Taos, NM
Population 6,468 · New Mexico
About Taos, NM
Taos is a small town located in New Mexico with a population of 6,468 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $46,579 per year, which is 38% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 52.2 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 Taos features a median home value of $432,700, which is 77% above the national median of $244,900. This places Taos in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $915, 21% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 3,846 total housing units, 60% are owner-occupied (1,699 units) and 40% are renter-occupied (1,127 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Taos shows an unemployment rate of 7.2%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 13.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Taos have an average one-way commute time of 22.3 minutes.
Education & Demographics
36.2% of Taos residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 26.5% White, 2.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, and 16.6% Asian residents, with 12.9% of the population being foreign-born.
How Taos Ranks in New Mexico
Cost of Living in Taos, NM
Compared to national averages, Taos has a median household income of $46,579 (38% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $432,700, which is 77% above the national median. Monthly rent at $915 is 21% below the US average of $1,163. Within New Mexico, Taos's income is 31% below the state average of $67,435, and home values are 85% above the state median of $233,762.
Why Live in Taos, NM?
Taos offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $915/month, and a well-educated community where 36.2% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and short commute times averaging just 22.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($46,579) that falls below the national average, and a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $432,700. However, Taos’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Taos has a population of 6,468 with a median age of 52.2 years. Compare Taos with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New Mexico.
Similar Cities Near Taos
Cities in New Mexico with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aztec | 6,177 | $42,699 | $164,700 | Compare |
| Zuni Pueblo | 6,132 | $43,021 | $79,200 | Compare |
| Edgewood | 6,122 | $81,227 | $278,100 | Compare |
| North Hobbs | 6,099 | $89,279 | $233,200 | Compare |
| Truth or Consequences | 6,026 | $29,142 | $107,500 | Compare |
| Raton | 6,013 | $52,007 | $148,200 | Compare |
| Santa Teresa | 5,973 | $60,759 | $216,600 | Compare |
| Los Ranchos de Albuquerque | 5,869 | $70,801 | $442,100 | 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 Taos With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Taos
What is the population of Taos, NM?
The population of Taos, NM is 6,468 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 Taos?
The median household income in Taos, NM is $46,579 per year, which is 38% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Taos?
The median home value in Taos, NM is $432,700, which is 77% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Taos?
The median monthly rent in Taos, NM is $915, which is 21% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Taos?
The unemployment rate in Taos, NM is 7.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Taos, NM a good place to live?
Taos offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 6,468 and a median age of 52.2, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Taos, NM?
36.2% of residents in Taos 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 Taos?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Taos, NM: median home value is $432,700 (77% above national), median rent is $915/month, and median household income is $46,579. The home-value-to-income ratio is 9.3x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Taos?
The poverty rate in Taos, NM is 13.5%, 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 Taos, NM?
Taos's population is 26.5% White, 2.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, 16.6% Asian, and 0.1% two or more races. 12.9% of residents are foreign-born.