Sierra County, New Mexico Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Sierra County is located in New Mexico with a total population of 11,511. It is the 25th most populous county out of 33 in New Mexico.

Age Demographics

The median age in Sierra County is 57.3 years. This is 46% higher than the state median of 39.2 years. 17.0% 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 Sierra County is $37,840. This is 39% lower than the state median of $62,125. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 52% lower. The poverty rate stands at 24.9%. This is 38% 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 3.6%. This is 40% lower than the state rate of 6.0%. The median home value is $144,800. Housing costs are 38% lower than the state median of $232,200. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.8x. 70.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 1% higher than the state average of 69.3%.

Race & Ethnicity

The largest racial or ethnic group in Sierra County is White (non-Hispanic), making up 63.8% of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 29.4%. The White (non-Hispanic) population is significantly higher than the state average (63.8% vs 36.5%). The Black or African American population (0.2%) is well below the state average of 1.8%. The Asian population (0.2%) is well below the state average of 1.6%.

Education

16.3% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 46% 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 90.2%.