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 skews on age — the median resident is 52.7, older than the national median. With 20,227 residents, Lincoln County is a county in New Mexico. It ranks #19 among counties in New Mexico by population.
Earnings trail the nation, with the median household making $51,643, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 9.4%, below the national 12.4%. Homes carry a median value of $212,200, with typical rent around $883.
About 28.8% of adults 25 and older have a bachelor’s degree, below the 35.0% national figure. A solid 12.8% of workers are based at home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 21 minutes each way.
The age structure shapes everything downstream in Lincoln County — from housing demand to the mix of working-age earners reflected in the income figures above.
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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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.
Lincoln County, NM Climate
Lincoln County, NM has an average annual temperature of 12.7°C (55°F) and receives about 386 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
12.7°C
Avg Temp
386
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 3° / 37° | 14 mm |
| February | 5° / 41° | 16 mm |
| March | 8° / 46° | 18 mm |
| April | 12° / 53° | 13 mm |
| May | 16° / 61° | 23 mm |
| June | 21° / 70° | 38 mm |
| July | 23° / 74° | 69 mm |
| August | 22° / 72° | 78 mm |
| September | 19° / 66° | 51 mm |
| October | 14° / 56° | 27 mm |
| November | 7° / 45° | 17 mm |
| December | 3° / 38° | 22 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 Lincoln County, NM
The most comfortable months to visit Lincoln County, NM are typically June, September and August, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 32°C high). The coldest is January (near -5°C low). August is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Lincoln County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.