Meadow Lake CDP, New Mexico Demographics & Population 2026

Population Overview

Meadow Lake CDP is a small community located in New Mexico. The total population is 3,959. It ranks as the 55th most populous out of 492 cities and towns in New Mexico.

Age Demographics

The median age in Meadow Lake CDP is 36.9 years. This is 6% lower than the state median of 39.2 years. With 32.1% of the population under 18, Meadow Lake CDP has a notably young demographic profile, suggesting a family-oriented community.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Meadow Lake CDP is $38,872. This is 37% lower than the state median of $62,125. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 51% lower. The poverty rate stands at 30.2%. This is 67% higher than the state poverty rate of 18.1%. 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 6.0%. This is 1% higher than the state rate of 6.0%. The median home value is $83,500. Housing costs are 64% lower than the state median of $232,200. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.1x, Meadow Lake CDP is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 78.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 14% higher than the state average of 69.3%.

Race & Ethnicity

The largest racial or ethnic group in Meadow Lake CDP is Hispanic or Latino, making up 83.6% of the population. White (non-Hispanic) residents account for 13.6%. The White (non-Hispanic) population (13.6%) is well below the state average of 36.5%. The Black or African American population (0.5%) is well below the state average of 1.8%. The Hispanic or Latino population is significantly higher than the state average (83.6% vs 48.1%).

Education

15.8% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 48% 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 69.9%.

Data Sources & Methodology

All demographic data for Meadow Lake CDP, New Mexico is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually, providing reliable estimates for communities of all sizes. Comparisons are made against New Mexico state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 492 Census-designated places in New Mexico. For official data, visit data.census.gov.