Santa Fe County, NM demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
156,105
0.6% year-over-year change
Median household income
$79,071/yr
5.9% year-over-year change
Housing units
78,834
1.5% year-over-year change

Santa Fe County population

How many people live in Santa Fe County

Santa Fe County is home to 156,105 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.8% of Santa Fe County locals are male, and 51.2% are female.

Total population
156,105
0.6% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.8%
76,208
Female
51.2%
79,897
Value Percent YoY change
Male 76,208 48.8% 0.7%
Female 79,897 51.2% 0.5%
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 Santa Fe County is 49, with the population distributed as follows: about 12.8% are children under 15, then 10.3% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 22.6% of the population, while another 26.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 28% are 65 or older.

Median age
48.7
Age breakdown
Under 15
12.8%
15 to 24
10.3%
25 to 44
22.6%
45 to 64
26.2%
Over 65
28%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 20,001 12.8% -2.2%
15 to 24 16,100 10.3% 0.9%
25 to 44 35,330 22.6% 1.1%
45 to 64 40,889 26.2% -1.4%
Over 65 43,785 28% 3.4%
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 Santa Fe County, 86.6% of the population are US-born citizens, while 6.5% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 6.9% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 56.7% of locals are Caucasian, 1% are African American and 1.4% have Asian roots. Another 3.3% are Indigenous American, 0.1% are Pacific Islanders, while 12% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 25.6% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
86.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
6.5%
Non-citizens
6.9%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 135,233 86.6% 0.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 10,077 6.5% 1.8%
Non-citizens 10,795 6.9% 0.5%
Racial breakdown
White
56.7%
Black or African American
1%
American Indian and Alaska Native
3.3%
Asian
1.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.1%
Two or more races
25.6%
Other
12%
Value Percent
White 88,445 56.7%
Black or African American 1,540 1%
American Indian and Alaska Native 5,097 3.3%
Asian 2,271 1.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 155 0.1%
Two or more races 39,902 25.6%
Other 18,695 12%

Households in Santa Fe County

A peek inside Santa Fe County households

Santa Fe County has 70,767 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 56.7% are families, while the remaining 43.3% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
70,767
2.0% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
30,633
Family households
40,134
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 30,633 43.3% 2.8%
Family households 40,134 56.7% 1.5%
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 Santa Fe County

The housing landscape of Santa Fe County

Santa Fe County's housing consists of 78,834 units, with 62.7% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 7.1% 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 13.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
78,834
1.5% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 49,441 62.7%
1 unit, attached 5,603 7.1%
2 units 1,890 2.4%
3 or 4 units 2,989 3.8%
5 to 9 units 2,709 3.4%
10 to 19 units 2,024 2.6%
20 to 49 units 1,677 2.1%
50 or more units 2,035 2.6%
Mobile home 10,428 13.2%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 38 0%
Homes built since 2020
1,390
65.3% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Santa Fe County

In Santa Fe County, the median construction year is 1989. About 6.4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 2.8% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 19% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 8.2% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.8% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 5,073 6.4% 8.8%
Built between 1940 and 1949 2,219 2.8% 0.7%
Built between 1950 and 1959 4,636 5.9% -4.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 4,742 6% -0.8%
Built between 1970 and 1979 9,860 12.5% 3.1%
Built between 1980 and 1989 14,258 18.1% -1.8%
Built between 1990 and 1999 15,184 19.3% -1.6%
Built between 2000 and 2009 14,995 19% 1.4%
Built between 2010 and 2019 6,477 8.2% 6.9%
Built in 2020 or later 1,390 1.8% 65.3%
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.

Santa Fe County occupancy rates

Out of the 70,767 occupied housing units in Santa Fe County, 71.5% are owner-occupied, while 28.5% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 10.2% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
70,767
2.0% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
20,164
Owner occupied
50,603
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 20,164 28.5% -1.0%
Owner occupied 50,603 71.5% 3.3%
Unoccupied housing units
10.2%
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.

Santa Fe County housing costs

Housing costs in Santa Fe County come to a median of $1,282 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,389.

Median housing costs per month
$1,282/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 Santa Fe County
$1,389/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 Santa Fe County

Santa Fe County education at a glance

About 26% of the population in Santa Fe County went to high school, while 20.3% pursued college studies. Another 6.7% earned an associate degree and 21.1% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 22% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 5,013 3.8% 1.1%
High school diploma 34,133 26% -2.2%
College diploma 26,626 20.3% -1.9%
Associate degree 8,787 6.7% -4.2%
Bachelor's degree 27,645 21.1% 2.6%
Graduate degree 28,824 22% 8.8%
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 Santa Fe County

How much people earn in Santa Fe County

The average annual household income in Santa Fe County was $111,940 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +6% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $79,071, reflecting a +5.9% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Santa Fe County
$111,940/year
6.0% year-over-year change
Median household income in Santa Fe County
$79,071/year
5.9% year-over-year change

Santa Fe County income by age

In Santa Fe County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $79,399. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $94,412 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $55,320, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $69,716 in earnings. Overall, 88.1% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $55,320 33.1%
25 - 44 $79,399 6.0%
45 - 64 $94,412 12.1%
Over 65 $69,716 2.5%
Above poverty level
134,864
Below poverty level
18,205
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 134,864 88.1% 1.3%
Below poverty level 18,205 11.9% -3.3%

Employment in Santa Fe County

Workforce and job types in Santa Fe County

The job market in Santa Fe County is powered by 72,587 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 84.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 15.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 17.6% run their own businesses, 48.3% are employed by private companies, and 23.1% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
72,587
0.7% year-over-year change
White collar
61,541
Blue collar
11,046
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 61,541 84.8% 0.8%
Blue collar 11,046 15.2% 0.4%
Employer type
Self employees
17.6%
Private companies
48.3%
Governmental workers
23.1%
Not for profit companies
10.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 12,779 17.6% 5.3%
Private companies 35,090 48.3% -2.6%
Governmental workers 16,774 23.1% 2.6%
Not for profit companies 7,944 10.9% 5.2%
Unemployment rate
5.3%
-2.1% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Santa Fe County stands at 5.3%, 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 Santa Fe County

How people get around in Santa Fe County

In Santa Fe County, the average commute time is 24 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 76.5% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.3% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
24 min
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 54,804 76.5% -1.7%
Taxicab 95 0.1% 33.8%
Bus or trolleybus 555 0.8% -3.6%
Railroad 37 0% 27.6%
Motorcycle 20 0% -20.0%
Bicycle 414 0.6% 1.7%
Walk 1,648 2.3% 9.4%
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 Santa Fe County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
87501 16,007 9,166 $79,603 $126,623
87505 32,092 16,646 $78,247 $111,216
87506 16,372 7,543 $96,511 $155,848
87507 51,386 20,716 $70,398 $90,244
87508 18,518 7,455 $101,565 $140,543
87522 2,595 1,071 $58,620 $77,194
87010 1,135 664 $60,000 $90,513
87015 14,443 5,945 $79,904 $93,501
87047 5,402 2,264 $116,630 $143,753
87056 1,084 476 $76,563 $113,506

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FAQs about Santa Fe County demographics 

What is the total population of Santa Fe County?

Santa Fe County has a total population of 156,105 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 +0.6% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Santa Fe County?

The gender ratio in Santa Fe County is as follows:
  • 48.8% males (76,208 residents)
  • 51.2% females (79,897 residents)

What is the median age in Santa Fe County?

The median age in Santa Fe County is 48.7.

What is the age distribution of the population in Santa Fe County?

The age distribution in Santa Fe County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 12.8% (20,001 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 10.3% (16,100 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 22.6% (35,330 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 26.2% (40,889 residents)
  • Over 65: 28% (43,785 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Santa Fe County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Santa Fe County is as follows:
  • White: 56.7% (88,445 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1% (1,540 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 3.3% (5,097 residents)
  • Asian: 1.4% (2,271 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1% (155 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 25.6% (39,902 residents)
  • Other: 12% (18,695 residents)

What percentage of the population in Santa Fe County are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 86.6% of the population in Santa Fe County.

How many housing units are there in Santa Fe County?

There are 78,834 housing units in Santa Fe County, reflecting a +1.5% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Santa Fe County and what is the average household size?

Santa Fe County has a total of 70,767 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Santa Fe County?

Santa Fe County has a median household income of $79,071, representing a +5.9% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Santa Fe County?

The employment rate is 94.7% in Santa Fe County, with a workforce of 72,587 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 84.8% (61,541 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 15.2% (11,046 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 17.6% (12,779 residents)
  • Private companies: 48.3% (35,090 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 23.1% (16,774 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 10.9% (7,944 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