Meadow Lake, NM
Population 3,959 · New Mexico
About Meadow Lake, NM
Meadow Lake is a small town located in New Mexico with a population of 3,959 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $38,872 per year, which is 48% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36.9 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Meadow Lake features a median home value of $83,500, which is 66% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Meadow Lake one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $783, 33% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,610 total housing units, 79% are owner-occupied (985 units) and 21% are renter-occupied (265 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Meadow Lake shows an unemployment rate of 6.1%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 30.2%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Meadow Lake have an average one-way commute time of 39.4 minutes, suggesting many residents commute to jobs in a nearby metro area.
Education & Demographics
15.8% of Meadow Lake 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 64.7% White, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 18.8% Asian residents, with 25.9% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Meadow Lake, NM
Compared to national averages, Meadow Lake has a median household income of $38,872 (48% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $83,500, which is 66% below the national median. Monthly rent at $783 is 33% below the US average of $1,163. Within New Mexico, Meadow Lake's income is 42% below the state average of $67,435, and home values are 64% below the state median of $233,762.
Why Live in Meadow Lake, NM?
Meadow Lake offers affordable housing with a median home value of $83,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $783/month.
Potential considerations include median household income ($38,872) that falls below the national average. However, Meadow Lake’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Meadow Lake has a population of 3,959 with a median age of 36.9 years. Compare Meadow Lake with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New Mexico.
Similar Cities Near Meadow Lake
Cities in New Mexico with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bosque Farms | 4,042 | $63,889 | $261,900 | Compare |
| Holloman AFB | 4,052 | $51,205 | $0 | Compare |
| La Cienega | 3,780 | $68,676 | $417,900 | Compare |
| Placitas CDP (Sandoval County), New Mexico | 4,375 | $110,268 | $520,200 | Compare |
| Crouch Mesa | 4,419 | $56,676 | $76,800 | Compare |
| Lee Acres | 4,463 | $50,846 | $182,200 | Compare |
| Kirtland AFB | 3,421 | $79,301 | $0 | Compare |
| Peralta | 3,385 | $67,703 | $275,000 | 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 Meadow Lake With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Meadow Lake
What is the population of Meadow Lake, NM?
The population of Meadow Lake, NM is 3,959 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 Meadow Lake?
The median household income in Meadow Lake, NM is $38,872 per year, which is 48% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Meadow Lake?
The median home value in Meadow Lake, NM is $83,500, which is 66% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Meadow Lake?
The median monthly rent in Meadow Lake, NM is $783, which is 33% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Meadow Lake?
The unemployment rate in Meadow Lake, NM is 6.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Meadow Lake, NM a good place to live?
Meadow Lake offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 3,959 and a median age of 36.9, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Meadow Lake, NM?
15.8% of residents in Meadow Lake 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 Meadow Lake?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Meadow Lake, NM: median home value is $83,500 (66% below national), median rent is $783/month, and median household income is $38,872. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.1x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Meadow Lake?
The poverty rate in Meadow Lake, NM is 30.2%, 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 Meadow Lake, NM?
Meadow Lake's population is 64.7% White, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 18.8% Asian, and 0.5% two or more races. 25.9% of residents are foreign-born.