Originally called Hot Springs, it had been renamed in 1950, after a popular radio program. The host of Truth or Consequences had announced that he would do the show from the first town that renamed itself after the show. Hot Springs took the host up on his offer, and soon after the name change, he did a show originating from the town.
It is the county seat of Sierra County6.
Geography
\nTruth or Consequences is located at 33°8'1" North, 107°15'10" West (33.133614, -107.252897)1.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 33.1 km² (12.8 mi²). 32.8 km² (12.6 mi²) of it is land and 0.3 km² (0.1 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 0.86% water.
Demographics
\nAs of the census of 2000, there are 7,289 people, 3,450 households, and 1,859 families residing in the city. The population density is 222.5/km² (576.0/mi²). There are 4,445 housing units at an average density of 135.7/km² (351.3/mi²). The racial makeup of the city is 85.35% White, 0.63% African American, 1.77% Native American, 0.16% Asian, 0.05% Pacific Islander, 9.36% from other races, and 2.68% from two or more races. 27.36% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There are 3,450 households out of which 20.2% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 40.5% are married couples living together, 10.3% have a female householder with no husband present, and 46.1% are non-families. 41.2% of all households are made up of individuals and 22.1% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.04 and the average family size is 2.75.
In the city the population is spread out with 20.2% under the age of 18, 5.7% from 18 to 24, 20.1% from 25 to 44, 24.6% from 45 to 64, and 29.3% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 48 years. For every 100 females there are 96.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 92.4 males.
The median income for a household in the city is $20,986, and the median income for a family is $28,750. Males have a median income of $23,214 versus $18,207 for females. The per capita income for the city is $14,415. 23.2% of the population and 15.6% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 33.3% are under the age of 18 and 18.1% are 65 or older.