Sandoval County, New Mexico Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 4th-largest in New Mexico
The population of Sandoval County, New Mexico is 151,538 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 4th-largest county in New Mexico. The median household income is $84,053, the median home value is $282,300, and the median age is 41.1.
The population of Sandoval County has grown 19.1% since 2010 (132,437 → 157,757), a +1.26% annualized rate.
151,538
Population
+1.26%
Annual growth
41
People / sq mi
$84,053
Median Income
$282,300
Median Home Value
Sandoval County covers 3,710 sq mi of land at 40.8 people per square mile.
About Sandoval County, NM
Homeownership is the standout figure in Sandoval County: 83.6% of homes are owner-occupied, higher than the national rate. With 151,538 residents, Sandoval County is a county in New Mexico. That makes it one of the ten largest counties in New Mexico in the country, at #4 by population.
The typical household earns $84,053 a year, above the US median of $78,538. Poverty runs at 7.3%, below the national 12.4%. Home values run above average at $282,300, with typical rent around $1,408.
College attainment is above the local norm at 33.4%, near the national 35.0%. An unusually large 15.0% of workers are remote, above the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 30 minutes each way.
The ownership rate anchors the housing story in Sandoval County, and tends to move with the age structure and home-value figures above.
Sandoval County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Sandoval County had a population of 132,437 in 2010 and 157,757 in 2024, a 19.1% growth over 14 years. The peak was 157,757 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 1.26%.
157,757
Population (2024)
132,437
Population (2010)
157,757
Peak (2024)
1.26%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 132,437 |
| 2011 | 134,347 |
| 2012 | 135,415 |
| 2013 | 136,356 |
| 2014 | 137,076 |
| 2015 | 138,586 |
| 2016 | 140,583 |
| 2017 | 142,832 |
| 2018 | 145,407 |
| 2019 | 147,045 |
| 2020 | 149,301 |
| 2021 | 151,509 |
| 2022 | 153,509 |
| 2023 | 155,943 |
| 2024 | 157,757 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 56.1% |
| Black or African American | 2.2% |
| Asian | 3.5% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 15.6% |
| Two or More Races | 0.1% |
Age & Sex
41.1
Median Age
50.5%
Female
49.5%
Male
19.7%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 18.0% · Seniors (65+): 19.7%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $84,053+$21,928 vs state |
| Mean household income | $105,092 |
| Per-capita income | $39,698 |
| Poverty rate | 7.3%-6.4% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.2% |
| Employment-to-population | 55.7% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Sandoval County is professional & business services, accounting for 24.6% of workers.
How residents commute
0.7%
Drive alone
1.2%
Carpool
73.4%
Public transit
15.0%
Work from home
30.2 min
Avg commute
Housing
$282,300+$50,100 vs state
Median home value
$1,408
Median rent
83.6%
Homeownership rate
59,759
Total housing units
93.3%
Occupied
6.7%
Vacant
16.4%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
94.2%
With health insurance
94.5%
With broadband internet
40.1%
Foreign-born
10.3%
Veterans (18+)
15.1%
With a disability
75.3%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
92.6%
High School+
33.4%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in New Mexico
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Sandoval County, New Mexico has a population of 151,538 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 4th-largest county in New Mexico. Population density is 41 people per square mile.
The population of Sandoval County has grown 19.1% since 2010 (132,437 → 157,757), a +1.26% annualized rate.
The median household income in Sandoval County, New Mexico is $84,053, with mean (average) household income of $105,092 and per-capita income of $39,698. 7.3% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Sandoval County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (56.1%), Hispanic or Latino (15.6%), Asian (3.5%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Sandoval County, New Mexico is 41.1 years. Residents are 50.5% female and 49.5% male.
The median home value in Sandoval County is $282,300 and median monthly rent is $1,408. 83.6% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 59,759 total housing units, 6.7% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Sandoval County, New Mexico is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 24.6% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.2%.
Albuquerque is among the largest cities associated with Sandoval County, New Mexico, with a population of 562,488.
Sandoval County, NM Climate
Sandoval County, NM has an average annual temperature of 9.3°C (49°F) and receives about 439 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
9.3°C
Avg Temp
439
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -1° / 30° | 30 mm |
| February | 1° / 33° | 28 mm |
| March | 4° / 39° | 34 mm |
| April | 7° / 45° | 23 mm |
| May | 12° / 54° | 25 mm |
| June | 18° / 64° | 24 mm |
| July | 21° / 69° | 64 mm |
| August | 20° / 67° | 73 mm |
| September | 16° / 62° | 45 mm |
| October | 11° / 51° | 37 mm |
| November | 4° / 40° | 28 mm |
| December | 0° / 32° | 28 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Sandoval County, NM
The most comfortable months to visit Sandoval County, NM are typically July, June and August, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 30°C high). The coldest is January (near -9°C low). August is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Sandoval County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.