Portales, NM demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
11,968
-0.5% year-over-year change
Median household income
$50,555/yr
-1.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
5,300
0.3% year-over-year change

Portales population

How many people live in Portales

Portales is home to 11,968 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.6% of Portales locals are male, and 49.4% are female.

Total population
11,968
-0.5% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.6%
6,057
Female
49.4%
5,911
Value Percent YoY change
Male 6,057 50.6% 4.6%
Female 5,911 49.4% -5.2%
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 Portales is 27, with the population distributed as follows: about 25.4% are children under 15, then 21.5% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 26.3% of the population, while another 14.6% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 12.2% are 65 or older.

Median age
27.1
Age breakdown
Under 15
25.4%
15 to 24
21.5%
25 to 44
26.3%
45 to 64
14.6%
Over 65
12.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 3,044 25.4% 11.9%
15 to 24 2,572 21.5% -7.8%
25 to 44 3,148 26.3% -4.3%
45 to 64 1,742 14.6% -1.5%
Over 65 1,462 12.2% 0.3%
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 Portales, 90.6% of the population are US-born citizens, while 3.5% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 6% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 60.2% of locals are Caucasian, 0.9% are African American and 0.9% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 21.9% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
90.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
3.5%
Non-citizens
6%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 10,842 90.6% -4.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 414 3.5% 81.6%
Non-citizens 712 6% 48.3%
Racial breakdown
White
60.2%
Black or African American
0.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native
1.1%
Asian
0.9%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
21.9%
Other
15%
Value Percent
White 7,210 60.2%
Black or African American 108 0.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native 133 1.1%
Asian 103 0.9%
Two or more races 2,624 21.9%
Other 1,790 15%

Households in Portales

A peek inside Portales households

Portales has 4,559 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 53.4% are families, while the remaining 46.6% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
4,559
1.5% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
2,123
Family households
2,436
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 2,123 46.6% 3.2%
Family households 2,436 53.4% 0.0%
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 Portales

The housing landscape of Portales

Portales's housing consists of 5,300 units, with 67.7% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 2.9% 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 10.6% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
5,300
0.3% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 3,587 67.7%
1 unit, attached 155 2.9%
2 units 200 3.8%
3 or 4 units 451 8.5%
5 to 9 units 104 2%
10 to 19 units 126 2.4%
20 to 49 units 63 1.2%
50 or more units 53 1%
Mobile home 561 10.6%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Portales

In Portales, the median construction year is 1976. About 6.1% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 5.1% 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 323 6.1% -1.5%
Built between 1940 and 1949 272 5.1% 9.7%
Built between 1950 and 1959 695 13.1% 1.6%
Built between 1960 and 1969 735 13.9% 39.7%
Built between 1970 and 1979 993 18.7% 1.9%
Built between 1980 and 1989 617 11.6% -4.6%
Built between 1990 and 1999 560 10.6% -21.4%
Built between 2000 and 2009 664 12.5% 5.2%
Built between 2010 and 2019 441 8.3% -17.3%
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.

Portales occupancy rates

Out of the 4,559 occupied housing units in Portales, 47.6% are owner-occupied, while 52.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 14% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
4,559
1.5% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
2,391
Owner occupied
2,168
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 2,391 52.4% 13.2%
Owner occupied 2,168 47.6% -8.9%
Unoccupied housing units
14.0%
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.

Portales housing costs

Housing costs in Portales come to a median of $921 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $903.

Median housing costs per month
$921/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 Portales
$903/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 Portales

Portales education at a glance

About 32.1% of the population in Portales went to high school, while 32.4% pursued college studies. Another 9.3% earned an associate degree and 12.9% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 8.7% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 378 4.4% 47.7%
High school diploma 2,731 32.1% -12.1%
College diploma 2,756 32.4% 3.4%
Associate degree 791 9.3% 7.9%
Bachelor's degree 1,100 12.9% -15.8%
Graduate degree 742 8.7% 5.2%
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 Portales

How much people earn in Portales

The average annual household income in Portales was $56,840 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -10.4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $50,555, reflecting a -1.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Portales
$56,840/year
-10.4% year-over-year change
Median household income in Portales
$50,555/year
-1.4% year-over-year change

Portales income by age

In Portales, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $49,558. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $67,014 overall. Overall, 72.5% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $45,304 N/A
25 - 44 $49,558 -4.3%
45 - 64 $67,014 4.9%
Above poverty level
7,734
Below poverty level
2,927
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 7,734 72.5% -9.6%
Below poverty level 2,927 27.5% 34.4%

Average renter income in Portales

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Portales, their median household income was $39,885 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 27.2%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$39,885
Rent-to-income ratio
27.2%
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 Portales

Workforce and job types in Portales

The job market in Portales is powered by 4,956 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 79.2% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 20.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 5% run their own businesses, 44.9% are employed by private companies, and 32% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
4,956
-4.1% year-over-year change
White collar
3,924
Blue collar
1,032
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 3,924 79.2% 6.0%
Blue collar 1,032 20.8% -29.6%
Employer type
Self employees
5%
Private companies
44.9%
Governmental workers
32%
Not for profit companies
18.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 247 5% 61.4%
Private companies 2,225 44.9% -15.5%
Governmental workers 1,586 32% -7.9%
Not for profit companies 898 18.1% 36.7%
Unemployment rate
7.4%
-9.2% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Portales stands at 7.4%, 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 Portales

How people get around in Portales

Commuting methods vary: 90.8% 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 4,696 90.8% -3.8%
Walk 281 5.4% -15.4%
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 Portales by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
88130 17,842 7,008 $52,434 $65,659

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FAQs about Portales demographics 

What is the total population of Portales?

Portales has a total population of 11,968 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 -0.5% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Portales?

The gender ratio in Portales is as follows:
  • 50.6% males (6,057 residents)
  • 49.4% females (5,911 residents)

What is the median age in Portales?

The median age in Portales is 27.1.

What is the age distribution of the population in Portales?

The age distribution in Portales is as follows:
  • Under 15: 25.4% (3,044 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 21.5% (2,572 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 26.3% (3,148 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 14.6% (1,742 residents)
  • Over 65: 12.2% (1,462 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Portales?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Portales is as follows:
  • White: 60.2% (7,210 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.9% (108 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 1.1% (133 residents)
  • Asian: 0.9% (103 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 21.9% (2,624 residents)
  • Other: 15% (1,790 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 90.6% of the population in Portales.

How many housing units are there in Portales?

There are 5,300 housing units in Portales, reflecting a +0.3% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Portales has a total of 4,559 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Portales?

Portales has a median household income of $50,555, representing a -1.4% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 92.6% in Portales, with a workforce of 4,956 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 79.2% (3,924 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 20.8% (1,032 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 5% (247 residents)
  • Private companies: 44.9% (2,225 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 32% (1,586 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 18.1% (898 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