La Mesilla, New Mexico Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, La Mesilla, New Mexico had a total population of 2,697, the 69th largest community in New Mexico, with a median household income of $81,438, which is 27% higher than the state average. The poverty rate is 9.0%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- Near full employment with an unemployment rate of just 1.9%.
La Mesilla Quick Facts
How La Mesilla 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 | 2,531 | 2,697 | +6.6% |
| Median household income | $74,385 | $81,438 | +9.5% |
| Median home value | $266,900 | $315,800 | +18.3% |
How La Mesilla 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+)
La Mesilla 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 |
| 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 |
| El Rito | 1,102 | N/A | 54.4% | $332,300 |
| 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 La Mesilla
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% |
| Agua Fria | 2,898 | $65,101 | $270,400 | 13.6% | 25.3% |
| Pojoaque | 2,327 | $74,028 | $165,600 | 27.8% | 11.3% |
| El Cerro | 2,923 | $106,136 | $311,500 | 13.6% | 5.9% |
Population Overview
La Mesilla is a small community located in New Mexico, within Rio Arriba County. The total population is 2,697. It ranks as the 69th most populous out of 495 Census-designated places in New Mexico.
Age Demographics
The median age in La Mesilla is 45.8 years. This is 16% higher than the state median of 39.4 years. 10.7% 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 La Mesilla is $81,438. This is 27% higher than the state median of $64,059. It is also about the same as the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 9.0%. This is 49% lower than the state poverty rate of 17.8%. The unemployment rate is 1.9%. This is 67% lower than the state rate of 6.0%. The median home value is $315,800. Housing costs are 27% higher than the state median of $248,100. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.9x. 87.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 25% higher than the state average of 70.0%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in La Mesilla is Hispanic or Latino, making up 57.2% of the population. White (non-Hispanic) residents account for 35.5%. The Black or African American population (0.1%) is well below the state average of 1.8%.
Education
38.8% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 25% higher 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 93.3%. Notably, 16.0% of adults hold a graduate or professional degree, indicating a highly educated workforce.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for La Mesilla, 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 La Mesilla, New Mexico?
La Mesilla, New Mexico has a population of 2,697 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in La Mesilla, NM?
The median household income in La Mesilla is $81,438, which is about the same as the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in La Mesilla, NM?
The poverty rate in La Mesilla is 9.0%. This means approximately 243 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of La Mesilla, New Mexico?
La Mesilla's population is 35.5% White, 0.1% Black, 57.2% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.0% Asian.
What is the median home value in La Mesilla, NM?
The median home value in La Mesilla is $315,800. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.9x.
How educated is La Mesilla, New Mexico?
38.8% of adults (25+) in La Mesilla hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 16.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.