2023 Los Alamos County, New Mexico Demographics | Data & Analysis

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

Los Alamos 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
19,374
Median Age
41.1 years
Median Household Income
$143,188
Bachelor's Degree+
68.25%
Uninsured Rate
3.4%
Total Households
8,211
Total Workers
10,346
Citizenship Rate
95.5%
Total Veterans
1,169
Top Veteran Era
Vietnam Era Only
Poverty Rate
3.0%
Families in Poverty
157
SNAP Recipients
3.45%
Households w/ SNAP
283

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

Los Alamos County, New Mexico 2023 Demographics: Age & Gender Distribution

Bar chart showing the population distribution of Los Alamos 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 Los Alamos County, New Mexico is 19,374. The median age of the population in Los Alamos County, New Mexico is 41.1 years. The median age for males is 40.4 years, and for females it is 41.6 years.

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

Population Percentage by Age Group in Los Alamos County, New Mexico, 2023
Age Group Percentage
Under 5 years 4.51%
5–17 years (children) 16.91%
18–24 years (young adults) 5.85%
25–34 years 14.25%
35–54 years 26.17%
55–64 years 14.14%
65 years and over (seniors) 18.16%

Understanding the Demographic Dependency Ratio in Los Alamos County, New Mexico

The total dependency ratio in Los Alamos County, New Mexico is 65.53. The youth dependency ratio is 35.47, and the old-age dependency ratio is 30.07. 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 Los Alamos County, New Mexico, including Los Alamos (87544) (13,806).


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

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

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

The Diversity Index for Los Alamos County, New Mexico is calculated at 46.95, 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 Los Alamos County, New Mexico by race and ethnicity:

Population Percentage by Racial and Ethnic Group in Los Alamos County, New Mexico, 2023
Racial/Ethnic Group Percentage
White Alone (Non-Hispanic) 70.27%
Hispanic or Latino (Any Race) 17.88%
Asian Alone 4.98%
Two or More Races 4.50%
Black/African American Alone 1.20%
American Indian and Alaska Native Alone 0.74%
Some Other Race Alone 0.42%
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander Alone 0.00%

Los Alamos County, New Mexico 2023 Demographics: Household Income Distribution

Horizontal bar chart showing household income distribution in Los Alamos 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 Los Alamos County, New Mexico over the past 12 months, adjusted for 2023 inflation, was $143,188. This figure is based on a total of 8,211 households.

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

Household Income Distribution in Los Alamos County, New Mexico, 2023
Income Range Percentage of Households
Less than $20,000 3.11%
$20,000 to $34,999 4.86%
$35,000 to $49,999 4.14%
$50,000 to $74,999 8.07%
$75,000 to $149,999 32.94%
$150,000 or more 46.88%

For detailed household income distribution reports on the ZIP Codes with the highest median household income in Los Alamos County, New Mexico, explore the data for: Los Alamos (87544) ($135,108).


Los Alamos County, New Mexico 2023 Demographics: Property Value Distribution

Line chart showing the distribution of property values for owner-occupied housing units in Los Alamos 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 Los Alamos County, New Mexico is based on a total of 6,121 properties.

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

Property Value Distribution in Los Alamos County, New Mexico, 2023
Property Value Range Percentage of Properties
Less than $25,000 1.16%
$25,000 to $49,999 1.83%
$50,000 to $99,999 2.48%
$100,000 to $199,999 3.97%
$200,000 to $499,999 50.48%
$500,000 to $999,999 39.49%
$1,000,000 or more 0.59%

Educational Attainment in Los Alamos County, New Mexico (2023 Data)

Treemap chart illustrating the educational attainment breakdown for population 25 years and over in Los Alamos 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 Los Alamos County, New Mexico, totaling 14,090 individuals.

98.31% of Los Alamos 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 68.25%.

The detailed breakdown by educational level is presented below:

Educational Attainment Distribution in Los Alamos County, New Mexico, 2023
Educational Attainment Level Percentage of Population 25+
Less than high school graduate 1.69%
High school graduate (incl. equivalency) 10.17%
Some college or associate's degree 19.89%
Bachelor's Degree 25.00%
Graduate or professional degree 43.24%

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

Pyramid chart showing health insurance coverage by age and sex in Los Alamos 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 Los Alamos County, New Mexico shows that 3.4% of the population lacks health insurance coverage. This represents 652 individuals out of a total population of 19,220 people.

The uninsured rates vary significantly by age group. Young adults (18-34 years) have uninsured rates of 1.6% for males and 0.0% for females. In the 35-64 age bracket, 6.3% of males and 4.5% 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 Los Alamos County, New Mexico, uninsured rates for children are 3.9% for males and 4.7% for females, while seniors have rates of 0.8% for males and 0.0% for females.

Uninsured Rates by Age Group and Sex in Los Alamos County, New Mexico, 2023
Age Group Male Uninsured % Female Uninsured %
Under 18 3.9% 4.7%
18-34 years 1.6% 0.0%
35-64 years 6.3% 4.5%
65+ years 0.8% 0.0%

Los Alamos County, New Mexico 2023 Population by Nativity and Citizenship Status

Treemap showing the population distribution by nativity and citizenship status in Los Alamos 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 Los Alamos County, New Mexico shows that 95.5% of the population are U.S. citizens. This includes both native-born and naturalized citizens, representing 18,494 individuals out of a total population of 19,374 people.

The nativity breakdown reveals diverse origins: 87.1% were born in the United States, 0.4% were born in Puerto Rico or U.S. Island Areas, and 1.4% were born abroad of American parent(s).

Among the foreign-born population, 6.6% of the total population have become naturalized U.S. citizens (1,270 individuals), while 4.5% are non-citizens (880 individuals).

Nativity and Citizenship Distribution in Los Alamos County, New Mexico, 2023
Nativity/Citizenship Status Percentage
Born in the United States 87.1%
Born in Puerto Rico or U.S. Island Areas 0.4%
Born abroad of American parent(s) 1.4%
U.S. citizen by naturalization 6.6%
Not a U.S. citizen 4.5%
Total U.S. Citizens 95.5%

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

Treemap showing means of transportation to work distribution in Los Alamos 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 Los Alamos County, New Mexico show that 79.8% of workers commute by car, truck, or van. This represents 8,222 workers out of a total workforce of 10,299 people.

Public transportation usage stands at 1.7% (171 workers), which includes buses, subways, light rail, commuter trains, and ferries, but excludes taxicabs. Active transportation methods include walking (2.1%) and bicycling (1.1%).

14.2% of workers in Los Alamos County, New Mexico report working from home. An additional 1.1% 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 Los Alamos County, New Mexico, 2023
Transportation Method Percentage Number of Workers
Car, truck, or van 79.8% 8,222
Public transportation 1.7% 171
Bicycle 1.1% 118
Walked 2.1% 213
Taxicab, motorcycle, or other means 1.1% 112
Worked from home 14.2% 1,463
Total Workers - 10,299

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

Horizontal bar chart showing employment distribution by class of worker and gender in Los Alamos 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 Los Alamos County, New Mexico totals 10,346 workers. Of these, 5,743 (55.5%) are male and 4,603 (44.5%) are female.

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

Employment Distribution by Class of Worker and Sex in Los Alamos County, New Mexico, 2023
Employment Class Male Workers Female Workers
Private For-Profit 2,241 (21.7%) 1,630 (15.8%)
Private Non-Profit 766 (7.4%) 605 (5.8%)
Government (All Levels) 2,556 (24.7%) 2,165 (20.9%)
  • Local Government 218 842
  • State Government 116 213
  • Federal Government 2,222 1,110
Self-Employed 167 (1.6%) 189 (1.8%)

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 Los Alamos County, New Mexico.


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

Horizontal bar chart showing veteran distribution by period of military service in Los Alamos 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 1,169 civilian veterans aged 18 and over in Los Alamos County, New Mexico.

The largest group of veterans served during Vietnam Era Only, accounting for 343 veterans (29.3% of all veterans). The second-largest group served during Gulf War Only, with 234 veterans (20.0%).

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

Veteran Distribution by Period of Military Service in Los Alamos County, New Mexico, 2023
Period of Service Number of Veterans Percentage
Vietnam Era Only (August 1964 to April 1975) 343 29.3%
Gulf War Only (August 1990 to August 2001) 234 20.0%
Between Gulf War and Vietnam Era 222 19.0%
Post-9/11 and Gulf War (August 1990 to August 2001) 143 12.2%
Post-9/11 Only (September 2001 or later) 136 11.6%
Between Vietnam Era and Korean War 49 4.2%
Korean War Only (July 1950 to January 1955) 23 2.0%
World War II Only (December 1941 to December 1946) 13 1.1%
Vietnam Era and Korean War 6 0.5%
Total Veterans 1,169 100.0%

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.


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

Horizontal bar chart showing family distribution by income-to-poverty ratio in Los Alamos 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 5,224 families in Los Alamos County, New Mexico.

Of these families, 157 (3.0%) live below the poverty line (income less than 100% of the federal poverty level). An additional 512 families (9.8%) are at or near poverty (100-199% of poverty). Meanwhile, 4,555 families (87.2%) have incomes at least twice the poverty level.

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

Family Distribution by Income-to-Poverty Ratio in Los Alamos County, New Mexico, 2023
Income-to-Poverty Ratio Number of Families Percentage
Below 50% of Poverty 14 0.3%
50-74% of Poverty 81 1.6%
75-99% of Poverty 62 1.2%
100-124% of Poverty 190 3.6%
125-149% of Poverty 50 1.0%
150-174% of Poverty 9 0.2%
175-184% of Poverty 32 0.6%
185-199% of Poverty 34 0.7%
200-299% of Poverty 197 3.8%
300-399% of Poverty 311 6.0%
400-499% of Poverty 578 11.1%
500%+ of Poverty 3,666 70.2%
Total Families 5,224 100.0%

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.


Los Alamos 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 Los Alamos 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 8,211 total households in Los Alamos County, New Mexico. Of these, 283 households (3.45%) received SNAP/Food Stamps benefits in the past 12 months.

Among SNAP-recipient households, 121 (42.76%) have children under 18 years, while 162 (57.24%) do not have children under 18 years.

Household Composition of SNAP Recipients

SNAP Recipient Household Composition in Los Alamos County, New Mexico, 2023
Household Type With Children Under 18 No Children Under 18
Married-Couple Family 34 (12.01%) 71 (25.09%)
Male Householder, No Spouse 8 (2.83%) 0 (0.00%)
Female Householder, No Spouse 79 (27.92%) 41 (14.49%)
Nonfamily Households 0 (0.00%) 50 (17.67%)

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

Age Group Percentage
Under 5 years4.51%
5–17 years (children)16.91%
18–24 years (young adults)5.85%
25–34 years14.25%
35–54 years26.17%
55–64 years14.14%
65 years and over (seniors)18.16%

The racial and ethnic composition of Los Alamos County, New Mexico is dominated by: White Alone (Non-Hispanic): 70.27%, Hispanic or Latino (Any Race): 17.88%, Asian Alone: 4.98%. The complete breakdown includes 8 distinct racial and ethnic categories.

The median household income in Los Alamos County, New Mexico is $143,188. 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 Los Alamos County, New Mexico is: Very Low Income (under $20,000): 3.11%, Low Income ($20,000-$34,999): 4.86%, Lower Middle Income ($35,000-$49,999): 4.14%, Middle Income ($50,000-$74,999): 8.07%, Upper Middle Income ($75,000-$149,999): 32.94%, High Income ($150,000+): 46.88%.

Approximately 71.79% of households in Los Alamos 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 Los Alamos County, New Mexico is: Less than $25,000: 1.16%, $25,000-$49,999: 1.83%, $50,000-$99,999: 2.48%, $100,000-$199,999: 3.97%, $200,000-$499,999: 50.48%, $500,000-$999,999: 39.49%, $1,000,000 or more: 0.59%.

There are 6,121 owner-occupied housing units in Los Alamos County, New Mexico. This represents homes that are owned by the people living in them, as opposed to rental properties or vacant units.

Approximately 40.08% of owner-occupied housing units in Los Alamos 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 Los Alamos County, New Mexico, 68.25% 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 Los Alamos County, New Mexico (population 25+) is: Less than high school graduate: 1.69%, High school graduate (including equivalency): 10.17%, Some college or associate's degree: 19.89%, Bachelor's degree: 25.00%, Graduate or professional degree: 43.24%.

In Los Alamos County, New Mexico, 98.31% 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 Los Alamos County, New Mexico, 3.4% of the population lacks health insurance coverage. This represents 652 individuals out of a total population of 19,220 people.

The uninsured rates vary by age group in Los Alamos County, New Mexico. For young adults (18-34 years), 1.6% of males and 0.0% of females lack coverage. In the 35-64 age group, 6.3% of males and 4.5% of females are uninsured. These working-age populations typically face different coverage challenges than children or seniors.

Children under 18 in Los Alamos County, New Mexico have uninsured rates of 3.9% for males and 4.7% for females. Seniors aged 65 and older, who are typically covered by Medicare, have uninsured rates of 0.8% for males and 0.0% for females. These age groups generally have higher coverage rates due to public programs.

In Los Alamos County, New Mexico, 95.5% of the population are U.S. citizens. This includes native-born citizens and naturalized citizens. Out of a total population of 19,374 people, 18,494 are U.S. citizens.

Los Alamos County, New Mexico has 1,270 naturalized U.S. citizens, representing 6.6% 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 Los Alamos County, New Mexico is: 87.1% were born in the United States, 0.4% were born in Puerto Rico or U.S. Island Areas, 1.4% were born abroad of American parent(s), 6.6% are foreign-born naturalized U.S. citizens, and 4.5% are foreign-born non-citizens.

In Los Alamos County, New Mexico, 79.8% of workers commute by car, truck, or van, making it the most common means of transportation to work. Out of 10,299 total workers, 8,222 use personal vehicles for their commute.

171 workers in Los Alamos County, New Mexico use public transportation (excluding taxicabs) to commute to work, representing 1.7% of all workers. This includes buses, subways, light rail, commuter trains, and ferries.

Alternative commute methods in Los Alamos County, New Mexico include: 14.2% work from home, 2.1% walk to work, 1.1% bicycle, and 1.1% 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 Los Alamos 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, Los Alamos County, New Mexico has 10,346 employed civilians aged 16 and over. The private for-profit sector employs the largest share of workers, with 21.7% of male workers and 15.8% of female workers in this category.

In Los Alamos County, New Mexico, there are 2,556 male government workers and 2,165 female government workers. Government employment includes local, state, and federal positions. This represents 24.7% of male workers and 20.9% of female workers.

Self-employment in Los Alamos County, New Mexico includes 167 males (1.6%) and 189 females (1.8%). Self-employed workers operate their own businesses that are not legally incorporated.

In Los Alamos County, New Mexico, 283 households (3.45% of all households) received SNAP/Food Stamps benefits in the past 12 months. Out of 8,211 total households, these families rely on this federal nutrition assistance program to help purchase food.

Of the SNAP-receiving households in Los Alamos County, New Mexico, 121 (42.76%) 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 Los Alamos County, New Mexico include diverse household types. Among households with children, 79 (27.92%) are headed by a female householder with no spouse present, while 34 (12.01%) 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 Los Alamos 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 1,169 civilian veterans aged 18 and over living in Los Alamos 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 Los Alamos County, New Mexico is Vietnam Era Only, with 343 veterans (29.3% of all veterans) who served during this period. The second most common period is Gulf War Only, with 234 veterans (20.0%).

"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 Los Alamos 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 62.9% of all veterans in Los Alamos County, New Mexico. These more recent-era veterans, totaling around 735 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 Los Alamos County, New Mexico, 157 families (3.0% 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 5,224 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 Los Alamos 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, Los Alamos County, New Mexico has 512 families (9.8%) with incomes between 100% and 199% of the poverty level. These families are often called 'near poverty' or low-income households. Specifically, 249 families (4.8%) 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 Los Alamos County, New Mexico, 14 families (0.3%) 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, 4,555 families (87.2%) have incomes at least 200% above the poverty level, indicating greater financial stability and economic security.