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.
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
The poverty rate is what most separates Socorro County from the typical county: 22.8% of residents live below the federal poverty line, against 12.4% nationally. With 16,308 residents, Socorro County is a county in New Mexico. It ranks #22 among counties in New Mexico by population.
The typical household earns $47,556, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty is among the highest of comparable US counties: 22.8%, above the national 12.4%. Median home value is $143,200, with typical rent around $653.
21.0% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national average of 35.0%. Remote work is widespread — 16.0% of workers stay home, above the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 15 minutes each way.
The elevated poverty rate is the context for the rest of the profile in Socorro County: it pulls on median income, housing tenure, and the share of residents with a college degree.
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%.
15,967
Population (2024)
17,791
Population (2010)
17,791
Peak (2010)
-0.77%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 17,791 |
| 2011 | 17,777 |
| 2012 | 17,471 |
| 2013 | 17,507 |
| 2014 | 17,255 |
| 2015 | 17,148 |
| 2016 | 16,989 |
| 2017 | 16,825 |
| 2018 | 16,649 |
| 2019 | 16,613 |
| 2020 | 16,559 |
| 2021 | 16,304 |
| 2022 | 16,142 |
| 2023 | 16,028 |
| 2024 | 15,967 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 52.2% |
| Black or African American | 0.2% |
| Asian | 10.1% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 13.3% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
39.7
Median Age
50.2%
Female
49.8%
Male
20.2%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
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 rate | 22.8%+9.1% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.1% |
| Employment-to-population | 42.9% |
Top Industries by Employment
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+
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Part of New Mexico
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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.
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.