Population

The region has had relatively consistent growth over the past several decades in the range of two percent annually.

Sources: U.S. Bureau of the Census and MRCOG

During the 1940's and 50's the region experienced a boom that was related to the expansion of defense spending for World War II and the Cold War. In the 1970's the economy of the area began to diversify with the development of "high-tech" industries which has produced another round of population growth. While the region endured a deep recession during the second half of the last decade, the average annual growth rate remained near 2 percent. 

Sources: US Bureau of the Census and MRCOG

Bernalillo County has historically served as the hub of the region. While this continues to be true, the surrounding counties have also grown substantially over time. In 1950, 80% of the regional population resided in Bernalillo County, and by 2010 that decreased to 74%. Meanwhile the surrounding counties, Sandoval County in particular, have gained increasing shares of the regional population.

Source: US Census Bureau.
Note: 2000 population reflects 2000 boundaries, 2010 population reflects 2010 boundaries. Peralta was not incorporated in 2000, therefore the 2000 population was estimated from 2000 block data using its 2010 incorporated boundary.

2000-2010 Highlights

• The region added over 158,000 people over the decade. This is the equivalent of adding another Sandoval County, Torrance County and Southern Santa Fe County.
• At a county level the fastest growth occurred in the Sandoval County, with a population increase of 46 percent between 2000 and 2010.
• Bernalillo County experienced the largest numeric growth gaining 105,886 people between 2000 and 2010, a 19 percent increase.
• With a population increase of 97 percent (1,842 residents), the Town of Edgewood was the fastest growing municipality in the region, however this it largely due to a series of annexations throughout the decade.
• Excluding annexations, the City of Rio Rancho demonstrated the fastest growth, with a population increase of 69 percent (a 35,756 population gain).
• The village of Los Lunas experienced rapid growth throughout the decade with a population increase of 48 percent (a 4,801 population gain).