Rio Arriba County, NM demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
40,070
-0.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$57,155/yr
6.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
19,862
0.8% year-over-year change

Rio Arriba County population

How many people live in Rio Arriba County

Rio Arriba County is home to 40,070 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.4% of Rio Arriba County locals are male, and 50.6% are female.

Total population
40,070
-0.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.4%
19,790
Female
50.6%
20,280
Value Percent YoY change
Male 19,790 49.4% 0.7%
Female 20,280 50.6% -1.2%
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 Rio Arriba County is 42, with the population distributed as follows: about 18.6% are children under 15, then 12% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 22.5% of the population, while another 25.1% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 21.8% are 65 or older.

Median age
42
Age breakdown
Under 15
18.6%
15 to 24
12%
25 to 44
22.5%
45 to 64
25.1%
Over 65
21.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 7,472 18.6% -0.6%
15 to 24 4,801 12% 0.2%
25 to 44 9,010 22.5% 0.9%
45 to 64 10,045 25.1% -3.6%
Over 65 8,742 21.8% 2.8%
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 Rio Arriba County, 93.2% of the population are US-born citizens, while 2.1% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 4.7% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 21.7% of locals are Caucasian, 0.7% are African American and 0.6% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 30.3% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
93.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
2.1%
Non-citizens
4.7%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 37,347 93.2% -0.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 852 2.1% -9.2%
Non-citizens 1,871 4.7% 12.0%
Racial breakdown
White
21.7%
Black or African American
0.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native
17%
Asian
0.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
30.3%
Other
29.7%
Value Percent
White 8,691 21.7%
Black or African American 272 0.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native 6,800 17%
Asian 252 0.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 22 0%
Two or more races 12,135 30.3%
Other 11,898 29.7%

Households in Rio Arriba County

A peek inside Rio Arriba County households

Rio Arriba County has 15,647 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 63.3% are families, while the remaining 36.7% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
15,647
4.5% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
5,743
Family households
9,904
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 5,743 36.7% 1.2%
Family households 9,904 63.3% 6.4%
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 Rio Arriba County

The housing landscape of Rio Arriba County

Rio Arriba County's housing consists of 19,862 units, with 59.2% 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 35.8% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
19,862
0.8% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 11,760 59.2%
1 unit, attached 240 1.2%
2 units 396 2%
3 or 4 units 150 0.8%
5 to 9 units 90 0.4%
10 to 19 units 15 0.1%
20 to 49 units 48 0.2%
50 or more units 34 0.2%
Mobile home 7,121 35.8%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 8 0%
Homes built since 2020
223
71.5% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Rio Arriba County

In Rio Arriba County, the median construction year is 1984. About 6% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 4.6% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 12.8% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 5.3% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.1% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 1,185 6% 23.7%
Built between 1940 and 1949 922 4.6% 5.7%
Built between 1950 and 1959 1,258 6.3% -3.2%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,397 7% -14.1%
Built between 1970 and 1979 4,017 20.2% -6.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 3,187 16% -2.6%
Built between 1990 and 1999 4,071 20.5% 1.1%
Built between 2000 and 2009 2,551 12.8% 5.1%
Built between 2010 and 2019 1,051 5.3% 27.9%
Built in 2020 or later 223 1.1% 71.5%
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.

Rio Arriba County occupancy rates

Out of the 15,647 occupied housing units in Rio Arriba County, 80% are owner-occupied, while 20% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 21.2% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
15,647
4.5% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
3,130
Owner occupied
12,517
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 3,130 20% -4.7%
Owner occupied 12,517 80% 7.0%
Unoccupied housing units
21.2%
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.

Rio Arriba County housing costs

Housing costs in Rio Arriba County come to a median of $572 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $740.

Median housing costs per month
$572/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 Rio Arriba County
$740/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 Rio Arriba County

Rio Arriba County education at a glance

About 44.2% of the population in Rio Arriba County went to high school, while 26.2% pursued college studies. Another 8.2% earned an associate degree and 9.7% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 7.7% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 1,232 4% -11.6%
High school diploma 13,733 44.2% 0.8%
College diploma 8,131 26.2% -0.7%
Associate degree 2,546 8.2% 1.3%
Bachelor's degree 3,013 9.7% -3.5%
Graduate degree 2,399 7.7% 7.0%
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 Rio Arriba County

How much people earn in Rio Arriba County

The average annual household income in Rio Arriba County was $76,460 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2.1% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $57,155, reflecting a +6% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Rio Arriba County
$76,460/year
2.1% year-over-year change
Median household income in Rio Arriba County
$57,155/year
6.0% year-over-year change

Rio Arriba County income by age

In Rio Arriba County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $58,248. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $68,898 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $39,487, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $47,365 in earnings. Overall, 82.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $39,487 5.5%
25 - 44 $58,248 5.5%
45 - 64 $68,898 4.1%
Over 65 $47,365 6.0%
Above poverty level
32,187
Below poverty level
6,967
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 32,187 82.2% 1.8%
Below poverty level 6,967 17.8% -10.2%

Employment in Rio Arriba County

Workforce and job types in Rio Arriba County

The job market in Rio Arriba County is powered by 16,169 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 77.7% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 22.3% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7.6% run their own businesses, 46.2% are employed by private companies, and 40% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
16,169
2.1% year-over-year change
White collar
12,566
Blue collar
3,603
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 12,566 77.7% 2.0%
Blue collar 3,603 22.3% 2.6%
Employer type
Self employees
7.6%
Private companies
46.2%
Governmental workers
40%
Not for profit companies
6.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,225 7.6% 12.3%
Private companies 7,467 46.2% 1.9%
Governmental workers 6,465 40% 4.2%
Not for profit companies 1,012 6.3% -16.4%
Unemployment rate
4.9%
-1.8% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Rio Arriba County stands at 4.9%, 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 Rio Arriba County

How people get around in Rio Arriba County

In Rio Arriba County, the average commute time is 30 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 86.1% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.8% 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
4.5% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 13,597 86.1% 1.3%
Bus or trolleybus 100 0.6% -8.3%
Walk 439 2.8% 11.1%
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 Rio Arriba County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
87412 779 332 $55,417 $67,563
87419 458 269 $21,007 $35,945
87510 979 477 $85,453 $104,121
87511 3,108 1,009 $70,346 $84,565
87012 321 153 $36,303 $55,415
87013 5,251 1,527 $32,942 $45,138
87017 350 149 $78,060 $67,291
87029 237 146 $70,435 $71,284
87046 94 65 $62,216 $65,255
87064 224 120 $0 $69,432

Explore more communities

FAQs about Rio Arriba County demographics 

What is the total population of Rio Arriba County?

Rio Arriba County has a total population of 40,070 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 -0.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Rio Arriba County?

The gender ratio in Rio Arriba County is as follows:
  • 49.4% males (19,790 residents)
  • 50.6% females (20,280 residents)

What is the median age in Rio Arriba County?

The median age in Rio Arriba County is 42.

What is the age distribution of the population in Rio Arriba County?

The age distribution in Rio Arriba County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 18.6% (7,472 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12% (4,801 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 22.5% (9,010 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 25.1% (10,045 residents)
  • Over 65: 21.8% (8,742 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Rio Arriba County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Rio Arriba County is as follows:
  • White: 21.7% (8,691 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.7% (272 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 17% (6,800 residents)
  • Asian: 0.6% (252 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (22 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 30.3% (12,135 residents)
  • Other: 29.7% (11,898 residents)

What percentage of the population in Rio Arriba County are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 93.2% of the population in Rio Arriba County.

How many housing units are there in Rio Arriba County?

There are 19,862 housing units in Rio Arriba County, reflecting a +0.8% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Rio Arriba County and what is the average household size?

Rio Arriba County has a total of 15,647 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Rio Arriba County?

Rio Arriba County has a median household income of $57,155, representing a +6.0% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Rio Arriba County?

The employment rate is 95.1% in Rio Arriba County, with a workforce of 16,169 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 77.7% (12,566 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 22.3% (3,603 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7.6% (1,225 residents)
  • Private companies: 46.2% (7,467 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 40% (6,465 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 6.3% (1,012 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