Portales, NM
Population 12,023 · New Mexico
About Portales, NM
Portales is a mid-sized city in New Mexico with a population of 12,023 residents. The median household income is $51,290 per year, which is near the national average. The median age in Portales is 27.7 years.
Housing in Portales has a median home value of $132,900 and median monthly rent of $870. Of the 5,283 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 2,380 owner-occupied and 2,113 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Portales is 7.8% and the poverty rate is 21.5%. 26.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 14.9 minutes.
How Portales Ranks in New Mexico
Cost of Living in Portales, NM
Compared to national averages, Portales has a median household income of $51,290 (32% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $132,900, which is 46% below the national median. Monthly rent at $870 is 25% below the US average of $1,163. Within New Mexico, Portales's income is 24% below the state average of $67,435, and home values are 43% below the state median of $233,762.
Why Live in Portales, NM?
Portales offers affordable housing with a median home value of $132,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $870/month, and short commute times averaging just 14.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($51,290) that falls below the national average. However, Portales’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Portales has a population of 12,023 with a median age of 27.7 years. Compare Portales with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New Mexico.
Similar Cities Near Portales
Cities in New Mexico with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Artesia | 12,555 | $77,647 | $213,800 | Compare |
| North Valley | 11,474 | $67,115 | $290,500 | Compare |
| Lovington | 11,444 | $67,284 | $162,900 | Compare |
| Las Vegas | 13,120 | $42,732 | $143,900 | Compare |
| Los Alamos | 13,471 | $136,502 | $458,200 | Compare |
| Española | 10,472 | $47,664 | $205,100 | Compare |
| Silver City | 9,574 | $39,025 | $160,900 | Compare |
| Deming | 14,735 | $35,920 | $112,800 | 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Portales
What is the population of Portales, NM?
The population of Portales, NM is 12,023 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Portales?
The median household income in Portales, NM is $51,290 per year.
What is the median home value in Portales?
The median home value in Portales, NM is $132,900.
What is the average rent in Portales?
The median monthly rent in Portales, NM is $870.
What is the unemployment rate in Portales?
The unemployment rate in Portales, NM is 7.8%.