2023 Chaves County, New Mexico Demographics | Data & Analysis

Ready-to-use reports, analytics, and visualizations covering Chaves County, New Mexico, including population, race, income, and more. Based on 2023 American Community Survey Estimates.

Chaves County, New Mexico Key Demographic Statistics (2023 Estimates)

Key demographic statistics summarized from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS).

Total Population
64,446
Median Age
36.9 years
Median Household Income
$52,029
Bachelor's Degree+
18.20%
Uninsured Rate
9.4%
Total Households
23,605
Total Workers
26,577
Citizenship Rate
94.2%
Total Veterans
3,437
Top Veteran Era
Vietnam Era Only
Poverty Rate
18.5%
Families in Poverty
2,852
SNAP Recipients
23.64%
Households w/ SNAP
5,581

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates

Chaves County, New Mexico 2023 Demographics: Age & Gender Distribution

Bar chart showing the population distribution of Chaves County, New Mexico by age group and gender, based on 2023 ACS data.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the total population of Chaves County, New Mexico is 64,446. The median age of the population in Chaves County, New Mexico is 36.9 years. The median age for males is 34.8 years, and for females it is 38.4 years.

The age distribution of the population in Chaves County, New Mexico by age group is as follows:

Population Percentage by Age Group in Chaves County, New Mexico, 2023
Age Group Percentage
Under 5 years 6.06%
5–17 years (children) 18.97%
18–24 years (young adults) 9.82%
25–34 years 13.20%
35–54 years 23.63%
55–64 years 12.08%
65 years and over (seniors) 16.24%

Understanding the Demographic Dependency Ratio in Chaves County, New Mexico

The total dependency ratio in Chaves County, New Mexico is 70.26. The youth dependency ratio is 42.62, and the old-age dependency ratio is 27.64. In demographic terms, the dependency ratio measures the size of the population typically not in the labor force (children under 18 and older adults 65+) relative to the working age (18-64) population. A higher ratio indicates a greater financial and social burden on the working population to support the non-working age groups.

For more detailed reports, explore the demographics for each of the most populated ZIP Codes in Chaves County, New Mexico, including Roswell (88203) (28,637), and Roswell (88201) (27,715).


What is the Racial and Ethnic Breakdown of Chaves County, New Mexico?

Race and Ethnicity Distribution Chart for Chaves County, New Mexico
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

The racial makeup and ethnic composition (racial demographics) of Chaves County, New Mexico is detailed below, based on the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates.

The Diversity Index for Chaves County, New Mexico is calculated at 52.66, suggesting a moderate level of racial and ethnic diversity. This index measures the probability that two people chosen at random will be from different racial or ethnic groups.

The following table provides the breakdown of the population of Chaves County, New Mexico by race and ethnicity:

Population Percentage by Racial and Ethnic Group in Chaves County, New Mexico, 2023
Racial/Ethnic Group Percentage
Hispanic or Latino (Any Race) 57.92%
White Alone (Non-Hispanic) 37.06%
Two or More Races 1.58%
Black/African American Alone 1.42%
Asian Alone 1.13%
American Indian and Alaska Native Alone 0.52%
Some Other Race Alone 0.29%
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander Alone 0.08%

Chaves County, New Mexico 2023 Demographics: Household Income Distribution

Horizontal bar chart showing household income distribution in Chaves County, New Mexico.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the median household income in Chaves County, New Mexico over the past 12 months, adjusted for 2023 inflation, was $52,029. This figure is based on a total of 23,605 households.

The distribution of household income in Chaves County, New Mexico across various income brackets is as follows:

Household Income Distribution in Chaves County, New Mexico, 2023
Income Range Percentage of Households
Less than $20,000 21.72%
$20,000 to $34,999 13.62%
$35,000 to $49,999 12.50%
$50,000 to $74,999 17.16%
$75,000 to $149,999 23.50%
$150,000 or more 11.50%

For detailed household income distribution reports on the ZIP Codes with the highest median household income in Chaves County, New Mexico, explore the data for: Roswell (88201) ($62,752), and Roswell (88203) ($42,067).


Chaves County, New Mexico 2023 Demographics: Property Value Distribution

Line chart showing the distribution of property values for owner-occupied housing units in Chaves County, New Mexico.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the distribution of property values for owner-occupied housing units in Chaves County, New Mexico is based on a total of 16,214 properties.

The property value distribution in Chaves County, New Mexico across various value brackets is as follows:

Property Value Distribution in Chaves County, New Mexico, 2023
Property Value Range Percentage of Properties
Less than $25,000 4.35%
$25,000 to $49,999 6.57%
$50,000 to $99,999 22.19%
$100,000 to $199,999 32.53%
$200,000 to $499,999 31.68%
$500,000 to $999,999 2.29%
$1,000,000 or more 0.38%

Educational Attainment in Chaves County, New Mexico (2023 Data)

Treemap chart illustrating the educational attainment breakdown for population 25 years and over in Chaves County, New Mexico.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the educational attainment data covers the population 25 years and older in Chaves County, New Mexico, totaling 41,989 individuals.

80.94% of Chaves County, New Mexico population has a high school diploma or higher. Furthermore, the percentage of individuals who hold a Bachelor's Degree or a higher professional/graduate degree is 18.20%.

The detailed breakdown by educational level is presented below:

Educational Attainment Distribution in Chaves County, New Mexico, 2023
Educational Attainment Level Percentage of Population 25+
Less than high school graduate 19.06%
High school graduate (incl. equivalency) 27.55%
Some college or associate's degree 35.19%
Bachelor's Degree 11.12%
Graduate or professional degree 7.08%

What is the Health Insurance Coverage Rate in Chaves County, New Mexico?

Pyramid chart showing health insurance coverage by age and sex in Chaves County, New Mexico.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the health insurance coverage data for Chaves County, New Mexico shows that 9.4% of the population lacks health insurance coverage. This represents 5,916 individuals out of a total population of 63,156 people.

The uninsured rates vary significantly by age group. Young adults (18-34 years) have uninsured rates of 19.8% for males and 15.6% for females. In the 35-64 age bracket, 12.2% of males and 11.3% of females are uninsured.

Children under 18 and seniors aged 65+ generally have higher coverage rates due to public programs like Medicaid/CHIP and Medicare. In Chaves County, New Mexico, uninsured rates for children are 4.8% for males and 5.0% for females, while seniors have rates of 0.9% for males and 0.4% for females.

Uninsured Rates by Age Group and Sex in Chaves County, New Mexico, 2023
Age Group Male Uninsured % Female Uninsured %
Under 18 4.8% 5.0%
18-34 years 19.8% 15.6%
35-64 years 12.2% 11.3%
65+ years 0.9% 0.4%

Chaves County, New Mexico 2023 Population by Nativity and Citizenship Status

Treemap showing the population distribution by nativity and citizenship status in Chaves County, New Mexico based on U.S. Census data.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the nativity and citizenship data for Chaves County, New Mexico shows that 94.2% of the population are U.S. citizens. This includes both native-born and naturalized citizens, representing 60,737 individuals out of a total population of 64,446 people.

The nativity breakdown reveals diverse origins: 88.2% were born in the United States, 0.1% were born in Puerto Rico or U.S. Island Areas, and 0.9% were born abroad of American parent(s).

Among the foreign-born population, 5.0% of the total population have become naturalized U.S. citizens (3,249 individuals), while 5.8% are non-citizens (3,709 individuals).

Nativity and Citizenship Distribution in Chaves County, New Mexico, 2023
Nativity/Citizenship Status Percentage
Born in the United States 88.2%
Born in Puerto Rico or U.S. Island Areas 0.1%
Born abroad of American parent(s) 0.9%
U.S. citizen by naturalization 5.0%
Not a U.S. citizen 5.8%
Total U.S. Citizens 94.2%

Chaves County, New Mexico 2023 Demographics: Means of Transportation to Work

Treemap showing means of transportation to work distribution in Chaves County, New Mexico.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the commuting patterns for Chaves County, New Mexico show that 91.4% of workers commute by car, truck, or van. This represents 23,770 workers out of a total workforce of 26,000 people.

Public transportation usage stands at 0.1% (23 workers), which includes buses, subways, light rail, commuter trains, and ferries, but excludes taxicabs. Active transportation methods include walking (2.0%) and bicycling (0.3%).

5.0% of workers in Chaves County, New Mexico report working from home. An additional 1.2% use other means such as taxicabs, motorcycles, or other forms of transportation. These alternative commuting patterns reflect changing work arrangements and transportation preferences in the modern workforce.

Commuting Methods Distribution in Chaves County, New Mexico, 2023
Transportation Method Percentage Number of Workers
Car, truck, or van 91.4% 23,770
Public transportation 0.1% 23
Bicycle 0.3% 80
Walked 2.0% 527
Taxicab, motorcycle, or other means 1.2% 312
Worked from home 5.0% 1,288
Total Workers - 26,000

Chaves County, New Mexico 2023 Demographics: Employment by Class of Worker

Horizontal bar chart showing employment distribution by class of worker and gender in Chaves County, New Mexico, based on 2023 ACS data.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the civilian employed population aged 16 and over in Chaves County, New Mexico totals 26,577 workers. Of these, 13,514 (50.8%) are male and 13,063 (49.2%) are female.

The employment distribution by class of worker in Chaves County, New Mexico is as follows:

Employment Distribution by Class of Worker and Sex in Chaves County, New Mexico, 2023
Employment Class Male Workers Female Workers
Private For-Profit 9,314 (35.0%) 8,281 (31.2%)
Private Non-Profit 958 (3.6%) 1,058 (4.0%)
Government (All Levels) 2,447 (9.2%) 3,001 (11.3%)
  • Local Government 1,028 1,585
  • State Government 842 1,060
  • Federal Government 577 356
Self-Employed 660 (2.5%) 723 (2.7%)

Class of worker categorizes employed civilians by their employment arrangement. Private sector workers are employed by for-profit or non-profit companies. Government workers include those employed at local, state, or federal levels. Self-employed workers operate their own unincorporated businesses. Understanding the class of worker distribution provides insights into the economic structure and employment diversity of Chaves County, New Mexico.


Chaves County, New Mexico 2023 Demographics: Veterans by Period of Service

Horizontal bar chart showing veteran distribution by period of military service in Chaves County, New Mexico, based on 2023 ACS data.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, there are 3,437 civilian veterans aged 18 and over in Chaves County, New Mexico.

The largest group of veterans served during Vietnam Era Only, accounting for 1,244 veterans (36.2% of all veterans). The second-largest group served during Between Gulf War & Vietnam, with 664 veterans (19.3%).

The complete distribution of veterans by period of military service in Chaves County, New Mexico is as follows:

Veteran Distribution by Period of Military Service in Chaves County, New Mexico, 2023
Period of Service Number of Veterans Percentage
Vietnam Era Only (August 1964 to April 1975) 1,244 36.2%
Between Gulf War and Vietnam Era 664 19.3%
Post-9/11 Only (September 2001 or later) 390 11.3%
Gulf War Only (August 1990 to August 2001) 369 10.7%
Korean War Only (July 1950 to January 1955) 293 8.5%
Post-9/11 and Gulf War (August 1990 to August 2001) 195 5.7%
Between Vietnam Era and Korean War 171 5.0%
World War II Only (December 1941 to December 1946) 44 1.3%
Vietnam Era and Korean War 34 1.0%
Gulf War and Vietnam Era 33 1.0%
Total Veterans 3,437 100.0%

Period of military service categorizes veterans based on when they served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces. Veterans may have served during multiple periods, including World War II (December 1941–December 1946), the Korean War (July 1950–January 1955), the Vietnam Era (August 1964–April 1975), the Gulf War (August 1990–August 2001), and Post-9/11 (September 2001 or later). Understanding veteran demographics helps communities provide appropriate services, benefits, and support to those who have served.


Chaves County, New Mexico 2023 Demographics: Families by Income-to-Poverty Ratio

Horizontal bar chart showing family distribution by income-to-poverty ratio in Chaves County, New Mexico, based on 2023 ACS data.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, there are 15,402 families in Chaves County, New Mexico.

Of these families, 2,852 (18.5%) live below the poverty line (income less than 100% of the federal poverty level). An additional 6,287 families (40.8%) are at or near poverty (100-199% of poverty). Meanwhile, 6,263 families (40.7%) have incomes at least twice the poverty level.

The complete distribution of families by income-to-poverty ratio in Chaves County, New Mexico is as follows:

Family Distribution by Income-to-Poverty Ratio in Chaves County, New Mexico, 2023
Income-to-Poverty Ratio Number of Families Percentage
Below 50% of Poverty 1,242 8.1%
50-74% of Poverty 847 5.5%
75-99% of Poverty 763 5.0%
100-124% of Poverty 754 4.9%
125-149% of Poverty 882 5.7%
150-174% of Poverty 912 5.9%
175-184% of Poverty 203 1.3%
185-199% of Poverty 858 5.6%
200-299% of Poverty 2,678 17.4%
300-399% of Poverty 1,599 10.4%
400-499% of Poverty 1,241 8.1%
500%+ of Poverty 3,423 22.2%
Total Families 15,402 100.0%

Income-to-poverty ratio measures how a family's income compares to the federal poverty threshold, which varies by family size and composition. A ratio below 1.00 (100%) indicates the family lives in poverty. Ratios between 1.00 and 1.99 represent families with low incomes who may still struggle financially despite being technically above the poverty line. Families with ratios of 2.00 (200%) or higher generally have more economic security. Understanding poverty distribution helps communities allocate resources and develop programs to support families in need.


Chaves County, New Mexico 2023 Demographics: SNAP/Food Stamps Recipients

Stacked bar chart showing SNAP/Food Stamps recipient household composition by presence of children under 18 in Chaves County, New Mexico, based on 2023 ACS data.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, there are 23,605 total households in Chaves County, New Mexico. Of these, 5,581 households (23.64%) received SNAP/Food Stamps benefits in the past 12 months.

Among SNAP-recipient households, 2,670 (47.84%) have children under 18 years, while 2,911 (52.16%) do not have children under 18 years.

Household Composition of SNAP Recipients

SNAP Recipient Household Composition in Chaves County, New Mexico, 2023
Household Type With Children Under 18 No Children Under 18
Married-Couple Family 1,166 (20.89%) 469 (8.40%)
Male Householder, No Spouse 297 (5.32%) 104 (1.86%)
Female Householder, No Spouse 1,110 (19.89%) 600 (10.75%)
Nonfamily Households 97 (1.74%) 1,738 (31.14%)

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps, provides nutrition assistance to low-income individuals and families. The program aims to help eligible households purchase nutritious food. SNAP participation rates and household composition patterns provide important insights into economic hardship and food security challenges in Chaves County, New Mexico. Households with children under 18 often face greater nutritional needs, while households without children may include seniors, disabled individuals, or working adults facing economic challenges.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The age breakdown for the population of Chaves County, New Mexico is detailed below, showing the percentage of the total population for each group:

Age Group Percentage
Under 5 years6.06%
5–17 years (children)18.97%
18–24 years (young adults)9.82%
25–34 years13.20%
35–54 years23.63%
55–64 years12.08%
65 years and over (seniors)16.24%

The racial and ethnic composition of Chaves County, New Mexico is dominated by: Hispanic or Latino (Any Race): 57.92%, White Alone (Non-Hispanic): 37.06%, Two or More Races: 1.58%. The complete breakdown includes 8 distinct racial and ethnic categories.

The median household income in Chaves County, New Mexico is $52,029. This represents the midpoint of all household incomes in the area, meaning half of households earn more than this amount and half earn less.

The household income distribution in Chaves County, New Mexico is: Very Low Income (under $20,000): 21.72%, Low Income ($20,000-$34,999): 13.62%, Lower Middle Income ($35,000-$49,999): 12.50%, Middle Income ($50,000-$74,999): 17.16%, Upper Middle Income ($75,000-$149,999): 23.50%, High Income ($150,000+): 11.50%.

Approximately 22.91% of households in Chaves County, New Mexico earn over $100,000 annually. This includes households earning between $100,000 and $124,999, $125,000 and $149,999, $150,000 and $199,999, and $200,000 or more.

The property value distribution for owner-occupied housing units in Chaves County, New Mexico is: Less than $25,000: 4.35%, $25,000-$49,999: 6.57%, $50,000-$99,999: 22.19%, $100,000-$199,999: 32.53%, $200,000-$499,999: 31.68%, $500,000-$999,999: 2.29%, $1,000,000 or more: 0.38%.

There are 16,214 owner-occupied housing units in Chaves County, New Mexico. This represents homes that are owned by the people living in them, as opposed to rental properties or vacant units.

Approximately 2.68% of owner-occupied housing units in Chaves County, New Mexico are valued over $500,000. This includes properties valued between $500,000 and $749,999, $750,000 and $999,999, $1,000,000 and $1,499,999, $1,500,000 and $1,999,999, and $2,000,000 or more.

In Chaves County, New Mexico, 18.20% of the population aged 25 and older holds a bachelor's degree or higher. This includes those with bachelor's degrees as well as those with graduate or professional degrees.

The educational attainment breakdown for Chaves County, New Mexico (population 25+) is: Less than high school graduate: 19.06%, High school graduate (including equivalency): 27.55%, Some college or associate's degree: 35.19%, Bachelor's degree: 11.12%, Graduate or professional degree: 7.08%.

In Chaves County, New Mexico, 80.94% of the population aged 25 and older has completed at least a high school education. This includes high school graduates, those with some college, associate's degrees, bachelor's degrees, and graduate degrees.

In Chaves County, New Mexico, 9.4% of the population lacks health insurance coverage. This represents 5,916 individuals out of a total population of 63,156 people.

The uninsured rates vary by age group in Chaves County, New Mexico. For young adults (18-34 years), 19.8% of males and 15.6% of females lack coverage. In the 35-64 age group, 12.2% of males and 11.3% of females are uninsured. These working-age populations typically face different coverage challenges than children or seniors.

Children under 18 in Chaves County, New Mexico have uninsured rates of 4.8% for males and 5.0% for females. Seniors aged 65 and older, who are typically covered by Medicare, have uninsured rates of 0.9% for males and 0.4% for females. These age groups generally have higher coverage rates due to public programs.

In Chaves County, New Mexico, 94.2% of the population are U.S. citizens. This includes native-born citizens and naturalized citizens. Out of a total population of 64,446 people, 60,737 are U.S. citizens.

Chaves County, New Mexico has 3,249 naturalized U.S. citizens, representing 5.0% of the total population. These are foreign-born individuals who have gone through the naturalization process to become U.S. citizens.

The nativity and citizenship breakdown for Chaves County, New Mexico is: 88.2% were born in the United States, 0.1% were born in Puerto Rico or U.S. Island Areas, 0.9% were born abroad of American parent(s), 5.0% are foreign-born naturalized U.S. citizens, and 5.8% are foreign-born non-citizens.

In Chaves County, New Mexico, 91.4% of workers commute by car, truck, or van, making it the most common means of transportation to work. Out of 26,000 total workers, 23,770 use personal vehicles for their commute.

23 workers in Chaves County, New Mexico use public transportation (excluding taxicabs) to commute to work, representing 0.1% of all workers. This includes buses, subways, light rail, commuter trains, and ferries.

Alternative commute methods in Chaves County, New Mexico include: 5.0% work from home, 2.0% walk to work, 0.3% bicycle, and 1.2% use other means such as taxicabs or motorcycles. These alternatives to driving alone help reduce traffic congestion and environmental impact.

"Class of worker" refers to the type of employer or work arrangement for employed civilians aged 16 and over in Chaves County, New Mexico. It categorizes workers into private sector (for-profit and non-profit), government (local, state, and federal), self-employed, and unpaid family workers. This classification helps understand the employment structure and economic composition of the workforce.

According to the American Community Survey, Chaves County, New Mexico has 26,577 employed civilians aged 16 and over. The private for-profit sector employs the largest share of workers, with 35.0% of male workers and 31.2% of female workers in this category.

In Chaves County, New Mexico, there are 2,447 male government workers and 3,001 female government workers. Government employment includes local, state, and federal positions. This represents 9.2% of male workers and 11.3% of female workers.

Self-employment in Chaves County, New Mexico includes 660 males (2.5%) and 723 females (2.7%). Self-employed workers operate their own businesses that are not legally incorporated.

In Chaves County, New Mexico, 5,581 households (23.64% of all households) received SNAP/Food Stamps benefits in the past 12 months. Out of 23,605 total households, these families rely on this federal nutrition assistance program to help purchase food.

Of the SNAP-receiving households in Chaves County, New Mexico, 2,670 (47.84%) have children under 18 years. These families face additional nutritional needs and food security challenges as they work to provide adequate nutrition for growing children.

SNAP recipients in Chaves County, New Mexico include diverse household types. Among households with children, 1,110 (19.89%) are headed by a female householder with no spouse present, while 1,166 (20.89%) are married-couple families. The program also serves households without children, including seniors, disabled individuals, and working adults facing economic challenges.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps, is a federal program that provides nutrition assistance to low-income individuals and families. Eligibility is based on household income, resources, and size. In Chaves County, New Mexico, SNAP helps eligible households purchase nutritious food at authorized retailers. The program aims to alleviate hunger and improve nutrition and health outcomes for vulnerable populations.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey, there are 3,437 civilian veterans aged 18 and over living in Chaves County, New Mexico. These individuals have served on active duty in the U.S. Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard. This number does not include those with only National Guard or Reserves training without active duty service.

The most common period of military service for veterans in Chaves County, New Mexico is Vietnam Era Only, with 1,244 veterans (36.2% of all veterans) who served during this period. The second most common period is Between Gulf War & Vietnam, with 664 veterans (19.3%).

"Period of service" categorizes veterans based on when they served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces. Major periods include World War II (December 1941-December 1946), the Korean War (July 1950-January 1955), the Vietnam Era (August 1964-April 1975), the Gulf War (August 1990-August 2001), and Post-9/11 (September 2001 or later). Veterans may have served during multiple periods. Understanding the distribution of service periods helps communities in Chaves County, New Mexico provide appropriate services and support to their veteran population.

Veterans who served during the Gulf War era (1990-2001) and Post-9/11 era (2001-present) represent approximately 48.0% of all veterans in Chaves County, New Mexico. These more recent-era veterans, totaling around 1,651 individuals, often have different service experiences and support needs compared to veterans of earlier conflicts. They may benefit from targeted programs addressing issues such as transition to civilian life, employment assistance, and access to VA healthcare services.

In Chaves County, New Mexico, 2,852 families (18.5% of all families) live below the federal poverty line. This means their household income is less than 100% of the poverty threshold established by the U.S. Census Bureau, which varies by family size and composition. Out of 15,402 total families, these households face significant economic challenges meeting basic needs.

"Income-to-poverty ratio" measures how a family's income compares to the federal poverty threshold. A ratio of 1.00 (100%) means the family's income equals the poverty line. Below 1.00 indicates poverty, while ratios above 1.00 show income levels relative to poverty. For example, a ratio of 2.00 (200%) means the family earns twice the poverty threshold. In Chaves County, New Mexico, this data helps identify not just families in poverty, but also those who are economically vulnerable despite being above the official poverty line.

Beyond families living in poverty, Chaves County, New Mexico has 6,287 families (40.8%) with incomes between 100% and 199% of the poverty level. These families are often called 'near poverty' or low-income households. Specifically, 2,548 families (16.5%) have incomes between 100% and 149% of poverty. While technically above the poverty line, these families often struggle with housing costs, healthcare, childcare, and other expenses, making them economically vulnerable.

In Chaves County, New Mexico, 1,242 families (8.1%) live in extreme poverty, with incomes below 50% of the federal poverty threshold. These families face severe economic hardship and often require comprehensive assistance programs. On the other end of the spectrum, 6,263 families (40.7%) have incomes at least 200% above the poverty level, indicating greater financial stability and economic security.