Colfax County, New Mexico Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 24th-largest in New Mexico
The population of Colfax County, New Mexico is 12,336 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 24th-largest county in New Mexico. The median household income is $52,690, the median home value is $161,000, and the median age is 49.1.
The population of Colfax County has declined 10.3% since 2010 (13,725 → 12,307), a -0.78% annualized rate.
12,336
Population
-0.78%
Annual growth
3
People / sq mi
$52,690
Median Income
$161,000
Median Home Value
Colfax County covers 3,758 sq mi of land at 3.3 people per square mile.
About Colfax County, NM
Colfax County stands apart on settlement density — it is among the most sparsely settled of US counties, at roughly 3 people per square mile. With 12,336 residents, Colfax County is a county in New Mexico. It ranks #24 among counties in New Mexico by population.
Incomes run on the lower side: a median household income of $52,690, below the US median of $78,538. Roughly 12.9% of residents fall below the poverty line, close to the national 12.4%. Homes carry a median value of $161,000, with typical rent around $704.
Roughly 24.0% of adults have a bachelor’s, below the national 35.0%. A solid 13.6% of workers are based at home, close to the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 19 minutes each way.
Colfax County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Colfax County had a population of 13,725 in 2010 and 12,307 in 2024, a -10.3% growth over 14 years. The peak was 13,725 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.77%.
12,307
Population (2024)
13,725
Population (2010)
13,725
Peak (2010)
-0.77%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 13,725 |
| 2011 | 13,620 |
| 2012 | 13,245 |
| 2013 | 13,067 |
| 2014 | 12,703 |
| 2015 | 12,434 |
| 2016 | 12,261 |
| 2017 | 12,178 |
| 2018 | 12,097 |
| 2019 | 12,068 |
| 2020 | 12,353 |
| 2021 | 12,348 |
| 2022 | 12,289 |
| 2023 | 12,312 |
| 2024 | 12,307 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 67.7% |
| Black or African American | 0.6% |
| Asian | 0.8% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 6.4% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
49.1
Median Age
48.8%
Female
51.2%
Male
28.4%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 14.1% · Seniors (65+): 28.4%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $52,690$-9,435 vs state |
| Mean household income | $66,582 |
| Per-capita income | $31,126 |
| Poverty rate | 12.9%-0.8% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.7% |
| Employment-to-population | 47.2% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Colfax County is professional & business services, accounting for 22.9% of workers.
How residents commute
0.1%
Drive alone
1.9%
Carpool
69.9%
Public transit
13.6%
Work from home
18.8 min
Avg commute
Housing
$161,000$-71,200 vs state
Median home value
$704
Median rent
72.0%
Homeownership rate
9,578
Total housing units
56.5%
Occupied
43.5%
Vacant
28.0%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
92.2%
With health insurance
86.3%
With broadband internet
43.9%
Foreign-born
9.0%
Veterans (18+)
26.2%
With a disability
82.1%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
90.5%
High School+
24.0%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in New Mexico
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Part of New Mexico
Metro areas in New Mexico
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Colfax County, New Mexico has a population of 12,336 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 24th-largest county in New Mexico. Population density is 3 people per square mile.
The population of Colfax County has declined 10.3% since 2010 (13,725 → 12,307), a -0.78% annualized rate.
The median household income in Colfax County, New Mexico is $52,690, with mean (average) household income of $66,582 and per-capita income of $31,126. 12.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Colfax County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (67.7%), Hispanic or Latino (6.4%), Asian (0.8%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Colfax County, New Mexico is 49.1 years. Residents are 48.8% female and 51.2% male.
The median home value in Colfax County is $161,000 and median monthly rent is $704. 72.0% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 9,578 total housing units, 43.5% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Colfax County, New Mexico is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 22.9% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.7%.
Albuquerque is among the largest cities associated with Colfax County, New Mexico, with a population of 562,488.
Colfax County, NM Climate
Colfax County, NM has an average annual temperature of 9.8°C (50°F) and receives about 365 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
9.8°C
Avg Temp
365
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -1° / 31° | 7 mm |
| February | 1° / 35° | 9 mm |
| March | 5° / 40° | 13 mm |
| April | 8° / 47° | 22 mm |
| May | 13° / 56° | 47 mm |
| June | 18° / 65° | 39 mm |
| July | 21° / 69° | 72 mm |
| August | 20° / 68° | 75 mm |
| September | 16° / 62° | 34 mm |
| October | 11° / 51° | 25 mm |
| November | 4° / 40° | 14 mm |
| December | 0° / 32° | 8 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 Colfax County, NM
The most comfortable months to visit Colfax County, NM are typically July, June and August, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 30°C high). The coldest is January (near -10°C low). August is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Colfax County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.