Belen, NM demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
7,450
0.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$42,627/yr
5.6% year-over-year change
Housing units
3,203
0.9% year-over-year change

Belen population

How many people live in Belen

Belen is home to 7,450 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 46.9% of Belen locals are male, and 53.1% are female.

Total population
7,450
0.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
46.9%
3,491
Female
53.1%
3,959
Value Percent YoY change
Male 3,491 46.9% -0.5%
Female 3,959 53.1% 1.1%
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 Belen is 37, with the population distributed as follows: about 19.5% are children under 15, then 14.1% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 23% of the population, while another 26.5% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 16.9% are 65 or older.

Median age
37.1
Age breakdown
Under 15
19.5%
15 to 24
14.1%
25 to 44
23%
45 to 64
26.5%
Over 65
16.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,452 19.5% 14.2%
15 to 24 1,048 14.1% 6.8%
25 to 44 1,712 23% -6.0%
45 to 64 1,977 26.5% -3.0%
Over 65 1,261 16.9% -4.0%
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 Belen, 90.5% of the population are US-born citizens, while 4.7% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 4.8% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 40% of locals are Caucasian, 0.9% are African American and 0.8% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 42.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
90.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
4.7%
Non-citizens
4.8%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 6,744 90.5% -0.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 347 4.7% 1.2%
Non-citizens 359 4.8% 17.7%
Racial breakdown
White
40%
Black or African American
0.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native
1.1%
Asian
0.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
42.4%
Other
14.7%
Value Percent
White 2,984 40%
Black or African American 70 0.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native 83 1.1%
Asian 61 0.8%
Two or more races 3,159 42.4%
Other 1,093 14.7%

Households in Belen

A peek inside Belen households

Belen has 2,757 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 55.6% are families, while the remaining 44.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
2,757
1.7% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
1,225
Family households
1,532
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,225 44.4% 12.5%
Family households 1,532 55.6% -5.5%
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 Belen

The housing landscape of Belen

Belen's housing consists of 3,203 units, with 67.4% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 4.8% 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 15.5% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
3,203
0.9% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 2,158 67.4%
1 unit, attached 154 4.8%
2 units 111 3.5%
3 or 4 units 23 0.7%
5 to 9 units 13 0.4%
10 to 19 units 141 4.4%
20 to 49 units 51 1.6%
50 or more units 30 0.9%
Mobile home 496 15.5%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 26 0.8%
Homes built since 2020
75
36.4% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Belen

In Belen, the median construction year is 1979. About 6.9% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 6.1% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 6.5% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 0.7% between 2010 and 2019, and 2.3% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 222 6.9% 10.4%
Built between 1940 and 1949 194 6.1% 2.6%
Built between 1950 and 1959 254 7.9% -2.7%
Built between 1960 and 1969 279 8.7% 6.1%
Built between 1970 and 1979 727 22.7% 0.7%
Built between 1980 and 1989 724 22.6% 14.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 499 15.6% -18.3%
Built between 2000 and 2009 207 6.5% -3.3%
Built between 2010 and 2019 22 0.7% 0.0%
Built in 2020 or later 75 2.3% 36.4%
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.

Belen occupancy rates

Out of the 2,757 occupied housing units in Belen, 73.2% are owner-occupied, while 26.8% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 13.9% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
2,757
1.7% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
739
Owner occupied
2,018
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 739 26.8% 7.0%
Owner occupied 2,018 73.2% -0.1%
Unoccupied housing units
13.9%
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.

Belen housing costs

Housing costs in Belen come to a median of $812 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $916.

Median housing costs per month
$812/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 Belen
$916/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 Belen

Belen education at a glance

About 45.3% of the population in Belen went to high school, while 20.1% pursued college studies. Another 13% earned an associate degree and 7.1% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 4.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 582 10% 32.9%
High school diploma 2,648 45.3% 5.2%
College diploma 1,176 20.1% -9.1%
Associate degree 758 13% -16.3%
Bachelor's degree 416 7.1% -11.3%
Graduate degree 269 4.6% -6.3%
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 Belen

How much people earn in Belen

The average annual household income in Belen was $55,581 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +6.8% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $42,627, reflecting a +5.6% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Belen
$55,581/year
6.8% year-over-year change
Median household income in Belen
$42,627/year
5.6% year-over-year change

Belen income by age

In Belen, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $37,143. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $53,958 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $34,128, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $34,844 in earnings. Overall, 69.6% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $34,128 6.7%
25 - 44 $37,143 -21.4%
45 - 64 $53,958 10.7%
Over 65 $34,844 6.9%
Above poverty level
4,907
Below poverty level
2,147
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 4,907 69.6% -5.0%
Below poverty level 2,147 30.4% 9.1%

Average renter income in Belen

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Belen, their median household income was $31,791 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 34.6%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$31,791
Rent-to-income ratio
34.6%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Belen

Workforce and job types in Belen

The job market in Belen is powered by 2,767 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 71% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 29% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7.7% run their own businesses, 59.3% are employed by private companies, and 29.8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
2,767
0.3% year-over-year change
White collar
1,965
Blue collar
802
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,965 71% 4.0%
Blue collar 802 29% -7.6%
Employer type
Self employees
7.7%
Private companies
59.3%
Governmental workers
29.8%
Not for profit companies
3.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 213 7.7% 10.9%
Private companies 1,642 59.3% 5.9%
Governmental workers 824 29.8% -9.1%
Not for profit companies 88 3.2% -19.3%
Unemployment rate
8.0%
33.1% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Belen stands at 8%, 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 Belen

How people get around in Belen

Commuting methods vary: 81.9% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.2% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 2,240 81.9% -2.1%
Railroad 12 0.4% -7.7%
Walk 59 2.2% -25.3%
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.

What is the median and average household income in Belen by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
87002 21,265 7,771 $51,961 $70,163

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FAQs about Belen demographics 

What is the total population of Belen?

Belen has a total population of 7,450 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 Belen?

The gender ratio in Belen is as follows:
  • 46.9% males (3,491 residents)
  • 53.1% females (3,959 residents)

What is the median age in Belen?

The median age in Belen is 37.1.

What is the age distribution of the population in Belen?

The age distribution in Belen is as follows:
  • Under 15: 19.5% (1,452 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 14.1% (1,048 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 23% (1,712 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 26.5% (1,977 residents)
  • Over 65: 16.9% (1,261 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Belen?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Belen is as follows:
  • White: 40% (2,984 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.9% (70 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 1.1% (83 residents)
  • Asian: 0.8% (61 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 42.4% (3,159 residents)
  • Other: 14.7% (1,093 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 90.5% of the population in Belen.

How many housing units are there in Belen?

There are 3,203 housing units in Belen, reflecting a +0.9% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Belen has a total of 2,757 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Belen?

Belen has a median household income of $42,627, representing a +5.6% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Belen?

The employment rate is 92% in Belen, with a workforce of 2,767 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 71% (1,965 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 29% (802 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7.7% (213 residents)
  • Private companies: 59.3% (1,642 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 29.8% (824 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 3.2% (88 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