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
Quay County is a county in New Mexico with a population of 8,616. It ranks #26 among counties in New Mexico by population. The median age is 48.1, older than the national median. The population is 48.7% male and 51.3% female.
The median household income in Quay County is $43,698, below the US median of $74,580. 20.0% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $82,200, with monthly rent averaging $752. The homeownership rate of 72.7% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Quay County reflects 20.4% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 5.1% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 15.4 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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Other counties in New Mexico
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.