The Gallup economy is strong and stable with a varied base of service, government, mining and refinery industries, and Native American jewelry production. Retail sales and services meet the needs of approximately 120,00 people over a 15,000 square mile territory in Northwestern New Mexico and Northeastern Arizona. More than 75% of the people are Native American: Navajo, Zuni and Hopi. In 1998, the county alone had gross receipts totaling $652,998,050 and Gallup city receipts totaled $396,3000,557. The sale of Native American arts and crafts constitute a significant part of the economic base and are produced through a cottage industry system. Tourism attracts thousands of visitors annually, and Native American culture yields a significant economic influence encouraging tourism and visitors. Small manufacturing includes printing, sheet metal products, food products, pinon nut gathering, and cattle and sheep by-products. Heavier manufacturing includes gasoline refining, a natural gas compressor station and coal mining. The natural resource base includes uranium reserves and coal.

Government service organizations, including a Native American health care facility and a large public school system, provide a significant and steady number of jobs and wages. A large regional hospital serves the health needs of the surrounding area and has a medical staff that can meet virtually all of the health care needs in Western New Mexico. Per capita income is one of the lowest in the state and unemployment ranges around eight percent. Regardless of these figures, Gallup and McKinley County rank high in generation of per capita gross receipts in the state. Gallup’s gross receipts tax revenue in fiscal year 1998 was 12,853,244, a strong indication of a healthy economic climate.

top of page

The 1996 Federal Census figure for Gallup was 20,591. The City estimates current population to be at least 21,000. McKinley County’s population is 67,572.

The median family income in McKinley County in 1996 was $22,500 and 1996 per capita income was $11,716. The median age of the population is 28.9 years. Approximately 58.5 percent of the population is 25 years and over and are high school graduates.

top of page

Gallup employers enjoy a diverse labor market in the Northwest region of the state. The 1998 estimated labor force of 25,132 in McKinley Country are men and women eager to learn and have an interest in new industry. Of that labor force, 22,493 are employed. The 1999 unemployment rate is approximately 8.4 percent.

top of page