Rio Rancho, NM demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
108,515
1.9% year-over-year change
Median household income
$89,596/yr
4.5% year-over-year change
Housing units
41,908
3.1% year-over-year change

Rio Rancho population

How many people live in Rio Rancho

Rio Rancho is home to 108,515 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.6% of Rio Rancho locals are male, and 50.4% are female.

Total population
108,515
1.9% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.6%
53,851
Female
50.4%
54,664
Value Percent YoY change
Male 53,851 49.6% 2.0%
Female 54,664 50.4% 1.7%
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 Rancho is 40, with the population distributed as follows: about 18.3% are children under 15, then 12.4% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 27.1% of the population, while another 24.5% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 17.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
39.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
18.3%
15 to 24
12.4%
25 to 44
27.1%
45 to 64
24.5%
Over 65
17.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 19,900 18.3% -0.4%
15 to 24 13,509 12.4% 1.4%
25 to 44 29,416 27.1% 3.4%
45 to 64 26,581 24.5% 0.5%
Over 65 19,109 17.6% 4.2%
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 Rio Rancho, 93.2% of the population are US-born citizens, while 4.6% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 2.1% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 55.9% of locals are Caucasian, 3% are African American and 1.6% have Asian roots. Another 4.7% are Indigenous American, 0.2% are Pacific Islanders, while 8.7% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 25.8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
93.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
4.6%
Non-citizens
2.1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 101,193 93.2% 2.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 5,019 4.6% -14.8%
Non-citizens 2,303 2.1% 0.2%
Racial breakdown
White
55.9%
Black or African American
3%
American Indian and Alaska Native
4.7%
Asian
1.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.2%
Two or more races
25.8%
Other
8.7%
Value Percent
White 60,708 55.9%
Black or African American 3,304 3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 5,148 4.7%
Asian 1,708 1.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 198 0.2%
Two or more races 28,031 25.8%
Other 9,418 8.7%

Households in Rio Rancho

A peek inside Rio Rancho households

Rio Rancho has 40,323 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 71.6% are families, while the remaining 28.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
40,323
2.9% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
11,462
Family households
28,861
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 11,462 28.4% 9.8%
Family households 28,861 71.6% 0.4%
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 Rancho

The housing landscape of Rio Rancho

Rio Rancho's housing consists of 41,908 units, with 88.4% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 2.1% 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 1.6% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
41,908
3.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 37,047 88.4%
1 unit, attached 879 2.1%
2 units 134 0.3%
3 or 4 units 1,286 3.1%
5 to 9 units 423 1%
10 to 19 units 301 0.7%
20 to 49 units 94 0.2%
50 or more units 1,050 2.5%
Mobile home 683 1.6%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 11 0%
Homes built since 2020
1,367
61.2% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Rio Rancho

In Rio Rancho, the median construction year is 2000. About 0.7% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 0.1% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 31.4% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 15.9% between 2010 and 2019, and 3.3% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 290 0.7% 128.3%
Built between 1940 and 1949 27 0.1% -6.9%
Built between 1950 and 1959 446 1.1% 11.2%
Built between 1960 and 1969 727 1.7% 3.1%
Built between 1970 and 1979 4,153 9.9% 3.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 7,597 18.1% 0.7%
Built between 1990 and 1999 7,508 17.9% -3.4%
Built between 2000 and 2009 13,139 31.4% 1.2%
Built between 2010 and 2019 6,654 15.9% 7.2%
Built in 2020 or later 1,367 3.3% 61.2%
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 Rancho occupancy rates

Out of the 40,323 occupied housing units in Rio Rancho, 82.2% are owner-occupied, while 17.8% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 3.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
40,323
2.9% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
7,171
Owner occupied
33,152
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 7,171 17.8% 3.0%
Owner occupied 33,152 82.2% 2.9%
Unoccupied housing units
3.8%
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.

Rio Rancho housing costs

Housing costs in Rio Rancho come to a median of $1,373 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,514.

Median housing costs per month
$1,373/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 Rancho
$1,514/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 Rancho

Rio Rancho education at a glance

About 30.4% of the population in Rio Rancho went to high school, while 25.8% pursued college studies. Another 11.3% earned an associate degree and 19.3% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 11.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 1,278 1.5% -16.9%
High school diploma 25,505 30.4% 4.4%
College diploma 21,578 25.8% 0.6%
Associate degree 9,499 11.3% 0.5%
Bachelor's degree 16,168 19.3% 5.1%
Graduate degree 9,734 11.6% 2.1%
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 Rancho

How much people earn in Rio Rancho

The average annual household income in Rio Rancho was $108,313 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +4.4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $89,596, reflecting a +4.5% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Rio Rancho
$108,313/year
4.4% year-over-year change
Median household income in Rio Rancho
$89,596/year
4.5% year-over-year change

Rio Rancho income by age

In Rio Rancho, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $98,062. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $107,893 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $71,985, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $65,000 in earnings. Overall, 92.6% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $71,985 6.5%
25 - 44 $98,062 6.5%
45 - 64 $107,893 4.1%
Over 65 $65,000 -0.7%
Above poverty level
99,178
Below poverty level
7,900
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 99,178 92.6% 2.5%
Below poverty level 7,900 7.4% -3.3%

Average renter income in Rio Rancho

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Rio Rancho, their median household income was $58,140 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 31.2%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$58,140
Rent-to-income ratio
31.2%
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 Rio Rancho

Workforce and job types in Rio Rancho

The job market in Rio Rancho is powered by 51,255 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, 7.2% run their own businesses, 63.9% are employed by private companies, and 20.6% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
51,255
2.7% year-over-year change
White collar
41,792
Blue collar
9,463
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 41,792 81.5% 1.4%
Blue collar 9,463 18.5% 9.1%
Employer type
Self employees
7.2%
Private companies
63.9%
Governmental workers
20.6%
Not for profit companies
8.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 3,698 7.2% 10.4%
Private companies 32,734 63.9% 2.0%
Governmental workers 10,532 20.6% 2.4%
Not for profit companies 4,291 8.4% 3.0%
Unemployment rate
4.6%
-2.2% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Rio Rancho stands at 4.6%, 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 Rancho

How people get around in Rio Rancho

In Rio Rancho, the average commute time is 30 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 80.6% 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
-0.7% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 41,026 80.6% 0.3%
Bus or trolleybus 112 0.2% -17.6%
Railroad 123 0.2% -33.5%
Motorcycle 98 0.2% -12.5%
Bicycle 204 0.4% 88.9%
Walk 491 1% 8.9%
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 Rancho by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
87124 58,499 22,563 $86,555 $104,934
87144 51,837 18,364 $94,550 $112,031

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FAQs about Rio Rancho demographics 

What is the total population of Rio Rancho?

Rio Rancho has a total population of 108,515 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 +1.9% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Rio Rancho?

The gender ratio in Rio Rancho is as follows:
  • 49.6% males (53,851 residents)
  • 50.4% females (54,664 residents)

What is the median age in Rio Rancho?

The median age in Rio Rancho is 39.5.

What is the age distribution of the population in Rio Rancho?

The age distribution in Rio Rancho is as follows:
  • Under 15: 18.3% (19,900 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.4% (13,509 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 27.1% (29,416 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24.5% (26,581 residents)
  • Over 65: 17.6% (19,109 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Rio Rancho?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Rio Rancho is as follows:
  • White: 55.9% (60,708 residents)
  • Black or African American: 3% (3,304 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 4.7% (5,148 residents)
  • Asian: 1.6% (1,708 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.2% (198 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 25.8% (28,031 residents)
  • Other: 8.7% (9,418 residents)

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

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

How many housing units are there in Rio Rancho?

There are 41,908 housing units in Rio Rancho, reflecting a +3.1% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Rio Rancho has a total of 40,323 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Rio Rancho?

Rio Rancho has a median household income of $89,596, representing a +4.5% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 95.4% in Rio Rancho, with a workforce of 51,255 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 81.5% (41,792 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 18.5% (9,463 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7.2% (3,698 residents)
  • Private companies: 63.9% (32,734 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 20.6% (10,532 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 8.4% (4,291 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