Portales is a municipality in Roosevelt County, New Mexico, with a total population of 11,131 (as of the 2000 census). It is the county seat of Roosevelt County^GR6 and is also the home of Eastern New Mexico University. It is located near the larger city of Clovis as well as Cannon Air Force Base, a major contributor to the economy of the region.

Eastern New Mexico University opened in 1934 and has grown to become the third largest university in the state. Peanuts and sweet potatoes were formerly the largest crops in the area. Although Portales is one of the largest producers of Valencia Peanuts in the United States, it is now best known for its successful, growing dairy industry.