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 a county in New Mexico with a population of 68,235. It ranks #9 among counties in New Mexico by population. The median age is 36.3, younger than the national median. The population is 52.4% male and 47.6% female.
The median household income in Otero County is $52,717, below the US median of $74,580. 15.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $149,500, with monthly rent averaging $926. The homeownership rate of 65.0% is close to the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Otero County reflects 21.6% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 6.0% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 22.7 minutes each way.
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.