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).
Carlsbad city, NM Climate
Carlsbad city, NM has an average annual temperature of 17°C (63°F) and receives about 341 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
17°C
Avg Temp
341
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 6° / 43° | 10 mm |
| February | 9° / 48° | 12 mm |
| March | 13° / 55° | 7 mm |
| April | 17° / 63° | 13 mm |
| May | 22° / 71° | 31 mm |
| June | 26° / 79° | 41 mm |
| July | 27° / 81° | 43 mm |
| August | 26° / 80° | 51 mm |
| September | 23° / 73° | 71 mm |
| October | 17° / 63° | 31 mm |
| November | 11° / 52° | 17 mm |
| December | 7° / 44° | 14 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Carlsbad city, NM
The most comfortable months to visit Carlsbad city, NM are typically May, April and September, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 35°C high). The coldest is January (near -2°C low). September is usually the wettest month.
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.