Tucumcari, NM
Population 5,197 · New Mexico
About Tucumcari, NM
Tucumcari is a small town located in New Mexico with a population of 5,197 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $39,915 per year, which is 47% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 40.9 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Tucumcari features a median home value of $56,400, which is 77% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Tucumcari one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $751, 35% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,993 total housing units, 68% are owner-occupied (1,716 units) and 32% are renter-occupied (815 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Tucumcari shows an unemployment rate of 4.8%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 31.2%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Tucumcari have an average one-way commute time of 12.5 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
19.7% of Tucumcari 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 35.7% White, 6.7% Hispanic or Latino, 1.4% Black or African American, and 26.3% Asian residents, with 1.3% of the population being foreign-born.
How Tucumcari Ranks in New Mexico
Cost of Living in Tucumcari, NM
Compared to national averages, Tucumcari has a median household income of $39,915 (47% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $56,400, which is 77% below the national median. Monthly rent at $751 is 35% below the US average of $1,163. Within New Mexico, Tucumcari's income is 41% below the state average of $67,435, and home values are 76% below the state median of $233,762.
Why Live in Tucumcari, NM?
Tucumcari offers affordable housing with a median home value of $56,400, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $751/month, and short commute times averaging just 12.5 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($39,915) that falls below the national average. However, Tucumcari’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Tucumcari has a population of 5,197 with a median age of 40.9 years. Compare Tucumcari with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New Mexico.
Similar Cities Near Tucumcari
Cities in New Mexico with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| El Cerro Mission | 5,101 | $49,719 | $101,000 | Compare |
| Rio Communities | 4,924 | $46,223 | $200,000 | Compare |
| White Rock | 5,568 | $150,714 | $460,100 | Compare |
| Paradise Hills | 4,662 | $74,403 | $241,300 | Compare |
| Eldorado at Santa Fe | 5,746 | $96,692 | $542,800 | Compare |
| Los Chaves | 4,641 | $81,320 | $240,500 | Compare |
| Los Ranchos de Albuquerque | 5,869 | $70,801 | $442,100 | Compare |
| Lee Acres | 4,463 | $50,846 | $182,200 | 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 Tucumcari With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Tucumcari
What is the population of Tucumcari, NM?
The population of Tucumcari, NM is 5,197 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 Tucumcari?
The median household income in Tucumcari, NM is $39,915 per year, which is 47% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Tucumcari?
The median home value in Tucumcari, NM is $56,400, which is 77% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Tucumcari?
The median monthly rent in Tucumcari, NM is $751, which is 35% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Tucumcari?
The unemployment rate in Tucumcari, NM is 4.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Tucumcari, NM a good place to live?
Tucumcari offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 5,197 and a median age of 40.9, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Tucumcari, NM?
19.7% of residents in Tucumcari 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 Tucumcari?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Tucumcari, NM: median home value is $56,400 (77% below national), median rent is $751/month, and median household income is $39,915. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Tucumcari?
The poverty rate in Tucumcari, NM is 31.2%, 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 Tucumcari, NM?
Tucumcari's population is 35.7% White, 6.7% Hispanic or Latino, 1.4% Black or African American, 26.3% Asian, and 1.8% two or more races. 1.3% of residents are foreign-born.