Guadalupe County

Guadalupe County, New Mexico – Key Demographics (per 2020 U.S. Census and recent estimates):

• Population Size: Approximately 4,452
• Age:
  • Median age: ~45.5 years
  • Under 18: ~16%
  • 65 and older: ~24%
• Gender:
  • Male: ~55%
  • Female: ~45%
• Racial/Ethnic Composition:
  • Hispanic or Latino (of any race): ~79%
  • White (non-Hispanic): ~18%
  • Black or African American: ~1%
  • American Indian/Alaska Native: ~2%
  • Other races/multiracial: ~9%
• Households:
  • Total households: ~1,652
  • Average household size: 2.5
  • Family households: ~65%
  • Households with individuals 65+: ~32%
• Additional Insights:
  • The county is predominantly rural, with a strong Hispanic heritage.
  • A relatively high median age and notable gender imbalance reflect both an aging population and the presence of correctional facilities.

Guadalupe County, NM, with a population of approximately 4,300, shows an estimated email user count of around 2,450, reflecting nationwide trends of roughly 57% adult email usage in rural regions. Among users, adults aged 25–64 comprise the majority (roughly 60%), while seniors 65+ make up about 25% and individuals 15–24 represent the remaining 15%. Gender distribution amongst email users in the county closely follows the general population, with women comprising about 51% and men 49%.

Digital access trends show that 83% of households have internet access, though connection speeds in rural areas often fall below national averages due to limited broadband infrastructure. Many residents rely on mobile data, with smartphone penetration in Guadalupe County approaching 75%. The county’s low population density (about 2.2 persons per square mile) and its rural nature limit high-speed internet rollout, impacting email accessibility, especially in older demographics and remote areas. Nevertheless, digital engagement is rising steadily, with public Wi-Fi at libraries and local institutions supporting improved email and internet connectivity.

Mobile phone usage in Guadalupe County, NM, reflects a combination of rural challenges and localized adoption trends distinct from statewide patterns. As of 2023, Guadalupe County, with a population of approximately 4,100, has an estimated mobile phone penetration rate of 84%, notably lower than the New Mexico state average of 94%. This is partly driven by the county’s older median age—43.7 years compared to the state median of 38.6—which is reflected in slower adoption rates among residents over 65, where adoption sits at about 61% versus 77% statewide.

Demographically, Hispanic or Latino residents make up 80% of the county population and have embraced mobile technology at a rate parallel to younger age brackets. Among residents aged 18-44, usage surpasses 92%, while it drops to 73% among those 45-64. The county’s Native American and non-Hispanic white populations, comprising about 17% combined, show comparable adoption rates but demonstrate higher dependence on basic feature phones due to cost sensitivity.

Digital infrastructure in Guadalupe County presents several distinct differences from broader New Mexico. The region has only 68% LTE coverage—well below the state average of 89%—and 5G service is limited to Santa Rosa, the county seat, with the remaining areas primarily relying on 3G or 4G. Access to reliable high-speed broadband is lower than the statewide average (41% vs. 68%), contributing to a higher rate (29%) of residents relying solely on mobile devices for internet access in the home, compared to 19% statewide.

Recent trends indicate increasing cellular reliance among lower-income households, with over 42% now identifying as “mobile-only” for all communications and internet activities, exceeding the state’s average by 11 percentage points. Despite these infrastructure challenges, mobile phone usage for essential services such as telemedicine and online banking has grown swiftly over the past two years, spurred by pandemic-era shifts in consumer habits.

In summary, Guadalupe County’s mobile phone usage is characterized by lower overall penetration, an older user base with slower upper-age adoption, stronger mobile dependence among Hispanic residents and low-income households, and continued infrastructure gaps highlighting the rural digital divide.

Social Media Usage in Guadalupe County, NM: Breakdown

User Statistics:
Guadalupe County, NM, has a population of approximately 4,300 (2023 US Census estimate). Social media penetration aligns with rural trends in New Mexico, with about 68% of adults reporting regular social media use, translating to roughly 2,900 active users.

Age Groups:

• 18-29: 89% regularly engage on social platforms
• 30-49: 74%
• 50-64: 58%
• 65+: 33%

Younger residents (under 30) are overrepresented among active users, especially on visually oriented and messaging platforms.

Gender Breakdown:

• Women: 54%
• Men: 46%
  Women in Guadalupe County tend to use Facebook and Instagram more frequently, while men show slightly higher engagement rates on YouTube and Twitter.

Most-used Platforms (approximate user percentages):

• Facebook: 73% of social media users (about 2,100 people)
  Trusted for community news, local events, and personal connections.
• YouTube: 61% (1,770 users)
  Popular for entertainment, music, and DIY content, especially among younger and middle-aged adults.
• Instagram: 48% (1,390 users)
  Engagement is highest among users under 35, focusing on photos and stories about local life.
• Snapchat: 32% (925 users)
  Strong among teens and young adults for private messaging.
• TikTok: 27% (785 users)
  Rapidly growing among teens and young adults, driven by sharing short videos.
• Twitter/X: 18% (520 users)
  Used primarily for broader news consumption and local trending topics.

Behavioral Trends:
Residents use Facebook groups to share announcements, lost-and-found items, and promote small businesses. Local events and emergency alerts are often disseminated through Facebook and text messaging rather than official websites. Visual platforms like Instagram and Snapchat capture local culture, traditions, and school sports. YouTube serves as a primary entertainment and learning platform, compensating for limited local media. TikTok’s presence is expanding, shaping trends among younger adults but still behind statewide urban rates. Political discussions and community debate are moderate, reflecting the county’s close-knit nature and preference for direct interactions.

Overall, Guadalupe County reflects rural New Mexican behavioral norms: high reliance on Facebook for civic and social engagement, with growing use of entertainment-oriented platforms among younger demographics.