Carlsbad, New Mexico Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Carlsbad, New Mexico is 31,813 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 10th-largest city in New Mexico. The median household income is $78,277, the median home value is $187,900, and the median age is 37.4.
The population has grown 21.8% since 2010 (26,276 → 31,999).
31,813
Population
1005
People / sq mi
$78,277
Median Income
$187,900
Median Home Value
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Carlsbad covers 31.7 sq mi of land at 1005 people per square mile.
About Carlsbad, NM
Carlsbad stands apart on settlement density — it is among the most sparsely settled of US cities, at roughly 1,005 people per square mile. Carlsbad is a city in New Mexico with a population of 31,813. That makes it one of the ten largest cities in New Mexico in the country, at #10 by population.
Household earnings are middling, with a median of $78,277 — near the US median of $78,538. Poverty runs at 8.0%, below the national 12.4%. Housing is relatively affordable, with a median home value of $187,900, with typical rent around $1,206.
College attainment is 20.3%, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is on the lower side here, at 6.0%, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 20 minutes each way.
Carlsbad city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Carlsbad city had a population of 26,276 in 2010 and 31,999 in 2024, a 21.8% growth over 14 years. The peak was 32,264 in 2020. Average annual growth rate: 1.44%.
31,999
Population (2024)
26,276
Population (2010)
32,264
Peak (2020)
1.44%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 26,276 |
| 2011 | 26,339 |
| 2012 | 26,761 |
| 2013 | 27,728 |
| 2014 | 28,187 |
| 2015 | 28,949 |
| 2016 | 28,875 |
| 2017 | 28,862 |
| 2018 | 29,254 |
| 2019 | 29,810 |
| 2020 | 32,264 |
| 2021 | 31,629 |
| 2022 | 31,302 |
| 2023 | 31,480 |
| 2024 | 31,999 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 58.7% |
| Black or African American | 2.7% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.3% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$78,277
Median Household Income
$37,755
Per Capita Income
8.0%
Poverty Rate
2.7%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$187,900
Median Home Value
$1,206
Median Rent
71.9%
Owner-Occupied
Education
82.1%
High School+
20.3%
Bachelor's+
Commute
0.5%
Drive Alone
80.8%
Public Transit
6.0%
Work From Home
20.1 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
36.7%
Foreign Born
73.2%
Non-English at Home
6.8%
Veterans
17.7%
With Disability
89.5%
Health Insurance
90.2%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 16.7% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 15.5% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 11.2% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 10.8% |
| Construction | 9.9% |
| Public Administration | 5.8% |
| Information | 5.0% |
| Retail Trade | 4.3% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 4.0% |
| Manufacturing | 3.2% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 0.8% |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Carlsbad, New Mexico has a population of 31,813 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 10th-largest city in New Mexico.
The median household income in Carlsbad, New Mexico is $78,277, with 8.0% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Carlsbad, New Mexico is $187,900, with median monthly rent at $1,206 and a homeownership rate of 71.9%.
The median age in Carlsbad, New Mexico is 37.4 years. The population is 50.3% male and 49.7% female.
The population has grown 21.8% since 2010 (26,276 → 31,999).
Where to stay in Carlsbad
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.