Employment Links - Taos County Chamber of Commerce, NM

Taos County New Mexico Key Economic Indicators 

Employment & Workforce

• State unemployment rate: ~4.1%–4.3% during 2025; ~4.2%–4.4% entering 2026.

• Civilian labor force: ~991,000 workers statewide.

• Total employed: ~948,000 workers.

• Non-farm payroll employment: ~904,000 jobs.

• Annual job growth: ~11,600 jobs added year-over-year (~1.3% growth).

Key Industry Job Growth

Industries leading employment growth include:

• Health Care & Social Assistance: +8,400 jobs (+6.5%)

• Construction: +3,100 jobs (+5.6%)

• Financial Activities: +1,600 jobs

• Leisure & Hospitality: +800 jobs

These sectors are currently among the primary drivers of job growth in New Mexico.

Entrepreneurship & Business Development

According to the New Mexico Economic Development Department:

Key indicators typically tracked statewide include:

• New business registrations and expansions

• Small business and startup growth

• Capital investment in business recruitment projects

• Entrepreneurial ecosystem development (accelerators, incubators, MainStreet programs)

These metrics are used to evaluate economic diversification and small business vitality.

Tourism & Visitor Economy Indicators

Tourism metrics tracked by the New Mexico Tourism Department and economic development partners include:

• Visitor spending

• Lodgers’ tax revenue

• Hotel occupancy and room nights

• Tourism-supported jobs

• Tourism infrastructure investment

Tourism supports tens of thousands of jobs statewide and generates hundreds of millions in state and local tax revenue annually.

Taos County Economic Indicators to Track (Report)

Using data from the above agencies, the following key performance indicators (KPIs) are commonly monitored:

Workforce & Employment

• Unemployment rate

• Total employment

• Labor force participation

• Jobs created year-over-year

Business & Entrepreneurship

• New business registrations

• Business expansions or relocations

• Small business formation rates

• Entrepreneurial ecosystem programs

Economic Investment

• Capital investment from new projects

• Public/private development investments

Tourism Economy

• Lodgers’ tax revenue

• Visitor spending

• Tourism employment

• Hotel occupancy rates

Key Economic Data – Taos County

Employment & Unemployment

• Total employment: Approximately 14,800 workers in the county economy.

• Unemployment rate: ~4.1% – 4.4% in recent years.

• Estimated unemployed residents: ~628–644 individuals.

Job Creation & Workforce Trends

• Employment increased from 14,100 to 14,800 jobs (4.7% growth) from 2022–2023.

• Largest employment sectors:

  • Retail Trade – 2,030 jobs

  • Health Care & Social Assistance – 2,024 jobs

  • Construction – 1,682 jobs

Business Activity

• Covered employers in the county: ~1,390 establishments.

• Covered employment: ~11,379 workers.

Entrepreneurship & Small Business

• Local economy strongly driven by small businesses, tourism, arts, retail, and service industries.

• Self-employment and entrepreneurial activity represent a significant share of the local workforce.

Tourism Economy

Tourism is one of the largest economic drivers for Taos County, New Mexico, supported by:

• Lodgers’ tax revenues

• Short-term rental and hotel occupancy

• Ski, outdoor recreation, and cultural tourism

• Major events and festivals that bring visitors to the region

Visitor Economy Indicators

Tourism investment and visitor activity are reflected through:

• Lodging occupancy and available rooms

• Event attendance and seasonal visitation

• Tourism-related business openings

• Infrastructure and hospitality investment

 Taos County report:
 

• Jobs: 14,800 employed residents

• Unemployment: ~4.1%

• Employers: ~1,390 businesses

• Major sectors: Retail, Healthcare, Construction

• Tourism: Key driver of the local economy

The Taos County Chamber of Commerce, Taos County Network Entrepreneurs concept can refer to a local entrepreneurial networking initiative or program that connects business owners, startups, and innovators in Taos County. These networks often work alongside organizations like Taos County Chamber of Commerce, UNM-Taos Hive and the Small Business Development Center at UNM–Taos to support business growth and economic development in the region.

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  Taos County Network Entrepreneurs

  Taos County Chamber of Commerce

  Program Overview
  Collaborative networking and professional development initiative of the Taos County Chamber of Commerce designed to connect entrepreneurs, small business owners, startups, and community leaders throughout Taos County. The program creates opportunities for entrepreneurs to share ideas, access resources, and build partnerships that strengthen the local economy.

  Purpose
  The program supports entrepreneurship and small business success by providing:

  • Business networking opportunities- Networking! 

  • Mentorship and peer-to-peer learning- Ask for help to find a mentor! 

  • Entrepreneur education and workshops- Trainings! 

  • Access to capital, technical assistance, and business resources- Information! 

  • Collaboration with regional partners supporting economic development- Partnership! 

  Key Activities

  • Monthly networking events and business mixers - Networking!

  • Entrepreneur roundtables and discussion forums- Education Committee/ Community Committee's! 

  • Workshops on marketing, finance, and business development- Trainings! 

  • Resource connections with organizations such as the Taos County Chamber of Commerce, UNM–Taos HIVE, and the Small Business Development Center at UNM–Taos, Taos County, Town of Taos, Taos Mainstreet, Lor Foundation, Taos Community Foundation, TCEDC, and more! 

  Impact on the Taos County, NM Economy
  Entrepreneurial networks strengthen rural economies by encouraging innovation, supporting new business formation, and helping existing businesses grow. In Taos County, collaboration among business organizations, educational institutions, and local government partners helps create a stronger ecosystem for entrepreneurs and small businesses.