Tatum, New Mexico Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Tatum, New Mexico had a total population of 598, the 217th largest town in New Mexico. The poverty rate is 20.4%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Tatum Quick Facts
How Tatum 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 | 736 | 598 | -18.8% |
| Median home value | $107,400 | $111,200 | +3.5% |
How Tatum 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
A diverse community with significant representation from multiple racial and ethnic groups.
State average: 63 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Tatum Rankings in New Mexico
Explore New Mexico Rankings
Other Cities in Lea County
Cities Similar to Tatum
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pueblitos | 595 | $43,466 | $116,700 | 6.3% | 40.0% |
| San Mateo | 602 | $77,745 | N/A | 24.5% | 0.0% |
| Sausal | 602 | $65,071 | $254,800 | 16.3% | 32.6% |
| Ventura | 603 | $30,867 | $116,900 | 2.7% | 42.1% |
| Acomita Lake | 590 | $85,346 | N/A | 0.0% | 22.9% |
A note before these figures: with a population of 598, Tatum's ACS estimates come from a small number of survey responses and carry wide margins of error. Individual percentages below — particularly rates that round to 0% or 100% — are approximations, not precise measurements. See data.census.gov for the published margins of error.
Population Overview
Tatum is a small community located in New Mexico, within Lea County. The total population is 598. It ranks as the 217th most populous out of 495 Census-designated places in New Mexico.
Age Demographics
The median age in Tatum is 34.7 years. This is 12% lower than the state median of 39.4 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The poverty rate stands at 20.4%. This is 14% higher than the state poverty rate of 17.8%. With more than one in five residents living below the poverty line, economic hardship is a significant challenge for the community. The survey records no unemployed residents in Tatum, which reflects the size of the sample rather than a labor market without joblessness. The median home value is $111,200. Housing costs are 55% lower than the state median of $248,100. 74.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 7% higher than the state average of 70.0%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Tatum is Hispanic or Latino, making up 49.5% of the population. White (non-Hispanic) residents account for 44.5%.
Education
22.4% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 28% lower 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 85.2%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Tatum, 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 Tatum, New Mexico?
Tatum, New Mexico has a population of 598 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Tatum, NM?
The Census Bureau does not publish a reliable median household income estimate for Tatum — the community is too small for the ACS sample. The national median is $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Tatum, NM?
The poverty rate in Tatum is 20.4%. This means approximately 121 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Tatum, New Mexico?
Tatum's population is 44.5% White, 0.0% Black, 49.5% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.0% Asian.
What is the median home value in Tatum, NM?
The median home value in Tatum is $111,200.
How educated is Tatum, New Mexico?
22.4% of adults (25+) in Tatum hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 2.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.