Belen, NM
Population 7,427 · New Mexico
About Belen, NM
Belen is a small town located in New Mexico with a population of 7,427 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $40,354 per year, which is 46% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Belen features a median home value of $154,600, which is 37% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Belen in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $877, 25% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 3,173 total housing units, 75% are owner-occupied (2,019 units) and 25% are renter-occupied (691 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Belen shows an unemployment rate of 6.2%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 28.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Belen have an average one-way commute time of 26.7 minutes.
Education & Demographics
14.3% of Belen 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 41.3% White, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 2.2% Black or African American, and 26.9% Asian residents, with 8.1% of the population being foreign-born.
How Belen Ranks in New Mexico
Cost of Living in Belen, NM
Compared to national averages, Belen has a median household income of $40,354 (46% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $154,600, which is 37% below the national median. Monthly rent at $877 is 25% below the US average of $1,163. Within New Mexico, Belen's income is 40% below the state average of $67,435, and home values are 34% below the state median of $233,762.
Why Live in Belen, NM?
Belen offers affordable housing with a median home value of $154,600, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $877/month.
Potential considerations include median household income ($40,354) that falls below the national average. However, Belen’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Belen has a population of 7,427 with a median age of 39 years. Compare Belen with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New Mexico.
Similar Cities Near Belen
Cities in New Mexico with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bloomfield | 7,391 | $51,212 | $167,800 | Compare |
| Ruidoso | 7,701 | $50,259 | $229,100 | Compare |
| Shiprock | 8,339 | $41,563 | $101,500 | Compare |
| Taos | 6,468 | $46,579 | $432,700 | Compare |
| Socorro | 8,540 | $51,343 | $162,400 | Compare |
| Corrales | 8,557 | $114,207 | $549,700 | Compare |
| Aztec | 6,177 | $42,699 | $164,700 | Compare |
| Anthony | 8,701 | $33,141 | $110,800 | 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 Belen With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Belen
What is the population of Belen, NM?
The population of Belen, NM is 7,427 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 Belen?
The median household income in Belen, NM is $40,354 per year, which is 46% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Belen?
The median home value in Belen, NM is $154,600, which is 37% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Belen?
The median monthly rent in Belen, NM is $877, which is 25% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Belen?
The unemployment rate in Belen, NM is 6.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Belen, NM a good place to live?
Belen offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 7,427 and a median age of 39, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Belen, NM?
14.3% of residents in Belen 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 Belen?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Belen, NM: median home value is $154,600 (37% below national), median rent is $877/month, and median household income is $40,354. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.8x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Belen?
The poverty rate in Belen, NM is 28.5%, 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 Belen, NM?
Belen's population is 41.3% White, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 2.2% Black or African American, 26.9% Asian, and 0.4% two or more races. 8.1% of residents are foreign-born.