Dulce, NM demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
3,218
15.7% year-over-year change
Median household income
$39,773/yr
-5.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,381
15.7% year-over-year change

Dulce population

How many people live in Dulce

Dulce is home to 3,218 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.2% of Dulce locals are male, and 51.8% are female.

Total population
3,218
15.7% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.2%
1,550
Female
51.8%
1,668
Value Percent YoY change
Male 1,550 48.2% 24.7%
Female 1,668 51.8% 8.4%
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 Dulce is 38, with the population distributed as follows: about 13.6% are children under 15, then 17.9% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 29.1% of the population, while another 22.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 17.2% are 65 or older.

Median age
37.7
Age breakdown
Under 15
13.6%
15 to 24
17.9%
25 to 44
29.1%
45 to 64
22.2%
Over 65
17.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 439 13.6% 45.9%
15 to 24 576 17.9% 21.0%
25 to 44 936 29.1% 33.9%
45 to 64 713 22.2% -6.8%
Over 65 554 17.2% 2.4%
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 Dulce, 98.4% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.5% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.1% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 1.4% of locals are Caucasian, 0.6% are African American and 1.2% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 5.8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
98.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.5%
Non-citizens
1.1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 3,168 98.4% 15.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 15 0.5% 200.0%
Non-citizens 35 1.1% 12.9%
Racial breakdown
White
1.4%
Black or African American
0.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native
87%
Asian
1.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
5.8%
Other
4.1%
Value Percent
White 44 1.4%
Black or African American 21 0.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native 2,799 87%
Asian 37 1.2%
Two or more races 185 5.8%
Other 132 4.1%

Households in Dulce

A peek inside Dulce households

Dulce has 1,236 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 49.6% are families, while the remaining 50.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,236
18.7% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
623
Family households
613
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 623 50.4% 26.1%
Family households 613 49.6% 12.1%
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 Dulce

The housing landscape of Dulce

Dulce's housing consists of 1,381 units, with 55.4% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.2% 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 26.6% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
1,381
15.7% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 765 55.4%
1 unit, attached 16 1.2%
2 units 232 16.8%
Mobile home 368 26.6%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Dulce

In Dulce, the median construction year is 1992. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built between 1960 and 1969 68 4.9% -23.6%
Built between 1970 and 1979 276 20% -3.5%
Built between 1980 and 1989 282 20.4% 7.6%
Built between 1990 and 1999 389 28.2% 28.8%
Built between 2000 and 2009 251 18.2% 88.7%
Built between 2010 and 2019 115 8.3% -5.7%
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.

Dulce occupancy rates

Out of the 1,236 occupied housing units in Dulce, 65.9% are owner-occupied, while 34.1% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 10.5% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,236
18.7% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
422
Owner occupied
814
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 422 34.1% 8.5%
Owner occupied 814 65.9% 24.9%
Unoccupied housing units
10.5%
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.

Dulce housing costs

Housing costs in Dulce come to a median of $223 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $550.

Median housing costs per month
$223/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 Dulce
$550/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 Dulce

Dulce education at a glance

About 58.2% of the population in Dulce went to high school, while 24.6% pursued college studies. Another 3.9% earned an associate degree and 3.7% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 6.1% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 92 3.5% 5.8%
High school diploma 1,540 58.2% 20.5%
College diploma 651 24.6% -11.1%
Associate degree 104 3.9% 6.1%
Bachelor's degree 98 3.7% 1.0%
Graduate degree 162 6.1% 44.6%
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 Dulce

How much people earn in Dulce

The average annual household income in Dulce was $53,942 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -1.8% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $39,773, reflecting a -5% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Dulce
$53,942/year
-1.8% year-over-year change
Median household income in Dulce
$39,773/year
-5.0% year-over-year change

Dulce income by age

In Dulce, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $34,910. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $35,272 overall. Overall, 78% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $34,910 4.1%
45 - 64 $35,272 -12.7%
Over 65 $54,875 -17.6%
Above poverty level
2,503
Below poverty level
708
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 2,503 78% 6.7%
Below poverty level 708 22% 66.6%

Average renter income in Dulce

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Dulce, their median household income was $42,750 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 15.4%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$42,750
Rent-to-income ratio
15.4%
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 Dulce

Workforce and job types in Dulce

The job market in Dulce is powered by 1,447 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 81.5% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 18.5% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 2.4% run their own businesses, 23.6% are employed by private companies, and 71.3% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
1,447
12.0% year-over-year change
White collar
1,179
Blue collar
268
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,179 81.5% 10.6%
Blue collar 268 18.5% 18.6%
Employer type
Self employees
2.4%
Private companies
23.6%
Governmental workers
71.3%
Not for profit companies
2.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 34 2.4% N/A
Private companies 341 23.6% -2.0%
Governmental workers 1,032 71.3% 13.0%
Not for profit companies 40 2.8% 29.0%
Unemployment rate
5.9%
-5.3% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Dulce stands at 5.9%, 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 Dulce

How people get around in Dulce

Commuting methods vary: 91.6% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 5.4% 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 1,264 91.6% 7.0%
Walk 75 5.4% 525.0%
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 Dulce by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
87528 3,756 1,368 $41,679 $54,442

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FAQs about Dulce demographics 

What is the total population of Dulce?

Dulce has a total population of 3,218 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 +15.7% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Dulce?

The gender ratio in Dulce is as follows:
  • 48.2% males (1,550 residents)
  • 51.8% females (1,668 residents)

What is the median age in Dulce?

The median age in Dulce is 37.7.

What is the age distribution of the population in Dulce?

The age distribution in Dulce is as follows:
  • Under 15: 13.6% (439 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 17.9% (576 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 29.1% (936 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 22.2% (713 residents)
  • Over 65: 17.2% (554 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Dulce?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Dulce is as follows:
  • White: 1.4% (44 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.6% (21 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 87% (2,799 residents)
  • Asian: 1.2% (37 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 5.8% (185 residents)
  • Other: 4.1% (132 residents)

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

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

How many housing units are there in Dulce?

There are 1,381 housing units in Dulce, reflecting a +15.7% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Dulce has a total of 1,236 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Dulce?

Dulce has a median household income of $39,773, representing a -5.0% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 94.1% in Dulce, with a workforce of 1,447 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 81.5% (1,179 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 18.5% (268 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 2.4% (34 residents)
  • Private companies: 23.6% (341 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 71.3% (1,032 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 2.8% (40 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