Sierra County, New Mexico Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 25th-largest in New Mexico
The population of Sierra County, New Mexico is 11,511 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 25th-largest county in New Mexico. The median household income is $37,840, the median home value is $144,800, and the median age is 57.3.
The population of Sierra County has declined 5.4% since 2010 (12,043 → 11,389), a -0.40% annualized rate.
11,511
Population
-0.40%
Annual growth
3
People / sq mi
$37,840
Median Income
$144,800
Median Home Value
Sierra County covers 4,181 sq mi of land at 2.8 people per square mile.
About Sierra County, NM
Sierra County is a county in New Mexico with a population of 11,511. It ranks #25 among counties in New Mexico by population. The median age is 57.3, older than the national median. The population is 49.4% male and 50.6% female.
The median household income in Sierra County is $37,840, below the US median of $74,580. 17.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $144,800, with monthly rent averaging $695. The homeownership rate of 70.2% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Sierra County reflects 16.3% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 7.2% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 13.8 minutes each way.
Sierra County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Sierra County had a population of 12,043 in 2010 and 11,389 in 2024, a -5.4% growth over 14 years. The peak was 12,043 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.38%.
11,389
Population (2024)
12,043
Population (2010)
12,043
Peak (2010)
-0.38%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 12,043 |
| 2011 | 12,027 |
| 2012 | 11,858 |
| 2013 | 11,531 |
| 2014 | 11,277 |
| 2015 | 11,252 |
| 2016 | 11,129 |
| 2017 | 11,094 |
| 2018 | 10,963 |
| 2019 | 10,886 |
| 2020 | 11,565 |
| 2021 | 11,524 |
| 2022 | 11,485 |
| 2023 | 11,535 |
| 2024 | 11,389 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 73.6% |
| Black or African American | 0.2% |
| Asian | 0.1% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 4.7% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
57.3
Median Age
50.6%
Female
49.4%
Male
37.0%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 12.2% · Seniors (65+): 37.0%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $37,840$-24,285 vs state |
| Mean household income | $50,519 |
| Per-capita income | $24,882 |
| Poverty rate | 17.6%+3.9% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.3% |
| Employment-to-population | 35.2% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Sierra County is professional & business services, accounting for 32.6% of workers.
How residents commute
0.6%
Drive alone
3.9%
Carpool
73.8%
Public transit
7.2%
Work from home
13.8 min
Avg commute
Housing
$144,800$-87,400 vs state
Median home value
$695
Median rent
70.2%
Homeownership rate
8,139
Total housing units
66.6%
Occupied
33.4%
Vacant
29.8%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
95.9%
With health insurance
85.3%
With broadband internet
47.1%
Foreign-born
15.1%
Veterans (18+)
28.9%
With a disability
79.0%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
90.2%
High School+
16.3%
Bachelor's+
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Part of New Mexico
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Sierra County, New Mexico has a population of 11,511 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 25th-largest county in New Mexico. Population density is 3 people per square mile.
The population of Sierra County has declined 5.4% since 2010 (12,043 → 11,389), a -0.40% annualized rate.
The median household income in Sierra County, New Mexico is $37,840, with mean (average) household income of $50,519 and per-capita income of $24,882. 17.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Sierra County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (73.6%), Hispanic or Latino (4.7%), Black or African American (0.2%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Sierra County, New Mexico is 57.3 years. Residents are 50.6% female and 49.4% male.
The median home value in Sierra County is $144,800 and median monthly rent is $695. 70.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 8,139 total housing units, 33.4% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Sierra County, New Mexico is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 32.6% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.3%.
Albuquerque is among the largest cities associated with Sierra 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.