Cibola County, New Mexico Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 16th-largest in New Mexico
The population of Cibola County, New Mexico is 27,059 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 16th-largest county in New Mexico. The median household income is $51,765, the median home value is $120,000, and the median age is 38.4.
The population of Cibola County has declined 2.3% since 2010 (27,319 → 26,686), a -0.17% annualized rate.
27,059
Population
-0.17%
Annual growth
6
People / sq mi
$51,765
Median Income
$120,000
Median Home Value
Cibola County covers 4,540 sq mi of land at 6.0 people per square mile.
About Cibola County, NM
The poverty rate is what most separates Cibola County from the typical county: 25.7% of residents live below the federal poverty line, against 12.4% nationally. With 27,059 residents, Cibola County is a county in New Mexico. It ranks #16 among counties in New Mexico by population.
Earnings trail the nation, with the median household making $51,765, below the US median of $78,538. Hardship is pronounced — at 25.7%, poverty is near the top of the range for US counties, above the national 12.4%. Homes are comparatively cheap — a median value of $120,000, with typical rent around $724.
18.8% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national average of 35.0%. Remote work is below the national 14.0% at 9.5%, and the average commute runs about 23 minutes each way.
The elevated poverty rate is the context for the rest of the profile in Cibola County: it pulls on median income, housing tenure, and the share of residents with a college degree.
Cibola County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Cibola County had a population of 27,319 in 2010 and 26,686 in 2024, a -2.3% growth over 14 years. The peak was 27,492 in 2011. Average annual growth rate: -0.17%.
26,686
Population (2024)
27,319
Population (2010)
27,492
Peak (2011)
-0.17%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 27,319 |
| 2011 | 27,492 |
| 2012 | 27,421 |
| 2013 | 27,414 |
| 2014 | 27,156 |
| 2015 | 27,046 |
| 2016 | 27,061 |
| 2017 | 26,921 |
| 2018 | 26,797 |
| 2019 | 26,681 |
| 2020 | 26,969 |
| 2021 | 27,060 |
| 2022 | 26,771 |
| 2023 | 26,741 |
| 2024 | 26,686 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 35.3% |
| Black or African American | 2.1% |
| Asian | 15.8% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 47.2% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
38.4
Median Age
50.1%
Female
49.9%
Male
17.5%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 19.3% · Seniors (65+): 17.5%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $51,765$-10,360 vs state |
| Mean household income | $68,361 |
| Per-capita income | $25,032 |
| Poverty rate | 25.7%+12.0% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.6% |
| Employment-to-population | 39.1% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Cibola County is professional & business services, accounting for 26.5% of workers.
How residents commute
0.7%
Drive alone
2.6%
Carpool
75.4%
Public transit
9.5%
Work from home
22.9 min
Avg commute
Housing
$120,000$-112,200 vs state
Median home value
$724
Median rent
70.5%
Homeownership rate
11,171
Total housing units
74.8%
Occupied
25.2%
Vacant
29.5%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
87.6%
With health insurance
88.6%
With broadband internet
25.6%
Foreign-born
8.2%
Veterans (18+)
21.2%
With a disability
65.0%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
85.4%
High School+
18.8%
Bachelor's+
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Cibola County, New Mexico has a population of 27,059 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 16th-largest county in New Mexico. Population density is 6 people per square mile.
The population of Cibola County has declined 2.3% since 2010 (27,319 → 26,686), a -0.17% annualized rate.
The median household income in Cibola County, New Mexico is $51,765, with mean (average) household income of $68,361 and per-capita income of $25,032. 25.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Cibola County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are Hispanic or Latino (47.2%), White (35.3%), Asian (15.8%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Cibola County, New Mexico is 38.4 years. Residents are 50.1% female and 49.9% male.
The median home value in Cibola County is $120,000 and median monthly rent is $724. 70.5% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 11,171 total housing units, 25.2% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Cibola County, New Mexico is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 26.5% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.6%.
Albuquerque is among the largest cities associated with Cibola 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.