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
In McKinley County, home values do the distinguishing — a median of $72,100. McKinley County is a county in New Mexico with a population of 71,172. It is the #8-largest of all counties in New Mexico nationally.
Household earnings sit near the bottom of the range at $44,496, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty is among the highest of comparable US counties: 30.5%, above the national 12.4%. Home prices sit near the bottom of the range at $72,100, with typical rent around $810.
Four-year-degree attainment is near the bottom of the range for US counties, 12.5%, below the national 35.0%. Around 9.6% of workers work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 25 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.
McKinley County, NM Climate
McKinley County, NM has an average annual temperature of 8.1°C (47°F) and receives about 332 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
8.1°C
Avg Temp
332
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -3° / 27° | 24 mm |
| February | 0° / 31° | 23 mm |
| March | 3° / 37° | 24 mm |
| April | 7° / 44° | 17 mm |
| May | 12° / 53° | 15 mm |
| June | 17° / 62° | 14 mm |
| July | 20° / 67° | 48 mm |
| August | 19° / 65° | 56 mm |
| September | 15° / 59° | 36 mm |
| October | 9° / 48° | 29 mm |
| November | 3° / 37° | 22 mm |
| December | -2° / 28° | 24 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 McKinley County, NM
The most comfortable months to visit McKinley County, NM are typically July, June and August, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 29°C high). The coldest is January (near -11°C low). August is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near McKinley County
Visiting or relocating to McKinley County, NM? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the county — live availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near McKinley County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.