Capitan, NM
Population 1,262 · New Mexico
About Capitan, NM
Capitan is a small town located in New Mexico with a population of 1,262 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $50,299 per year, which is 33% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 52.2 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Capitan features a median home value of $128,800, which is 47% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Capitan one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $914, 21% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 812 total housing units, 94% are owner-occupied (549 units) and 6% are renter-occupied (36 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Capitan shows an unemployment rate of 3.3%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 11.4%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Capitan have an average one-way commute time of 26.7 minutes.
Education & Demographics
20.2% of Capitan 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 31.1% White, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 2.5% Asian residents, with 1.2% of the population being foreign-born.
How Capitan Ranks in New Mexico
Cost of Living in Capitan, NM
Compared to national averages, Capitan has a median household income of $50,299 (33% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $128,800, which is 47% below the national median. Monthly rent at $914 is 21% below the US average of $1,163. Within New Mexico, Capitan's income is 25% below the state average of $67,435, and home values are 45% below the state median of $233,762.
Why Live in Capitan, NM?
Capitan offers affordable housing with a median home value of $128,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $914/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.3%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 11.4%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($50,299) that falls below the national average. However, Capitan’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Capitan has a population of 1,262 with a median age of 52.2 years. Compare Capitan with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New Mexico.
Similar Cities Near Capitan
Cities in New Mexico with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cloudcroft | 1,275 | $38,428 | $200,000 | Compare |
| Alamo | 1,242 | $24,427 | $9,999 | Compare |
| Taos Pueblo | 1,294 | $36,979 | $315,000 | Compare |
| Mountainair | 1,308 | $41,678 | $97,000 | Compare |
| Waterflow | 1,215 | $60,278 | $167,700 | Compare |
| McIntosh | 1,310 | $65,116 | $164,700 | Compare |
| Iyanbito | 1,213 | $46,667 | $58,500 | Compare |
| Loving | 1,317 | $60,203 | $177,400 | 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 Capitan With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Capitan
What is the population of Capitan, NM?
The population of Capitan, NM is 1,262 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 Capitan?
The median household income in Capitan, NM is $50,299 per year, which is 33% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Capitan?
The median home value in Capitan, NM is $128,800, which is 47% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Capitan?
The median monthly rent in Capitan, NM is $914, which is 21% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Capitan?
The unemployment rate in Capitan, NM is 3.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Capitan, NM a good place to live?
Capitan offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,262 and a median age of 52.2, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Capitan, NM?
20.2% of residents in Capitan 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 Capitan?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Capitan, NM: median home value is $128,800 (47% below national), median rent is $914/month, and median household income is $50,299. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.6x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Capitan?
The poverty rate in Capitan, NM is 11.4%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Capitan, NM?
Capitan's population is 31.1% White, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 2.5% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 1.2% of residents are foreign-born.