Chaparral, NM
Population 16,642 · New Mexico
About Chaparral, NM
Chaparral is a mid-sized city located in New Mexico with a population of 16,642 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $46,102 per year, which is 39% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 31.2 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 Chaparral features a median home value of $101,900, which is 58% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Chaparral one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $874, 25% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 5,914 total housing units, 66% are owner-occupied (3,157 units) and 34% are renter-occupied (1,601 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Chaparral shows an unemployment rate of 8.0%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 28.8%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Chaparral have an average one-way commute time of 32.8 minutes.
Education & Demographics
10.0% of Chaparral 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 83.3% White, 2.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 6.9% Asian residents, with 32.7% of the population being foreign-born.
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.
Compare Chaparral With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Chaparral
What is the population of Chaparral, NM?
The population of Chaparral, NM is 16,642 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 Chaparral?
The median household income in Chaparral, NM is $46,102 per year, which is 39% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Chaparral?
The median home value in Chaparral, NM is $101,900, which is 58% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Chaparral?
The median monthly rent in Chaparral, NM is $874, which is 25% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Chaparral?
The unemployment rate in Chaparral, NM is 8.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Chaparral, NM a good place to live?
Chaparral offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 16,642 and a median age of 31.2, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Chaparral, NM?
10.0% of residents in Chaparral 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 Chaparral?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Chaparral, NM: median home value is $101,900 (58% below national), median rent is $874/month, and median household income is $46,102. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Chaparral?
The poverty rate in Chaparral, NM is 28.8%, 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 Chaparral, NM?
Chaparral's population is 83.3% White, 2.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 6.9% Asian, and 0.9% two or more races. 32.7% of residents are foreign-born.