Taos, NM demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
6,458
-0.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$47,304/yr
1.6% year-over-year change
Housing units
4,114
7.0% year-over-year change

Taos population

How many people live in Taos

Taos is home to 6,458 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 53.7% of Taos locals are male, and 46.3% are female.

Total population
6,458
-0.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
53.7%
3,467
Female
46.3%
2,991
Value Percent YoY change
Male 3,467 53.7% 4.7%
Female 2,991 46.3% -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 Taos is 54, with the population distributed as follows: about 8.6% are children under 15, then 10% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 22.7% of the population, while another 27.5% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 31.3% are 65 or older.

Median age
53.7
Age breakdown
Under 15
8.6%
15 to 24
10%
25 to 44
22.7%
45 to 64
27.5%
Over 65
31.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 554 8.6% 14.2%
15 to 24 644 10% -22.6%
25 to 44 1,466 22.7% -0.2%
45 to 64 1,775 27.5% 14.3%
Over 65 2,019 31.3% -5.2%
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 Taos, 86.5% of the population are US-born citizens, while 6.6% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 6.9% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 53.2% of locals are Caucasian, 0.4% are African American and 1.9% have Asian roots. Another 1.3% are Indigenous American, 0.1% are Pacific Islanders, while 19.2% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 23.9% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
86.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
6.6%
Non-citizens
6.9%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 5,589 86.5% 0.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 423 6.6% 25.1%
Non-citizens 446 6.9% -23.0%
Racial breakdown
White
53.2%
Black or African American
0.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native
1.3%
Asian
1.9%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.1%
Two or more races
23.9%
Other
19.2%
Value Percent
White 3,434 53.2%
Black or African American 27 0.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native 82 1.3%
Asian 121 1.9%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 8 0.1%
Two or more races 1,546 23.9%
Other 1,240 19.2%

Households in Taos

A peek inside Taos households

Taos has 3,138 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 40.2% are families, while the remaining 59.8% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
3,138
11.0% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
1,876
Family households
1,262
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,876 59.8% 9.4%
Family households 1,262 40.2% 13.6%
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 Taos

The housing landscape of Taos

Taos's housing consists of 4,114 units, with 55.4% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 6.2% 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 6.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
4,114
7.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 2,281 55.4%
1 unit, attached 257 6.2%
2 units 372 9%
3 or 4 units 365 8.9%
5 to 9 units 305 7.4%
10 to 19 units 151 3.7%
20 to 49 units 35 0.8%
50 or more units 91 2.2%
Mobile home 257 6.2%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Taos

In Taos, the median construction year is 1980. About 12.2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 3.3% 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 503 12.2% 8.6%
Built between 1940 and 1949 134 3.3% 3.9%
Built between 1950 and 1959 417 10.1% -1.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 345 8.4% 10.2%
Built between 1970 and 1979 686 16.7% 4.6%
Built between 1980 and 1989 619 15% 13.8%
Built between 1990 and 1999 843 20.5% 13.5%
Built between 2000 and 2009 444 10.8% -8.1%
Built between 2010 and 2019 123 3% 33.7%
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.

Taos occupancy rates

Out of the 3,138 occupied housing units in Taos, 59.3% are owner-occupied, while 40.7% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 23.7% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
3,138
11.0% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,277
Owner occupied
1,861
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,277 40.7% 13.3%
Owner occupied 1,861 59.3% 9.5%
Unoccupied housing units
23.7%
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.

Taos housing costs

Housing costs in Taos come to a median of $1,016 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $883.

Median housing costs per month
$1,016/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 Taos
$883/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 Taos

Taos education at a glance

About 27.3% of the population in Taos went to high school, while 20.7% pursued college studies. Another 11.2% earned an associate degree and 17.7% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 18.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 275 4.8% -17.7%
High school diploma 1,559 27.3% -11.0%
College diploma 1,179 20.7% -5.4%
Associate degree 641 11.2% -3.5%
Bachelor's degree 1,011 17.7% 12.6%
Graduate degree 1,041 18.2% 6.9%
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 Taos

How much people earn in Taos

The average annual household income in Taos was $85,045 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +6.7% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $47,304, reflecting a +1.6% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Taos
$85,045/year
6.7% year-over-year change
Median household income in Taos
$47,304/year
1.6% year-over-year change

Taos income by age

Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $58,125 overall. Overall, 86.3% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
45 - 64 $58,125 10.1%
Over 65 $42,255 -6.4%
Above poverty level
5,393
Below poverty level
857
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 5,393 86.3% -0.6%
Below poverty level 857 13.7% 1.5%

Average renter income in Taos

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Taos, their median household income was $26,946 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 39.3%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$26,946
Rent-to-income ratio
39.3%
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 Taos

Workforce and job types in Taos

The job market in Taos is powered by 3,091 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 80.3% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 19.7% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 20.9% run their own businesses, 47.2% are employed by private companies, and 21.2% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
3,091
1.5% year-over-year change
White collar
2,483
Blue collar
608
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 2,483 80.3% 1.4%
Blue collar 608 19.7% 2.0%
Employer type
Self employees
20.9%
Private companies
47.2%
Governmental workers
21.2%
Not for profit companies
10.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 647 20.9% 0.5%
Private companies 1,458 47.2% 0.3%
Governmental workers 654 21.2% 15.3%
Not for profit companies 332 10.7% -12.9%
Unemployment rate
10.6%
56.2% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Taos stands at 10.6%, 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 Taos

How people get around in Taos

Commuting methods vary: 75.6% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 5.9% 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 2,218 75.6% -2.0%
Bus or trolleybus 39 1.3% -7.1%
Bicycle 30 1% 50.0%
Walk 174 5.9% 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 Taos by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
87571 11,531 5,478 $57,575 $108,800

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FAQs about Taos demographics 

What is the total population of Taos?

Taos has a total population of 6,458 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 -0.1% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Taos?

The gender ratio in Taos is as follows:
  • 53.7% males (3,467 residents)
  • 46.3% females (2,991 residents)

What is the median age in Taos?

The median age in Taos is 53.7.

What is the age distribution of the population in Taos?

The age distribution in Taos is as follows:
  • Under 15: 8.6% (554 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 10% (644 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 22.7% (1,466 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 27.5% (1,775 residents)
  • Over 65: 31.3% (2,019 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Taos?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Taos is as follows:
  • White: 53.2% (3,434 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.4% (27 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 1.3% (82 residents)
  • Asian: 1.9% (121 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1% (8 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 23.9% (1,546 residents)
  • Other: 19.2% (1,240 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 86.5% of the population in Taos.

How many housing units are there in Taos?

There are 4,114 housing units in Taos, reflecting a +7.0% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Taos has a total of 3,138 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Taos?

Taos has a median household income of $47,304, representing a +1.6% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 89.4% in Taos, with a workforce of 3,091 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 80.3% (2,483 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 19.7% (608 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 20.9% (647 residents)
  • Private companies: 47.2% (1,458 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 21.2% (654 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 10.7% (332 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