New Mexico demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
2,120,246
0.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$64,059/yr
3.1% year-over-year change
Housing units
956,964
0.8% year-over-year change

New Mexico population

How many people live in New Mexico

New Mexico is home to 2,120,246 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.7% of New Mexico locals are male, and 50.3% are female.

Total population
2,120,246
0.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.7%
1,053,635
Female
50.3%
1,066,611
Value Percent YoY change
Male 1,053,635 49.7% 0.3%
Female 1,066,611 50.3% 0.2%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in New Mexico is 39, with the population distributed as follows: about 17.7% are children under 15, then 13.4% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 26% of the population, while another 23.7% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 19.3% are 65 or older.

Median age
39.4
Age breakdown
Under 15
17.7%
15 to 24
13.4%
25 to 44
26%
45 to 64
23.7%
Over 65
19.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 375,465 17.7% -1.5%
15 to 24 283,343 13.4% 0.3%
25 to 44 550,457 26% 0.7%
45 to 64 502,717 23.7% -0.9%
Over 65 408,264 19.3% 2.8%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In New Mexico, 89.3% of the population are US-born citizens, while 5.3% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 5.3% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 47.8% of locals are Caucasian, 2.1% are African American and 1.8% have Asian roots. Another 9.5% are Indigenous American, 0.1% are Pacific Islanders, while 13% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 25.8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
89.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
5.3%
Non-citizens
5.3%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,893,990 89.3% 0.0%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 113,318 5.3% -0.3%
Non-citizens 112,938 5.3% 5.1%
Racial breakdown
White
47.8%
Black or African American
2.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native
9.5%
Asian
1.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.1%
Two or more races
25.8%
Other
13%
Value Percent
White 1,012,573 47.8%
Black or African American 44,773 2.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native 202,073 9.5%
Asian 37,128 1.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 1,871 0.1%
Two or more races 546,592 25.8%
Other 275,236 13%

Households in New Mexico

A peek inside New Mexico households

New Mexico has 837,414 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 60.9% are families, while the remaining 39.1% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
837,414
1.5% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
327,516
Family households
509,898
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 327,516 39.1% 2.8%
Family households 509,898 60.9% 0.7%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in New Mexico

The housing landscape of New Mexico

New Mexico's housing consists of 956,964 units, with 64.5% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 3.8% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 15.6% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
956,964
0.8% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 617,057 64.5%
1 unit, attached 36,499 3.8%
2 units 16,577 1.7%
3 or 4 units 38,722 4%
5 to 9 units 26,494 2.8%
10 to 19 units 22,536 2.4%
20 to 49 units 19,369 2%
50 or more units 27,919 2.9%
Mobile home 148,787 15.6%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 3,004 0.3%
Homes built since 2020
13,373
65.3% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in New Mexico

In New Mexico, the median construction year is 1985. About 4.4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 3.5% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 15.5% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 8.4% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.4% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 42,239 4.4% -0.6%
Built between 1940 and 1949 33,327 3.5% -2.1%
Built between 1950 and 1959 85,317 8.9% -3.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 86,088 9% -1.6%
Built between 1970 and 1979 161,341 16.9% -0.3%
Built between 1980 and 1989 155,184 16.2% 1.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 151,567 15.8% -2.6%
Built between 2000 and 2009 148,006 15.5% 2.4%
Built between 2010 and 2019 80,522 8.4% 8.6%
Built in 2020 or later 13,373 1.4% 65.3%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

New Mexico occupancy rates

Out of the 837,414 occupied housing units in New Mexico, 70% are owner-occupied, while 30% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 12.5% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
837,414
1.5% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
251,477
Owner occupied
585,937
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 251,477 30% -0.6%
Owner occupied 585,937 70% 2.4%
Unoccupied housing units
12.5%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

New Mexico housing costs

Housing costs in New Mexico come to a median of $991 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,067.

Median housing costs per month
$991/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in New Mexico
$1,067/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in New Mexico

New Mexico education at a glance

About 34.9% of the population in New Mexico went to high school, while 23.4% pursued college studies. Another 8.8% earned an associate degree and 15.9% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 12.4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 78,283 4.7% -0.9%
High school diploma 578,579 34.9% 0.2%
College diploma 387,719 23.4% -1.4%
Associate degree 145,346 8.8% 0.3%
Bachelor's degree 264,288 15.9% 3.8%
Graduate degree 204,890 12.4% 3.0%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in New Mexico

How much people earn in New Mexico

The average annual household income in New Mexico was $88,155 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $64,059, reflecting a +3.1% shift over the same period.

Average household income in New Mexico
$88,155/year
3.0% year-over-year change
Median household income in New Mexico
$64,059/year
3.1% year-over-year change

New Mexico income by age

In New Mexico, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $70,712. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $75,651 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $36,025, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $53,098 in earnings. Overall, 82.3% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $36,025 4.4%
25 - 44 $70,712 4.5%
45 - 64 $75,651 3.4%
Over 65 $53,098 2.9%
Above poverty level
1,694,504
Below poverty level
365,060
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,694,504 82.3% 0.6%
Below poverty level 365,060 17.7% -1.1%

Employment in New Mexico

Workforce and job types in New Mexico

The job market in New Mexico is powered by 917,730 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 79% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 21% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 10.4% run their own businesses, 57.6% are employed by private companies, and 23.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
917,730
0.6% year-over-year change
White collar
724,947
Blue collar
192,783
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 724,947 79% 0.7%
Blue collar 192,783 21% 0.4%
Employer type
Self employees
10.4%
Private companies
57.6%
Governmental workers
23.4%
Not for profit companies
8.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 95,892 10.4% 3.6%
Private companies 528,926 57.6% -0.0%
Governmental workers 214,891 23.4% 0.7%
Not for profit companies 78,021 8.5% 1.1%
Unemployment rate
6.0%
0.1% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in New Mexico stands at 6%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in New Mexico

How people get around in New Mexico

In New Mexico, the average commute time is 24 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 83.5% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.9% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
24 min
1.3% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 765,366 83.5% -0.8%
Taxicab 728 0.1% 86.7%
Bus or trolleybus 4,407 0.5% -18.9%
Subway or elevated 37 0% N/A
Railroad 455 0% -22.4%
Ferryboat 79 0% 25.4%
Motorcycle 1,228 0.1% -16.4%
Bicycle 4,624 0.5% -2.6%
Walk 17,462 1.9% -2.1%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

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FAQs about New Mexico demographics 

What is the total population of New Mexico?

New Mexico has a total population of 2,120,246 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +0.3% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in New Mexico?

The gender ratio in New Mexico is as follows:
  • 49.7% males (1,053,635 residents)
  • 50.3% females (1,066,611 residents)

What is the median age in New Mexico?

The median age in New Mexico is 39.4.

What is the age distribution of the population in New Mexico?

The age distribution in New Mexico is as follows:
  • Under 15: 17.7% (375,465 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 13.4% (283,343 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 26% (550,457 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 23.7% (502,717 residents)
  • Over 65: 19.3% (408,264 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of New Mexico?

The racial and ethnic makeup of New Mexico is as follows:
  • White: 47.8% (1,012,573 residents)
  • Black or African American: 2.1% (44,773 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 9.5% (202,073 residents)
  • Asian: 1.8% (37,128 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1% (1,871 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 25.8% (546,592 residents)
  • Other: 13% (275,236 residents)

What percentage of the population in New Mexico are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 89.3% of the population in New Mexico.

How many housing units are there in New Mexico?

There are 956,964 housing units in New Mexico, reflecting a +0.8% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in New Mexico and what is the average household size?

New Mexico has a total of 837,414 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in New Mexico?

New Mexico has a median household income of $64,059, representing a +3.1% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for New Mexico?

The employment rate is 94% in New Mexico, with a workforce of 917,730 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 79% (724,947 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 21% (192,783 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 10.4% (95,892 residents)
  • Private companies: 57.6% (528,926 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 23.4% (214,891 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 8.5% (78,021 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025