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 skews on age — the median resident is 57.3, older than the national median. Sierra County is a county in New Mexico with a population of 11,511. It ranks #25 among counties in New Mexico by population.
Household earnings sit near the bottom of the range at $37,840, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty sits at 17.6%, above the national 12.4%. Homes carry a median value of $144,800, with typical rent around $695.
College attainment is 16.3%, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is below the national 14.0% at 7.2%, and the average commute runs about 14 minutes each way.
The age structure shapes everything downstream in Sierra County — from housing demand to the mix of working-age earners reflected in the income figures above.
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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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.
Sierra County, NM Climate
Sierra County, NM has an average annual temperature of 15.3°C (60°F) and receives about 271 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
15.3°C
Avg Temp
271
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 5° / 40° | 11 mm |
| February | 7° / 45° | 8 mm |
| March | 11° / 51° | 7 mm |
| April | 15° / 58° | 4 mm |
| May | 20° / 67° | 11 mm |
| June | 25° / 77° | 18 mm |
| July | 26° / 79° | 47 mm |
| August | 25° / 77° | 58 mm |
| September | 22° / 71° | 43 mm |
| October | 16° / 60° | 29 mm |
| November | 9° / 48° | 16 mm |
| December | 5° / 40° | 19 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 Sierra County, NM
The most comfortable months to visit Sierra County, NM are typically May, September and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 34°C high). The coldest is January (near -3°C low). August is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Sierra County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.