Rio Rancho is the largest and most populous city in Sandoval County, New Mexico, in the United States. A small portion of the city extends into northern Bernalillo County. It is situated within the expansive Albuquerque metropolitan area and ranks as the third-largest city in the state of New Mexico.
The name Rio Rancho originates from Los Ranchos, which were Spanish colonial ranches established throughout historic Nuevo México along the Rio Grande in the Albuquerque Basin. Since the late 20th century, the area has developed primarily as a suburb of Albuquerque and remains one of the state's most rapidly growing cities.
According to the 2020 census, Rio Rancho had a population of 104,046 residents. The region was historically characterized by large ranches, including those located in neighboring Corrales.