Chaparral CDP, New Mexico Demographics & Population 2026

Population Overview

Chaparral CDP is a small city located in New Mexico. The total population is 16,642. It ranks as the 15th most populous out of 492 cities and towns in New Mexico.

Age Demographics

The median age in Chaparral CDP is 31.2 years. This is 20% lower than the state median of 39.2 years. With 30.6% of the population under 18, Chaparral CDP has a notably young demographic profile, suggesting a family-oriented community.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Chaparral CDP is $46,102. This is 26% lower than the state median of $62,125. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 41% lower. The poverty rate stands at 28.8%. This is 59% higher than the state poverty rate of 18.1%. With more than one in five residents living below the poverty line, economic hardship is a significant challenge for the community. The unemployment rate is 8.0%. This is 34% higher than the state rate of 6.0%. The median home value is $101,900. Housing costs are 56% lower than the state median of $232,200. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.2x, Chaparral CDP is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 66.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 4% lower than the state average of 69.3%.

Race & Ethnicity

Chaparral CDP has a predominantly Hispanic or Latino population, comprising 90.7% of all residents. White (non-Hispanic) residents account for 5.8%. The White (non-Hispanic) population (5.8%) is well below the state average of 36.5%. The Hispanic or Latino population is significantly higher than the state average (90.7% vs 48.1%). The Asian population (0.5%) is well below the state average of 1.6%.

Education

10.0% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 67% lower than the state rate of 30.2%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 65.9%.

Data Sources & Methodology

All demographic data for Chaparral CDP, New Mexico is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually, providing reliable estimates for communities of all sizes. Comparisons are made against New Mexico state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 492 Census-designated places in New Mexico. For official data, visit data.census.gov.