Clovis is a city located in Curry County, New Mexico. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 32,667. It is the county seat of Curry County.

Geography

Clovis is located at 34°24'45" North, 103°12'17" West (34.412509, -103.204611)¹. It lies at approximately 4250 feet above sea level (6800 m).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 58.2 km² (22.5 mi²). 58.0 km² (22.4 mi²) of it is land and 0.3 km² (0.1 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 0.44% water.

History

The eastern New Mexico region was home to the Clovis culture a significant early anthropological group of Native Americans. Historical remains were found at the Blackwater Draw site, which remains a historical and tourist site to today. The town was named after Clovis, the first Christian king of the Franks, according to some reports because the settlement's railroad station master's daughter was studying French at the time of the town's naming and proposed the appellation.

Government and economics

Clovis is home to Cannon Air Force Base, an F-16 fighter base. Like most of east-central New Mexico and west Texas, the vicinity hosts farming and ranching, including peanuts and cattle. A high proportion of local residents make their living in the services sector.

Architecture

Climate and landscape

The climate is temperate.

Religion

Clovis is strongly Protestant, but two Roman Catholic parishes exist, Sacred Heart and Our Lady of Guadalupe (in addition to the Roman Catholic community at the base chapel at Cannon Air Force Base, St. Francis parish). Contemporary Christian music and preaching are common on local radio.

Education

Clovis is served by several public elementary and middle schools, one high school, (as well as one Christian school). For post-secondary education in Clovis, there is one community college, Clovis Community College (CCC). However many local residents attend university at Eastern New Mexico University in nearby Portales, New Mexico.

Demographics

As of the census² of 2000, there are 32,667 people, 12,458 households, and 8,596 families residing in the city. The population density is 563.3/km² (1,458.9/mi²). There are 14,269 housing units at an average density of 246.1/km² (637.3/mi²). The racial makeup of the city is 71.30% White, 7.32% African American, 1.02% Native American, 1.62% Asian, 0.13% Pacific Islander, 14.98% from other races, and 3.63% from two or more races. 33.44% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 12,458 households out of which 36.3% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.8% are married couples living together, 14.9% have a female householder with no husband present, and 31.0% are non-families. 26.8% of all households are made up of individuals and 10.3% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.57 and the average family size is 3.12.

In the city the population is spread out with 30.0% under the age of 18, 9.4% from 18 to 24, 28.1% from 25 to 44, 19.5% from 45 to 64, and 13.0% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 33 years. For every 100 females there are 92.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 88.1 males.

The median income for a household in the city is $28,878, and the median income for a family is $33,622. Males have a median income of $26,586 versus $20,375 for females. The per capita income for the city is $15,561. 21.0% of the population and 17.2% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 28.2% of those under the age of 18 and 14.6% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.

External links

• City Of Clovis - Official Site
• Clovis News Journal - site of Clovis's local newspaper