University Park, NM
Population 2,699 · New Mexico
About University Park, NM
University Park is a small town located in New Mexico with a population of 2,699 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $25,433 per year, which is 66% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 19.6 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 University Park features a median home value of $0, which is 100% below the national median of $244,900. This makes University Park one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $747, 36% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 565 total housing units, 0% are owner-occupied (0 units) and 100% are renter-occupied (151 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 University Park shows an unemployment rate of 18.0%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 40.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in University Park have an average one-way commute time of 11.2 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
60.2% of University Park residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 26.0% White, 3.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, and 25.4% Asian residents, with 4.3% of the population being foreign-born.
How University Park Ranks in New Mexico
Cost of Living in University Park, NM
Compared to national averages, University Park has a median household income of $25,433 (66% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $0, which is 100% below the national median. Monthly rent at $747 is 36% below the US average of $1,163. Within New Mexico, University Park's income is 62% below the state average of $67,435, and home values are 100% below the state median of $233,762.
Why Live in University Park, NM?
University Park offers affordable housing with a median home value of $0, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $747/month, and a well-educated community where 60.2% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 11.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($25,433) that falls below the national average. However, University Park’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
University Park has a population of 2,699 with a median age of 19.6 years. Compare University Park with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New Mexico.
Similar Cities Near University Park
Cities in New Mexico with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clayton | 2,680 | $40,192 | $111,500 | Compare |
| Chimayo | 2,726 | $52,305 | $214,000 | Compare |
| Ruidoso Downs | 2,629 | $31,413 | $55,400 | Compare |
| Dulce | 2,782 | $41,886 | $58,100 | Compare |
| Tularosa | 2,584 | $45,147 | $117,600 | Compare |
| Agua Fria | 2,842 | $47,438 | $264,900 | Compare |
| La Mesilla | 2,531 | $74,385 | $266,900 | Compare |
| Cannon AFB | 2,876 | $67,132 | $0 | 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 University Park With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about University Park
What is the population of University Park, NM?
The population of University Park, NM is 2,699 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 University Park?
The median household income in University Park, NM is $25,433 per year, which is 66% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in University Park?
The median home value in University Park, NM is $0, which is 100% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in University Park?
The median monthly rent in University Park, NM is $747, which is 36% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in University Park?
The unemployment rate in University Park, NM is 18.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is University Park, NM a good place to live?
University Park offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 2,699 and a median age of 19.6, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is University Park, NM?
60.2% of residents in University Park 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 University Park?
Key cost-of-living indicators for University Park, NM: median home value is $0 (100% below national), median rent is $747/month, and median household income is $25,433. The home-value-to-income ratio is 0.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in University Park?
The poverty rate in University Park, NM is 40.9%, 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 University Park, NM?
University Park's population is 26.0% White, 3.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, 25.4% Asian, and 3.1% two or more races. 4.3% of residents are foreign-born.