Sheep Springs, NM
Population 369 · New Mexico
About Sheep Springs, NM
Sheep Springs is a small community located in New Mexico with a population of 369 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $28,750 per year, which is 62% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 28.6 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Sheep Springs features a median home value of $97,500, which is 60% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Sheep Springs one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $825, 29% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 99 total housing units, 72% are owner-occupied (58 units) and 28% are renter-occupied (23 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Sheep Springs shows an unemployment rate of 17.6%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 35.0%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Sheep Springs have an average one-way commute time of 43.4 minutes, suggesting many residents commute to jobs in a nearby metro area.
Education & Demographics
6.2% of Sheep Springs 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 2.2% White, 100.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Sheep Springs, NM
Compared to national averages, Sheep Springs has a median household income of $28,750 (62% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $97,500, which is 60% below the national median. Monthly rent at $825 is 29% below the US average of $1,163. Within New Mexico, Sheep Springs's income is 57% below the state average of $67,435, and home values are 58% below the state median of $233,762.
Why Live in Sheep Springs, NM?
Sheep Springs offers affordable housing with a median home value of $97,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $825/month.
Potential considerations include median household income ($28,750) that falls below the national average. However, Sheep Springs’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Sheep Springs has a population of 369 with a median age of 28.6 years. Compare Sheep Springs with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New Mexico.
Similar Cities Near Sheep Springs
Cities in New Mexico with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Newcomb | 369 | $28,333 | $18,400 | Compare |
| Maxwell | 370 | $36,691 | $77,900 | Compare |
| Chamisal | 367 | $40,833 | $198,800 | Compare |
| Pleasanton | 363 | $58,967 | $263,600 | Compare |
| Ojo Amarillo | 380 | $21,488 | $0 | Compare |
| Sandia Park | 383 | $134,118 | $390,000 | Compare |
| Broadview | 386 | $0 | $0 | Compare |
| Morningside | 352 | $0 | $0 | 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 Sheep Springs With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Sheep Springs
What is the population of Sheep Springs, NM?
The population of Sheep Springs, NM is 369 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in New Mexico.
What is the median household income in Sheep Springs?
The median household income in Sheep Springs, NM is $28,750 per year, which is 62% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Sheep Springs?
The median home value in Sheep Springs, NM is $97,500, which is 60% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Sheep Springs?
The median monthly rent in Sheep Springs, NM is $825, which is 29% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Sheep Springs?
The unemployment rate in Sheep Springs, NM is 17.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Sheep Springs, NM a good place to live?
Sheep Springs offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 369 and a median age of 28.6, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Sheep Springs, NM?
6.2% of residents in Sheep Springs 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 Sheep Springs?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Sheep Springs, NM: median home value is $97,500 (60% below national), median rent is $825/month, and median household income is $28,750. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Sheep Springs?
The poverty rate in Sheep Springs, NM is 35.0%, 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 Sheep Springs, NM?
Sheep Springs's population is 2.2% White, 100.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.