Rio Arriba County, New Mexico Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 13th-largest in New Mexico
The population of Rio Arriba County, New Mexico is 40,165 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 13th-largest county in New Mexico. The median household income is $53,901, the median home value is $230,900, and the median age is 42.4.
The population of Rio Arriba County has declined 0.8% since 2010 (40,286 → 39,955), a -0.06% annualized rate.
40,165
Population
-0.06%
Annual growth
7
People / sq mi
$53,901
Median Income
$230,900
Median Home Value
Rio Arriba County covers 5,861 sq mi of land at 6.9 people per square mile.
About Rio Arriba County, NM
Rio Arriba County is a county in New Mexico with a population of 40,165. It ranks #13 among counties in New Mexico by population. The median age is 42.4, older than the national median. The population is 48.9% male and 51.1% female.
The median household income in Rio Arriba County is $53,901, below the US median of $74,580. 15.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $230,900, with monthly rent averaging $760. The homeownership rate of 78.1% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Rio Arriba County reflects 18.8% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 9.3% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 28.8 minutes each way.
Rio Arriba County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Rio Arriba County had a population of 40,286 in 2010 and 39,955 in 2024, a -0.8% growth over 14 years. The peak was 40,286 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.05%.
39,955
Population (2024)
40,286
Population (2010)
40,286
Peak (2010)
-0.05%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 40,286 |
| 2011 | 40,241 |
| 2012 | 40,191 |
| 2013 | 40,059 |
| 2014 | 39,726 |
| 2015 | 39,358 |
| 2016 | 39,225 |
| 2017 | 39,204 |
| 2018 | 38,979 |
| 2019 | 38,883 |
| 2020 | 40,268 |
| 2021 | 40,219 |
| 2022 | 39,986 |
| 2023 | 39,921 |
| 2024 | 39,955 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 27.9% |
| Black or African American | 0.7% |
| Asian | 2.2% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 19.5% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
42.4
Median Age
51.1%
Female
48.9%
Male
21.1%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 18.7% · Seniors (65+): 21.1%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $53,901$-8,224 vs state |
| Mean household income | $74,876 |
| Per-capita income | $30,548 |
| Poverty rate | 15.4%+1.7% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.7% |
| Employment-to-population | 49.2% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Rio Arriba County is professional & business services, accounting for 25.6% of workers.
How residents commute
0.7%
Drive alone
2.5%
Carpool
78.0%
Public transit
9.3%
Work from home
28.8 min
Avg commute
Housing
$230,900$-1,300 vs state
Median home value
$760
Median rent
78.1%
Homeownership rate
19,703
Total housing units
76.0%
Occupied
24.0%
Vacant
21.9%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
90.8%
With health insurance
80.0%
With broadband internet
17.0%
Foreign-born
6.6%
Veterans (18+)
14.9%
With a disability
46.2%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
86.4%
High School+
18.8%
Bachelor's+
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Rio Arriba County, New Mexico has a population of 40,165 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 13th-largest county in New Mexico. Population density is 7 people per square mile.
The population of Rio Arriba County has declined 0.8% since 2010 (40,286 → 39,955), a -0.06% annualized rate.
The median household income in Rio Arriba County, New Mexico is $53,901, with mean (average) household income of $74,876 and per-capita income of $30,548. 15.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Rio Arriba County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (27.9%), Hispanic or Latino (19.5%), Asian (2.2%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Rio Arriba County, New Mexico is 42.4 years. Residents are 51.1% female and 48.9% male.
The median home value in Rio Arriba County is $230,900 and median monthly rent is $760. 78.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 19,703 total housing units, 24.0% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Rio Arriba County, New Mexico is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 25.6% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.7%.
Albuquerque is among the largest cities associated with Rio Arriba 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.