Lincoln County, New Mexico Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Lincoln County is located in New Mexico with a total population of 20,227. It is the 19th most populous county out of 33 in New Mexico.

Age Demographics

The median age in Lincoln County is 52.7 years. This is 34% higher than the state median of 39.2 years. 12.6% 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 Lincoln County is $51,643. This is 17% lower than the state median of $62,125. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 34% lower. The poverty rate stands at 16.0%. This is 11% lower than the state poverty rate of 18.1%. The unemployment rate is 5.7%. This is 5% lower than the state rate of 6.0%. The median home value is $212,200. Housing costs are 9% lower than the state median of $232,200. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.1x. 79.5% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 15% higher than the state average of 69.3%.

Race & Ethnicity

The largest racial or ethnic group in Lincoln County is White (non-Hispanic), making up 60.6% of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 32.6%. The White (non-Hispanic) population is significantly higher than the state average (60.6% vs 36.5%). The Black or African American population (0.6%) is well below the state average of 1.8%. The Asian population (0.5%) is well below the state average of 1.6%.

Education

28.8% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 5% 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 91.8%.