Folks have been living and working in this part of the Southwest for more than 1,200 years. Now Silver City's unique combination of climate, lifestyle, environment and opportunity are drawing new visitors and residents from around the world.

Silver City, county seat for Grant County, is an eclectic mix of the Old West and modern comforts, with reknown art galleries, great restaurants, lots of things to do and a casual atmosphere that makes even first-time visitors feel rights at home. Frequently cited as among the best cities to live in, retire in and work in, Silver city and central Grant County attract attention from national and international press, but keeps a low-key sensibility that is born of the town's long history as a mining and ranching community.

Grant County is largely rural, with a total population of just under 30,000. Silver City represents about one-third of the total County population, with a population of 10,054. Both population figures are from 2004 estimates by the U.S. Census Bureau.

The next Census estimate of the County's population will be available in late 2007 or early 2008; in the meantime, population indicators like building permits and gross receipts tax records suggest the Town and County populations are increasing.

In addition to Silver City, the communities of Hurley, Bayard, Tyrone, Pinos Altos and Santa Clara are clustered near the north-central portion of the County, around Highway 180 and Highway 90. This clustering gives the center of the County a somewhat larger "metropolitan" area than the Silver City population alone would suggest — although, from the U.S. Census Bureau's standpoint, this congregation of municipalities is labeled a "micropolitan" area.

Whatever you call it, the center of Grant County offers casual, relaxed living in low-density cities and communities.