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Rio Rancho, New Mexico

Located in Sandoval County, New Mexico, Rio Rancho was established in 1961. Rio Rancho was created through mail-order land sales — buyers purchased lots sight unseen. Intel's chip fabrication plant is one of the largest employers in New Mexico.
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Founded 1961 | Population 105,000 | Peak 105,000 (2024) | County Sandoval County

Top 10 Most Important Events for Rio Rancho, New Mexico

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1942 Military Presence: Military installations became a major part of Rio Rancho's identity and economy.
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1961 AMREP Land Development: Mail-order land sales create desert subdivision.
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1993 Intel Fab Plant: Intel builds major chip fabrication facility.
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2023 NM's 3rd Largest: Continued Albuquerque metro growth.
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Latest News in Rio Rancho

Jun 3, 2015
New Mexico Votes Protect Law Enforcement Under Hate Crimes Bill
Santa Fe, New Mexico – On June 3, 2015, lawmakers in the Land of Enchantment made a notable decision, passing a hate crimes bill…
Feb 4, 2015
Truth About what Happened Olivia Newton Johns Ex Finally Revealed
Hollywood, Feb. 4, 2015 – For years, fans of Olivia Newton-John wondered what really happened to her ex-boyfriend Patrick McDerm…

Complete Historical Timeline

1942 Government
Military Presence
1961 Business
AMREP Land Development
1993 Industry
Intel Fab Plant
2023 Business
NM's 3rd Largest

Did You Know?

1
Rio Rancho was created through mail-order land sales — buyers purchased lots sight unseen.
2
Intel's chip fabrication plant is one of the largest employers in New Mexico.
3
At 5,280 feet, Rio Rancho is at the same elevation as Denver.
4
Rio Rancho is located in Sandoval County, New Mexico.
5
Rio Rancho was founded in 1961.

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Albuquerque
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LC
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SF
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F
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C
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C
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Famous People from Rio Rancho, New Mexico

AB
Alan Branch
Football Player · Born Dec 29, 1984 · Age 41
VN
Vaunda Micheaux Nelson
Writer
RT
Richard V. Thomas
Judge · Born Oct 11, 1932 · Died Sep 4, 2010 (age 77)
CR
Chris Williams (wide receiver)
Football Player · Born Sep 16, 1987 · Age 38
TW
Tre Watson
New Mexican American Football Player · Born Oct 12, 2002 · Age 23
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