Espanola, NM demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
18,942
-2.9% year-over-year change
Median household income
$58,448/yr
2.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
8,738
-2.3% year-over-year change

Espanola population

How many people live in Espanola

Espanola is home to 18,942 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.9% of Espanola locals are male, and 50.1% are female.

Total population
18,942
-2.9% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.9%
9,460
Female
50.1%
9,482
Value Percent YoY change
Male 9,460 49.9% -3.9%
Female 9,482 50.1% -2.0%
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 Espanola is 39, with the population distributed as follows: about 19.7% are children under 15, then 14.3% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 23.4% of the population, while another 22.6% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 20% are 65 or older.

Median age
38.9
Age breakdown
Under 15
19.7%
15 to 24
14.3%
25 to 44
23.4%
45 to 64
22.6%
Over 65
20%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 3,727 19.7% -0.1%
15 to 24 2,713 14.3% -9.1%
25 to 44 4,439 23.4% 1.3%
45 to 64 4,283 22.6% -8.5%
Over 65 3,781 20% 1.1%
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 Espanola, 89.7% of the population are US-born citizens, while 3.1% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 7.2% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 24% of locals are Caucasian, 0.9% are African American and 0.9% have Asian roots. Another 8.7% are Indigenous American, 0.1% are Pacific Islanders, while 38% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 27.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
89.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
3.1%
Non-citizens
7.2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 16,994 89.7% -4.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 584 3.1% 27.2%
Non-citizens 1,365 7.2% 3.5%
Racial breakdown
White
24%
Black or African American
0.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native
8.7%
Asian
0.9%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.1%
Two or more races
27.4%
Other
38%
Value Percent
White 4,545 24%
Black or African American 165 0.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native 1,649 8.7%
Asian 169 0.9%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 17 0.1%
Two or more races 5,193 27.4%
Other 7,204 38%

Households in Espanola

A peek inside Espanola households

Espanola has 7,446 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 61.2% are families, while the remaining 38.8% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
7,446
0.1% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
2,893
Family households
4,553
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 2,893 38.8% -4.7%
Family households 4,553 61.2% 3.4%
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 Espanola

The housing landscape of Espanola

Espanola's housing consists of 8,738 units, with 54.8% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 3.2% 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 34.4% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
8,738
-2.3% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 4,788 54.8%
1 unit, attached 279 3.2%
2 units 139 1.6%
3 or 4 units 125 1.4%
5 to 9 units 255 2.9%
10 to 19 units 27 0.3%
20 to 49 units 52 0.6%
50 or more units 56 0.6%
Mobile home 3,009 34.4%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 8 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
56
80.7% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Espanola

In Espanola, the median construction year is 1980. About 4.5% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 4.4% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 10.7% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 3.4% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.6% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 397 4.5% 11.8%
Built between 1940 and 1949 383 4.4% 4.6%
Built between 1950 and 1959 861 9.8% 13.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 960 11% -10.7%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,723 19.7% -2.3%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,629 18.6% -9.8%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,499 17.2% -0.3%
Built between 2000 and 2009 935 10.7% -7.2%
Built between 2010 and 2019 296 3.4% 7.6%
Built in 2020 or later 56 0.6% 80.7%
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.

Espanola occupancy rates

Out of the 7,446 occupied housing units in Espanola, 72.8% are owner-occupied, while 27.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 14.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
7,446
0.1% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
2,023
Owner occupied
5,422
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 2,023 27.2% -5.0%
Owner occupied 5,422 72.8% 2.1%
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.

Espanola housing costs

Housing costs in Espanola come to a median of $617 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $877.

Median housing costs per month
$617/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 Espanola
$877/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 Espanola

Espanola education at a glance

About 40.8% of the population in Espanola went to high school, while 24.8% pursued college studies. Another 8.8% earned an associate degree and 12.9% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 7.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 736 5.1% -17.4%
High school diploma 5,871 40.8% -3.4%
College diploma 3,564 24.8% -0.3%
Associate degree 1,274 8.8% 0.8%
Bachelor's degree 1,855 12.9% -6.8%
Graduate degree 1,095 7.6% 6.7%
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 Espanola

How much people earn in Espanola

The average annual household income in Espanola was $79,296 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +3.6% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $58,448, reflecting a +2.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Espanola
$79,296/year
3.6% year-over-year change
Median household income in Espanola
$58,448/year
2.4% year-over-year change

Espanola income by age

In Espanola, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $60,625. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $70,101 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $41,964, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $38,561 in earnings. Overall, 82.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $41,964 -20.5%
25 - 44 $60,625 8.0%
45 - 64 $70,101 1.7%
Over 65 $38,561 -3.8%
Above poverty level
15,511
Below poverty level
3,212
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 15,511 82.8% -3.7%
Below poverty level 3,212 17.2% 0.5%

Employment in Espanola

Workforce and job types in Espanola

78% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 22% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 9.4% run their own businesses, 49.5% are employed by private companies, and 33.6% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
6,096
Blue collar
1,720
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 6,096 78% -3.5%
Blue collar 1,720 22% -0.1%
Employer type
Self employees
9.4%
Private companies
49.5%
Governmental workers
33.6%
Not for profit companies
7.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 731 9.4% 9.8%
Private companies 3,869 49.5% -6.0%
Governmental workers 2,625 33.6% -1.2%
Not for profit companies 592 7.6% -2.3%

Transportation in Espanola

How people get around in Espanola

In Espanola, the average commute time is 30 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 98.8% 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
3.5% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 6,849 98.8% -4.3%
Bus or trolleybus 11 0.2% -54.2%
Walk 69 1% -5.5%
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 Espanola by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
87532 18,948 7,448 $58,448 $79,409

Explore more communities

FAQs about Espanola demographics 

What is the total population of Espanola?

Espanola has a total population of 18,942 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 -2.9% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Espanola?

The gender ratio in Espanola is as follows:
  • 49.9% males (9,460 residents)
  • 50.1% females (9,482 residents)

What is the median age in Espanola?

The median age in Espanola is 38.9.

What is the age distribution of the population in Espanola?

The age distribution in Espanola is as follows:
  • Under 15: 19.7% (3,727 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 14.3% (2,713 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 23.4% (4,439 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 22.6% (4,283 residents)
  • Over 65: 20% (3,781 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Espanola?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Espanola is as follows:
  • White: 24% (4,545 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.9% (165 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 8.7% (1,649 residents)
  • Asian: 0.9% (169 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1% (17 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 27.4% (5,193 residents)
  • Other: 38% (7,204 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 89.7% of the population in Espanola.

How many housing units are there in Espanola?

There are 8,738 housing units in Espanola, reflecting a -2.3% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Espanola has a total of 7,446 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Espanola?

Espanola has a median household income of $58,448, representing a +2.4% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Espanola?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 78% (6,096 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 22% (1,720 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 9.4% (731 residents)
  • Private companies: 49.5% (3,869 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 33.6% (2,625 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7.6% (592 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