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
What distinguishes Rio Arriba County is density: among the most sparsely settled of US counties, around 7 people per square mile. With 40,165 residents, Rio Arriba County is a county in New Mexico. It ranks #13 among counties in New Mexico by population.
The typical household earns $53,901, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 15.4%, above the national 12.4%. A typical home is worth $230,900, with typical rent around $760.
Degree attainment is mid-range for US counties: 18.8% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. Around 9.3% of workers work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 29 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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Other counties in New Mexico
Part of New Mexico
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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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Statewide data for New Mexico
Population, race, income, age, and trends across New Mexico
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.