El Cerro Mission, NM
Population 5,101 · New Mexico
About El Cerro Mission, NM
El Cerro Mission is a small town located in New Mexico with a population of 5,101 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $49,719 per year, which is 34% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 34.2 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 El Cerro Mission features a median home value of $101,000, which is 59% below the national median of $244,900. This makes El Cerro Mission one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $1,289, 11% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,568 total housing units, 82% are owner-occupied (1,160 units) and 18% are renter-occupied (263 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in El Cerro Mission shows an unemployment rate of 18.0%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 26.2%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in El Cerro Mission have an average one-way commute time of 38.7 minutes, suggesting many residents commute to jobs in a nearby metro area.
Education & Demographics
7.5% of El Cerro Mission 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 64.4% White, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, and 14.8% Asian residents, with 20.8% of the population being foreign-born.
How El Cerro Mission Ranks in New Mexico
Cost of Living in El Cerro Mission, NM
Compared to national averages, El Cerro Mission has a median household income of $49,719 (34% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $101,000, which is 59% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,289 is 11% above the US average of $1,163. Within New Mexico, El Cerro Mission's income is 26% below the state average of $67,435, and home values are 57% below the state median of $233,762.
Why Live in El Cerro Mission, NM?
El Cerro Mission offers affordable housing with a median home value of $101,000, below the US average of $244,900.
Potential considerations include median household income ($49,719) that falls below the national average. However, El Cerro Mission’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
El Cerro Mission has a population of 5,101 with a median age of 34.2 years. Compare El Cerro Mission with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New Mexico.
Similar Cities Near El Cerro Mission
Cities in New Mexico with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tucumcari | 5,197 | $39,915 | $56,400 | Compare |
| Rio Communities | 4,924 | $46,223 | $200,000 | Compare |
| Paradise Hills | 4,662 | $74,403 | $241,300 | Compare |
| Los Chaves | 4,641 | $81,320 | $240,500 | Compare |
| White Rock | 5,568 | $150,714 | $460,100 | Compare |
| Lee Acres | 4,463 | $50,846 | $182,200 | Compare |
| Eldorado at Santa Fe | 5,746 | $96,692 | $542,800 | Compare |
| Crouch Mesa | 4,419 | $56,676 | $76,800 | 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 Mission With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about El Cerro Mission
What is the population of El Cerro Mission, NM?
The population of El Cerro Mission, NM is 5,101 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 Mission?
The median household income in El Cerro Mission, NM is $49,719 per year, which is 34% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in El Cerro Mission?
The median home value in El Cerro Mission, NM is $101,000, which is 59% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in El Cerro Mission?
The median monthly rent in El Cerro Mission, NM is $1,289, which is 11% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in El Cerro Mission?
The unemployment rate in El Cerro Mission, NM is 18.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is El Cerro Mission, NM a good place to live?
El Cerro Mission offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 5,101 and a median age of 34.2, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is El Cerro Mission, NM?
7.5% of residents in El Cerro Mission 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 Mission?
Key cost-of-living indicators for El Cerro Mission, NM: median home value is $101,000 (59% below national), median rent is $1,289/month, and median household income is $49,719. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in El Cerro Mission?
The poverty rate in El Cerro Mission, NM is 26.2%, 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 El Cerro Mission, NM?
El Cerro Mission's population is 64.4% White, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, 14.8% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 20.8% of residents are foreign-born.