Española, NM
Population 10,472 · New Mexico
About Española, NM
Española is a mid-sized city located in New Mexico with a population of 10,472 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $47,664 per year, which is 37% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 37.5 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Española features a median home value of $205,100, which is 16% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Española in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $832, 28% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 4,881 total housing units, 66% are owner-occupied (2,686 units) and 34% are renter-occupied (1,409 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Española shows an unemployment rate of 4.4%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 18.6%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Española have an average one-way commute time of 30.1 minutes.
Education & Demographics
18.4% of Española 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 39.5% White, 5.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, and 42.1% Asian residents, with 13.8% of the population being foreign-born.
How Española Ranks in New Mexico
Cost of Living in Española, NM
Compared to national averages, Española has a median household income of $47,664 (37% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $205,100, which is 16% below the national median. Monthly rent at $832 is 28% below the US average of $1,163. Within New Mexico, Española's income is 29% below the state average of $67,435, and home values are 12% below the state median of $233,762.
Why Live in Española, NM?
Española offers affordable housing with a median home value of $205,100, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $832/month.
Potential considerations include median household income ($47,664) that falls below the national average. However, Española’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Española has a population of 10,472 with a median age of 37.5 years. Compare Española with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New Mexico.
Similar Cities Near Española
Cities in New Mexico with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Silver City | 9,574 | $39,025 | $160,900 | Compare |
| Lovington | 11,444 | $67,284 | $162,900 | Compare |
| North Valley | 11,474 | $67,115 | $290,500 | Compare |
| Grants | 9,106 | $49,286 | $123,600 | Compare |
| Bernalillo | 9,068 | $61,624 | $237,100 | Compare |
| Portales | 12,023 | $51,290 | $132,900 | Compare |
| Anthony | 8,701 | $33,141 | $110,800 | Compare |
| Corrales | 8,557 | $114,207 | $549,700 | 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 Española With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Española
What is the population of Española, NM?
The population of Española, NM is 10,472 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 Española?
The median household income in Española, NM is $47,664 per year, which is 37% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Española?
The median home value in Española, NM is $205,100, which is 16% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Española?
The median monthly rent in Española, NM is $832, which is 28% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Española?
The unemployment rate in Española, NM is 4.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Española, NM a good place to live?
Española offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 10,472 and a median age of 37.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Española, NM?
18.4% of residents in Española 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 Española?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Española, NM: median home value is $205,100 (16% below national), median rent is $832/month, and median household income is $47,664. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.3x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Española?
The poverty rate in Española, NM is 18.6%, 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 Española, NM?
Española's population is 39.5% White, 5.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, 42.1% Asian, and 1.5% two or more races. 13.8% of residents are foreign-born.