Rio Rancho, NM
Population 106,533 · New Mexico
About Rio Rancho, NM
Rio Rancho is a major city located in New Mexico with a population of 106,533 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $85,755 per year, which is 14% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Rio Rancho features a median home value of $273,300, which is 12% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Rio Rancho in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,481, 27% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 40,640 total housing units, 82% are owner-occupied (32,232 units) and 18% are renter-occupied (6,960 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Rio Rancho shows an unemployment rate of 4.8%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 7.8%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Rio Rancho have an average one-way commute time of 29.9 minutes.
Education & Demographics
33.6% of Rio Rancho 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 22.8% White, 7.3% Hispanic or Latino, 1.6% Black or African American, and 17.2% Asian residents, with 5.8% of the population being foreign-born.
How Rio Rancho Ranks in New Mexico
Cost of Living in Rio Rancho, NM
Compared to national averages, Rio Rancho has a median household income of $85,755 (14% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $273,300, which is 12% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,481 is 27% above the US average of $1,163. Within New Mexico, Rio Rancho's income is 27% above the state average of $67,435, and home values are 17% above the state median of $233,762.
Why Live in Rio Rancho, NM?
Rio Rancho offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $85,755, well above the national average, and a low poverty rate of 7.8%, better than the national average.
Rio Rancho has a population of 106,533 with a median age of 39 years. Compare Rio Rancho with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New Mexico.
Similar Cities Near Rio Rancho
Cities in New Mexico with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Las Cruces | 112,612 | $55,176 | $217,400 | Compare |
| Santa Fe | 88,224 | $70,110 | $411,500 | Compare |
| Roswell | 47,823 | $50,294 | $139,200 | Compare |
| Farmington | 46,339 | $63,745 | $225,400 | Compare |
| Hobbs | 39,887 | $65,691 | $180,700 | Compare |
| Clovis | 38,153 | $54,029 | $160,000 | Compare |
| South Valley | 36,605 | $51,062 | $205,200 | Compare |
| Carlsbad | 31,813 | $78,277 | $187,900 | 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 Rio Rancho With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Rio Rancho
What is the population of Rio Rancho, NM?
The population of Rio Rancho, NM is 106,533 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a major city in New Mexico.
What is the median household income in Rio Rancho?
The median household income in Rio Rancho, NM is $85,755 per year, which is 14% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Rio Rancho?
The median home value in Rio Rancho, NM is $273,300, which is 12% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Rio Rancho?
The median monthly rent in Rio Rancho, NM is $1,481, which is 27% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Rio Rancho?
The unemployment rate in Rio Rancho, NM is 4.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Rio Rancho, NM a good place to live?
Rio Rancho offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 106,533 and a median age of 39, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Rio Rancho, NM?
33.6% of residents in Rio Rancho 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 Rio Rancho?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Rio Rancho, NM: median home value is $273,300 (12% above national), median rent is $1,481/month, and median household income is $85,755. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.2x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Rio Rancho?
The poverty rate in Rio Rancho, NM is 7.8%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Rio Rancho, NM?
Rio Rancho's population is 22.8% White, 7.3% Hispanic or Latino, 1.6% Black or African American, 17.2% Asian, and 2.7% two or more races. 5.8% of residents are foreign-born.