Chaves County, New Mexico Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 10th-largest in New Mexico
The population of Chaves County, New Mexico is 64,446 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 10th-largest county in New Mexico. The median household income is $52,029, the median home value is $141,900, and the median age is 36.9.
The population of Chaves County has declined 3.1% since 2010 (65,721 → 63,697), a -0.22% annualized rate.
64,446
Population
-0.22%
Annual growth
11
People / sq mi
$52,029
Median Income
$141,900
Median Home Value
Chaves County covers 6,067 sq mi of land at 10.6 people per square mile.
About Chaves County, NM
Chaves County is a county in New Mexico with a population of 64,446. It ranks #10 among counties in New Mexico by population. The median age is 36.9, younger than the national median. The population is 50.4% male and 49.6% female.
The median household income in Chaves County is $52,029, below the US median of $74,580. 18.5% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $141,900, with monthly rent averaging $838. The homeownership rate of 68.7% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Chaves County reflects 18.2% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 5.0% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 18.6 minutes each way.
Chaves County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Chaves County had a population of 65,721 in 2010 and 63,697 in 2024, a -3.1% growth over 14 years. The peak was 66,033 in 2013. Average annual growth rate: -0.22%.
63,697
Population (2024)
65,721
Population (2010)
66,033
Peak (2013)
-0.22%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 65,721 |
| 2011 | 65,721 |
| 2012 | 65,780 |
| 2013 | 66,033 |
| 2014 | 65,839 |
| 2015 | 65,856 |
| 2016 | 65,684 |
| 2017 | 65,091 |
| 2018 | 64,488 |
| 2019 | 64,586 |
| 2020 | 65,153 |
| 2021 | 64,660 |
| 2022 | 63,907 |
| 2023 | 63,668 |
| 2024 | 63,697 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 63.9% |
| Black or African American | 1.5% |
| Asian | 0.2% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.7% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
36.9
Median Age
49.6%
Female
50.4%
Male
16.3%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 20.2% · Seniors (65+): 16.3%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $52,029$-10,096 vs state |
| Mean household income | $73,075 |
| Per-capita income | $28,273 |
| Poverty rate | 18.5%+4.8% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.1% |
| Employment-to-population | 52.9% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Chaves County is professional & business services, accounting for 27.3% of workers.
How residents commute
0.1%
Drive alone
2.0%
Carpool
82.4%
Public transit
5.0%
Work from home
18.6 min
Avg commute
Housing
$141,900$-90,300 vs state
Median home value
$838
Median rent
68.7%
Homeownership rate
26,794
Total housing units
88.1%
Occupied
11.9%
Vacant
31.3%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
90.6%
With health insurance
89.2%
With broadband internet
29.2%
Foreign-born
7.1%
Veterans (18+)
19.4%
With a disability
66.4%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
80.9%
High School+
18.2%
Bachelor's+
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Chaves County, New Mexico has a population of 64,446 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 10th-largest county in New Mexico. Population density is 11 people per square mile.
The population of Chaves County has declined 3.1% since 2010 (65,721 → 63,697), a -0.22% annualized rate.
The median household income in Chaves County, New Mexico is $52,029, with mean (average) household income of $73,075 and per-capita income of $28,273. 18.5% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Chaves County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (63.9%), Hispanic or Latino (2.7%), Black or African American (1.5%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Chaves County, New Mexico is 36.9 years. Residents are 49.6% female and 50.4% male.
The median home value in Chaves County is $141,900 and median monthly rent is $838. 68.7% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 26,794 total housing units, 11.9% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Chaves County, New Mexico is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 27.3% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.1%.
Albuquerque is among the largest cities associated with Chaves County, New Mexico, with a population of 562,488.
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.