Rio Rancho city, New Mexico Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Rio Rancho city, New Mexico has a total population of 106,533, the 3rd largest city in New Mexico, with a median household income of $85,755, which is 38% higher than the state average. The poverty rate is 7.8%.
Key Takeaways
- Rio Rancho city is the 3rd largest city in New Mexico with a population of 106,533.
- Household income is 38% above the state average — one of the wealthiest communities in New Mexico.
Rio Rancho city Quick Facts
How Rio Rancho city Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
A diverse community with significant representation from multiple racial and ethnic groups.
State average: 61 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Rio Rancho city Rankings in New Mexico
Explore New Mexico Rankings
Cities Similar to Rio Rancho city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Las Cruces city | 112,612 | $55,176 | $217,400 | 37.3% | 22.0% |
| Santa Fe city | 88,224 | $70,110 | $411,500 | 45.4% | 13.9% |
| Farmington city | 46,339 | $63,745 | $225,400 | 22.8% | 19.7% |
| Roswell city | 47,823 | $50,294 | $139,200 | 19.6% | 24.2% |
| Hobbs city | 39,887 | $65,691 | $180,700 | 16.6% | 20.5% |
Population Overview
Rio Rancho city is a major urban center located in New Mexico. The total population is 106,533. It ranks as the 3rd most populous out of 492 cities and towns in New Mexico.
Age Demographics
The median age in Rio Rancho city is 39.0 years. This is about average than the state median of 39.2 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Rio Rancho city is $85,755. This is 38% higher than the state median of $62,125. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 9% higher. The poverty rate stands at 7.8%. This is 57% lower than the state poverty rate of 18.1%. The unemployment rate is 4.8%. This is 20% lower than the state rate of 6.0%. The median home value is $273,300. Housing costs are 18% higher than the state median of $232,200. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.2x. 82.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 19% higher than the state average of 69.3%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Rio Rancho city is White (non-Hispanic), making up 45.9% of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 42.1%. The Black or African American population is significantly higher than the state average (2.8% vs 1.8%).
Education
33.6% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 11% higher 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 94.4%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Rio Rancho city, 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Rio Rancho city, New Mexico?
Rio Rancho city, New Mexico has a population of 106,533 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Rio Rancho city, NM?
The median household income in Rio Rancho city is $85,755, which is 9% higher the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Rio Rancho city, NM?
The poverty rate in Rio Rancho city is 7.8%. This means approximately 8,306 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Rio Rancho city, New Mexico?
Rio Rancho city's population is 45.9% White, 2.8% Black, 42.1% Hispanic/Latino, and 1.8% Asian.
What is the median home value in Rio Rancho city, NM?
The median home value in Rio Rancho city is $273,300. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.2x.
How educated is Rio Rancho city, New Mexico?
33.6% of adults (25+) in Rio Rancho city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 12.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.