Harding County, New Mexico Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 33rd-largest in New Mexico
The population of Harding County, New Mexico is 748 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 33rd-largest county in New Mexico. The median household income is $41,250, the median home value is $86,500, and the median age is 43.1.
The population of Harding County has declined 8.0% since 2010 (690 → 635), a -0.59% annualized rate.
748
Population
-0.59%
Annual growth
0
People / sq mi
$41,250
Median Income
$86,500
Median Home Value
Harding County covers 2,125 sq mi of land at 0.4 people per square mile.
About Harding County, NM
Harding County stands apart on settlement density — it is among the most sparsely settled of US counties, at roughly 0 people per square mile. With 748 residents, Harding County is a county in New Mexico. It ranks #33 among counties in New Mexico by population.
Money is tight relative to the rest of US counties: the median household earns just $41,250, below the US median of $78,538. About 11.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level, below the national 12.4%. Home prices sit near the bottom of the range at $86,500, with typical rent around $700.
About 30.3% of adults 25 and older have a bachelor’s degree, below the 35.0% national figure. Remote work is on the lower side here, at 4.9%, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 24 minutes each way.
Harding County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Harding County had a population of 690 in 2010 and 635 in 2024, a -8.0% growth over 14 years. The peak was 717 in 2015. Average annual growth rate: -0.56%.
635
Population (2024)
690
Population (2010)
717
Peak (2015)
-0.56%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 690 |
| 2011 | 712 |
| 2012 | 700 |
| 2013 | 689 |
| 2014 | 691 |
| 2015 | 717 |
| 2016 | 685 |
| 2017 | 681 |
| 2018 | 649 |
| 2019 | 636 |
| 2020 | 654 |
| 2021 | 633 |
| 2022 | 627 |
| 2023 | 643 |
| 2024 | 635 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 50.5% |
| Black or African American | 1.7% |
| Asian | 0.3% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.7% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
43.1
Median Age
51.2%
Female
48.8%
Male
27.8%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 15.6% · Seniors (65+): 27.8%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $41,250$-20,875 vs state |
| Mean household income | $132,673 |
| Per-capita income | $55,520 |
| Poverty rate | 11.6%-2.1% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 6.5% |
| Employment-to-population | 43.7% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Harding County is professional & business services, accounting for 39.4% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
11.3%
Carpool
77.4%
Public transit
4.9%
Work from home
24.4 min
Avg commute
Housing
$86,500$-145,700 vs state
Median home value
$700
Median rent
78.4%
Homeownership rate
489
Total housing units
57.7%
Occupied
42.3%
Vacant
21.6%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
94.1%
With health insurance
79.1%
With broadband internet
44.4%
Foreign-born
18.2%
Veterans (18+)
20.5%
With a disability
77.9%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
88.8%
High School+
30.3%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in New Mexico
Other counties in New Mexico
Part of New Mexico
Metro areas in New Mexico
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Harding County, New Mexico has a population of 748 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 33rd-largest county in New Mexico. Population density is 0 people per square mile.
The population of Harding County has declined 8.0% since 2010 (690 → 635), a -0.59% annualized rate.
The median household income in Harding County, New Mexico is $41,250, with mean (average) household income of $132,673 and per-capita income of $55,520. 11.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Harding County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (50.5%), Black or African American (1.7%), Hispanic or Latino (0.7%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Harding County, New Mexico is 43.1 years. Residents are 51.2% female and 48.8% male.
The median home value in Harding County is $86,500 and median monthly rent is $700. 78.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 489 total housing units, 42.3% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Harding County, New Mexico is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 39.4% of workers. The unemployment rate is 6.5%.
Albuquerque is among the largest cities associated with Harding County, New Mexico, with a population of 562,488.
Harding County, NM Climate
Harding County, NM has an average annual temperature of 12°C (54°F) and receives about 406 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
12°C
Avg Temp
406
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 1° / 34° | 9 mm |
| February | 3° / 38° | 8 mm |
| March | 7° / 44° | 15 mm |
| April | 11° / 52° | 21 mm |
| May | 16° / 61° | 51 mm |
| June | 21° / 70° | 54 mm |
| July | 23° / 74° | 75 mm |
| August | 22° / 72° | 70 mm |
| September | 18° / 65° | 48 mm |
| October | 13° / 55° | 29 mm |
| November | 6° / 43° | 15 mm |
| December | 2° / 35° | 11 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 Harding County, NM
The most comfortable months to visit Harding County, NM are typically June, August and September, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 32°C high). The coldest is January (near -7°C low). July is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Harding County
Visiting or relocating to Harding County, NM? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the county — live availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Harding County
Availability and prices from Stay22 partners (Booking.com, Vrbo, Expedia). We may earn a commission from bookings, at no extra cost to you.
Planning a move to Harding County?
Get relocation and cost-of-living insights for Harding County, NM by email. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
More from New Mexico
Population 674,357
Population 221,665
Population 155,175
Population 151,538
Full rankings of New Mexico counties
Statewide data for New Mexico
Population, race, income, age, and trends across New Mexico
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.