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Population Review

Socorro County, New Mexico Population 2026

Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 22nd-largest in New Mexico

The population of Socorro County, New Mexico is 16,308 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 22nd-largest county in New Mexico. The median household income is $47,556, the median home value is $143,200, and the median age is 39.7.

The population of Socorro County has declined 10.3% since 2010 (17,791 → 15,967), a -0.77% annualized rate.

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

16,308

Population

-0.77%

Annual growth

2

People / sq mi

$47,556

Median Income

$143,200

Median Home Value

Socorro County covers 6,646 sq mi of land at 2.5 people per square mile.

About Socorro County, NM

Socorro County is a county in New Mexico with a population of 16,308. It ranks #22 among counties in New Mexico by population. The median age is 39.7, in line with the national median. The population is 49.8% male and 50.2% female.

The median household income in Socorro County is $47,556, below the US median of $74,580. 22.8% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $143,200, with monthly rent averaging $653. The homeownership rate of 73.5% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.

Educational attainment in Socorro County reflects 21.0% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 16.0% of workers primarily work from home, similar to the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 14.8 minutes each way.

Socorro County Population History (2010-2024)

The county of Socorro County had a population of 17,791 in 2010 and 15,967 in 2024, a -10.3% growth over 14 years. The peak was 17,791 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.77%.

2010 · 18K20102024

15,967

Population (2024)

17,791

Population (2010)

17,791

Peak (2010)

-0.77%

Avg Annual Growth

YearPopulation
201017,791
201117,777
201217,471
201317,507
201417,255
201517,148
201616,989
201716,825
201816,649
201916,613
202016,559
202116,304
202216,142
202316,028
202415,967

Race & Ethnicity

White52.2%
Black or African American0.2%
Asian10.1%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)13.3%
Two or More Races0.0%

Age & Sex

39.7

Median Age

50.2%

Female

49.8%

Male

20.2%

Age 65+

Age Distribution

Under 5
4.8%
5–9
7.3%
10–14
6.0%
15–19
8.5%
20–24
8.5%
25–34
9.4%
35–44
10.9%
45–54
11.3%
55–59
6.5%
60–64
6.6%
65–74
12.0%
75–84
6.8%
85+
1.4%

Children (under 15): 18.1% · Seniors (65+): 20.2%

Income & Poverty

Median household income$47,556$-14,569 vs state
Mean household income$68,979
Per-capita income$25,898
Poverty rate22.8%+9.1% vs state
Unemployment rate1.1%
Employment-to-population42.9%

Top Industries by Employment

Professional & business services
35.8%
Finance & real estate
14.3%
Education & health care
7.8%
Public administration
7.4%
Arts, entertainment & food
6.3%
Construction
4.7%
Manufacturing
3.3%
Agriculture
2.9%

The largest employment sector in Socorro County is professional & business services, accounting for 35.8% of workers.

How residents commute

0.0%

Drive alone

9.0%

Carpool

65.6%

Public transit

16.0%

Work from home

14.8 min

Avg commute

Housing

$143,200$-89,000 vs state

Median home value

$653

Median rent

73.5%

Homeownership rate

7,642

Total housing units

68.3%

Occupied

31.7%

Vacant

26.5%

Renter-occupied

Social & access

91.8%

With health insurance

74.4%

With broadband internet

24.2%

Foreign-born

8.8%

Veterans (18+)

25.8%

With a disability

62.6%

Speak language other than English at home

Education

84.7%

High School+

21.0%

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

Socorro County, New Mexico has a population of 16,308 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 22nd-largest county in New Mexico. Population density is 2 people per square mile.

The population of Socorro County has declined 10.3% since 2010 (17,791 → 15,967), a -0.77% annualized rate.

The median household income in Socorro County, New Mexico is $47,556, with mean (average) household income of $68,979 and per-capita income of $25,898. 22.8% of residents live below the federal poverty level.

In Socorro County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (52.2%), Hispanic or Latino (13.3%), Asian (10.1%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.

The median age in Socorro County, New Mexico is 39.7 years. Residents are 50.2% female and 49.8% male.

The median home value in Socorro County is $143,200 and median monthly rent is $653. 73.5% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 7,642 total housing units, 31.7% of which are vacant.

The largest employment sector in Socorro County, New Mexico is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 35.8% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.1%.

Albuquerque is among the largest cities associated with Socorro 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.