The US Census Bureau released their latest population estimates offering city and town level data that provides greater detail on state and county estimates released earlier in the year. 

The Census Bureau’s estimate for New Mexico as of July 1, 2015 is 2,085,109 which is slightly down from their July 1, 2014 estimate of 2,085,572. This is the second year in a row that the state’s Census estimate shows a nominal decline of less than 0.1 percent.

New Mexico’s three largest counties (Bernalillo – 676,685; Doña Ana – 214,295; and Santa Fe – 148,686) all grew by less than 0.5 percent between 2014 and 2015 while Sandoval County (139,394) grew by 1.25 percent. San Juan County, however, the state’s fifth largest (118,737), declined by a substantial 4.24 percent continuing a steep downward trend reported since 2012.

Among the fastest growing counties over the last year are McKinley (76,708 - up 3.88 percent), Lea (71,180 - up 1.79 percent) and Eddy (57,578 – up 1.76 percent).

Links to latest New Mexico data April1, 2010 to July 1, 2015

Populations change due to natural increase (births minus deaths) and net migration. According to the NM Department of Health there were over 8,000 more births than deaths in NM in 2014 which means the state’s overall lack of growth is driven by large out migration.  

The UNM Geospatial and Population Studies department produces independent population estimates that more accurately track migration into and out of the state. GPS will publish these annual estimates in early July. For more information and in-depth analysis contact Sr. Research Scientist Robert Rhatigan at (505) 277-4034 or rhatigan@unm.edu.

The Data Bank, which is part of UNM Bureau of Business and Economic Research, will assist interested parties in navigating the Census or other data websites and assist in understanding the different data sources. For additional information and or assistance, call (505) 277-3038 or dbinfo@unm.edu.