Santa Fe County, New Mexico Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 3rd-largest in New Mexico
The population of Santa Fe County, New Mexico is 155,175 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 3rd-largest county in New Mexico. The median household income is $74,689, the median home value is $416,900, and the median age is 48.5.
The population of Santa Fe County has grown 9.2% since 2010 (144,526 → 157,765), a +0.63% annualized rate.
155,175
Population
+0.63%
Annual growth
81
People / sq mi
$74,689
Median Income
$416,900
Median Home Value
Santa Fe County covers 1,910 sq mi of land at 81.2 people per square mile.
About Santa Fe County, NM
Santa Fe County is defined demographically by education — 44.2% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree, above the national average. Santa Fe County is a county in New Mexico with a population of 155,175. That makes it one of the ten largest counties in New Mexico in the country, at #3 by population.
The typical household earns $74,689 a year, near the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 9.0%, below the national 12.4%. Housing is expensive: the median home is worth $416,900, with typical rent around $1,318.
Degree attainment is near the top of the range for US counties: 44.2% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s, above the 35.0% national rate. Working from home is common here: 17.0% of workers do so, above the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 23 minutes each way.
The education numbers are the throughline: a college-heavy population in Santa Fe County usually coincides with higher incomes and a workforce concentrated in professional and information industries.
Santa Fe County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Santa Fe County had a population of 144,526 in 2010 and 157,765 in 2024, a 9.2% growth over 14 years. The peak was 157,765 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.63%.
157,765
Population (2024)
144,526
Population (2010)
157,765
Peak (2024)
0.63%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 144,526 |
| 2011 | 145,876 |
| 2012 | 146,774 |
| 2013 | 147,545 |
| 2014 | 147,876 |
| 2015 | 148,199 |
| 2016 | 148,884 |
| 2017 | 149,687 |
| 2018 | 150,128 |
| 2019 | 150,951 |
| 2020 | 155,056 |
| 2021 | 155,429 |
| 2022 | 155,768 |
| 2023 | 156,507 |
| 2024 | 157,765 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 61.9% |
| Black or African American | 1.0% |
| Asian | 0.5% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 5.3% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
48.5
Median Age
51.2%
Female
48.8%
Male
27.3%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 13.2% · Seniors (65+): 27.3%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $74,689+$12,564 vs state |
| Mean household income | $105,593 |
| Per-capita income | $48,908 |
| Poverty rate | 9.0%-4.7% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.1% |
| Employment-to-population | 54.1% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Santa Fe County is professional & business services, accounting for 22.8% of workers.
How residents commute
0.9%
Drive alone
2.1%
Carpool
69.7%
Public transit
17.0%
Work from home
23.3 min
Avg commute
Housing
$416,900+$184,700 vs state
Median home value
$1,318
Median rent
70.6%
Homeownership rate
77,686
Total housing units
89.3%
Occupied
10.7%
Vacant
29.4%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
90.6%
With health insurance
93.6%
With broadband internet
41.7%
Foreign-born
7.0%
Veterans (18+)
14.8%
With a disability
69.6%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
91.4%
High School+
44.2%
Bachelor's+
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Santa Fe County, New Mexico has a population of 155,175 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 3rd-largest county in New Mexico. Population density is 81 people per square mile.
The population of Santa Fe County has grown 9.2% since 2010 (144,526 → 157,765), a +0.63% annualized rate.
The median household income in Santa Fe County, New Mexico is $74,689, with mean (average) household income of $105,593 and per-capita income of $48,908. 9.0% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Santa Fe County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (61.9%), Hispanic or Latino (5.3%), Black or African American (1.0%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Santa Fe County, New Mexico is 48.5 years. Residents are 51.2% female and 48.8% male.
The median home value in Santa Fe County is $416,900 and median monthly rent is $1,318. 70.6% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 77,686 total housing units, 10.7% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Santa Fe County, New Mexico is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 22.8% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.1%.
Albuquerque is among the largest cities associated with Santa Fe 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.