Shiprock, NM
Population 8,339 · New Mexico
About Shiprock, NM
Shiprock is a small town located in New Mexico with a population of 8,339 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $41,563 per year, which is 45% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 33.8 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 Shiprock features a median home value of $101,500, which is 59% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Shiprock one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $693, 40% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,773 total housing units, 45% are owner-occupied (1,041 units) and 55% are renter-occupied (1,268 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Shiprock shows an unemployment rate of 13.5%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 29.0%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Shiprock have an average one-way commute time of 28.7 minutes.
Education & Demographics
12.0% of Shiprock 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 3.3% White, 96.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 1.2% of the population being foreign-born.
How Shiprock Ranks in New Mexico
Cost of Living in Shiprock, NM
Compared to national averages, Shiprock has a median household income of $41,563 (45% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $101,500, which is 59% below the national median. Monthly rent at $693 is 40% below the US average of $1,163. Within New Mexico, Shiprock's income is 38% below the state average of $67,435, and home values are 57% below the state median of $233,762.
Why Live in Shiprock, NM?
Shiprock offers affordable housing with a median home value of $101,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $693/month.
Potential considerations include median household income ($41,563) that falls below the national average. However, Shiprock’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Shiprock has a population of 8,339 with a median age of 33.8 years. Compare Shiprock with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New Mexico.
Similar Cities Near Shiprock
Cities in New Mexico with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Socorro | 8,540 | $51,343 | $162,400 | Compare |
| Corrales | 8,557 | $114,207 | $549,700 | Compare |
| Anthony | 8,701 | $33,141 | $110,800 | Compare |
| Ruidoso | 7,701 | $50,259 | $229,100 | Compare |
| Bernalillo | 9,068 | $61,624 | $237,100 | Compare |
| Grants | 9,106 | $49,286 | $123,600 | Compare |
| Belen | 7,427 | $40,354 | $154,600 | Compare |
| Bloomfield | 7,391 | $51,212 | $167,800 | 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 Shiprock With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Shiprock
What is the population of Shiprock, NM?
The population of Shiprock, NM is 8,339 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 Shiprock?
The median household income in Shiprock, NM is $41,563 per year, which is 45% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Shiprock?
The median home value in Shiprock, NM is $101,500, which is 59% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Shiprock?
The median monthly rent in Shiprock, NM is $693, which is 40% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Shiprock?
The unemployment rate in Shiprock, NM is 13.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Shiprock, NM a good place to live?
Shiprock offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 8,339 and a median age of 33.8, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Shiprock, NM?
12.0% of residents in Shiprock 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 Shiprock?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Shiprock, NM: median home value is $101,500 (59% below national), median rent is $693/month, and median household income is $41,563. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Shiprock?
The poverty rate in Shiprock, NM is 29.0%, 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 Shiprock, NM?
Shiprock's population is 3.3% White, 96.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 1.2% of residents are foreign-born.