Thoreau, NM demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,973
9.9% year-over-year change
Median household income
$45,469/yr
3.5% year-over-year change
Housing units
782
5.8% year-over-year change

Thoreau population

How many people live in Thoreau

Thoreau is home to 1,973 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.1% of Thoreau locals are male, and 49.9% are female.

Total population
1,973
9.9% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.1%
988
Female
49.9%
985
Value Percent YoY change
Male 988 50.1% 6.1%
Female 985 49.9% 14.0%
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 Thoreau is 35, with the population distributed as follows: about 20.2% are children under 15, then 12.6% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 28.5% of the population, while another 20.4% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 18.4% are 65 or older.

Median age
34.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
20.2%
15 to 24
12.6%
25 to 44
28.5%
45 to 64
20.4%
Over 65
18.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 398 20.2% 19.2%
15 to 24 249 12.6% -9.8%
25 to 44 562 28.5% 19.1%
45 to 64 402 20.4% -1.9%
Over 65 362 18.4% 19.5%
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 Thoreau, 97.9% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.3% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.8% of residents are non-citizens. Another 90.2% are Indigenous American, 0.2% are Pacific Islanders, while 0.6% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 1.6% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
97.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.3%
Non-citizens
1.8%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,931 97.9% 10.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 6 0.3% -72.7%
Non-citizens 36 1.8% 12.5%
Racial breakdown
White
5.3%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
90.2%
Asian
2.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.2%
Two or more races
1.6%
Other
0.6%
Value Percent
White 104 5.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 1,779 90.2%
Asian 42 2.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 5 0.2%
Two or more races 32 1.6%
Other 11 0.6%

Households in Thoreau

A peek inside Thoreau households

Thoreau has 627 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 73.2% are families, while the remaining 26.8% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
627
1.3% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
168
Family households
459
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 168 26.8% -10.6%
Family households 459 73.2% 6.5%
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 Thoreau

The housing landscape of Thoreau

Thoreau's housing consists of 782 units, with 65.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.9% 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 29.5% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
782
5.8% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 510 65.2%
1 unit, attached 15 1.9%
2 units 21 2.7%
3 or 4 units 5 0.6%
Mobile home 231 29.5%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Thoreau

In Thoreau, the median construction year is 1989. 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 23 2.9% -4.2%
Built between 1950 and 1959 102 13% 21.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 40 5.1% -2.4%
Built between 1970 and 1979 141 18% 23.7%
Built between 1980 and 1989 100 12.8% 112.8%
Built between 1990 and 1999 182 23.3% -15.3%
Built between 2000 and 2009 115 14.7% -17.9%
Built between 2010 and 2019 79 10.1% 6.8%
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.

Thoreau occupancy rates

Out of the 627 occupied housing units in Thoreau, 80.2% are owner-occupied, while 19.8% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 19.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
627
1.3% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
124
Owner occupied
503
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 124 19.8% 117.5%
Owner occupied 503 80.2% -10.5%
Unoccupied housing units
19.8%
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.

Thoreau housing costs

Housing costs in Thoreau come to a median of $273 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $483.

Median housing costs per month
$273/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 Thoreau
$483/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 Thoreau

Thoreau education at a glance

About 63.2% of the population in Thoreau went to high school, while 19.9% pursued college studies. Another 5.9% earned an associate degree and 2.7% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 1.1% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 109 7.3% 2.8%
High school diploma 943 63.2% 13.5%
College diploma 297 19.9% -18.6%
Associate degree 88 5.9% 44.3%
Bachelor's degree 40 2.7% -18.4%
Graduate degree 16 1.1% -11.1%
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 Thoreau

How much people earn in Thoreau

The average annual household income in Thoreau was $59,272 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -2.7% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $45,469, reflecting a +3.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Thoreau
$59,272/year
-2.7% year-over-year change
Median household income in Thoreau
$45,469/year
3.5% year-over-year change

Thoreau income by age

In Thoreau, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $43,500. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $63,125 overall. Overall, 72.7% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $43,500 N/A
45 - 64 $63,125 38.5%
Over 65 $43,913 N/A
Above poverty level
1,419
Below poverty level
532
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,419 72.7% 9.6%
Below poverty level 532 27.3% 9.2%

Employment in Thoreau

Workforce and job types in Thoreau

The job market in Thoreau is powered by 635 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 62.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 37.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 5.8% run their own businesses, 66.3% are employed by private companies, and 21.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
635
4.6% year-over-year change
White collar
396
Blue collar
239
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 396 62.4% 3.9%
Blue collar 239 37.6% 5.8%
Employer type
Self employees
5.8%
Private companies
66.3%
Governmental workers
21.4%
Not for profit companies
6.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 37 5.8% -31.5%
Private companies 421 66.3% 15.0%
Governmental workers 136 21.4% -18.6%
Not for profit companies 41 6.5% 105.0%
Unemployment rate
10.8%
-17.2% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Thoreau stands at 10.8%, 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 Thoreau

How people get around in Thoreau

Commuting methods vary: 83.6% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.7% 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 531 83.6% -3.1%
Walk 11 1.7% -8.3%
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 Thoreau by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
87323 4,245 1,439 $51,616 $57,332

Explore more communities

FAQs about Thoreau demographics 

What is the total population of Thoreau?

Thoreau has a total population of 1,973 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 +9.9% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Thoreau?

The gender ratio in Thoreau is as follows:
  • 50.1% males (988 residents)
  • 49.9% females (985 residents)

What is the median age in Thoreau?

The median age in Thoreau is 34.8.

What is the age distribution of the population in Thoreau?

The age distribution in Thoreau is as follows:
  • Under 15: 20.2% (398 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.6% (249 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 28.5% (562 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 20.4% (402 residents)
  • Over 65: 18.4% (362 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Thoreau?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Thoreau is as follows:
  • White: 5.3% (104 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0% (0 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 90.2% (1,779 residents)
  • Asian: 2.1% (42 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.2% (5 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 1.6% (32 residents)
  • Other: 0.6% (11 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 97.9% of the population in Thoreau.

How many housing units are there in Thoreau?

There are 782 housing units in Thoreau, reflecting a +5.8% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Thoreau has a total of 627 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Thoreau?

Thoreau has a median household income of $45,469, representing a +3.5% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 89.2% in Thoreau, with a workforce of 635 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 62.4% (396 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 37.6% (239 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 5.8% (37 residents)
  • Private companies: 66.3% (421 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 21.4% (136 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 6.5% (41 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