News

Cibola's Economic Reality

Diego Lopez, Editor
Wednesday, April 30, 2025
CIBOLA COUNTY, N.M. — Behind the storefronts and past the sandstone bluffs, the real economy of Cibola County is made up of people: students and seniors, parents and workers, all trying to build something in a place that has long been overlooked.

Strong Homeownership, Quiet Struggles

Diego Lopez, Editor
Wednesday, April 30, 2025
CIBOLA COUNTY, N.M. — At first glance, Cibola County appears to be a community of homeowners, but this does not mean they are financially stable.With a homeownership rate of 70.5 percent, it outpaces the state average and reflects a deeply rooted population that takes pride in place.

Did you know?

News Staff
Wednesday, April 30, 2025
Even though Cibola has a population over 26,600, not all are in the labor force. Many are children, elderly, incarcerated, or not seeking work—which affects workforce size.

The Money in Your Pocket

Diego Lopez, Editor
Wednesday, April 30, 2025
Cibola County generates millions in taxable sales every year—but not everyone feels the benefits in their wallet.The county’s median household income is $51,765, more than $10,000 below the statewide average of $62,268. That gap stretches even wider when you compare households by structure.

41.1% of Children in Cibola Live in Poverty

Diego Lopez, Editor
Wednesday, April 30, 2025
In a county where more than 70 percent of residents own their homes, it’s easy to assume stability. But behind the walls of those homes, the truth is more complex. More than one in four Cibola County residents live in poverty—and for children, the numbers are even more stark.
The Future of the Economy

The Future of the Economy

The Future of the Economy

Diego Lopez, Editor
Wednesday, April 30, 2025
Overall, student proficiency rates at the end of the 2023–2024 academic year were:18% proficient in math (up from 17% the previous year) 36% proficient in reading (up from 30%)29% proficient in science (up from 27%)In comparison, New Mexico’s statewide averages were:23% proficient in math 39%...
Bluewater Elementary continues to lead the Grants-Cibola County School District, with 60% of students proficient in math, 80% in reading, and 57% in science at the end of the 2023–2024 school year—making it the highest-performing school in the district. Courtesy Photo

Bluewater Elementary continues to lead the Grants-Cibola County School District, with 60% of students proficient in math, 80% in reading, and 57% in science at the end of the 2023–2024 school year—making it the highest-performing school in the district. Courtesy Photo

The Future of the Economy

Diego Lopez, Editor
Wednesday, April 30, 2025
GRANTS, N.M. — As the 2024–2025 academic year draws to a close, Cibola County’s education system stands at a critical crossroads: the slow and steady gains made this year are undeniable, but so too are the deep challenges that remain.
The Cibola Communities Economic Development Foundation building on Roosevelt Avenue in Grants. Once envisioned as a hub for regional economic growth, the Foundation now faces questions about its finances, leadership, and future after years of taxpayer funding and internal turmoil. Pamela Jaure - CC

The Cibola Communities Economic Development Foundation building on Roosevelt Avenue in Grants. Once envisioned as a hub for regional economic growth, the Foundation now faces questions about its finances, leadership, and future after years of taxpayer funding and internal turmoil. Pamela Jaure - CC

The Collapse of the Cibola Communities Economic Development Foundation

News Staff
Wednesday, April 30, 2025
GRANTS, N.M.