El Cerro, NM
Population 3,093 · New Mexico
About El Cerro, NM
El Cerro is a small town located in New Mexico with a population of 3,093 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $112,174 per year, which is 49% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 48.1 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 El Cerro features a median home value of $291,800, which is 19% above the national median of $244,900. This positions El Cerro in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,045, 10% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,021 total housing units, 87% are owner-occupied (786 units) and 13% are renter-occupied (122 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in El Cerro 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 3.2%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in El Cerro have an average one-way commute time of 26.5 minutes.
Education & Demographics
15.9% of El Cerro 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 30.6% White, 5.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 42.4% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How El Cerro Ranks in New Mexico
Cost of Living in El Cerro, NM
Compared to national averages, El Cerro has a median household income of $112,174 (49% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $291,800, which is 19% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,045 is 10% below the US average of $1,163. Within New Mexico, El Cerro's income is 66% above the state average of $67,435, and home values are 25% above the state median of $233,762.
Why Live in El Cerro, NM?
El Cerro offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $112,174, well above the national average, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,045/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.3%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 3.2%, better than the national average.
El Cerro has a population of 3,093 with a median age of 48.1 years. Compare El Cerro with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New Mexico.
Similar Cities Near El Cerro
Cities in New Mexico with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sandia Heights | 3,083 | $151,538 | $623,500 | Compare |
| Vado | 3,185 | $29,844 | $108,300 | Compare |
| Eunice | 2,989 | $49,795 | $164,900 | Compare |
| Crownpoint | 2,924 | $35,926 | $49,900 | Compare |
| Cannon AFB | 2,876 | $67,132 | $0 | Compare |
| Agua Fria | 2,842 | $47,438 | $264,900 | Compare |
| Peralta | 3,385 | $67,703 | $275,000 | Compare |
| Dulce | 2,782 | $41,886 | $58,100 | 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 El Cerro With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about El Cerro
What is the population of El Cerro, NM?
The population of El Cerro, NM is 3,093 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 El Cerro?
The median household income in El Cerro, NM is $112,174 per year, which is 49% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in El Cerro?
The median home value in El Cerro, NM is $291,800, which is 19% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in El Cerro?
The median monthly rent in El Cerro, NM is $1,045, which is 10% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in El Cerro?
The unemployment rate in El Cerro, 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 El Cerro, NM a good place to live?
El Cerro offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 3,093 and a median age of 48.1, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is El Cerro, NM?
15.9% of residents in El Cerro 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 El Cerro?
Key cost-of-living indicators for El Cerro, NM: median home value is $291,800 (19% above national), median rent is $1,045/month, and median household income is $112,174. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.6x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in El Cerro?
The poverty rate in El Cerro, NM is 3.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is El Cerro, NM?
El Cerro's population is 30.6% White, 5.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 42.4% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.