Carlsbad, NM demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
31,746
-0.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$72,306/yr
-7.6% year-over-year change
Housing units
14,285
-0.4% year-over-year change

Carlsbad population

How many people live in Carlsbad

Carlsbad is home to 31,746 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 52.4% of Carlsbad locals are male, and 47.6% are female.

Total population
31,746
-0.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
52.4%
16,647
Female
47.6%
15,099
Value Percent YoY change
Male 16,647 52.4% 4.0%
Female 15,099 47.6% -4.4%
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 Carlsbad is 37, with the population distributed as follows: about 19.4% are children under 15, then 13.1% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 30% of the population, while another 21.6% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 15.9% are 65 or older.

Median age
36.7
Age breakdown
Under 15
19.4%
15 to 24
13.1%
25 to 44
30%
45 to 64
21.6%
Over 65
15.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 6,160 19.4% 4.3%
15 to 24 4,157 13.1% -3.5%
25 to 44 9,511 30% 2.7%
45 to 64 6,860 21.6% -5.8%
Over 65 5,058 15.9% 0.2%
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 Carlsbad, 90.7% of the population are US-born citizens, while 2.6% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 6.7% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 51.2% of locals are Caucasian, 2.7% are African American and 0.8% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 31.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
90.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
2.6%
Non-citizens
6.7%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 28,798 90.7% -2.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 831 2.6% 10.2%
Non-citizens 2,117 6.7% 37.1%
Racial breakdown
White
51.2%
Black or African American
2.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.7%
Asian
0.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
31.4%
Other
13.1%
Value Percent
White 16,259 51.2%
Black or African American 851 2.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native 231 0.7%
Asian 265 0.8%
Two or more races 9,969 31.4%
Other 4,171 13.1%

Households in Carlsbad

A peek inside Carlsbad households

Carlsbad has 12,445 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 62% are families, while the remaining 38% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
12,445
-0.1% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
4,728
Family households
7,717
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 4,728 38% 7.2%
Family households 7,717 62% -4.0%
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 Carlsbad

The housing landscape of Carlsbad

Carlsbad's housing consists of 14,285 units, with 74.9% 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 9.7% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
14,285
-0.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 10,705 74.9%
1 unit, attached 308 2.2%
2 units 129 0.9%
3 or 4 units 588 4.1%
5 to 9 units 689 4.8%
10 to 19 units 315 2.2%
20 to 49 units 53 0.4%
50 or more units 107 0.8%
Mobile home 1,391 9.7%
Homes built since 2020
205
266.1% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Carlsbad

In Carlsbad, the median construction year is 1973. About 2.3% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 9.7% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 2.5% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 18.8% 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 326 2.3% -42.3%
Built between 1940 and 1949 1,390 9.7% -7.5%
Built between 1950 and 1959 2,794 19.6% -5.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 2,186 15.3% -2.8%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,711 12% 11.2%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,705 11.9% -17.4%
Built between 1990 and 1999 919 6.4% -10.3%
Built between 2000 and 2009 363 2.5% -21.8%
Built between 2010 and 2019 2,686 18.8% 39.9%
Built in 2020 or later 205 1.4% 266.1%
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.

Carlsbad occupancy rates

Out of the 12,445 occupied housing units in Carlsbad, 70.2% are owner-occupied, while 29.8% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 12.9% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
12,445
-0.1% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
3,703
Owner occupied
8,742
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 3,703 29.8% 5.7%
Owner occupied 8,742 70.2% -2.3%
Unoccupied housing units
12.9%
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.

Carlsbad housing costs

Housing costs in Carlsbad come to a median of $954 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,236.

Median housing costs per month
$954/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 Carlsbad
$1,236/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 Carlsbad

Carlsbad education at a glance

About 42.6% of the population in Carlsbad went to high school, while 25% pursued college studies. Another 7.8% earned an associate degree and 10.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 6.9% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 1,700 7% 1.1%
High school diploma 10,296 42.6% -1.6%
College diploma 6,050 25% -1.4%
Associate degree 1,897 7.8% -0.5%
Bachelor's degree 2,568 10.6% -7.0%
Graduate degree 1,678 6.9% -0.4%
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 Carlsbad

How much people earn in Carlsbad

The average annual household income in Carlsbad was $93,613 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +0.4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $72,306, reflecting a -7.6% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Carlsbad
$93,613/year
0.4% year-over-year change
Median household income in Carlsbad
$72,306/year
-7.6% year-over-year change

Carlsbad income by age

In Carlsbad, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $84,417. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $99,539 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $53,372, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $39,900 in earnings. Overall, 86.1% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $53,372 13.0%
25 - 44 $84,417 -2.6%
45 - 64 $99,539 1.8%
Over 65 $39,900 -9.0%
Above poverty level
26,251
Below poverty level
4,235
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 26,251 86.1% -1.4%
Below poverty level 4,235 13.9% 5.8%

Average renter income in Carlsbad

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Carlsbad, their median household income was $65,768 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 22.6%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$65,768
Rent-to-income ratio
22.6%
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 Carlsbad

Workforce and job types in Carlsbad

The job market in Carlsbad is powered by 14,564 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 65.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 34.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 6% run their own businesses, 69.8% are employed by private companies, and 19.2% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
14,564
-0.5% year-over-year change
White collar
9,559
Blue collar
5,005
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 9,559 65.6% -0.5%
Blue collar 5,005 34.4% -0.5%
Employer type
Self employees
6%
Private companies
69.8%
Governmental workers
19.2%
Not for profit companies
5%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 877 6% -13.9%
Private companies 10,164 69.8% -1.0%
Governmental workers 2,789 19.2% 4.3%
Not for profit companies 734 5% 8.7%
Unemployment rate
5.2%
16.6% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Carlsbad stands at 5.2%, 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 Carlsbad

How people get around in Carlsbad

In Carlsbad, the average commute time is 22 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 89.8% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.3% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
22 min
10.9% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 12,881 89.8% -1.5%
Bus or trolleybus 38 0.3% -48.6%
Motorcycle 11 0.1% -56.0%
Bicycle 63 0.4% -1.6%
Walk 180 1.3% 7.1%
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.

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

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
88220 39,828 15,641 $78,162 $98,776

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FAQs about Carlsbad demographics 

What is the total population of Carlsbad?

Carlsbad has a total population of 31,746 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 -0.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Carlsbad?

The gender ratio in Carlsbad is as follows:
  • 52.4% males (16,647 residents)
  • 47.6% females (15,099 residents)

What is the median age in Carlsbad?

The median age in Carlsbad is 36.7.

What is the age distribution of the population in Carlsbad?

The age distribution in Carlsbad is as follows:
  • Under 15: 19.4% (6,160 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 13.1% (4,157 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 30% (9,511 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 21.6% (6,860 residents)
  • Over 65: 15.9% (5,058 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Carlsbad?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Carlsbad is as follows:
  • White: 51.2% (16,259 residents)
  • Black or African American: 2.7% (851 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.7% (231 residents)
  • Asian: 0.8% (265 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 31.4% (9,969 residents)
  • Other: 13.1% (4,171 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 90.7% of the population in Carlsbad.

How many housing units are there in Carlsbad?

There are 14,285 housing units in Carlsbad, reflecting a -0.4% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Carlsbad has a total of 12,445 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Carlsbad?

Carlsbad has a median household income of $72,306, representing a -7.6% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 94.8% in Carlsbad, with a workforce of 14,564 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 65.6% (9,559 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 34.4% (5,005 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 6% (877 residents)
  • Private companies: 69.8% (10,164 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 19.2% (2,789 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 5% (734 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