Chaparral, NM demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
18,186
9.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$46,017/yr
-0.2% year-over-year change
Housing units
5,940
0.4% year-over-year change

Chaparral population

How many people live in Chaparral

Chaparral is home to 18,186 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.3% of Chaparral locals are male, and 51.7% are female.

Total population
18,186
9.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.3%
8,776
Female
51.7%
9,410
Value Percent YoY change
Male 8,776 48.3% 9.2%
Female 9,410 51.7% 9.4%
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 Chaparral is 32, with the population distributed as follows: about 21.1% are children under 15, then 18% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 23.9% of the population, while another 23.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 13.2% are 65 or older.

Median age
31.6
Age breakdown
Under 15
21.1%
15 to 24
18%
25 to 44
23.9%
45 to 64
23.8%
Over 65
13.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 3,843 21.1% -3.3%
15 to 24 3,268 18% 16.2%
25 to 44 4,349 23.9% 2.4%
45 to 64 4,324 23.8% 21.4%
Over 65 2,402 13.2% 17.2%
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 Chaparral, 68.2% of the population are US-born citizens, while 13.6% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 18.2% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 18.3% of locals are Caucasian, 0.3% are African American and 0.5% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 49% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
68.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
13.6%
Non-citizens
18.2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 12,398 68.2% 13.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 2,473 13.6% -2.5%
Non-citizens 3,315 18.2% 5.0%
Racial breakdown
White
18.3%
Black or African American
0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.4%
Asian
0.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
49%
Other
31.5%
Value Percent
White 3,335 18.3%
Black or African American 51 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 76 0.4%
Asian 94 0.5%
Two or more races 8,902 49%
Other 5,728 31.5%

Households in Chaparral

A peek inside Chaparral households

Chaparral has 5,060 households, with an average of 4 members in each. Of these, 79.6% are families, while the remaining 20.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
5,060
6.3% year-over-year change
Average people per household
4
Non-family households
1,033
Family households
4,027
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,033 20.4% 11.8%
Family households 4,027 79.6% 5.0%
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 Chaparral

The housing landscape of Chaparral

Chaparral's housing consists of 5,940 units, with 28.4% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 4.6% 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 66.9% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
5,940
0.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,686 28.4%
1 unit, attached 273 4.6%
10 to 19 units 4 0.1%
Mobile home 3,973 66.9%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 4 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
77
140.6% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Chaparral

In Chaparral, the median construction year is 1994. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 15.5% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 12.5% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.3% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built between 1940 and 1949 59 1% 118.5%
Built between 1950 and 1959 10 0.2% 0.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 104 1.8% -34.2%
Built between 1970 and 1979 770 13% 6.2%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,340 22.6% -7.4%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,916 32.3% -1.8%
Built between 2000 and 2009 922 15.5% 15.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 742 12.5% -2.5%
Built in 2020 or later 77 1.3% 140.6%
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.

Chaparral occupancy rates

Out of the 5,060 occupied housing units in Chaparral, 69.4% are owner-occupied, while 30.6% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 14.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
5,060
6.3% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,550
Owner occupied
3,510
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,550 30.6% -3.2%
Owner occupied 3,510 69.4% 11.2%
Unoccupied housing units
14.8%
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.

Chaparral housing costs

Housing costs in Chaparral come to a median of $648 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $853.

Median housing costs per month
$648/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 Chaparral
$853/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 Chaparral

Chaparral education at a glance

About 45.6% of the population in Chaparral went to high school, while 22% pursued college studies. Another 7.4% earned an associate degree and 6.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 2.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 2,089 15.7% 7.0%
High school diploma 6,088 45.6% 27.1%
College diploma 2,940 22% 1.4%
Associate degree 994 7.4% 12.1%
Bachelor's degree 873 6.6% 21.4%
Graduate degree 352 2.6% 13.2%
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 Chaparral

How much people earn in Chaparral

The average annual household income in Chaparral was $63,207 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +12.4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $46,017, reflecting a -0.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Chaparral
$63,207/year
12.4% year-over-year change
Median household income in Chaparral
$46,017/year
-0.2% year-over-year change

Chaparral income by age

In Chaparral, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $41,081. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $73,049 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $41,517, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $21,683 in earnings. Overall, 72.9% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $41,517 -17.6%
25 - 44 $41,081 -2.2%
45 - 64 $73,049 24.5%
Over 65 $21,683 N/A
Above poverty level
13,170
Below poverty level
4,892
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 13,170 72.9% 12.2%
Below poverty level 4,892 27.1% 4.2%

Employment in Chaparral

Workforce and job types in Chaparral

The job market in Chaparral is powered by 7,191 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 64.7% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 35.3% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 9% run their own businesses, 69.8% are employed by private companies, and 15% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
7,191
11.1% year-over-year change
White collar
4,654
Blue collar
2,537
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 4,654 64.7% 17.1%
Blue collar 2,537 35.3% 1.6%
Employer type
Self employees
9%
Private companies
69.8%
Governmental workers
15%
Not for profit companies
6.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 646 9% 2.4%
Private companies 5,020 69.8% 12.8%
Governmental workers 1,078 15% 4.3%
Not for profit companies 447 6.2% 25.2%
Unemployment rate
6.3%
-14.5% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Chaparral stands at 6.3%, 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 Chaparral

How people get around in Chaparral

In Chaparral, the average commute time is 30 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 92.3% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
30 min
-8.8% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 6,600 92.3% 12.7%
Walk 74 1% 8.8%
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 Chaparral by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
88081 19,663 5,060 $46,017 $63,207

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FAQs about Chaparral demographics 

What is the total population of Chaparral?

Chaparral has a total population of 18,186 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 +9.3% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Chaparral?

The gender ratio in Chaparral is as follows:
  • 48.3% males (8,776 residents)
  • 51.7% females (9,410 residents)

What is the median age in Chaparral?

The median age in Chaparral is 31.6.

What is the age distribution of the population in Chaparral?

The age distribution in Chaparral is as follows:
  • Under 15: 21.1% (3,843 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 18% (3,268 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 23.9% (4,349 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 23.8% (4,324 residents)
  • Over 65: 13.2% (2,402 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Chaparral?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Chaparral is as follows:
  • White: 18.3% (3,335 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.3% (51 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.4% (76 residents)
  • Asian: 0.5% (94 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 49% (8,902 residents)
  • Other: 31.5% (5,728 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 68.2% of the population in Chaparral.

How many housing units are there in Chaparral?

There are 5,940 housing units in Chaparral, 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 Chaparral and what is the average household size?

Chaparral has a total of 5,060 households, with an average of 4 people in each.

What is the median household income in Chaparral?

Chaparral has a median household income of $46,017, representing a -0.2% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 93.7% in Chaparral, with a workforce of 7,191 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 64.7% (4,654 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 35.3% (2,537 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 9% (646 residents)
  • Private companies: 69.8% (5,020 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 15% (1,078 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 6.2% (447 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