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Population and Demography of New Mexico
New Mexico is a state in the Southwestern United States. It borders Texas to the east and southeast, Oklahoma to the northeast, and the Mexican states of Chihuahua and Sonora to the south.
New Mexico is the 36th most populous state of the United States and Its fifth-largest U.S. state by area. The total Land area is 121,2981 square miles (314,161 square kilometers) and there is an average of 17.2 people for every square mile. This makes New Mexico the 6th least densely populated state in the US. As per the United States Census Bureau, the population of New Mexico in 2020 is New Mexico 2,117,522 (2.1 million).
Population of New Mexico in 2024: 2,114,371 or 2.1 million
New Mexico Population (2010-2020)
New Mexico has a population growth rate of 2.8% during 2010-2020. It has population increase of 58,343 since 2010. The median age in New Mexico is approximately 37.2 years of age. The ratio of females to males in the state is approximately split at 50.5% females and 49.5% males.
| New Mexico | Census 2020 |
| Total Population | 2,117,522 (2.1 million) |
| Percentage Change since 2010 | 2.8% |
| Population Rank | 36th |
| Total Land Area | 121,298 sq mi (314,161 km2) |
| Area Rank | 5th |
| Population Density | 17.2/sq mi (6.62/km2) |
| Capital City | Santa Fe |
| Largest City | Albuquerque |
New Mexico Historical Population
In 1900 New Mexico’s Population was just 198,310 million and in 2020 it reached 2.1 million, an increase of almost 2 million.
Let’s look at decade population & percentage change
| Census Year | Population | % Change |
| 1850 | 61,547 | — |
| 1860 | 93,516 | 51.90% |
| 1870 | 91,874 | −1.8% |
| 1880 | 119,565 | 30.10% |
| 1890 | 160,282 | 34.10% |
| 1900 | 195,310 | 21.90% |
| 1910 | 327,301 | 67.60% |
| 1920 | 360,350 | 10.10% |
| 1930 | 423,317 | 17.50% |
| 1940 | 531,818 | 25.60% |
| 1950 | 681,187 | 28.10% |
| 1960 | 951,023 | 39.60% |
| 1970 | 1,016,000 | 6.80% |
| 1980 | 1,302,894 | 28.20% |
| 1990 | 1,515,069 | 16.30% |
| 2000 | 1,819,046 | 20.10% |
| 2010 | 2,059,179 | 13.20% |
| 2020 | 2,117,522 | 2.80% |
Religion and affiliations
Christianity is the majority religion in New Mexico followed by 75% of the population. The largest Christian denomination in New Mexico is Protestant (38%); Roman Catholic (34%); Mormonism (2%); Jehovah’s Witnesses (1%)
Next comes the Unaffiliated population, 21% of the population doesn’t follow or adhere to any faith or religion. Other non-Christian-based religions and faiths are followed by 4% of the population and include Jewish, Hinduism, Buddhist, Muslim, and other faiths.
For more details read Religion in New Mexico
Race and Ethnicity
In 2020, the Hispanic or Latino population was the largest group in New Mexico, comprising 47.74% of the total population. It was followed by the White alone (non-Hispanic) population whose share was 36.50%. American Indians were the third-largest group at 8.91%. Two or more races are at 2.82% & Black or African American was at 1.81%.
Ancestry in New Mexico
As per Census Studies & estimate German, English, Irish, American, and Italian have made the five largest ancestry groups in New Mexico.
For more Details read Race and Ethnicity in New Mexico
Top Cities and Counties in New Mexico
As of 2022, New Mexico is divided into 33 counties. Bernalillo County is the most populous (397,821) and Catron County (6,928 sq mi) is the largest by area. Other large counties are Dona Ana, Santa Fe, Sandoval, and San Juan.
Albuquerque with a population of 564,559 is the largest city in New Mexico followed by Las Cruces (111,385) and Rio Rancho(104,046).
Source: US Census 2020
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