Bayard, NM
Population 2,370 · New Mexico
About Bayard, NM
Bayard is a small town located in New Mexico with a population of 2,370 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $33,269 per year, which is 56% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 24.6 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Bayard features a median home value of $118,100, which is 52% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Bayard one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $653, 44% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,151 total housing units, 64% are owner-occupied (510 units) and 36% are renter-occupied (288 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Bayard shows an unemployment rate of 9.5%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 31.6%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Bayard have an average one-way commute time of 15 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
22.4% of Bayard residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 69.0% White, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 6.9% Asian residents, with 6.4% of the population being foreign-born.
How Bayard Ranks in New Mexico
Cost of Living in Bayard, NM
Compared to national averages, Bayard has a median household income of $33,269 (56% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $118,100, which is 52% below the national median. Monthly rent at $653 is 44% below the US average of $1,163. Within New Mexico, Bayard's income is 51% below the state average of $67,435, and home values are 49% below the state median of $233,762.
Why Live in Bayard, NM?
Bayard offers affordable housing with a median home value of $118,100, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $653/month, and short commute times averaging just 15 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($33,269) that falls below the national average. However, Bayard’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Bayard has a population of 2,370 with a median age of 24.6 years. Compare Bayard with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New Mexico.
Similar Cities Near Bayard
Cities in New Mexico with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Center Point | 2,366 | $49,714 | $206,300 | Compare |
| Ranchos de Taos | 2,348 | $51,380 | $0 | Compare |
| Santa Rosa | 2,447 | $41,995 | $101,800 | Compare |
| Pojoaque | 2,274 | $68,188 | $154,300 | Compare |
| Jemez Pueblo | 2,273 | $59,102 | $190,000 | Compare |
| Milan | 2,473 | $37,551 | $71,300 | Compare |
| West Hammond | 2,519 | $49,795 | $185,800 | Compare |
| Valencia CDP (Valencia County), New Mexico | 2,219 | $70,521 | $242,400 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in New Mexico
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Bayard With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Bayard
What is the population of Bayard, NM?
The population of Bayard, NM is 2,370 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in New Mexico.
What is the median household income in Bayard?
The median household income in Bayard, NM is $33,269 per year, which is 56% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Bayard?
The median home value in Bayard, NM is $118,100, which is 52% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Bayard?
The median monthly rent in Bayard, NM is $653, which is 44% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Bayard?
The unemployment rate in Bayard, NM is 9.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Bayard, NM a good place to live?
Bayard offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 2,370 and a median age of 24.6, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Bayard, NM?
22.4% of residents in Bayard aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Bayard?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Bayard, NM: median home value is $118,100 (52% below national), median rent is $653/month, and median household income is $33,269. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.5x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Bayard?
The poverty rate in Bayard, NM is 31.6%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Bayard, NM?
Bayard's population is 69.0% White, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 6.9% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 6.4% of residents are foreign-born.