Otero County, New Mexico Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 9th-largest in New Mexico
The population of Otero County, New Mexico is 68,235 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 9th-largest county in New Mexico. The median household income is $52,717, the median home value is $149,500, and the median age is 36.3.
The population of Otero County has grown 8.2% since 2010 (64,405 → 69,711), a +0.57% annualized rate.
68,235
Population
+0.57%
Annual growth
10
People / sq mi
$52,717
Median Income
$149,500
Median Home Value
Otero County covers 6,613 sq mi of land at 10.3 people per square mile.
About Otero County, NM
Otero County is distinguished by its share of foreign-born residents, 52.3% of the population. Otero County is a county in New Mexico with a population of 68,235. That makes it one of the ten largest counties in New Mexico in the country, at #9 by population.
Incomes run on the lower side: a median household income of $52,717, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 15.4%, above the national 12.4%. Homes carry a median value of $149,500, with typical rent around $926.
Degree attainment is mid-range for US counties: 21.6% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is below the national 14.0% at 6.0%, and the average commute runs about 23 minutes each way.
The large foreign-born share is a defining thread in Otero County, shaping language, household composition, and the labor force behind the economic figures above.
Otero County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Otero County had a population of 64,405 in 2010 and 69,711 in 2024, a 8.2% growth over 14 years. The peak was 69,711 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.57%.
69,711
Population (2024)
64,405
Population (2010)
69,711
Peak (2024)
0.57%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 64,405 |
| 2011 | 65,659 |
| 2012 | 66,240 |
| 2013 | 66,347 |
| 2014 | 65,394 |
| 2015 | 64,838 |
| 2016 | 65,723 |
| 2017 | 66,158 |
| 2018 | 66,599 |
| 2019 | 67,572 |
| 2020 | 67,866 |
| 2021 | 68,499 |
| 2022 | 68,650 |
| 2023 | 69,354 |
| 2024 | 69,711 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 60.0% |
| Black or African American | 3.6% |
| Asian | 0.8% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 8.5% |
| Two or More Races | 0.1% |
Age & Sex
36.3
Median Age
47.6%
Female
52.4%
Male
17.2%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 18.4% · Seniors (65+): 17.2%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $52,717$-9,408 vs state |
| Mean household income | $71,241 |
| Per-capita income | $28,186 |
| Poverty rate | 15.4%+1.7% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 4.4% |
| Employment-to-population | 43.7% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Otero County is professional & business services, accounting for 25.0% of workers.
How residents commute
0.3%
Drive alone
3.1%
Carpool
77.8%
Public transit
6.0%
Work from home
22.7 min
Avg commute
Housing
$149,500$-82,700 vs state
Median home value
$926
Median rent
65.0%
Homeownership rate
32,400
Total housing units
75.0%
Occupied
25.0%
Vacant
35.0%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
91.0%
With health insurance
94.1%
With broadband internet
52.3%
Foreign-born
14.9%
Veterans (18+)
20.2%
With a disability
75.1%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
87.3%
High School+
21.6%
Bachelor's+
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Frequently Asked Questions
Otero County, New Mexico has a population of 68,235 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 9th-largest county in New Mexico. Population density is 10 people per square mile.
The population of Otero County has grown 8.2% since 2010 (64,405 → 69,711), a +0.57% annualized rate.
The median household income in Otero County, New Mexico is $52,717, with mean (average) household income of $71,241 and per-capita income of $28,186. 15.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Otero County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (60.0%), Hispanic or Latino (8.5%), Black or African American (3.6%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Otero County, New Mexico is 36.3 years. Residents are 47.6% female and 52.4% male.
The median home value in Otero County is $149,500 and median monthly rent is $926. 65.0% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 32,400 total housing units, 25.0% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Otero County, New Mexico is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 25.0% of workers. The unemployment rate is 4.4%.
Albuquerque is among the largest cities associated with Otero 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.