Tucumcari, NM demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
5,160
-0.7% year-over-year change
Median household income
$31,844/yr
-20.2% year-over-year change
Housing units
3,203
7.0% year-over-year change

Tucumcari population

How many people live in Tucumcari

Tucumcari is home to 5,160 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.6% of Tucumcari locals are male, and 51.4% are female.

Total population
5,160
-0.7% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.6%
2,508
Female
51.4%
2,652
Value Percent YoY change
Male 2,508 48.6% -5.2%
Female 2,652 51.4% 3.9%
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 Tucumcari is 45, with the population distributed as follows: about 19.7% are children under 15, then 9.6% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 21% of the population, while another 30.9% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 18.7% are 65 or older.

Median age
44.7
Age breakdown
Under 15
19.7%
15 to 24
9.6%
25 to 44
21%
45 to 64
30.9%
Over 65
18.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,017 19.7% -1.6%
15 to 24 497 9.6% 14.2%
25 to 44 1,085 21% -20.2%
45 to 64 1,595 30.9% 7.7%
Over 65 966 18.7% 8.8%
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 Tucumcari, 99.2% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.6% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.2% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 33.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
99.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.6%
Non-citizens
0.2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 5,118 99.2% 0.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 33 0.6% -21.4%
Non-citizens 9 0.2% -86.2%
Racial breakdown
White
53.2%
Black or African American
1.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native
3.1%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
33.4%
Other
9.2%
Value Percent
White 2,743 53.2%
Black or African American 59 1.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native 162 3.1%
Two or more races 1,722 33.4%
Other 474 9.2%

Households in Tucumcari

A peek inside Tucumcari households

Tucumcari has 2,720 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 51.1% are families, while the remaining 48.9% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
2,720
7.5% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
1,329
Family households
1,391
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,329 48.9% -6.4%
Family households 1,391 51.1% 25.2%
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 Tucumcari

The housing landscape of Tucumcari

Tucumcari's housing consists of 3,203 units, with 75.8% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 6% 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 7.6% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
3,203
7.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 2,427 75.8%
1 unit, attached 191 6%
2 units 66 2.1%
3 or 4 units 40 1.2%
5 to 9 units 237 7.4%
Mobile home 242 7.6%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Tucumcari

In Tucumcari, the median construction year is 1960. About 20.5% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 10.2% 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 657 20.5% 10.2%
Built between 1940 and 1949 328 10.2% 45.1%
Built between 1950 and 1959 610 19% -19.9%
Built between 1960 and 1969 699 21.8% 11.1%
Built between 1970 and 1979 201 6.3% -21.5%
Built between 1980 and 1989 426 13.3% 78.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 83 2.6% -5.7%
Built between 2000 and 2009 121 3.8% 23.5%
Built between 2010 and 2019 78 2.4% -21.2%
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.

Tucumcari occupancy rates

Out of the 2,720 occupied housing units in Tucumcari, 68.6% are owner-occupied, while 31.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 15.1% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
2,720
7.5% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
854
Owner occupied
1,866
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 854 31.4% 4.8%
Owner occupied 1,866 68.6% 8.7%
Unoccupied housing units
15.1%
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.

Tucumcari housing costs

Housing costs in Tucumcari come to a median of $632 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $704.

Median housing costs per month
$632/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 Tucumcari
$704/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 Tucumcari

Tucumcari education at a glance

About 54.4% of the population in Tucumcari went to high school, while 21.9% pursued college studies. Another 4.6% earned an associate degree and 9.2% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 7.4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 100 2.5% -13.8%
High school diploma 2,206 54.4% 4.8%
College diploma 890 21.9% 5.6%
Associate degree 185 4.6% -4.6%
Bachelor's degree 375 9.2% -4.8%
Graduate degree 300 7.4% -11.8%
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 Tucumcari

How much people earn in Tucumcari

The average annual household income in Tucumcari was $56,192 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +10.1% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $31,844, reflecting a -20.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Tucumcari
$56,192/year
10.1% year-over-year change
Median household income in Tucumcari
$31,844/year
-20.2% year-over-year change

Tucumcari income by age

In Tucumcari, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $47,876. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $59,242 overall. Overall, 65.7% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $47,876 2.5%
45 - 64 $59,242 14.9%
Over 65 $31,016 15.2%
Above poverty level
3,336
Below poverty level
1,744
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 3,336 65.7% -2.3%
Below poverty level 1,744 34.3% 11.7%

Average renter income in Tucumcari

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Tucumcari, their median household income was $29,102 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 29%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$29,102
Rent-to-income ratio
29%
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 Tucumcari

Workforce and job types in Tucumcari

The job market in Tucumcari is powered by 2,146 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 79.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 20.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8.1% run their own businesses, 56.8% are employed by private companies, and 25.1% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
2,146
-3.8% year-over-year change
White collar
1,712
Blue collar
434
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,712 79.8% -7.9%
Blue collar 434 20.2% 16.4%
Employer type
Self employees
8.1%
Private companies
56.8%
Governmental workers
25.1%
Not for profit companies
9.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 174 8.1% 8.1%
Private companies 1,220 56.8% -8.7%
Governmental workers 539 25.1% -4.8%
Not for profit companies 213 9.9% 26.8%
Unemployment rate
11.2%
142.9% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Tucumcari stands at 11.2%, 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 Tucumcari

How people get around in Tucumcari

Commuting methods vary: 92.5% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 3.3% 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 1,965 92.5% -5.7%
Bicycle 26 1.2% -25.7%
Walk 71 3.3% 39.2%
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 Tucumcari by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
88401 6,818 3,475 $49,345 $65,735

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FAQs about Tucumcari demographics 

What is the total population of Tucumcari?

Tucumcari has a total population of 5,160 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 -0.7% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Tucumcari?

The gender ratio in Tucumcari is as follows:
  • 48.6% males (2,508 residents)
  • 51.4% females (2,652 residents)

What is the median age in Tucumcari?

The median age in Tucumcari is 44.7.

What is the age distribution of the population in Tucumcari?

The age distribution in Tucumcari is as follows:
  • Under 15: 19.7% (1,017 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 9.6% (497 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 21% (1,085 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 30.9% (1,595 residents)
  • Over 65: 18.7% (966 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Tucumcari?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Tucumcari is as follows:
  • White: 53.2% (2,743 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1.1% (59 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 3.1% (162 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 33.4% (1,722 residents)
  • Other: 9.2% (474 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 99.2% of the population in Tucumcari.

How many housing units are there in Tucumcari?

There are 3,203 housing units in Tucumcari, 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 Tucumcari and what is the average household size?

Tucumcari has a total of 2,720 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Tucumcari?

Tucumcari has a median household income of $31,844, representing a -20.2% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 88.8% in Tucumcari, with a workforce of 2,146 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 79.8% (1,712 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 20.2% (434 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8.1% (174 residents)
  • Private companies: 56.8% (1,220 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 25.1% (539 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 9.9% (213 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