Lincoln County, New Mexico Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 19th-largest in New Mexico
The population of Lincoln County, New Mexico is 20,227 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 19th-largest county in New Mexico. The median household income is $51,643, the median home value is $212,200, and the median age is 52.7.
The population of Lincoln County has declined 2.1% since 2010 (20,451 → 20,025), a -0.15% annualized rate.
20,227
Population
-0.15%
Annual growth
4
People / sq mi
$51,643
Median Income
$212,200
Median Home Value
Lincoln County covers 4,831 sq mi of land at 4.2 people per square mile.
About Lincoln County, NM
Lincoln County is a county in New Mexico with a population of 20,227. It ranks #19 among counties in New Mexico by population. The median age is 52.7, older than the national median. The population is 48.9% male and 51.1% female.
The median household income in Lincoln County is $51,643, below the US median of $74,580. 9.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $212,200, with monthly rent averaging $883. The homeownership rate of 79.5% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Lincoln County reflects 28.8% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 12.8% of workers primarily work from home, similar to the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 21.2 minutes each way.
Lincoln County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Lincoln County had a population of 20,451 in 2010 and 20,025 in 2024, a -2.1% growth over 14 years. The peak was 20,451 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.14%.
20,025
Population (2024)
20,451
Population (2010)
20,451
Peak (2010)
-0.14%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 20,451 |
| 2011 | 20,411 |
| 2012 | 20,202 |
| 2013 | 19,987 |
| 2014 | 19,610 |
| 2015 | 19,365 |
| 2016 | 19,423 |
| 2017 | 19,502 |
| 2018 | 19,608 |
| 2019 | 19,730 |
| 2020 | 20,304 |
| 2021 | 20,403 |
| 2022 | 20,339 |
| 2023 | 20,047 |
| 2024 | 20,025 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 73.2% |
| Black or African American | 0.8% |
| Asian | 2.3% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 4.2% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
52.7
Median Age
51.1%
Female
48.9%
Male
30.5%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 13.8% · Seniors (65+): 30.5%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $51,643$-10,482 vs state |
| Mean household income | $75,134 |
| Per-capita income | $36,086 |
| Poverty rate | 9.4%-4.3% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.1% |
| Employment-to-population | 51.0% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Lincoln County is professional & business services, accounting for 19.3% of workers.
How residents commute
0.1%
Drive alone
1.1%
Carpool
72.8%
Public transit
12.8%
Work from home
21.2 min
Avg commute
Housing
$212,200$-20,000 vs state
Median home value
$883
Median rent
79.5%
Homeownership rate
17,768
Total housing units
52.8%
Occupied
47.2%
Vacant
20.5%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
88.6%
With health insurance
95.0%
With broadband internet
52.8%
Foreign-born
9.9%
Veterans (18+)
22.8%
With a disability
79.0%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
91.8%
High School+
28.8%
Bachelor's+
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Other counties in New Mexico
Part of New Mexico
Metro areas in New Mexico
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Lincoln County, New Mexico has a population of 20,227 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 19th-largest county in New Mexico. Population density is 4 people per square mile.
The population of Lincoln County has declined 2.1% since 2010 (20,451 → 20,025), a -0.15% annualized rate.
The median household income in Lincoln County, New Mexico is $51,643, with mean (average) household income of $75,134 and per-capita income of $36,086. 9.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Lincoln County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (73.2%), Hispanic or Latino (4.2%), Asian (2.3%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Lincoln County, New Mexico is 52.7 years. Residents are 51.1% female and 48.9% male.
The median home value in Lincoln County is $212,200 and median monthly rent is $883. 79.5% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 17,768 total housing units, 47.2% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Lincoln County, New Mexico is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 19.3% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.1%.
Albuquerque is among the largest cities associated with Lincoln 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.