El Rito, New Mexico Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, El Rito, New Mexico had a total population of 1,102, the 153rd largest community in New Mexico. The poverty rate is 54.4%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- More than 1 in 4 residents live below the poverty line (54.4%), well above the national average of 12.4%.
El Rito Quick Facts
How El Rito 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 | 961 | 1,102 | +14.7% |
| Median home value | $273,700 | $332,300 | +21.4% |
How El Rito 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
A less diverse community where one racial or ethnic group represents a large majority.
State average: 63 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
El Rito Rankings in New Mexico
Explore New Mexico Rankings
Other Cities in Rio Arriba County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dulce | 3,218 | $39,773 | 22.1% | $53,300 |
| La Mesilla | 2,697 | $81,438 | 9.0% | $315,800 |
| Dixon | 1,623 | $54,231 | 37.6% | $392,700 |
| La Villita | 1,534 | $104,162 | 4.7% | $253,500 |
| Ohkay Owingeh | 1,194 | $47,067 | 23.6% | N/A |
| Los Luceros | 1,136 | N/A | 3.4% | N/A |
| Chamita | 867 | $68,472 | 19.8% | $222,300 |
| Chama | 776 | $30,694 | 20.8% | $189,100 |
| San Jose (Rio Arriba County) | 776 | $80,179 | 14.3% | $254,900 |
| Hernandez | 769 | $26,923 | 28.1% | $148,200 |
Cities Similar to El Rito
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Angel Fire | 1,111 | $107,554 | $546,800 | 47.6% | 18.0% |
| Butterfield Park | 1,119 | $34,093 | $258,500 | 24.4% | 33.4% |
| San Felipe Pueblo | 1,119 | N/A | $210,100 | 11.6% | 27.5% |
| Black Rock | 1,125 | $46,000 | $101,100 | 15.9% | 38.9% |
| Tesuque | 1,079 | $55,865 | $849,300 | 66.2% | 18.4% |
Population Overview
El Rito is a small community located in New Mexico, within Rio Arriba County. The total population is 1,102. It ranks as the 153rd most populous out of 495 Census-designated places in New Mexico.
Age Demographics
The median age in El Rito is 39.5 years. This is about the same as the state median of 39.4 years. With 32.4% of the population under 18, El Rito has a notably young demographic profile, suggesting a family-oriented community. 18.0% of residents are 75 or older, suggesting a significant retirement-age population with implications for healthcare services and senior housing.
Economy, Income & Housing
The poverty rate stands at 54.4%. This is 205% higher than the state poverty rate of 17.8%. With more than one in five residents living below the poverty line, economic hardship is a significant challenge for the community. The survey records no unemployed residents in El Rito, which reflects the size of the sample rather than a labor market without joblessness. The median home value is $332,300. Housing costs are 34% higher than the state median of $248,100. 100.0% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 43% higher than the state average of 70.0%.
Race & Ethnicity
El Rito has a predominantly Hispanic or Latino population, comprising 95.5% of all residents. Asian residents account for 0.1%. The Hispanic or Latino population is significantly higher than the state average (95.5% vs 48.4%). The Asian population (0.1%) is well below the state average of 1.6%.
Education
13.4% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 57% 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 58.7%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for El Rito, 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 Rito, New Mexico?
El Rito, New Mexico has a population of 1,102 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in El Rito, NM?
The Census Bureau does not publish a reliable median household income estimate for El Rito — the community is too small for the ACS sample. The national median is $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in El Rito, NM?
The poverty rate in El Rito is 54.4%. This means approximately 600 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of El Rito, New Mexico?
El Rito's population is 0.0% White, 0.0% Black, 95.5% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.1% Asian.
What is the median home value in El Rito, NM?
The median home value in El Rito is $332,300.
How educated is El Rito, New Mexico?
13.4% of adults (25+) in El Rito hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 13.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.