Albuquerque, the hub of the Albuquerque Metropolitan Statistical Area (ABQ MSA), remains the largest city in New Mexico. It is the county seat of Bernalillo County and is centrally located, straddling the Rio Grande. As of the 2023 U.S. Census estimates, the city’s population stands at approximately 564,559, making it the 32nd largest city in the United States. The metropolitan area, which includes the rapidly growing city of Rio Rancho, now has a population of around 930,000, positioning it as the 58th-largest metropolitan area in the country.
Albuquerque continues to be a focal point for growth and development. Rio Rancho, in particular, has emerged as a key area for master-planned communities, attracting both businesses and residents. This growth is supported by the presence of major institutions such as the University of New Mexico (UNM), Kirtland Air Force Base, and Sandia National Laboratories. The Sandia Mountains continue to define the city’s eastern horizon, while the Rio Grande flows steadily through the heart of Albuquerque from north to south, anchoring the city’s landscape and heritage.