El Rito, NM
Population 961 · New Mexico
About El Rito, NM
El Rito is a small community located in New Mexico with a population of 961 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $24,611 per year, which is 67% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39.9 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in El Rito features a median home value of $273,700, which is 12% above the national median of $244,900. This positions El Rito in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $0, 100% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 521 total housing units, 100% are owner-occupied (469 units) and 0% are renter-occupied (0 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in El Rito shows an unemployment rate of 0.0%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 58.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in El Rito have an average one-way commute time of 0 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
5.4% of El Rito 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 43.5% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 56.3% Asian residents, with 21.4% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in El Rito, NM
Compared to national averages, El Rito has a median household income of $24,611 (67% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $273,700, which is 12% above the national median. Monthly rent at $0 is 100% below the US average of $1,163. Within New Mexico, El Rito's income is 64% below the state average of $67,435, and home values are 17% above the state median of $233,762.
Why Live in El Rito, NM?
El Rito offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $0/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.0%, and short commute times averaging just 0 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($24,611) that falls below the national average. However, El Rito’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
El Rito has a population of 961 with a median age of 39.9 years. Compare El Rito with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New Mexico.
Similar Cities Near El Rito
Cities in New Mexico with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Twin Lakes | 961 | $22,917 | $56,000 | Compare |
| Carrizozo | 959 | $26,121 | $80,200 | Compare |
| Fort Sumner | 958 | $0 | $154,000 | Compare |
| Cañoncito | 946 | $72,072 | $402,400 | Compare |
| Skyline-Ganipa | 937 | $66,071 | $57,200 | Compare |
| Santa Clara Pueblo | 1,002 | $42,083 | $205,700 | Compare |
| La Union | 917 | $0 | $156,300 | Compare |
| Arenas Valley | 915 | $74,107 | $166,100 | 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 Rito With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about El Rito
What is the population of El Rito, NM?
The population of El Rito, NM is 961 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in New Mexico.
What is the median household income in El Rito?
The median household income in El Rito, NM is $24,611 per year, which is 67% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in El Rito?
The median home value in El Rito, NM is $273,700, which is 12% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in El Rito?
The median monthly rent in El Rito, NM is $0, which is 100% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in El Rito?
The unemployment rate in El Rito, NM is 0.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is El Rito, NM a good place to live?
El Rito offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 961 and a median age of 39.9, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is El Rito, NM?
5.4% of residents in El Rito 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 Rito?
Key cost-of-living indicators for El Rito, NM: median home value is $273,700 (12% above national), median rent is $0/month, and median household income is $24,611. The home-value-to-income ratio is 11.1x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in El Rito?
The poverty rate in El Rito, NM is 58.5%, 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 Rito, NM?
El Rito's population is 43.5% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 56.3% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 21.4% of residents are foreign-born.