History & Location | Regional Economy | Climate & Geography

History & Location

Albuquerque, founded in 1706 by the Spanish, is a city rich in history and tradition. The area is fortunate to have a unique blend of many cultures as well as beautiful mountain scenery and temperate weather. The City of Albuquerque was incorporated in 1891 during the development of railroad infrastructure into New Mexico. In 1926 the federal government officially designated Route 66, which runs through the center of Albuquerque, and the area continued its reputation as a commercial and transportation hub within the Southwest. The area has since become a hot bed of high-tech manufacturing and research, while maintaining its status as the commercial and financial center of New Mexico.

The Albuquerque metro area consists of four counties located in central New Mexico. The two largest cities within the metro area are Albuquerque and Rio Rancho, with a host of smaller towns and suburbs making up the remainder of the metro area. Rio Rancho has grown rapidly since its incorporation in 1981, and today is home to more than 60,000 residents. The City of Albuquerque provides a central downtown district, a well maintained historical area, an international airport, and the great majority of the industrial, commercial, and residential development.

Albuquerque's transportation infrastructure contributes to its role as the economic hub of New Mexico. Albuquerque is located at the intersection of Interstate 25 and Interstate 40. Albuquerque's International Sunport, with over 30 direct flights and 160 daily departures, also contributes to the area's economy by bringing business and tourist travelers from around the world.

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Regional Economy

The Albuquerque metro area accounts for nearly half of all the economic activity in New Mexico. Fueled by more than 819,000 citizens living in the Albuquerque Metro, the area's high-tech economy is one of the brightest in the United States.

Major manufacturing companies such as Intel, GE, General Mills, and Tempur-Pedic all call Albuquerque home, as well as a host of financial, insurance, and healthcare offices. The area is well endowed with large public institutions such as the University of New Mexico, Sandia National Laboratories, and the area's largest employer, Kirtland Air Force Base.

Albuquerque MSA - Employment Sector Share
Source: NM Department of Labor, September 2007

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Climate and Geography

Albuquerque has the highest elevation of any major metro in the United States with an elevation of 5,280 feet above sea level. Sandia Mountains, with a peak of 10,678 feet, is ideal for downhill and cross-country skiing, hiking, mountain biking, hang gliding, and other activities. Albuquerque's natural beauty is enhanced by more than 310 days of sunshine annually.

Albuquerque's high desert terrain and climate make it an ideal location for people who love the outdoors. While there are distinctive seasons that allow for winter and summer activities, the area has a moderate climate.

Period of Record - 1914 - 2005

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Annual
Average Max. Temperature (F)	47.1	53.2	60.6	70.0	79.5	89.4	91.7	88.8	82.3	71.0	56.9	47.6	69.8
Average Min. Temperature (F)	23.4	27.8	33.0	40.9	50.1	59.3	64.6	62.9	56.0	44.0	31.5	24.4	43.2
Average Total Precipitation (in.)	0.4	0.4	0.5	0.5	0.6	0.6	1.4	1.5	1.0	0.9	0.5	0.5	8.7
Average Total Snowfall (in.)	2.3	1.8	1.6	0.5	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.1	0.9	2.7	9.9

Western Regional Climate Center

New Mexico Fast Facts
State Capital	Santa Fe
2000 Census Population	1,829,146
Population Growth 1990-2000	20.1%
Time Zone	Mountain Time Zone
Highest Peak	Wheeler Peak-Taos (13,161 ft.)
Albuquerque Metro Fast Facts
2007 Estimated Population	819,948
2000 Census Population of Metro Area	729,649
Average Temperature:	57 degrees
Rainfall/Snowfall	8.7 inches/9.9 inches
Average Humidity	43%
Highest Peak	Sandia Peak (10,678 ft.)

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