South Valley, NM
Population 36,605 · New Mexico
About South Valley, NM
South Valley is a mid-sized city located in New Mexico with a population of 36,605 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $51,062 per year, which is 32% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 40.5 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in South Valley features a median home value of $205,200, which is 16% below the national median of $244,900. This positions South Valley in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $942, 19% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 14,114 total housing units, 76% are owner-occupied (9,929 units) and 24% are renter-occupied (3,164 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in South Valley shows an unemployment rate of 5.5%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 19.2%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in South Valley have an average one-way commute time of 26.1 minutes.
Education & Demographics
14.7% of South Valley 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 56.1% White, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, and 23.7% Asian residents, with 14.3% of the population being foreign-born.
How South Valley Ranks in New Mexico
Cost of Living in South Valley, NM
Compared to national averages, South Valley has a median household income of $51,062 (32% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $205,200, which is 16% below the national median. Monthly rent at $942 is 19% below the US average of $1,163. Within New Mexico, South Valley's income is 24% below the state average of $67,435, and home values are 12% below the state median of $233,762.
Why Live in South Valley, NM?
South Valley offers affordable housing with a median home value of $205,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $942/month.
Potential considerations include median household income ($51,062) that falls below the national average. However, South Valley’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
South Valley has a population of 36,605 with a median age of 40.5 years. Compare South Valley with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New Mexico.
Similar Cities Near South Valley
Cities in New Mexico with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clovis | 38,153 | $54,029 | $160,000 | Compare |
| Hobbs | 39,887 | $65,691 | $180,700 | Compare |
| Carlsbad | 31,813 | $78,277 | $187,900 | Compare |
| Alamogordo | 31,063 | $52,515 | $163,600 | Compare |
| Farmington | 46,339 | $63,745 | $225,400 | Compare |
| Roswell | 47,823 | $50,294 | $139,200 | 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 South Valley With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about South Valley
What is the population of South Valley, NM?
The population of South Valley, NM is 36,605 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 South Valley?
The median household income in South Valley, NM is $51,062 per year, which is 32% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in South Valley?
The median home value in South Valley, NM is $205,200, which is 16% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in South Valley?
The median monthly rent in South Valley, NM is $942, which is 19% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in South Valley?
The unemployment rate in South Valley, NM is 5.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is South Valley, NM a good place to live?
South Valley offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 36,605 and a median age of 40.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is South Valley, NM?
14.7% of residents in South Valley 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 South Valley?
Key cost-of-living indicators for South Valley, NM: median home value is $205,200 (16% below national), median rent is $942/month, and median household income is $51,062. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.0x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in South Valley?
The poverty rate in South Valley, NM is 19.2%, 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 South Valley, NM?
South Valley's population is 56.1% White, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, 23.7% Asian, and 1.0% two or more races. 14.3% of residents are foreign-born.