Chaparral, NM
Population 16,642 · New Mexico
About Chaparral, NM
Chaparral is a mid-sized city in New Mexico with a population of 16,642 residents. The median household income is $46,102 per year, which is below the national average. The median age in Chaparral is 31.2 years.
Housing in Chaparral has a median home value of $101,900 and median monthly rent of $874. Of the 5,914 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 3,157 owner-occupied and 1,601 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Chaparral is 8.0% and the poverty rate is 28.8%. 10.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 32.8 minutes.
How Chaparral Ranks in New Mexico
Cost of Living in Chaparral, NM
Compared to national averages, Chaparral has a median household income of $46,102 (39% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $101,900, which is 58% below the national median. Monthly rent at $874 is 25% below the US average of $1,163. Within New Mexico, Chaparral's income is 32% below the state average of $67,435, and home values are 56% below the state median of $233,762.
Why Live in Chaparral, NM?
Chaparral offers affordable housing with a median home value of $101,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $874/month.
Potential considerations include median household income ($46,102) that falls below the national average. However, Chaparral’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Chaparral has a population of 16,642 with a median age of 31.2 years. Compare Chaparral with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New Mexico.
Similar Cities Near Chaparral
Cities in New Mexico with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunland Park | 17,085 | $52,147 | $194,900 | Compare |
| Los Lunas | 17,932 | $63,696 | $232,700 | Compare |
| Deming | 14,735 | $35,920 | $112,800 | Compare |
| Los Alamos | 13,471 | $136,502 | $458,200 | Compare |
| Las Vegas | 13,120 | $42,732 | $143,900 | Compare |
| Artesia | 12,555 | $77,647 | $213,800 | Compare |
| Portales | 12,023 | $51,290 | $132,900 | Compare |
| Gallup | 21,333 | $57,466 | $134,600 | 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Chaparral
What is the population of Chaparral, NM?
The population of Chaparral, NM is 16,642 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Chaparral?
The median household income in Chaparral, NM is $46,102 per year.
What is the median home value in Chaparral?
The median home value in Chaparral, NM is $101,900.
What is the average rent in Chaparral?
The median monthly rent in Chaparral, NM is $874.
What is the unemployment rate in Chaparral?
The unemployment rate in Chaparral, NM is 8.0%.