RANK #637 / 996 · POP 674,692 · NM
PROJECTED GROWTH: +0.3%
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.
| 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.
Bernalillo County has a Boom Town Index score of 36/100, ranking #637 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +1.0% and a median household income of $62,220, it faces some economic headwinds compared to faster-growing counties.
The median home value in Bernalillo County is $247,300 with median rent at $1,017/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.2516, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: -0.0% year-over-year. Job growth: +1.0%. Home values changed +1.0% in the past 12 months.