El Cerro, New Mexico Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, El Cerro, New Mexico had a total population of 2,923, the 62nd largest community in New Mexico, with a median household income of $106,136, which is 66% higher than the state average. The poverty rate is 5.9%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 66% above the state average — one of the wealthiest communities in New Mexico.
El Cerro Quick Facts
How El Cerro Changed
Change from the 2019–2023 ACS period to 2020–2024. These are rolling five-year estimates, not year-over-year measurements.
| Metric | 2019–2023 | 2020–2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 3,093 | 2,923 | -5.5% |
| Median household income | $112,174 | $106,136 | -5.4% |
| Median home value | $291,800 | $311,500 | +6.8% |
How El Cerro Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Detailed income brackets
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
Moderate diversity with one or two groups making up the majority.
State average: 63 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
El Cerro Rankings in New Mexico
Explore New Mexico Rankings
Other Cities in Valencia County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Lunas | 18,618 | $62,330 | 18.2% | $262,900 |
| Belen | 7,450 | $42,627 | 31.2% | $166,100 |
| El Cerro Mission | 5,323 | $49,470 | 25.0% | $115,300 |
| Rio Communities | 4,925 | $46,035 | 13.4% | $205,900 |
| Los Chaves | 4,838 | $79,662 | 24.8% | $285,700 |
| Meadow Lake | 4,259 | $43,649 | 20.6% | $77,900 |
| Bosque Farms | 4,071 | $82,188 | 17.0% | $293,100 |
| Peralta | 3,404 | $73,131 | 5.2% | $299,200 |
| Valencia (Valencia County) | 2,406 | $55,170 | 29.4% | $262,900 |
| Jarales | 2,144 | $55,676 | 9.5% | N/A |
Cities Similar to El Cerro
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ranchos de Taos | 2,536 | N/A | $349,700 | 45.8% | 10.2% |
| Jal | 2,364 | N/A | $97,600 | 19.0% | 32.0% |
| La Mesilla | 2,697 | $81,438 | $315,800 | 38.8% | 9.0% |
| Sandia Heights | 3,160 | $143,646 | $670,100 | 72.5% | 4.7% |
| Agua Fria | 2,898 | $65,101 | $270,400 | 13.6% | 25.3% |
Population Overview
El Cerro is a small community located in New Mexico, within Valencia County. The total population is 2,923. It ranks as the 62nd most populous out of 495 Census-designated places in New Mexico.
Age Demographics
The median age in El Cerro is 53.1 years. This is 35% higher than the state median of 39.4 years. 18.7% of residents are 75 or older, suggesting a significant retirement-age population with implications for healthcare services and senior housing.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in El Cerro is $106,136. This is 66% higher than the state median of $64,059. It is also 31% higher than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 5.9%. This is 67% lower than the state poverty rate of 17.8%. The unemployment rate is 4.5%. This is 24% lower than the state rate of 6.0%. The median home value is $311,500. Housing costs are 26% higher than the state median of $248,100. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.9x, El Cerro is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 94.5% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 35% higher than the state average of 70.0%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in El Cerro is Hispanic or Latino, making up 64.7% of the population. White (non-Hispanic) residents account for 32.8%.
Education
13.6% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 56% lower than the state rate of 31.0%. Nationally, 35.7% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 72.5%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for El Cerro, New Mexico is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates. The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually and pools five years of responses so that even small communities can be measured, though the margin of error widens as the population falls. Comparisons are made against New Mexico state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 495 Census-designated places in New Mexico. Read more about how these figures are produced on our methodology page, or visit data.census.gov for official data.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of El Cerro, New Mexico?
El Cerro, New Mexico has a population of 2,923 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in El Cerro, NM?
The median household income in El Cerro is $106,136, which is 31% higher than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in El Cerro, NM?
The poverty rate in El Cerro is 5.9%. This means approximately 173 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of El Cerro, New Mexico?
El Cerro's population is 32.8% White, 0.0% Black, 64.7% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.0% Asian.
What is the median home value in El Cerro, NM?
The median home value in El Cerro is $311,500. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.9x.
How educated is El Cerro, New Mexico?
13.6% of adults (25+) in El Cerro hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 2.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.