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Las Cruces was a small community known for its rich farmland and state college, until shortly before the end of World War II. With the detonation of the first atomic bomb at Trinity Site in the desert northeast of Las Cruces, the area began a steady build-up linked to the White Sands Proving Ground, now known as White Sands Missile Range. The Range and other test facilities such as NASA’s White Sands Test Facility continue to have a strong impact on the economy of the area.
While government is the largest sector employer in the county, the economy continues to diversify. As a regional trade, education and health care center, the county’s employment continues to grow in most sectors, with Education and Health Services growing at an average annual growth rate of 7.3% over the past ten year; Professional and Business Services growing at an average annual rate of 5.8%; and construction growing at a 4.9% average annual rate. Of the county’s largest employers, two are government testing facilities; three are education systems, with one each in local government, health services and retail trade. Other major employers are in the manufacturing, leisure and hospitality, and business and professional services sectors. For more detailed information see the Major Employers page.
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Although the housing construction “mini-boom” of 2005 has slowed, commercial construction has accelerated, with 2006 total reported gross receipts in the construction sector growing 32.6% over 2005. Total reported gross receipts for all industries grew at an annual average rate of 9.3% over the past three years. Retail trade gross receipts grew at an annual average rate of 6.5% during that time period. For more detailed information see the “Economic Indicators” pages.
New industries continue to expand and locate throughout Dona County. The Santa Teresa area continues to lure new manufacturing expansions due to its proximity to the border crossing into Mexico. The Las Cruces metro area continues to lure business and financial services, manufacturing and high tech industries due to its quality of life, location advantages and the commercial spaceport being built 40-miles north of the city. For more information about some of the new industries see the “New Industries” page.
For the most current information, see “Open for Business” and “Business Resources” tabs.
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