Dulce, NM
Population 2,782 · New Mexico
About Dulce, NM
Dulce is a small town located in New Mexico with a population of 2,782 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $41,886 per year, which is 44% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 43.7 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 Dulce features a median home value of $58,100, which is 76% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Dulce one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $552, 53% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,194 total housing units, 63% are owner-occupied (652 units) and 37% are renter-occupied (389 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Dulce shows an unemployment rate of 6.8%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 15.3%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Dulce have an average one-way commute time of 8.3 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
9.9% of Dulce 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 3.2% White, 90.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 6.8% Asian residents, with 1.1% of the population being foreign-born.
How Dulce Ranks in New Mexico
Cost of Living in Dulce, NM
Compared to national averages, Dulce has a median household income of $41,886 (44% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $58,100, which is 76% below the national median. Monthly rent at $552 is 53% below the US average of $1,163. Within New Mexico, Dulce's income is 38% below the state average of $67,435, and home values are 75% below the state median of $233,762.
Why Live in Dulce, NM?
Dulce offers affordable housing with a median home value of $58,100, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $552/month, and short commute times averaging just 8.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($41,886) that falls below the national average. However, Dulce’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Dulce has a population of 2,782 with a median age of 43.7 years. Compare Dulce with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New Mexico.
Similar Cities Near Dulce
Cities in New Mexico with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chimayo | 2,726 | $52,305 | $214,000 | Compare |
| Agua Fria | 2,842 | $47,438 | $264,900 | Compare |
| University Park | 2,699 | $25,433 | $0 | Compare |
| Cannon AFB | 2,876 | $67,132 | $0 | Compare |
| Clayton | 2,680 | $40,192 | $111,500 | Compare |
| Crownpoint | 2,924 | $35,926 | $49,900 | Compare |
| Ruidoso Downs | 2,629 | $31,413 | $55,400 | Compare |
| Tularosa | 2,584 | $45,147 | $117,600 | 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 Dulce With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Dulce
What is the population of Dulce, NM?
The population of Dulce, NM is 2,782 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 Dulce?
The median household income in Dulce, NM is $41,886 per year, which is 44% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Dulce?
The median home value in Dulce, NM is $58,100, which is 76% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Dulce?
The median monthly rent in Dulce, NM is $552, which is 53% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Dulce?
The unemployment rate in Dulce, NM is 6.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Dulce, NM a good place to live?
Dulce offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 2,782 and a median age of 43.7, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Dulce, NM?
9.9% of residents in Dulce 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 Dulce?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Dulce, NM: median home value is $58,100 (76% below national), median rent is $552/month, and median household income is $41,886. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Dulce?
The poverty rate in Dulce, NM is 15.3%, 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 Dulce, NM?
Dulce's population is 3.2% White, 90.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 6.8% Asian, and 0.5% two or more races. 1.1% of residents are foreign-born.