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Population Review

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.

Santa Fe County within New Mexico · Source: US Census TIGER/Line via us-atlas

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 a county in New Mexico with a population of 155,175. It ranks #3 among counties in New Mexico by population. The median age is 48.5, older than the national median. The population is 48.8% male and 51.2% female.

The median household income in Santa Fe County is $74,689, near the US median of $74,580. 9.0% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $416,900, with monthly rent averaging $1,318. The homeownership rate of 70.6% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.

Educational attainment in Santa Fe County reflects 44.2% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 17.0% of workers primarily work from home, similar to the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 23.3 minutes each way.

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%.

2024 · 158K20102024

157,765

Population (2024)

144,526

Population (2010)

157,765

Peak (2024)

0.63%

Avg Annual Growth

YearPopulation
2010144,526
2011145,876
2012146,774
2013147,545
2014147,876
2015148,199
2016148,884
2017149,687
2018150,128
2019150,951
2020155,056
2021155,429
2022155,768
2023156,507
2024157,765

Race & Ethnicity

White61.9%
Black or African American1.0%
Asian0.5%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)5.3%
Two or More Races0.0%

Age & Sex

48.5

Median Age

51.2%

Female

48.8%

Male

27.3%

Age 65+

Age Distribution

Under 5
3.8%
5–9
4.3%
10–14
5.1%
15–19
5.3%
20–24
5.0%
25–34
10.8%
35–44
11.7%
45–54
11.7%
55–59
7.0%
60–64
8.0%
65–74
16.9%
75–84
8.0%
85+
2.4%

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 rate9.0%-4.7% vs state
Unemployment rate3.1%
Employment-to-population54.1%

Top Industries by Employment

Professional & business services
22.8%
Finance & real estate
16.7%
Education & health care
13.2%
Public administration
9.4%
Construction
7.2%
Arts, entertainment & food
6.3%
Information
4.6%
Retail trade
2.8%

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+

Largest cities in New Mexico

Other counties in New Mexico

Part of New Mexico

Metro areas in New Mexico

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.

Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.