Albuquerque
RANK #703 / 996 NAT · #8 / 11 NM · POP 674,692
1YR FORECAST: +0.5%
5YR OUTLOOK: +19%
Bernalillo County, New Mexico, is distinguished by its diverse landscapes, from the Rio Grande's cottonwood bosque to the towering Sandia Mountains. The county seat, Albuquerque, is New Mexico's most populous city and a central hub. Commuting within the county and to Albuquerque is facilitated by major interstates like I-25 and I-40, along with public transportation options such as the New Mexico Rail Runner Express and ABQ RIDE buses, many of which are fare-free. The region offers extensive outdoor recreation, including the multi-use Paseo del Bosque Trail, the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway, and numerous opportunities for hiking, biking, and birdwatching within its diverse natural settings.
Life in Bernalillo County blends urban and rural lifestyles, with a focus on community and access to amenities. The economy is experiencing growth, with ongoing investments in infrastructure and logistics, including the I-40 TradePort Corridor initiative. Local economic development efforts also support small businesses and entrepreneurship, particularly within the food industry through programs like the Semilla Initiative. The county prioritizes quality of life through initiatives supporting community wellness, social and cultural experiences, and access to vital services like healthcare, housing, and job training.
Below national median
Below national median
Above national median (13x)
Housing looks undervalued at 3.8x — home prices are low relative to local economic output. Climate and geography support a structural premium. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Estimated local headcount ranges. Larger employers shown as floor + "+"; smaller employers show exact counts where reported.
Source: CDC/NCHS vital statistics via County Health Rankings (2020–2022 avg). Rates per 100,000 population. Grade based on homicide rate relative to national average (~6.3). Learn more →
Source: EPA Air Quality System (2021–2023). Grade based on 3-year average median AQI. Learn about AQI →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Atrisco Solar and Energy Storage Project
Clenera (operated by Atrisco Energy Storage LLC)
|
$850M | Operating |
|
Magpie Energy Center (Solar & Battery Storage)
NextEra Energy Resources, LLC
|
$696M | Proposed |
|
Corazon Energy Storage LLC
Corazon Energy Storage LLC
|
$225M | Proposed |
|
Sun Lasso Energy Center (Battery Storage)
Sun Lasso Energy, LLC (affiliate of Aypa Power Development, LLC)
|
$190M | Planned |
|
Oso Negro Battery Storage Project
Plus Power
|
$175M | Planned |
|
Amazon Fulfillment Center (ABQ1 & WQQ5) and Sortation Center
Amazon
|
$6M | Operating |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
At 29/100, Bernalillo County faces headwinds that place it in the lower third of the 996 counties we track. Median income of $62,220 combined with job growth of +1.0% suggests the local economy is struggling to keep pace with national trends.
Housing in Bernalillo County is roughly in line with national affordability norms. The median home costs $247,300 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.25, with rents averaging $1,017/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.
Population and employment in Bernalillo County are both close to flat — population -0.0% YoY and jobs +1.0%. Home values shifted +1.0% over the past 12 months. A steady-state county, neither expanding quickly nor shrinking.
Not particularly — 1.67% of Bernalillo County's population moved in from another state, which is below the national average. Most residents are long-term locals rather than recent transplants.