Union County, New Mexico Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 30th-largest in New Mexico
The population of Union County, New Mexico is 4,039 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 30th-largest county in New Mexico. The median household income is $45,319, the median home value is $135,900, and the median age is 40.3.
The population of Union County has declined 13.5% since 2010 (4,541 → 3,926), a -1.03% annualized rate.
4,039
Population
-1.03%
Annual growth
1
People / sq mi
$45,319
Median Income
$135,900
Median Home Value
Union County covers 3,825 sq mi of land at 1.1 people per square mile.
About Union County, NM
What distinguishes Union County is density: among the most sparsely settled of US counties, around 1 people per square mile. With 4,039 residents, Union County is a county in New Mexico. It ranks #30 among counties in New Mexico by population.
Incomes are among the lowest of comparable places, with a median household income of $45,319, below the US median of $78,538. Roughly 16.7% of residents fall below the poverty line, above the national 12.4%. Homes are comparatively cheap — a median value of $135,900, with typical rent around $650.
18.1% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national average of 35.0%. Remote work is below the national 14.0% at 8.3%, and the average commute runs about 17 minutes each way.
Union County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Union County had a population of 4,541 in 2010 and 3,926 in 2024, a -13.5% growth over 14 years. The peak was 4,541 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -1.03%.
3,926
Population (2024)
4,541
Population (2010)
4,541
Peak (2010)
-1.03%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 4,541 |
| 2011 | 4,416 |
| 2012 | 4,408 |
| 2013 | 4,354 |
| 2014 | 4,259 |
| 2015 | 4,174 |
| 2016 | 4,166 |
| 2017 | 4,194 |
| 2018 | 4,099 |
| 2019 | 4,043 |
| 2020 | 4,073 |
| 2021 | 4,099 |
| 2022 | 3,996 |
| 2023 | 3,972 |
| 2024 | 3,926 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 69.5% |
| Black or African American | 1.0% |
| Asian | 0.9% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 7.0% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
40.3
Median Age
46.0%
Female
54.0%
Male
22.6%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 19.4% · Seniors (65+): 22.6%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $45,319$-16,806 vs state |
| Mean household income | $99,074 |
| Per-capita income | $37,697 |
| Poverty rate | 16.7%+3.0% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.2% |
| Employment-to-population | 44.6% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Union County is agriculture, accounting for 20.3% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
7.2%
Carpool
76.9%
Public transit
8.3%
Work from home
16.8 min
Avg commute
Housing
$135,900$-96,300 vs state
Median home value
$650
Median rent
68.2%
Homeownership rate
2,091
Total housing units
71.9%
Occupied
28.1%
Vacant
31.8%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
88.2%
With health insurance
82.9%
With broadband internet
42.5%
Foreign-born
6.7%
Veterans (18+)
23.3%
With a disability
79.1%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
88.9%
High School+
18.1%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in New Mexico
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Union County, New Mexico has a population of 4,039 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 30th-largest county in New Mexico. Population density is 1 people per square mile.
The population of Union County has declined 13.5% since 2010 (4,541 → 3,926), a -1.03% annualized rate.
The median household income in Union County, New Mexico is $45,319, with mean (average) household income of $99,074 and per-capita income of $37,697. 16.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Union County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (69.5%), Hispanic or Latino (7.0%), 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 Union County, New Mexico is 40.3 years. Residents are 46.0% female and 54.0% male.
The median home value in Union County is $135,900 and median monthly rent is $650. 68.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 2,091 total housing units, 28.1% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Union County, New Mexico is agriculture, forestry, fishing, and mining, employing 20.3% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.2%.
Albuquerque is among the largest cities associated with Union County, New Mexico, with a population of 562,488.
Union County, NM Climate
Union County, NM has an average annual temperature of 11.1°C (52°F) and receives about 399 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
11.1°C
Avg Temp
399
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 1° / 33° | 6 mm |
| February | 2° / 36° | 8 mm |
| March | 6° / 42° | 16 mm |
| April | 10° / 50° | 24 mm |
| May | 15° / 59° | 54 mm |
| June | 20° / 68° | 57 mm |
| July | 23° / 73° | 76 mm |
| August | 22° / 71° | 68 mm |
| September | 18° / 64° | 47 mm |
| October | 12° / 53° | 22 mm |
| November | 5° / 42° | 13 mm |
| December | 1° / 34° | 8 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 Union County, NM
The most comfortable months to visit Union County, NM are typically June, August and July, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 31°C high). The coldest is January (near -8°C low). July is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Union County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.