Rio Rancho is part of the Albuquerque Metropolitan Statistical Area.
As of the census of 2000, there were 51,765 people, 18,995 households, and 14,113 families residing in the city, although more recent estimates indicate higher numbers. The population density was 272.2/km² (705.0/sq mi). There were 20,209 housing units at an average density of 106.3 persons/km² (275.2 persons/sq mi). The racial makeup of the city was 78.36% White, 2.7% African-American, 3.4% Native American, 10.85% from other races, and 4.12% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 27.7% of the population.
There were 18,995 households out of which 40.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.4% were married couples living together, 10.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 25.7% were non-families. 20.8% of all households were made up of individuals and 7.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.70 and the average family size was 3.14.
In the city the population was spread out with 29.2% under the age of 18, 7.0% from 18 to 24, 32.0% from 25 to 44, 20.1% from 45 to 64, and 11.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females there were 94.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.9 males.
The median income for city was $47,169, and the median income for a family was $52,233. Males had a median income of $39,162 versus $27,385 for females. The per capita income for the city was $20,322. About 3.7% of families and 5.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.1% of those under age 18 and 5.8% of those age 65 or over.
Rio Rancho's and the Albuquerque Metropolitan Statistical Area's July 1, 2007 populations were estimated at 75,978 and 835,120 respectively by the United States Census Bureau's Population Estimates Program.
Albuquerque's transit department ABQ RIDE operates a bus route connecting Rio Rancho with the New Mexico Rail Runner Express station at Journal Center. There is a proposed regional transportation taxing district. The City of Albuquerque continues to seek additional revenues while ridership there stagnates. Rio Rancho has continued to meet the needs of specific groups by supporting Rio Transit. These are mini buses that take riders to specific locations.