Capitan, NM demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,191
-5.6% year-over-year change
Median household income
$52,864/yr
5.1% year-over-year change
Housing units
770
-5.2% year-over-year change

Capitan population

How many people live in Capitan

Capitan is home to 1,191 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 46.1% of Capitan locals are male, and 53.9% are female.

Total population
1,191
-5.6% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
46.1%
549
Female
53.9%
642
Value Percent YoY change
Male 549 46.1% -9.4%
Female 642 53.9% -2.1%
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 Capitan is 58, with the population distributed as follows: about 17% are children under 15, then 9.7% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 13.4% of the population, while another 28.1% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 31.8% are 65 or older.

Median age
57.6
Age breakdown
Under 15
17%
15 to 24
9.7%
25 to 44
13.4%
45 to 64
28.1%
Over 65
31.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 203 17% -7.3%
15 to 24 115 9.7% -6.5%
25 to 44 159 13.4% -14.1%
45 to 64 335 28.1% -11.8%
Over 65 379 31.8% 6.8%
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 Capitan, 98.4% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.6% have gained naturalized citizenship. There’s also a share of 10.8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
98.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.6%
Non-citizens
0%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,172 98.4% -6.0%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 19 1.6% 26.7%
Racial breakdown
White
88.8%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.5%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
10.8%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 1,057 88.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native 6 0.5%
Two or more races 128 10.8%

Households in Capitan

A peek inside Capitan households

Capitan has 586 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 51.5% are families, while the remaining 48.5% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
586
0.2% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
284
Family households
302
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 284 48.5% -4.7%
Family households 302 51.5% 5.2%
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 Capitan

The housing landscape of Capitan

Capitan's housing consists of 770 units, with 30.5% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 2.2% 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 62.3% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
770
-5.2% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 235 30.5%
1 unit, attached 17 2.2%
2 units 19 2.5%
10 to 19 units 19 2.5%
Mobile home 480 62.3%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Capitan

In Capitan, the median construction year is 1987. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 18 2.3% -51.4%
Built between 1950 and 1959 4 0.5% 0.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 32 4.2% -23.8%
Built between 1970 and 1979 122 15.8% 10.9%
Built between 1980 and 1989 288 37.4% 4.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 181 23.5% 33.1%
Built between 2000 and 2009 89 11.6% -33.1%
Built between 2010 and 2019 36 4.7% -50.7%
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.

Capitan occupancy rates

Out of the 586 occupied housing units in Capitan, 93.7% are owner-occupied, while 6.3% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 23.9% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
586
0.2% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
37
Owner occupied
549
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 37 6.3% 2.8%
Owner occupied 549 93.7% 0.0%
Unoccupied housing units
23.9%
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.

Capitan housing costs

Median housing costs per month
$517/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.

Education in Capitan

Capitan education at a glance

About 36.5% of the population in Capitan went to high school, while 31.6% pursued college studies. Another 7.9% earned an associate degree and 9.8% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 9.1% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 47 5% 113.6%
High school diploma 341 36.5% -11.9%
College diploma 295 31.6% 1.7%
Associate degree 74 7.9% -25.2%
Bachelor's degree 92 9.8% -13.2%
Graduate degree 85 9.1% 6.2%
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 Capitan

How much people earn in Capitan

The average annual household income in Capitan was $84,724 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +15.4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $52,864, reflecting a +5.1% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Capitan
$84,724/year
15.4% year-over-year change
Median household income in Capitan
$52,864/year
5.1% year-over-year change

Capitan income by age

In Capitan, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $250,001. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $36,827 overall. Overall, 85.5% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $250,001 N/A
45 - 64 $36,827 -10.9%
Over 65 $53,636 3.6%
Above poverty level
1,015
Below poverty level
172
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,015 85.5% -6.9%
Below poverty level 172 14.5% 22.0%

Average renter income in Capitan

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Capitan, their median household income was $70,083 according to 2022 Census data.

Renter median household income
$70,083
Rent-to-income ratio
0%
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 Capitan

Workforce and job types in Capitan

The job market in Capitan is powered by 462 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 86.2% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 13.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 26.4% run their own businesses, 55% are employed by private companies, and 18.6% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
462
-6.1% year-over-year change
White collar
398
Blue collar
64
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 398 86.2% 5.0%
Blue collar 64 13.8% -43.4%
Employer type
Self employees
26.4%
Private companies
55%
Governmental workers
18.6%
Not for profit companies
0%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 122 26.4% 25.8%
Private companies 254 55% 5.0%
Governmental workers 86 18.6% -43.8%
Unemployment rate
6.5%
88.2% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Capitan stands at 6.5%, 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 Capitan

How people get around in Capitan

Commuting methods vary: 95% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.4% 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 421 95% -2.3%
Walk 6 1.4% 50.0%
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 Capitan by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
88316 2,194 1,171 $54,080 $75,684

Explore more communities

FAQs about Capitan demographics 

What is the total population of Capitan?

Capitan has a total population of 1,191 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 -5.6% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Capitan?

The gender ratio in Capitan is as follows:
  • 46.1% males (549 residents)
  • 53.9% females (642 residents)

What is the median age in Capitan?

The median age in Capitan is 57.6.

What is the age distribution of the population in Capitan?

The age distribution in Capitan is as follows:
  • Under 15: 17% (203 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 9.7% (115 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 13.4% (159 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 28.1% (335 residents)
  • Over 65: 31.8% (379 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Capitan?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Capitan is as follows:
  • White: 88.8% (1,057 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0% (0 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.5% (6 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 10.8% (128 residents)
  • Other: 0% (0 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 98.4% of the population in Capitan.

How many housing units are there in Capitan?

There are 770 housing units in Capitan, reflecting a -5.2% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Capitan has a total of 586 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Capitan?

Capitan has a median household income of $52,864, representing a +5.1% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 93.5% in Capitan, with a workforce of 462 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 86.2% (398 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 13.8% (64 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 26.4% (122 residents)
  • Private companies: 55% (254 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 18.6% (86 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 0% (0 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