Quay County, New Mexico Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 26th-largest in New Mexico
The population of Quay County, New Mexico is 8,616 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 26th-largest county in New Mexico. The median household income is $43,698, the median home value is $82,200, and the median age is 48.1.
The population of Quay County has declined 7.3% since 2010 (9,065 → 8,403), a -0.54% annualized rate.
8,616
Population
-0.54%
Annual growth
3
People / sq mi
$43,698
Median Income
$82,200
Median Home Value
Quay County covers 2,874 sq mi of land at 3.0 people per square mile.
About Quay County, NM
Housing cost is the defining feature of Quay County: the median home is valued at $82,200. Quay County is a county in New Mexico with a population of 8,616. It ranks #26 among counties in New Mexico by population.
Household earnings sit near the bottom of the range at $43,698, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate, 20.0%, is among the steepest of comparable US counties and above the national 12.4%. Real estate is inexpensive, with a typical home worth only $82,200, with typical rent around $752.
Degree attainment is mid-range for US counties: 20.4% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. Most workers commute: only 5.1% work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 15 minutes each way.
Quay County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Quay County had a population of 9,065 in 2010 and 8,403 in 2024, a -7.3% growth over 14 years. The peak was 9,065 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.52%.
8,403
Population (2024)
9,065
Population (2010)
9,065
Peak (2010)
-0.52%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 9,065 |
| 2011 | 9,044 |
| 2012 | 8,806 |
| 2013 | 8,675 |
| 2014 | 8,467 |
| 2015 | 8,449 |
| 2016 | 8,391 |
| 2017 | 8,291 |
| 2018 | 8,203 |
| 2019 | 8,243 |
| 2020 | 8,710 |
| 2021 | 8,620 |
| 2022 | 8,536 |
| 2023 | 8,553 |
| 2024 | 8,403 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 65.1% |
| Black or African American | 1.6% |
| Asian | 0.4% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 6.9% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
48.1
Median Age
51.3%
Female
48.7%
Male
25.8%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 17.8% · Seniors (65+): 25.8%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $43,698$-18,427 vs state |
| Mean household income | $55,437 |
| Per-capita income | $27,087 |
| Poverty rate | 20.0%+6.3% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.4% |
| Employment-to-population | 49.8% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Quay County is professional & business services, accounting for 23.0% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
3.1%
Carpool
82.1%
Public transit
5.1%
Work from home
15.4 min
Avg commute
Housing
$82,200$-150,000 vs state
Median home value
$752
Median rent
72.7%
Homeownership rate
5,513
Total housing units
74.4%
Occupied
25.6%
Vacant
27.3%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
90.1%
With health insurance
87.4%
With broadband internet
38.0%
Foreign-born
9.8%
Veterans (18+)
26.4%
With a disability
79.7%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
87.7%
High School+
20.4%
Bachelor's+
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Part of New Mexico
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Quay County, New Mexico has a population of 8,616 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 26th-largest county in New Mexico. Population density is 3 people per square mile.
The population of Quay County has declined 7.3% since 2010 (9,065 → 8,403), a -0.54% annualized rate.
The median household income in Quay County, New Mexico is $43,698, with mean (average) household income of $55,437 and per-capita income of $27,087. 20.0% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Quay County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (65.1%), Hispanic or Latino (6.9%), Black or African American (1.6%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Quay County, New Mexico is 48.1 years. Residents are 51.3% female and 48.7% male.
The median home value in Quay County is $82,200 and median monthly rent is $752. 72.7% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 5,513 total housing units, 25.6% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Quay County, New Mexico is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 23.0% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.4%.
Albuquerque is among the largest cities associated with Quay County, New Mexico, with a population of 562,488.
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Statewide data for New Mexico
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.