McKinley County, New Mexico Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 8th-largest in New Mexico
The population of McKinley County, New Mexico is 71,172 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 8th-largest county in New Mexico. The median household income is $44,496, the median home value is $72,100, and the median age is 34.1.
The population of McKinley County has declined 3.8% since 2010 (71,673 → 68,945), a -0.28% annualized rate.
71,172
Population
-0.28%
Annual growth
13
People / sq mi
$44,496
Median Income
$72,100
Median Home Value
McKinley County covers 5,451 sq mi of land at 13.1 people per square mile.
About McKinley County, NM
McKinley County is a county in New Mexico with a population of 71,172. It ranks #8 among counties in New Mexico by population. The median age is 34.1, younger than the national median. The population is 48.2% male and 51.8% female.
The median household income in McKinley County is $44,496, below the US median of $74,580. 30.5% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $72,100, with monthly rent averaging $810. The homeownership rate of 68.8% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in McKinley County reflects 12.5% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 9.6% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 25.0 minutes each way.
McKinley County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of McKinley County had a population of 71,673 in 2010 and 68,945 in 2024, a -3.8% growth over 14 years. The peak was 73,485 in 2015. Average annual growth rate: -0.27%.
68,945
Population (2024)
71,673
Population (2010)
73,485
Peak (2015)
-0.27%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 71,673 |
| 2011 | 72,340 |
| 2012 | 72,379 |
| 2013 | 72,682 |
| 2014 | 72,814 |
| 2015 | 73,485 |
| 2016 | 73,040 |
| 2017 | 72,463 |
| 2018 | 71,974 |
| 2019 | 71,478 |
| 2020 | 72,586 |
| 2021 | 71,468 |
| 2022 | 70,084 |
| 2023 | 69,073 |
| 2024 | 68,945 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 9.8% |
| Black or African American | 0.5% |
| Asian | 62.7% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 80.8% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
34.1
Median Age
51.8%
Female
48.2%
Male
13.2%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 22.5% · Seniors (65+): 13.2%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $44,496$-17,629 vs state |
| Mean household income | $60,554 |
| Per-capita income | $19,580 |
| Poverty rate | 30.5%+16.8% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 4.5% |
| Employment-to-population | 43.3% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in McKinley County is professional & business services, accounting for 34.1% of workers.
How residents commute
1.1%
Drive alone
2.1%
Carpool
80.0%
Public transit
9.6%
Work from home
25.0 min
Avg commute
Housing
$72,100$-160,100 vs state
Median home value
$810
Median rent
68.8%
Homeownership rate
25,213
Total housing units
83.6%
Occupied
16.4%
Vacant
31.2%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
80.6%
With health insurance
77.4%
With broadband internet
21.5%
Foreign-born
4.8%
Veterans (18+)
15.9%
With a disability
49.2%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
80.9%
High School+
12.5%
Bachelor's+
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
McKinley County, New Mexico has a population of 71,172 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 8th-largest county in New Mexico. Population density is 13 people per square mile.
The population of McKinley County has declined 3.8% since 2010 (71,673 → 68,945), a -0.28% annualized rate.
The median household income in McKinley County, New Mexico is $44,496, with mean (average) household income of $60,554 and per-capita income of $19,580. 30.5% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In McKinley County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are Hispanic or Latino (80.8%), Asian (62.7%), White (9.8%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in McKinley County, New Mexico is 34.1 years. Residents are 51.8% female and 48.2% male.
The median home value in McKinley County is $72,100 and median monthly rent is $810. 68.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 25,213 total housing units, 16.4% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in McKinley County, New Mexico is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 34.1% of workers. The unemployment rate is 4.5%.
Albuquerque is among the largest cities associated with McKinley 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.