2023 Lincoln County, New Mexico Demographics | Data & Analysis

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

Lincoln 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
20,227
Median Age
52.7 years
Median Household Income
$51,643
Bachelor's Degree+
28.78%
Uninsured Rate
11.4%
Total Households
9,376
Total Workers
8,785
Citizenship Rate
97.0%
Total Veterans
1,657
Top Veteran Era
Vietnam Era Only
Poverty Rate
9.4%
Families in Poverty
527
SNAP Recipients
12.08%
Households w/ SNAP
1,133

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

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

Bar chart showing the population distribution of Lincoln 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 Lincoln County, New Mexico is 20,227. The median age of the population in Lincoln County, New Mexico is 52.7 years. The median age for males is 51.7 years, and for females it is 53.6 years.

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

Population Percentage by Age Group in Lincoln County, New Mexico, 2023
Age Group Percentage
Under 5 years 4.07%
5–17 years (children) 12.92%
18–24 years (young adults) 5.10%
25–34 years 9.49%
35–54 years 20.44%
55–64 years 17.44%
65 years and over (seniors) 30.54%

Understanding the Demographic Dependency Ratio in Lincoln County, New Mexico

The total dependency ratio in Lincoln County, New Mexico is 90.59. The youth dependency ratio is 32.38, and the old-age dependency ratio is 58.21. 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 Lincoln County, New Mexico, including Roswell (88201) (27,715).


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

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

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

The Diversity Index for Lincoln County, New Mexico is calculated at 52.47, 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 Lincoln County, New Mexico by race and ethnicity:

Population Percentage by Racial and Ethnic Group in Lincoln County, New Mexico, 2023
Racial/Ethnic Group Percentage
White Alone (Non-Hispanic) 60.62%
Hispanic or Latino (Any Race) 32.59%
American Indian and Alaska Native Alone 3.07%
Two or More Races 2.41%
Black/African American Alone 0.62%
Asian Alone 0.52%
Some Other Race Alone 0.17%
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander Alone 0.00%

Lincoln County, New Mexico 2023 Demographics: Household Income Distribution

Horizontal bar chart showing household income distribution in Lincoln 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 Lincoln County, New Mexico over the past 12 months, adjusted for 2023 inflation, was $51,643. This figure is based on a total of 9,376 households.

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

Household Income Distribution in Lincoln County, New Mexico, 2023
Income Range Percentage of Households
Less than $20,000 16.58%
$20,000 to $34,999 19.99%
$35,000 to $49,999 10.42%
$50,000 to $74,999 17.14%
$75,000 to $149,999 24.34%
$150,000 or more 11.53%

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


Lincoln County, New Mexico 2023 Demographics: Property Value Distribution

Line chart showing the distribution of property values for owner-occupied housing units in Lincoln 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 Lincoln County, New Mexico is based on a total of 7,455 properties.

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

Property Value Distribution in Lincoln County, New Mexico, 2023
Property Value Range Percentage of Properties
Less than $25,000 9.00%
$25,000 to $49,999 3.46%
$50,000 to $99,999 9.70%
$100,000 to $199,999 24.53%
$200,000 to $499,999 35.65%
$500,000 to $999,999 14.94%
$1,000,000 or more 2.71%

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

Treemap chart illustrating the educational attainment breakdown for population 25 years and over in Lincoln 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 Lincoln County, New Mexico, totaling 15,760 individuals.

91.79% of Lincoln 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 28.78%.

The detailed breakdown by educational level is presented below:

Educational Attainment Distribution in Lincoln County, New Mexico, 2023
Educational Attainment Level Percentage of Population 25+
Less than high school graduate 8.21%
High school graduate (incl. equivalency) 27.29%
Some college or associate's degree 35.72%
Bachelor's Degree 17.57%
Graduate or professional degree 11.21%

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

Pyramid chart showing health insurance coverage by age and sex in Lincoln 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 Lincoln County, New Mexico shows that 11.4% of the population lacks health insurance coverage. This represents 2,291 individuals out of a total population of 20,074 people.

The uninsured rates vary significantly by age group. Young adults (18-34 years) have uninsured rates of 38.8% for males and 8.2% for females. In the 35-64 age bracket, 19.8% of males and 19.7% 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 Lincoln County, New Mexico, uninsured rates for children are 3.6% for males and 4.1% for females, while seniors have rates of 0.5% for males and 0.3% for females.

Uninsured Rates by Age Group and Sex in Lincoln County, New Mexico, 2023
Age Group Male Uninsured % Female Uninsured %
Under 18 3.6% 4.1%
18-34 years 38.8% 8.2%
35-64 years 19.8% 19.7%
65+ years 0.5% 0.3%

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

Treemap showing the population distribution by nativity and citizenship status in Lincoln 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 Lincoln County, New Mexico shows that 97.0% of the population are U.S. citizens. This includes both native-born and naturalized citizens, representing 19,627 individuals out of a total population of 20,227 people.

The nativity breakdown reveals diverse origins: 92.2% were born in the United States, 0.0% were born in Puerto Rico or U.S. Island Areas, and 1.8% were born abroad of American parent(s).

Among the foreign-born population, 3.0% of the total population have become naturalized U.S. citizens (610 individuals), while 3.0% are non-citizens (600 individuals).

Nativity and Citizenship Distribution in Lincoln County, New Mexico, 2023
Nativity/Citizenship Status Percentage
Born in the United States 92.2%
Born in Puerto Rico or U.S. Island Areas 0.0%
Born abroad of American parent(s) 1.8%
U.S. citizen by naturalization 3.0%
Not a U.S. citizen 3.0%
Total U.S. Citizens 97.0%

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

Treemap showing means of transportation to work distribution in Lincoln 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 Lincoln County, New Mexico show that 83.8% of workers commute by car, truck, or van. This represents 7,099 workers out of a total workforce of 8,469 people.

Public transportation usage stands at 0.1% (12 workers), which includes buses, subways, light rail, commuter trains, and ferries, but excludes taxicabs. Active transportation methods include walking (1.1%) and bicycling (0.2%).

12.8% of workers in Lincoln County, New Mexico report working from home. An additional 1.9% 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 Lincoln County, New Mexico, 2023
Transportation Method Percentage Number of Workers
Car, truck, or van 83.8% 7,099
Public transportation 0.1% 12
Bicycle 0.2% 18
Walked 1.1% 92
Taxicab, motorcycle, or other means 1.9% 165
Worked from home 12.8% 1,083
Total Workers - 8,469

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

Horizontal bar chart showing employment distribution by class of worker and gender in Lincoln 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 Lincoln County, New Mexico totals 8,785 workers. Of these, 4,120 (46.9%) are male and 4,665 (53.1%) are female.

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

Employment Distribution by Class of Worker and Sex in Lincoln County, New Mexico, 2023
Employment Class Male Workers Female Workers
Private For-Profit 2,302 (26.2%) 2,944 (33.5%)
Private Non-Profit 67 (0.8%) 124 (1.4%)
Government (All Levels) 710 (8.1%) 767 (8.7%)
  • Local Government 297 410
  • State Government 188 282
  • Federal Government 225 75
Self-Employed 988 (11.2%) 814 (9.3%)

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 Lincoln County, New Mexico.


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

Horizontal bar chart showing veteran distribution by period of military service in Lincoln 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 1,657 civilian veterans aged 18 and over in Lincoln County, New Mexico.

The largest group of veterans served during Vietnam Era Only, accounting for 854 veterans (51.5% of all veterans). The second-largest group served during Between Gulf War & Vietnam, with 342 veterans (20.6%).

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

Veteran Distribution by Period of Military Service in Lincoln County, New Mexico, 2023
Period of Service Number of Veterans Percentage
Vietnam Era Only (August 1964 to April 1975) 854 51.5%
Between Gulf War and Vietnam Era 342 20.6%
Gulf War Only (August 1990 to August 2001) 184 11.1%
Post-9/11 and Gulf War (August 1990 to August 2001) 86 5.2%
Post-9/11 Only (September 2001 or later) 74 4.5%
World War II Only (December 1941 to December 1946) 57 3.4%
Between Vietnam Era and Korean War 34 2.1%
Korean War Only (July 1950 to January 1955) 18 1.1%
Post-9/11, Gulf War, and Vietnam Era 8 0.5%
Total Veterans 1,657 100.0%

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.


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

Horizontal bar chart showing family distribution by income-to-poverty ratio in Lincoln 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 5,620 families in Lincoln County, New Mexico.

Of these families, 527 (9.4%) live below the poverty line (income less than 100% of the federal poverty level). An additional 2,118 families (37.7%) are at or near poverty (100-199% of poverty). Meanwhile, 2,975 families (52.9%) have incomes at least twice the poverty level.

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

Family Distribution by Income-to-Poverty Ratio in Lincoln County, New Mexico, 2023
Income-to-Poverty Ratio Number of Families Percentage
Below 50% of Poverty 263 4.7%
50-74% of Poverty 135 2.4%
75-99% of Poverty 129 2.3%
100-124% of Poverty 361 6.4%
125-149% of Poverty 269 4.8%
150-174% of Poverty 378 6.7%
175-184% of Poverty 51 0.9%
185-199% of Poverty 271 4.8%
200-299% of Poverty 788 14.0%
300-399% of Poverty 787 14.0%
400-499% of Poverty 594 10.6%
500%+ of Poverty 1,594 28.4%
Total Families 5,620 100.0%

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.


Lincoln 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 Lincoln 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 9,376 total households in Lincoln County, New Mexico. Of these, 1,133 households (12.08%) received SNAP/Food Stamps benefits in the past 12 months.

Among SNAP-recipient households, 639 (56.40%) have children under 18 years, while 494 (43.60%) do not have children under 18 years.

Household Composition of SNAP Recipients

SNAP Recipient Household Composition in Lincoln County, New Mexico, 2023
Household Type With Children Under 18 No Children Under 18
Married-Couple Family 80 (7.06%) 96 (8.47%)
Male Householder, No Spouse 168 (14.83%) 7 (0.62%)
Female Householder, No Spouse 391 (34.51%) 18 (1.59%)
Nonfamily Households 0 (0.00%) 373 (32.92%)

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 Lincoln 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 Lincoln County, New Mexico is detailed below, showing the percentage of the total population for each group:

Age Group Percentage
Under 5 years4.07%
5–17 years (children)12.92%
18–24 years (young adults)5.10%
25–34 years9.49%
35–54 years20.44%
55–64 years17.44%
65 years and over (seniors)30.54%

The racial and ethnic composition of Lincoln County, New Mexico is dominated by: White Alone (Non-Hispanic): 60.62%, Hispanic or Latino (Any Race): 32.59%, American Indian and Alaska Native Alone: 3.07%. The complete breakdown includes 8 distinct racial and ethnic categories.

The median household income in Lincoln County, New Mexico is $51,643. 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 Lincoln County, New Mexico is: Very Low Income (under $20,000): 16.58%, Low Income ($20,000-$34,999): 19.99%, Lower Middle Income ($35,000-$49,999): 10.42%, Middle Income ($50,000-$74,999): 17.14%, Upper Middle Income ($75,000-$149,999): 24.34%, High Income ($150,000+): 11.53%.

Approximately 23.33% of households in Lincoln 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 Lincoln County, New Mexico is: Less than $25,000: 9.00%, $25,000-$49,999: 3.46%, $50,000-$99,999: 9.70%, $100,000-$199,999: 24.53%, $200,000-$499,999: 35.65%, $500,000-$999,999: 14.94%, $1,000,000 or more: 2.71%.

There are 7,455 owner-occupied housing units in Lincoln County, New Mexico. This represents homes that are owned by the people living in them, as opposed to rental properties or vacant units.

Approximately 17.65% of owner-occupied housing units in Lincoln 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 Lincoln County, New Mexico, 28.78% 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 Lincoln County, New Mexico (population 25+) is: Less than high school graduate: 8.21%, High school graduate (including equivalency): 27.29%, Some college or associate's degree: 35.72%, Bachelor's degree: 17.57%, Graduate or professional degree: 11.21%.

In Lincoln County, New Mexico, 91.79% 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 Lincoln County, New Mexico, 11.4% of the population lacks health insurance coverage. This represents 2,291 individuals out of a total population of 20,074 people.

The uninsured rates vary by age group in Lincoln County, New Mexico. For young adults (18-34 years), 38.8% of males and 8.2% of females lack coverage. In the 35-64 age group, 19.8% of males and 19.7% of females are uninsured. These working-age populations typically face different coverage challenges than children or seniors.

Children under 18 in Lincoln County, New Mexico have uninsured rates of 3.6% for males and 4.1% for females. Seniors aged 65 and older, who are typically covered by Medicare, have uninsured rates of 0.5% for males and 0.3% for females. These age groups generally have higher coverage rates due to public programs.

In Lincoln County, New Mexico, 97.0% of the population are U.S. citizens. This includes native-born citizens and naturalized citizens. Out of a total population of 20,227 people, 19,627 are U.S. citizens.

Lincoln County, New Mexico has 610 naturalized U.S. citizens, representing 3.0% 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 Lincoln County, New Mexico is: 92.2% were born in the United States, 0.0% were born in Puerto Rico or U.S. Island Areas, 1.8% were born abroad of American parent(s), 3.0% are foreign-born naturalized U.S. citizens, and 3.0% are foreign-born non-citizens.

In Lincoln County, New Mexico, 83.8% of workers commute by car, truck, or van, making it the most common means of transportation to work. Out of 8,469 total workers, 7,099 use personal vehicles for their commute.

12 workers in Lincoln 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 Lincoln County, New Mexico include: 12.8% work from home, 1.1% walk to work, 0.2% bicycle, and 1.9% 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 Lincoln 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, Lincoln County, New Mexico has 8,785 employed civilians aged 16 and over. The private for-profit sector employs the largest share of workers, with 26.2% of male workers and 33.5% of female workers in this category.

In Lincoln County, New Mexico, there are 710 male government workers and 767 female government workers. Government employment includes local, state, and federal positions. This represents 8.1% of male workers and 8.7% of female workers.

Self-employment in Lincoln County, New Mexico includes 988 males (11.2%) and 814 females (9.3%). Self-employed workers operate their own businesses that are not legally incorporated.

In Lincoln County, New Mexico, 1,133 households (12.08% of all households) received SNAP/Food Stamps benefits in the past 12 months. Out of 9,376 total households, these families rely on this federal nutrition assistance program to help purchase food.

Of the SNAP-receiving households in Lincoln County, New Mexico, 639 (56.40%) 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 Lincoln County, New Mexico include diverse household types. Among households with children, 391 (34.51%) are headed by a female householder with no spouse present, while 80 (7.06%) 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 Lincoln 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 1,657 civilian veterans aged 18 and over living in Lincoln 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 Lincoln County, New Mexico is Vietnam Era Only, with 854 veterans (51.5% of all veterans) who served during this period. The second most common period is Between Gulf War & Vietnam, with 342 veterans (20.6%).

"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 Lincoln 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 41.9% of all veterans in Lincoln County, New Mexico. These more recent-era veterans, totaling around 694 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 Lincoln County, New Mexico, 527 families (9.4% 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 5,620 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 Lincoln 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, Lincoln County, New Mexico has 2,118 families (37.7%) with incomes between 100% and 199% of the poverty level. These families are often called 'near poverty' or low-income households. Specifically, 1,008 families (17.9%) 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 Lincoln County, New Mexico, 263 families (4.7%) 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, 2,975 families (52.9%) have incomes at least 200% above the poverty level, indicating greater financial stability and economic security.