Portales, NM
Population 12,023 · New Mexico
About Portales, NM
Portales is a mid-sized city located in New Mexico with a population of 12,023 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $51,290 per year, which is 32% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 27.7 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 Portales features a median home value of $132,900, which is 46% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Portales one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $870, 25% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 5,283 total housing units, 53% are owner-occupied (2,380 units) and 47% are renter-occupied (2,113 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Portales shows an unemployment rate of 7.8%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 21.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Portales have an average one-way commute time of 14.9 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
26.4% of Portales residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 38.5% White, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 1.8% Black or African American, and 6.0% Asian residents, with 4.5% of the population being foreign-born.
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.
Compare Portales With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Portales
What is the population of Portales, NM?
The population of Portales, NM is 12,023 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 Portales?
The median household income in Portales, NM is $51,290 per year, which is 32% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Portales?
The median home value in Portales, NM is $132,900, which is 46% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Portales?
The median monthly rent in Portales, NM is $870, which is 25% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Portales?
The unemployment rate in Portales, NM is 7.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Portales, NM a good place to live?
Portales offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 12,023 and a median age of 27.7, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Portales, NM?
26.4% of residents in Portales 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 Portales?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Portales, NM: median home value is $132,900 (46% below national), median rent is $870/month, and median household income is $51,290. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.6x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Portales?
The poverty rate in Portales, NM is 21.5%, 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 Portales, NM?
Portales's population is 38.5% White, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 1.8% Black or African American, 6.0% Asian, and 1.4% two or more races. 4.5% of residents are foreign-born.