Roswell, NM
Population 47,823 · New Mexico
About Roswell, NM
Roswell is a mid-sized city located in New Mexico with a population of 47,823 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $50,294 per year, which is 33% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36.8 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Roswell features a median home value of $139,200, which is 43% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Roswell one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $840, 28% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 20,089 total housing units, 66% are owner-occupied (11,879 units) and 34% are renter-occupied (6,007 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Roswell shows an unemployment rate of 5.9%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 24.2%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Roswell have an average one-way commute time of 17.5 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
19.6% of Roswell 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 50.3% White, 2.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, and 10.3% Asian residents, with 11.6% of the population being foreign-born.
How Roswell Ranks in New Mexico
Cost of Living in Roswell, NM
Compared to national averages, Roswell has a median household income of $50,294 (33% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $139,200, which is 43% below the national median. Monthly rent at $840 is 28% below the US average of $1,163. Within New Mexico, Roswell's income is 25% below the state average of $67,435, and home values are 40% below the state median of $233,762.
Why Live in Roswell, NM?
Roswell offers affordable housing with a median home value of $139,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $840/month, and short commute times averaging just 17.5 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($50,294) that falls below the national average. However, Roswell’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Roswell has a population of 47,823 with a median age of 36.8 years. Compare Roswell with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New Mexico.
Similar Cities Near Roswell
Cities in New Mexico with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Alamogordo | 31,063 | $52,515 | $163,600 | Compare |
| Gallup | 21,333 | $57,466 | $134,600 | Compare |
| Los Lunas | 17,932 | $63,696 | $232,700 | 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 Roswell With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Roswell
What is the population of Roswell, NM?
The population of Roswell, NM is 47,823 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 Roswell?
The median household income in Roswell, NM is $50,294 per year, which is 33% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Roswell?
The median home value in Roswell, NM is $139,200, which is 43% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Roswell?
The median monthly rent in Roswell, NM is $840, which is 28% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Roswell?
The unemployment rate in Roswell, NM is 5.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Roswell, NM a good place to live?
Roswell offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 47,823 and a median age of 36.8, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Roswell, NM?
19.6% of residents in Roswell 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 Roswell?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Roswell, NM: median home value is $139,200 (43% below national), median rent is $840/month, and median household income is $50,294. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.8x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Roswell?
The poverty rate in Roswell, NM is 24.2%, 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 Roswell, NM?
Roswell's population is 50.3% White, 2.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, 10.3% Asian, and 1.7% two or more races. 11.6% of residents are foreign-born.