Jal, New Mexico Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Jal, New Mexico had a total population of 2,364, the 79th largest city in New Mexico. The poverty rate is 32.0%.
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 (32.0%), well above the national average of 12.4%.
- Unemployment rate of 18.8% is notably above the national average.
Jal Quick Facts
How Jal 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 | 2,069 | 2,364 | +14.3% |
| Median home value | $105,400 | $97,600 | -7.4% |
How Jal 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+)
Jal Rankings in New Mexico
Explore New Mexico Rankings
Other Cities in Lea County
Cities Similar to Jal
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santo Domingo Pueblo | 2,370 | $57,375 | $156,400 | 5.7% | 23.1% |
| Chimayo | 2,390 | $56,484 | $227,500 | 9.0% | 27.0% |
| Milan | 2,327 | $36,133 | $75,500 | 8.3% | 32.2% |
| Pojoaque | 2,327 | $74,028 | $165,600 | 27.8% | 11.3% |
| Cannon AFB | 2,405 | $63,000 | N/A | 40.8% | 8.5% |
Population Overview
Jal is a small community located in New Mexico, within Lea County. The total population is 2,364. It ranks as the 79th most populous out of 495 Census-designated places in New Mexico.
Age Demographics
The median age in Jal is 39.6 years. This is about the same as the state median of 39.4 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The poverty rate stands at 32.0%. This is 79% 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 unemployment rate is 18.8%. This is 215% higher than the state rate of 6.0%. The median home value is $97,600. Housing costs are 61% lower than the state median of $248,100. 72.5% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 4% higher than the state average of 70.0%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Jal is Hispanic or Latino, making up 65.5% of the population. White (non-Hispanic) residents account for 34.5%.
Education
19.0% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 39% 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 73.0%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Jal, 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 Jal, New Mexico?
Jal, New Mexico has a population of 2,364 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Jal, NM?
The Census Bureau does not publish a reliable median household income estimate for Jal — the community is too small for the ACS sample. The national median is $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Jal, NM?
The poverty rate in Jal is 32.0%. This means approximately 756 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Jal, New Mexico?
Jal's population is 34.5% White, 0.0% Black, 65.5% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.0% Asian.
What is the median home value in Jal, NM?
The median home value in Jal is $97,600.
How educated is Jal, New Mexico?
19.0% of adults (25+) in Jal hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 13.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.