Santa Fe, NM
Population 88,224 · New Mexico
About Santa Fe, NM
Santa Fe is a mid-sized city located in New Mexico with a population of 88,224 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $70,110 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 46.4 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 Fe features a median home value of $411,500, which is 68% above the national median of $244,900. This places Santa Fe in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,380, 19% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 45,529 total housing units, 63% are owner-occupied (25,561 units) and 37% are renter-occupied (15,140 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Santa Fe shows an unemployment rate of 5.1%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 13.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Santa Fe have an average one-way commute time of 20.2 minutes.
Education & Demographics
45.4% of Santa Fe residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 28.0% White, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, and 21.0% Asian residents, with 14.9% of the population being foreign-born.
How Santa Fe Ranks in New Mexico
Cost of Living in Santa Fe, NM
Compared to national averages, Santa Fe has a median household income of $70,110 (7% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $411,500, which is 68% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,380 is 19% above the US average of $1,163. Within New Mexico, Santa Fe's income is 4% above the state average of $67,435, and home values are 76% above the state median of $233,762.
Why Live in Santa Fe, NM?
Santa Fe offers a well-educated community where 45.4% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and short commute times averaging just 20.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($70,110) that falls below the national average, and a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $411,500. However, as a mid-sized city, Santa Fe provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Santa Fe has a population of 88,224 with a median age of 46.4 years. Compare Santa Fe with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New Mexico.
Similar Cities Near Santa Fe
Cities in New Mexico with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rio Rancho | 106,533 | $85,755 | $273,300 | Compare |
| Las Cruces | 112,612 | $55,176 | $217,400 | 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 Santa Fe With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Santa Fe
What is the population of Santa Fe, NM?
The population of Santa Fe, NM is 88,224 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 Santa Fe?
The median household income in Santa Fe, NM is $70,110 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Santa Fe?
The median home value in Santa Fe, NM is $411,500, which is 68% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Santa Fe?
The median monthly rent in Santa Fe, NM is $1,380, which is 19% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Santa Fe?
The unemployment rate in Santa Fe, NM is 5.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Santa Fe, NM a good place to live?
Santa Fe offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 88,224 and a median age of 46.4, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Santa Fe, NM?
45.4% of residents in Santa Fe aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Santa Fe?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Santa Fe, NM: median home value is $411,500 (68% above national), median rent is $1,380/month, and median household income is $70,110. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.9x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Santa Fe?
The poverty rate in Santa Fe, NM is 13.9%, 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 Fe, NM?
Santa Fe's population is 28.0% White, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, 21.0% Asian, and 1.1% two or more races. 14.9% of residents are foreign-born.