Rio Rancho Estates, NM
Population 1,626 · New Mexico
About Rio Rancho Estates, NM
Rio Rancho Estates is a small town located in New Mexico with a population of 1,626 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $90,172 per year, which is 20% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 44.6 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Rio Rancho Estates features a median home value of $156,900, which is 36% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Rio Rancho Estates in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $0, 100% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 585 total housing units, 88% are owner-occupied (474 units) and 12% are renter-occupied (66 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Rio Rancho Estates shows an unemployment rate of 4.0%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 20.4%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Rio Rancho Estates have an average one-way commute time of 42.6 minutes, suggesting many residents commute to jobs in a nearby metro area.
Education & Demographics
22.5% of Rio Rancho Estates 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 52.6% White, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 15.3% Asian residents, with 9.2% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Rio Rancho Estates, NM
Compared to national averages, Rio Rancho Estates has a median household income of $90,172 (20% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $156,900, which is 36% below the national median. Monthly rent at $0 is 100% below the US average of $1,163. Within New Mexico, Rio Rancho Estates's income is 34% above the state average of $67,435, and home values are 33% below the state median of $233,762.
Why Live in Rio Rancho Estates, NM?
Rio Rancho Estates offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $90,172, well above the national average, and affordable housing with a median home value of $156,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $0/month.
Rio Rancho Estates has a population of 1,626 with a median age of 44.6 years. Compare Rio Rancho Estates with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New Mexico.
Similar Cities Near Rio Rancho Estates
Cities in New Mexico with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| El Valle de Arroyo Seco | 1,602 | $69,556 | $214,400 | Compare |
| Barton | 1,601 | $83,849 | $336,300 | Compare |
| South River | 1,594 | $56,307 | $215,000 | Compare |
| Radium Springs | 1,661 | $50,000 | $132,100 | Compare |
| Hatch | 1,663 | $40,625 | $110,700 | Compare |
| Elephant Butte | 1,586 | $45,179 | $166,800 | Compare |
| Gamerco | 1,583 | $40,938 | $0 | Compare |
| Tano Road | 1,581 | $166,649 | $1,019,600 | 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 Estates With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Rio Rancho Estates
What is the population of Rio Rancho Estates, NM?
The population of Rio Rancho Estates, NM is 1,626 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 Rio Rancho Estates?
The median household income in Rio Rancho Estates, NM is $90,172 per year, which is 20% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Rio Rancho Estates?
The median home value in Rio Rancho Estates, NM is $156,900, which is 36% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Rio Rancho Estates?
The median monthly rent in Rio Rancho Estates, NM is $0, which is 100% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Rio Rancho Estates?
The unemployment rate in Rio Rancho Estates, NM is 4.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Rio Rancho Estates, NM a good place to live?
Rio Rancho Estates offers above-average incomes, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,626 and a median age of 44.6, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Rio Rancho Estates, NM?
22.5% of residents in Rio Rancho Estates 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 Estates?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Rio Rancho Estates, NM: median home value is $156,900 (36% below national), median rent is $0/month, and median household income is $90,172. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.7x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Rio Rancho Estates?
The poverty rate in Rio Rancho Estates, NM is 20.4%, 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 Rio Rancho Estates, NM?
Rio Rancho Estates's population is 52.6% White, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 15.3% Asian, and 1.7% two or more races. 9.2% of residents are foreign-born.