Carlsbad, NM
Population 31,813 · New Mexico
About Carlsbad, NM
Carlsbad is a mid-sized city located in New Mexico with a population of 31,813 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $78,277 per year, which is 4% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 37.4 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Carlsbad features a median home value of $187,900, which is 23% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Carlsbad in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,206, 4% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 14,336 total housing units, 72% are owner-occupied (8,948 units) and 28% are renter-occupied (3,504 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Carlsbad shows an unemployment rate of 4.4%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 13.0%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Carlsbad have an average one-way commute time of 20.1 minutes.
Education & Demographics
20.3% of Carlsbad 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 45.1% White, 2.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, and 7.7% Asian residents, with 6.7% of the population being foreign-born.
How Carlsbad Ranks in New Mexico
Cost of Living in Carlsbad, NM
Compared to national averages, Carlsbad has a median household income of $78,277 (4% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $187,900, which is 23% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,206 is 4% above the US average of $1,163. Within New Mexico, Carlsbad's income is 16% above the state average of $67,435, and home values are 20% below the state median of $233,762.
Why Live in Carlsbad, NM?
Carlsbad offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $78,277, well above the national average, and affordable housing with a median home value of $187,900, below the US average of $244,900, and short commute times averaging just 20.1 minutes.
Carlsbad has a population of 31,813 with a median age of 37.4 years. Compare Carlsbad with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New Mexico.
Similar Cities Near Carlsbad
Cities in New Mexico with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alamogordo | 31,063 | $52,515 | $163,600 | Compare |
| South Valley | 36,605 | $51,062 | $205,200 | Compare |
| Clovis | 38,153 | $54,029 | $160,000 | Compare |
| Hobbs | 39,887 | $65,691 | $180,700 | Compare |
| Gallup | 21,333 | $57,466 | $134,600 | Compare |
| Los Lunas | 17,932 | $63,696 | $232,700 | Compare |
| Farmington | 46,339 | $63,745 | $225,400 | Compare |
| Sunland Park | 17,085 | $52,147 | $194,900 | 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 Carlsbad With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Carlsbad
What is the population of Carlsbad, NM?
The population of Carlsbad, NM is 31,813 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in New Mexico.
What is the median household income in Carlsbad?
The median household income in Carlsbad, NM is $78,277 per year, which is 4% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Carlsbad?
The median home value in Carlsbad, NM is $187,900, which is 23% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Carlsbad?
The median monthly rent in Carlsbad, NM is $1,206, which is 4% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Carlsbad?
The unemployment rate in Carlsbad, NM is 4.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Carlsbad, NM a good place to live?
Carlsbad offers above-average incomes, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 31,813 and a median age of 37.4, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Carlsbad, NM?
20.3% of residents in Carlsbad 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 Carlsbad?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Carlsbad, NM: median home value is $187,900 (23% below national), median rent is $1,206/month, and median household income is $78,277. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Carlsbad?
The poverty rate in Carlsbad, NM is 13.0%, 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 Carlsbad, NM?
Carlsbad's population is 45.1% White, 2.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, 7.7% Asian, and 2.2% two or more races. 6.7% of residents are foreign-born.