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Population Review

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.

Harding County within New Mexico · Source: US Census TIGER/Line via us-atlas

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%.

2015 · 71720102024
Harding County population, 2010–2024 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau — decennial census & Population Estimates

635

Population (2024)

690

Population (2010)

717

Peak (2015)

-0.56%

Avg Annual Growth

YearPopulation
2010690
2011712
2012700
2013689
2014691
2015717
2016685
2017681
2018649
2019636
2020654
2021633
2022627
2023643
2024635

Race & Ethnicity

White50.5%
Black or African American1.7%
Asian0.3%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)0.7%
Two or More Races0.0%

Age & Sex

43.1

Median Age

51.2%

Female

48.8%

Male

27.8%

Age 65+

Age Distribution

Under 5
2.7%
5–9
5.3%
10–14
7.6%
15–19
11.0%
20–24
5.5%
25–34
5.2%
35–44
14.2%
45–54
6.7%
55–59
8.6%
60–64
5.5%
65–74
16.8%
75–84
6.7%
85+
4.3%

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 rate11.6%-2.1% vs state
Unemployment rate6.5%
Employment-to-population43.7%

Top Industries by Employment

Professional & business services
39.4%
Public administration
14.4%
Construction
9.1%
Education & health care
8.7%
Agriculture
8.7%
Finance & real estate
4.9%
Retail trade
4.5%
Arts, entertainment & food
2.3%

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.

Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.