Gallup, NM
Population 21,333 · New Mexico
About Gallup, NM
Gallup is a mid-sized city located in New Mexico with a population of 21,333 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $57,466 per year, which is 24% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 34 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 Gallup features a median home value of $134,600, which is 45% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Gallup one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $858, 26% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 7,596 total housing units, 49% are owner-occupied (3,485 units) and 51% are renter-occupied (3,565 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Gallup shows an unemployment rate of 6.0%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 28.1%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Gallup have an average one-way commute time of 18.3 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
22.6% of Gallup 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 19.7% White, 56.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, and 4.8% Asian residents, with 5.7% of the population being foreign-born.
How Gallup Ranks in New Mexico
Cost of Living in Gallup, NM
Compared to national averages, Gallup has a median household income of $57,466 (24% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $134,600, which is 45% below the national median. Monthly rent at $858 is 26% below the US average of $1,163. Within New Mexico, Gallup's income is 15% below the state average of $67,435, and home values are 42% below the state median of $233,762.
Why Live in Gallup, NM?
Gallup offers affordable housing with a median home value of $134,600, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $858/month, and short commute times averaging just 18.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($57,466) that falls below the national average. However, Gallup’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Gallup has a population of 21,333 with a median age of 34 years. Compare Gallup with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New Mexico.
Similar Cities Near Gallup
Cities in New Mexico with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Lunas | 17,932 | $63,696 | $232,700 | Compare |
| Sunland Park | 17,085 | $52,147 | $194,900 | Compare |
| Chaparral | 16,642 | $46,102 | $101,900 | Compare |
| Deming | 14,735 | $35,920 | $112,800 | Compare |
| Los Alamos | 13,471 | $136,502 | $458,200 | Compare |
| Las Vegas | 13,120 | $42,732 | $143,900 | Compare |
| Artesia | 12,555 | $77,647 | $213,800 | Compare |
| Portales | 12,023 | $51,290 | $132,900 | 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 Gallup With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Gallup
What is the population of Gallup, NM?
The population of Gallup, NM is 21,333 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 Gallup?
The median household income in Gallup, NM is $57,466 per year, which is 24% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Gallup?
The median home value in Gallup, NM is $134,600, which is 45% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Gallup?
The median monthly rent in Gallup, NM is $858, which is 26% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Gallup?
The unemployment rate in Gallup, NM is 6.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Gallup, NM a good place to live?
Gallup offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 21,333 and a median age of 34, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Gallup, NM?
22.6% of residents in Gallup 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 Gallup?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Gallup, NM: median home value is $134,600 (45% below national), median rent is $858/month, and median household income is $57,466. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Gallup?
The poverty rate in Gallup, NM is 28.1%, 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 Gallup, NM?
Gallup's population is 19.7% White, 56.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, 4.8% Asian, and 1.3% two or more races. 5.7% of residents are foreign-born.