Chama, NM demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
776
3.7% year-over-year change
Median household income
$30,694/yr
% year-over-year change
Housing units
629
7.9% year-over-year change

Chama population

How many people live in Chama

Chama is home to 776 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.5% of Chama locals are male, and 49.5% are female.

Total population
776
3.7% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.5%
392
Female
49.5%
384
Value Percent YoY change
Male 392 50.5% -6.7%
Female 384 49.5% 17.1%
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 Chama is 64, with the population distributed as follows: about 7.2% are children under 15, then 0.3% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 12.9% of the population, while another 36.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 43.4% are 65 or older.

Median age
64.4
Age breakdown
Under 15
7.2%
15 to 24
0.3%
25 to 44
12.9%
45 to 64
36.2%
Over 65
43.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 56 7.2% 43.6%
15 to 24 2 0.3% -92.3%
25 to 44 100 12.9% -25.4%
45 to 64 281 36.2% 2.2%
Over 65 337 43.4% 23.0%
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

There’s also a share of 4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
100%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0%
Non-citizens
0%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 776 100% 3.7%
Racial breakdown
White
32%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
4%
Other
64%
Value Percent
White 248 32%
Two or more races 31 4%
Other 497 64%

Households in Chama

A peek inside Chama households

Chama has 458 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 55.7% are families, while the remaining 44.3% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
458
11.7% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
203
Family households
255
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 203 44.3% 6.8%
Family households 255 55.7% 15.9%
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 Chama

The housing landscape of Chama

Chama's housing consists of 629 units, with 53.4% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 41.3% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
629
7.9% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 336 53.4%
2 units 7 1.1%
3 or 4 units 14 2.2%
10 to 19 units 12 1.9%
Mobile home 260 41.3%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Chama

In Chama, the median construction year is 1982. About 13.4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 2.2% going up by 1949. 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 84 13.4% 2.4%
Built between 1940 and 1949 14 2.2% 0.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 8 1.3% 0.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 44 7% -10.2%
Built between 1970 and 1979 144 22.9% 12.5%
Built between 1980 and 1989 99 15.7% 26.9%
Built between 1990 and 1999 196 31.2% 25.6%
Built between 2000 and 2009 27 4.3% -57.8%
Built between 2010 and 2019 13 2.1% 225.0%
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.

Chama occupancy rates

Out of the 458 occupied housing units in Chama, 80.4% are owner-occupied, while 19.6% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 27.2% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
458
11.7% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
90
Owner occupied
368
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 90 19.6% -10.9%
Owner occupied 368 80.4% 19.1%
Unoccupied housing units
27.2%
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.

Chama housing costs

Housing costs in Chama come to a median of $542 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $570.

Median housing costs per month
$542/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 Chama
$570/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 Chama

Chama education at a glance

About 55.6% of the population in Chama went to high school, while 23% pursued college studies. Another 2.2% earned an associate degree and 13.9% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 5% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 2 0.3% -89.5%
High school diploma 399 55.6% 1.8%
College diploma 165 23% 0.6%
Associate degree 16 2.2% 6.7%
Bachelor's degree 100 13.9% 19.1%
Graduate degree 36 5% 9.1%
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 Chama

How much people earn in Chama

The average annual household income in Chama was $62,017 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -0.2% change from the previous year.

Average household income in Chama
$62,017/year
-0.2% year-over-year change
Median household income in Chama
$30,694/year
% year-over-year change

Chama income by age

Overall, 79.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Over 65 $30,972 -1.4%
Above poverty level
615
Below poverty level
161
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 615 79.2% -4.3%
Below poverty level 161 20.8% 53.3%

Average renter income in Chama

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Chama, their median household income was $16,350 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 41.8%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$16,350
Rent-to-income ratio
41.8%
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 Chama

Workforce and job types in Chama

The job market in Chama is powered by 375 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 92.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 7.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 10.7% run their own businesses, 60% are employed by private companies, and 28.8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
375
3.3% year-over-year change
White collar
348
Blue collar
27
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 348 92.8% 13.7%
Blue collar 27 7.2% -52.6%
Employer type
Self employees
10.7%
Private companies
60%
Governmental workers
28.8%
Not for profit companies
0.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 40 10.7% 14.3%
Private companies 225 60% 7.1%
Governmental workers 108 28.8% 6.9%
Not for profit companies 2 0.5% -88.2%
Unemployment rate
7.2%
31.8% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Chama stands at 7.2%, 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 Chama

How people get around in Chama

Commuting methods vary: 76.3% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 9.3% 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 286 76.3% -0.3%
Walk 35 9.3% -27.1%
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 Chama by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
87520 1,148 650 $38,889 $62,330

Explore more communities

FAQs about Chama demographics 

What is the total population of Chama?

Chama has a total population of 776 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 +3.7% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Chama?

The gender ratio in Chama is as follows:
  • 50.5% males (392 residents)
  • 49.5% females (384 residents)

What is the median age in Chama?

The median age in Chama is 64.4.

What is the age distribution of the population in Chama?

The age distribution in Chama is as follows:
  • Under 15: 7.2% (56 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 0.3% (2 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 12.9% (100 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 36.2% (281 residents)
  • Over 65: 43.4% (337 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Chama?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Chama is as follows:
  • White: 32% (248 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0% (0 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 4% (31 residents)
  • Other: 64% (497 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 100% of the population in Chama.

How many housing units are there in Chama?

There are 629 housing units in Chama, reflecting a +7.9% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Chama has a total of 458 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Chama?

Chama has a median household income of $30,694, representing a % shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 92.8% in Chama, with a workforce of 375 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 92.8% (348 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 7.2% (27 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 10.7% (40 residents)
  • Private companies: 60% (225 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 28.8% (108 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 0.5% (2 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