Thoreau, NM
Population 1,795 · New Mexico
About Thoreau, NM
Thoreau is a small town located in New Mexico with a population of 1,795 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $43,953 per year, which is 42% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 37.6 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Thoreau features a median home value of $52,900, which is 78% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Thoreau one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $640, 45% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 739 total housing units, 91% are owner-occupied (562 units) and 9% are renter-occupied (57 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Thoreau shows an unemployment rate of 13.3%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 27.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Thoreau have an average one-way commute time of 33.3 minutes.
Education & Demographics
5.7% of Thoreau 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 4.1% White, 84.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 2.8% Asian residents, with 2.2% of the population being foreign-born.
How Thoreau Ranks in New Mexico
Cost of Living in Thoreau, NM
Compared to national averages, Thoreau has a median household income of $43,953 (42% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $52,900, which is 78% below the national median. Monthly rent at $640 is 45% below the US average of $1,163. Within New Mexico, Thoreau's income is 35% below the state average of $67,435, and home values are 77% below the state median of $233,762.
Why Live in Thoreau, NM?
Thoreau offers affordable housing with a median home value of $52,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $640/month.
Potential considerations include median household income ($43,953) that falls below the national average. However, Thoreau’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Thoreau has a population of 1,795 with a median age of 37.6 years. Compare Thoreau with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New Mexico.
Similar Cities Near Thoreau
Cities in New Mexico with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Las Campanas | 1,792 | $196,023 | $1,502,700 | Compare |
| Las Maravillas | 1,776 | $61,200 | $191,300 | Compare |
| Santa Clara | 1,751 | $46,094 | $120,900 | Compare |
| Mesilla | 1,850 | $73,681 | $296,200 | Compare |
| Tres Arroyos | 1,870 | $88,289 | $702,100 | Compare |
| La Luz | 1,683 | $35,324 | $60,800 | Compare |
| La Huerta | 1,673 | $83,672 | $421,600 | Compare |
| Hatch | 1,663 | $40,625 | $110,700 | 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 Thoreau With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Thoreau
What is the population of Thoreau, NM?
The population of Thoreau, NM is 1,795 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 Thoreau?
The median household income in Thoreau, NM is $43,953 per year, which is 42% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Thoreau?
The median home value in Thoreau, NM is $52,900, which is 78% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Thoreau?
The median monthly rent in Thoreau, NM is $640, which is 45% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Thoreau?
The unemployment rate in Thoreau, NM is 13.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Thoreau, NM a good place to live?
Thoreau offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,795 and a median age of 37.6, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Thoreau, NM?
5.7% of residents in Thoreau 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 Thoreau?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Thoreau, NM: median home value is $52,900 (78% below national), median rent is $640/month, and median household income is $43,953. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.2x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Thoreau?
The poverty rate in Thoreau, NM is 27.5%, 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 Thoreau, NM?
Thoreau's population is 4.1% White, 84.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 2.8% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 2.2% of residents are foreign-born.