Santa Clara, NM
Population 1,751 · New Mexico
About Santa Clara, NM
Santa Clara is a small town located in New Mexico with a population of 1,751 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $46,094 per year, which is 39% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 52.5 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 Santa Clara features a median home value of $120,900, which is 51% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Santa Clara one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $710, 39% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 836 total housing units, 70% are owner-occupied (447 units) and 30% are renter-occupied (189 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Santa Clara shows an unemployment rate of 7.3%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 30.0%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Santa Clara have an average one-way commute time of 12.5 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
16.2% of Santa Clara 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 67.8% White, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 2.1% Black or African American, and 5.3% Asian residents, with 4.1% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Santa Clara, NM
Compared to national averages, Santa Clara has a median household income of $46,094 (39% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $120,900, which is 51% below the national median. Monthly rent at $710 is 39% below the US average of $1,163. Within New Mexico, Santa Clara's income is 32% below the state average of $67,435, and home values are 48% below the state median of $233,762.
Why Live in Santa Clara, NM?
Santa Clara offers affordable housing with a median home value of $120,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $710/month, and short commute times averaging just 12.5 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($46,094) that falls below the national average. However, Santa Clara’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Santa Clara has a population of 1,751 with a median age of 52.5 years. Compare Santa Clara with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New Mexico.
Similar Cities Near Santa Clara
Cities in New Mexico with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Las Maravillas | 1,776 | $61,200 | $191,300 | Compare |
| Las Campanas | 1,792 | $196,023 | $1,502,700 | Compare |
| Thoreau | 1,795 | $43,953 | $52,900 | Compare |
| La Luz | 1,683 | $35,324 | $60,800 | Compare |
| La Huerta | 1,673 | $83,672 | $421,600 | Compare |
| Hatch | 1,663 | $40,625 | $110,700 | Compare |
| Radium Springs | 1,661 | $50,000 | $132,100 | Compare |
| Mesilla | 1,850 | $73,681 | $296,200 | 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 Santa Clara With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Santa Clara
What is the population of Santa Clara, NM?
The population of Santa Clara, NM is 1,751 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 Santa Clara?
The median household income in Santa Clara, NM is $46,094 per year, which is 39% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Santa Clara?
The median home value in Santa Clara, NM is $120,900, which is 51% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Santa Clara?
The median monthly rent in Santa Clara, NM is $710, which is 39% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Santa Clara?
The unemployment rate in Santa Clara, NM is 7.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Santa Clara, NM a good place to live?
Santa Clara offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,751 and a median age of 52.5, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Santa Clara, NM?
16.2% of residents in Santa Clara 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 Santa Clara?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Santa Clara, NM: median home value is $120,900 (51% below national), median rent is $710/month, and median household income is $46,094. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.6x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Santa Clara?
The poverty rate in Santa Clara, NM is 30.0%, 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 Santa Clara, NM?
Santa Clara's population is 67.8% White, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 2.1% Black or African American, 5.3% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 4.1% of residents are foreign-born.