Average Height in Mexico (2026 Data)
The average height in Mexico is approximately 5'7" (169 cm) for men and 5'1" (156 cm) for women, based on ENSANUT. Mexico ranks below the global average.
Average Height in Mexico: Men and Women
Adult height in Mexico reflects decades of genetics, childhood nutrition, healthcare access, and living conditions. The most recent national health surveys provide the best estimates for current average stature among adults.
For men, the population mean is about 169 cm (5'7"); for women, about 156 cm (5'1"). These figures represent adults aged 18 and older and are typically measured barefoot in health surveys.
Height varies by region, ethnicity, and birth cohort within Mexico. The averages below describe the national picture; individual heights span a wide range above and below these means.
Average Height by Age Group in Mexico
| Age Group | Men (cm / ft-in) | Women (cm / ft-in) |
|---|---|---|
| 18–25 | 171 cm (5'7") | 157 cm (5'2") |
| 26–35 | 170 cm (5'7") | 157 cm (5'2") |
| 36–50 | 169 cm (5'7") | 156 cm (5'1") |
| 50+ | 168 cm (5'6") | 155 cm (5'1") |
Age-group estimates derived from ENSANUT (National Health and Nutrition Survey). Younger cohorts typically measure slightly taller than older groups due to secular height trends.
How Mexico Compares to the World and the US
Globally, the approximate mean adult height is about 171 cm (5'7") for men and 159 cm (5'2.5") for women, based on NCD-RisC pooled estimates covering hundreds of population studies. Compared to this, Mexico men are 2 cm shorter and women are 3 cm shorter.
The United States averages about 175 cm (5'9") for men and 162 cm (5'4") for women (CDC/NHANES). Mexico men are 6 cm shorter than US men on average; Mexico women are 6 cm shorter than US women.
Mexico's position relative to global and US averages reflects its combination of Mestizo and Indigenous ancestry, with nutrition challenges in some rural and low-income communities.
Why Heights Differ: Genetics, Nutrition, and Trends
Height is roughly 80% genetic and 20% environmental, but those environmental factors—especially nutrition in the first 1,000 days of life—matter enormously at the population level. Mexico's average stature is shaped by Mestizo and Indigenous ancestry, with nutrition challenges in some rural and low-income communities.
Heights have improved as food security expanded, though obesity and micronutrient gaps coexist.
Comparing your personal height to Mexico's average is informative, but percentile rankings depend on which reference population you use. Our calculator compares against US CDC/NHANES data, which may differ from Mexico's national distribution.
Data source: ENSANUT (National Health and Nutrition Survey). For US percentile comparisons, see our methodology page.
Frequently Asked Questions
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