schools
El Paso County lost nearly 12,000 school-age children since 2020, census estimates show
By Robert Moore at El Paso Matters
· June 25, 2026
· 3 min read
El Paso ’s school enrollment challenge is being driven by a combination of declining birth rates and children moving away from the county with their parents, new census population estimates indicate.
The number of El Paso County residents ages 5-18 declined by almost 12,000 between 2020 and 202...
Key takeaway The number of El Paso County residents ages 5-18 declined by almost 12,000 between 2020 and 2025, or 6.
Why this matters in The El Paso
The decline of nearly 12,000 school-age children in El Paso County since 2020 has significant implications for the local economy and community. As the population ages, the demand for certain services and infrastructure, such as schools and youth programs, may decrease. However, this shift also presents opportunities for the city to adapt and evolve. For instance, vacant school facilities could be repurposed as community centers, libraries, or other public amenities that cater to the needs of an aging population. Additionally, the city may need to reassess its budget allocations and prioritize services that support older adults, such as healthcare and transportation. The changing demographics also underscore the need for El Paso to attract and retain young families, which could be achieved through initiatives that promote affordable housing, education, and job opportunities. By proactively addressing these changes, El Paso can work towards creating a more sustainable and vibrant community for all its residents.
About this story
Original reporting by El Paso Matters . The El Paso surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit El Paso Matters . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: schools ·
Published: June 25, 2026 ·
Source: El Paso Matters ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? El Paso’s school enrollment challenge is being driven by a combination of declining birth rates and children moving away from the county with their parents, new census population estimates indicate.
The number of El Paso County residents ages 5-18 declined by almost 12,000 between 2020 and 202...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 25, 2026 by El Paso Matters and curated for The El Paso readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Robert Moore at El Paso Matters. To learn more about how The El Paso selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more schools coverage from The El Paso, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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