily gently-rolling grassland ranging from 6000 to 6200 feet in elevation. The Manzano Mountains rising to 10,098 feet on the western edge of the county provide it with its only significant topographic relief. The Manzano Wilderness area includes the highest part of the mountains. The other notable geographic feature of the county is the series of playas and seasonal lakes centering on Laguna del Perro southeast of Estancia.

Neighboring Counties

Bordering counties are as follows:

• Santa Fe County - north
• San Miguel County - north
• Guadalupe County - east
• Lincoln County - south
• Socorro County - south
• Valencia County - west
• Bernalillo County - northwest

Education

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