New Mexico
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Is moving to New Mexico right for you?

If you’d like to live in an artistic city with various beautiful sceneries and landscapes that look like photos created on photoshop, moving to New Mexico will be right for you.

New Mexican culture is a blend of Spanish, Native American, Mexican and English influences making the state a multicultural hub.

If you enjoy ballooning, kayaking, cycling, horseback riding, rock climbing, and hiking, etc., moving to New Mexico is right for you.

Hippies love New Mexico and there are lots of fiestas and festivals to enjoy in the state.

If all of these sounds like what you’ll like to be a part of, we’ve curated key data about the state to help you make the right decision about moving to New Mexico.

Demographics

New Mexico Demographics

A quick look at the population and other demographics of New Mexico.

Male vs Female Population of New Mexico 2021

Male vs Female Population by Age Groups in New Mexico 2021

Population distribution by Ethnicity in New Mexico 2021

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Quick facts to know before moving to New Mexico

  • Renters make up 26.8% of the New Mexico population
  • The median home value in New Mexico is $193,200
  • The average annual pay for hourly rate jobs in New Mexico is $35,505 a year
  • The average hourly pay for hourly jobs in New Mexico is $17.07 an hour
  • New Mexico’s jobs have increased by 2.8% over the past year
  • Income tax in New Mexico ranges from 1.7% - 4.9%

How fast can you commute in New Mexico?

The average one-way commute time in New Mexico takes 21.8 minutes. The national average is 26.4 minutes. That means commuting time in New Mexico is shorter than the national average.

  • About 80.2% of people in New Mexico drive their own car alone
  • Up to 9.8% of people in New Mexico carpool with others
  • Around 4.8% of people in New Mexico work from home
  • Up to 1.1% of people in New Mexico take mass transit

How is the weather like in New Mexico?

If the weather is one of the key things you’d like to consider before making up your mind about moving to New Mexico, here’s a summary of the state’s weather:

  • New Mexico summer high in July is around 88 degrees
  • Winter low in New Mexico in January is around 20 degrees
  • New Mexico gets 15 inches of rain a year
  • Snow in New Mexico average 24 inches per year
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Top 10 Reasons to move to New Mexico

Hundreds of people move to New Mexico every year for several reasons. Since you’re considering moving to New Mexico, here are some of the reasons why the state is so appealing:

  • Affordable homes

    In New Mexico, the median home value is $193,200, which is much lower than the national average. This means, your chances of owning a home are higher in New Mexico than in the neighboring states. Even the median home rental is lower than the national average and you can rent a studio apartment in New Mexico for $597.

  • Growing job market

    New Mexico’s economy is driven by oil, gas production, energy, and tourism and most jobs are related to these sectors. In addition, construction, retail trade, healthcare, mining, and manufacturing are also prominent in the state. And the good news is that the state’s job market is looking up.

  • Low cost of living

    New Mexico records a low cost of living, which means, utilities, transportation, housing, healthcare, and groceries cost less than the national average.

  • Warm climate

    A big plus of New Mexico is its climate, which is mild, arid or semiarid, and continental. There is abundant sunshine, low relative humidity, and a relatively large annual and diurnal temperature range. The winters are not severe in New Mexico and adequate rainfall occurs across the state.

  • Beautiful nature

    New Mexico takes pride in its stunning mountain communities like Taos and quirky desert towns like Truth or Consequences. Volcanic rock formations, cave dwellings, and stark white dunes make us believe that we are taken to a different planet. The unparalleled natural beauty of New Mexico often makes us feel like a painting on a wide canvas.

  • Top-quality wines

    With a long history of wine production, New Mexico boasts of 60 wineries producing 900,000 US gallons (3,400,000 L) of wine annually, contributing millions of dollars to the state coffers. Some of the prominent wineries in the state include Acequia Vineyards & Winery, Gruet Winery, Matheson Wine Company, Black Mesa Winery, and St. Clair Winery. Multiple wine trails across the state are hosted to popularize different wines and their production processes to the public.

  • Unique culture and traditions

    New Mexican culture is a unique fusion of indigenous, Spanish, Hispanic, and American influences and this is visible in the festivals celebrated in the state. A strong Spanish flavor still exists here and exploring some of the fests in the state is the best way to feel it.

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    Here’s a list of traditional festivals in New Mexico.

    • Santa Fe Opera
    • Roswell UFO Festival
    • Santa Fe Indian Market
    • Taos Winter Wine Festival
    • Gathering of Nations Pow Wow
    • Santa Fe International Folk Art Market
    • Hatch Chile Festival
    • Whole Enchilada Fiesta
  • Lots of entertainment and recreation options

    New Mexico is incredibly scenic and its landscapes are highly diverse. This complemented by the warm climate promises unlimited outdoor recreation options.

    Here is a list of natural wonders to explore in New Mexico:

    • Carlsbad Caverns National Park
    • White Sands National Monument
    • Bandelier National Monument
    • Petroglyph National Monument
    • Taos Pueblo
    • Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument
    • Taos Ski Valley
    • Wheeler Peak Wilderness
  • Unique and delicious cuisines

    New Mexicans are serious about what they eat and this reflects in the cuisine, which is an amalgam of cultural influences. Often the cuisine in New Mexico is a unique blend of Hispanic and Pueblo recipes and though the names sound similar to Mexican, the dishes are not the same.

    Here is a list of some of the cuisines to relish in New Mexico

    • Green Chile Cheeseburgers
    • Carne Adovada
    • Stacked Red Chile Enchiladas with a Fried Egg
    • Huevos Rancheros
    • Blue Corn
    • Tamales
    • Chicharrones
    • Chicos
    • Posole
    • Calabacitas
    • Enchiladas
  • You’ll enjoy lots of outdoor activities

    With 300+ days of sunshine and tens of thousands of miles of public wilderness lands, “The Land of Enchantment” has got unlimited things to do outdoors. There is an adventure at every corner of the state and you can add hiking, skiing, cave exploring, and kayaking to your ‘to-do list’.

    We’ve compiled some of the best adventures to explore in New Mexico.

    • Explore Ancient Ruins in Pecos National Historic Park
    • Follow Scenic Trails at Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument
    • Marvel at Volcanic Landscapes in Bandelier National Monumentli>
    • Go River Rafting on the River Grande
    • Soak in the Refreshing San Antonio Hot Springs
    • Roam the Cobblestone Streets of Old Town Albuquerque
    • Take Flight in a Hot Air Balloon in Albuquerque
    • Take a Step Back in Time at Petroglyph National Monument
    • Ride the Cable Cars at Sandia Peak Tramway
    • Climb New Mexico’s Highest Mountain at Wheeler Peak
    • Hop Aboard Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad
    • Hike Chaco Culture National Historical Park
    • Sled the Dunes at White Sands National Park
    • Go Underground at Carlsbad Caverns National Park
    • Experience Small-Town Charm in Silver City
pros

Pros and Cons of living in New Mexico

Is moving to New Mexico right for you or not? One of the easiest ways to figure out if moving to New Mexico is right for you or not is to consider the pros and cons of living in the city.

The Pros of living in New Mexico
  • Low cost of living
  • Unique and Historic presence
  • Flexible Environment
  • Low housing cost
  • Unique culture and traditions
  • Historic sites
  • Beautiful scenery
  • Affordable education
  • Friendly people
  • Ethnic diversity
  • Diverse cuisines
  • Life is slower
  • No vehicle policies
The Cons of living in New Mexico
  • High crime rate
  • Poverty and drugs
  • Less job opportunities
  • Low quality of education
  • Ethnic diversity
  • High crime rates
  • Poor roads and traffic
  • Poverty
  • Inconvenient weather patterns
  • Seasonal dust

10 Best places to live in New Mexico

If you’re moving to New Mexico, you’ll most likely be interested in the best places to live in the state. Here are the ten best places to buy a house in New Mexico:

Rank City Median Home Price Population Change Home Price Increase
1 Truth Or Consequences $85,300 -1.2% 7.0%
2 Taos $260,800 -0.9% 2.6%
3 Raton $83,700 -1.6% -1.5%
4 Edgewood $194,100 0.1% -0.9%
5 Los Ranchos De Albuquerque $447,700 -0.3% $161,500
6 Aztec $155,300 -0.6% 0.4%
7 Belen $106,500 4.2% 2.1%
8 Ruidoso $180,700 0.4% -15.7%
9 Bloomfield $149,200 -1.9% 2.5%
10 Socorro $135,600 -1.1% 17.2%

New Mexico Cities Moving Guides

Where should I not live in New Mexico?

The crime rate in New Mexico is above the national average, especially when we focus on the violent crime and property crime numbers. Here’s a list of 10 places in New Mexico you need to avoid living in as the crime rate is high.

  • Gallup
  • Belen
  • Deming
  • Los Lunas
  • Roswell
  • Clovis
  • Artesia
  • Las Cruces
  • Taos
  • Bernalillo

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Cost of living in New Mexico

New Mexico’s cost of living is 88.4. the national average is 100. That means the cost of living in New Mexico is lower than the national average.

Housing in New Mexico

If you’re interested in buying a home after moving to New Mexico, the median home value in the state is $193,200.

  • Homes in the state have appreciated by 5.2% in the last ten years
  • Currently, home appreciation is 6.5%
  • Renters make up 26.8% of the New Mexico population
  • About 2.6% of houses and apartments in New Mexico are open to rent

Median home rental cost in New Mexico?

Renting a home in New Mexico is a good housing option. Here are the median rental costs of various housing options in New Mexico:

  • Average cost of a Studio apartment in New Mexico is $597
  • Average cost of a 1-bedroom home or apartment in New Mexico is $693
  • Average cost of a 2-bedroom home or apartment in New Mexico is $847
  • Average cost of a 3-bedroom home or apartment in New Mexico is $1181
  • Average cost of a 4-bedroom home or apartment in New Mexico is $1382

Median House Price in New Mexico vs USA 2021

Median Rent Price in New Mexico vs USA 2021

Cost of Living by Categories in New Mexico vs USA 2021

New Mexico Job Market

Moving to New Mexico could mean starting a new job or perhaps setting up a company and hiring employees.

Since you’re considering moving to New mexico, we’ve collated key stats about the state’s job market to give you a head start.

How is the job market like in New Mexico?

New Mexico’s unemployment rate is 5.6% while the national average is 3.7%. If you have a plan to look for a job after moving to New Mexico, the state’s unemployment rate will give you an idea of the state’s job market and the overall economy.

  • The unemployment rate in New Mexico is higher than the U.S. average
  • New Mexico has witnessed a 2.8% increase in job growth over the past year
  • New Mexico’s job market is experiencing positive growth and is predicted to grow by 29.5% in the next 10 years

What are the top industries in New Mexico?

New Mexico is home to several large industries that power the state’s economy. We’ve made a list of the leading industries in the state to give you an idea of where you can invest or consider opportunities if you’re moving to New Mexico. Here are top industries in New Mexico:

  • Energy
  • Aerospace and Defense
  • Tourism and Food
  • Distribution, Logistics, and Transportation
  • Advanced Manufacturing
  • Digital Media and Film Production
  • Administrative and Federal Government

What are the top career options in New Mexico?

If you’re looking to get a job faster after moving to New Mexico, we’ve made a list of the fastest growing jobs in demand in the state. Here’s a list of the to career options in the state if you’re moving to New Mexico:

Rank Job Title Average Salary Entry Level Salary # Of People
1 General Internal Medicine Physicians $280,620 $200,650 130
2 Obstetricians And Gynecologists $258,380 $74,290 100
3 Psychiatrists $240,350 $148,500 100
4 Physicians, All Other; And Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric $229,770 $110,490 2,120
5 Orthodontists $214,050 $140,740 60
6 Pediatricians, General $192,390 $70,140 140
7 Dentists, All Other Specialists $191,170 $114,100 70
8 Dentists, General $182,420 $80,280 630
9 Physicists $166,720 $107,400 1,740
10 Architectural And Engineering Managers $165,130 $103,120 1,530

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What’s the median salary in New Mexico?

Starting a new job could be one of your plans if you’re moving to New Mexico. We’ve collated key data about the average salaries in New Mexico to help you figure out what’s suitable for you in the state:

  • The average annual pay for hourly rate jobs category in New Mexico is $35,505 a year
  • The average hourly pay for hourly jobs in New Mexico is $17.07 an hour
  • The average weekly pay for hourly jobs in New Mexico is $683 per week
  • The average monthly pay for average jobs in New Mexico is $2,959 a month
  • Salaries within the hourly rate jobs category currently range between $25,639 to $42,879
  • Top earners in New Mexico make $55,257 annually

What’s the unemployment rate in New Mexico?

New Mexico’s unemployment rate is 5.6%. The United States average is 3.7%. If you’re considering getting a job after moving to New Mexico, here’s a simple analysis of the state’s job market:

  • New Mexico’s job growth has been positive over the years
  • New Mexico’s jobs have increased by 2.8% over the past year
  • New Mexico’s average salary is $44,968
  • Future job growth over the next 10 years is predicted to be 29.5%

10 Biggest companies in New Mexico

If you’re interested in getting a job in some of the largest companies after moving to New Mexico, we’ve made a list of the biggest companies in the state who are also the largest employers. Here are the 10 biggest companies in New Mexico:

Rank Company City Employees
1 Akal Security Espanola 15,000
2 Sandia National Laboratories Albuquerque 11,694
3 Los Alamos National Laboratory Los Alamos 10,000
4 The University of New Mexico Albuquerque 8,010
5 New Mexico State University Las Cruces 5,370
6 Presbyterian Albuquerque 4,340
7 Ernest Health Albuquerque 3,644
8 New Mexico Department of Health Santa Fe 3,250
9 GCC Dacotha Las Cruces 3,183
10 Lovelace Health System Albuquerque 3,183

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How safe is New Mexico?

Safety is always one of the key things to consider before moving to any state. Since you’re considering moving to New Mexico.

  • Violent crime rate in New Mexico is 40.3. The United States average is 22.7
  • Property crime rate in New Mexico is 55.7. The U.S. average is 35.4

Tip: When you’ve got a home to move in New Mexico, getting the best moving quote will be your goal. Request moving company quotes to save on moving cost.

10 Safest Cities in New Mexico

Here are the ten safest cities in the state if you’re moving to New Mexico:

Rank City Population Violent Crimes Per 100k Property Crimes Per 100k
1 Corrales, NM 8,577 34 501
2 Los Alamos, NM 18,883 127 582
3 Rio Rancho, NM 97,394 202 1,637
4 Grants, NM 8,982 211 1,503
5 Lovington, NM 11,175 134 2,425
6 Anthony, NM 9,313 440 440
7 Raton, NM 5,960 218 2,701
8 Alamogordo, NM 31,332 306 3,261
9 Ruidoso, NM 7,718 375 2,928
10 Aztec, NM 6,538 550 2,233

Number of Households by Income Level in New Mexico

Median Income in New Mexico vs USA

Unemployment Rate in New Mexico vs USA

New Mexico Taxes

Depending on where you’re moving from, you may end up paying more or less in taxes if you’re moving to New Mexico. Here’s a breakdown of the various taxes in New Mexico:

  • Income tax in New Mexico ranges from 1.7% - 4.9%
  • There is no sales tax in New Mexico (Gross receipts tax of 5.125% to 9.25% effectively acts like a sales tax)
  • Property tax in New Mexico is 0.78% average effective rate
  • The gas tax in Montana is 32.00 cents per gallon of regular gasoline
  • New Mexico Gas tax is 17.00 cents per gallon of regular gasoline and 21.00 cents per gallon of diesel

What’s New Mexico most known for?

New Mexico is known for many remarkable attractions, events, history, and natural phenomena, etc. These are some of the reasons why moving to New Mexico appeals to many families. Here are some of the various things New Mexico is known for:

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  • Pecos National Historical Park

    The 6,671-acre Pecos National Historical Park encompasses historical elements from prehistoric archaeological ruins to 19th-century ranches, to a battlefield of the American Civil War. There is also a remaining of a 17th-century Spanish mission inside the park.

  • Bandelier National Monument

    The 33,000-acre Bandelier National Monument protects rugged but beautiful canyons and mesa country as well as evidence of a human presence here going back over 11,000 years. Multiple hiking trails exist inside, which makes the park a hot adventure destination. A National Historic Landmark, the national monument is also home to over 55 species of mammals, including mule deer and mountain lions.

  • Petroglyph National Monument

    The monument has more than 15,000 prehistoric and historic Native American and Hispanic petroglyphs stretching 17-miles along Albuquerque's West Mesa escarpment. Petroglyph National Monument also protects five volcanoes in the area.

  • Taos Pueblo

    This is an ancient pueblo belonging to a Taos-speaking Native American tribe of Puebloan people, who are one of the oldest continuously inhabited communities in the United States. Taos Pueblo is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

  • Cumbres-Toltec Scenic Railway

    The Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad or C&TSRR is a 3-ft narrow-gauge heritage railroad between Antonito, Colorado, and Chama, New Mexico that takes back to the raw, rugged, and majestic beauty of the American West. A National Historic Landmark, the railroad operates steam engines manufactured in the 1880s.

  • Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument

    The 533-acre Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument in the extreme southern portion of Catron County is home to two prominent ruins sites among a collection of smaller sites located within the Gila Wilderness inside the Gila National Forest. There is a museum hosting the exhibits of Apache and Mogollon artifacts, uncovered both in the surrounding wilderness and at the monument.

  • Taos Ski Valley

    A village and alpine ski resort in Taos County, Taos Ski Valley is a wild frontier for skiing and snowboarding, steeped in legendary culture, unconventional traditions, and rugged perfection.

  • The Very Large Array

    The Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array (VLA) is a radio astronomy observatory at Socorro County with twenty-eight 25-meter radio telescopes deployed in a Y-shaped array. Astronomers using VLA had made significant discoveries in the past including key observations of black holes and protoplanetary disks around young stars.

  • Billy the Kid Museum

    Billy the Kid Museum displays the history of the trials of people of the 1800s and early 1900s and their struggle to stay alive and provide for their families. Dedicated to Billy the Kid, a Wild West legend, the museum has his rifle, chaps and spurs, the original ‘Wanted’ poster, and even locks of his hair on display. Other displays in the museum include the military cavalry sword of John Chisum, more than 150 firearms of varying ages, and antique automobiles ranging from 1941 fire trucks, Model Ts, and Model As to 1956 classic cars.

  • Wheeler Peak Wilderness

    The 19,661-acre Wheeler Peak Wilderness in the Carson National Forest is home to Wheeler Park, the highest point in New Mexico. Lying along the top of the Sangre De Cristo Mountain, the Wilderness is characterized by high rugged terrain and has a huge wildlife population, including Marmots, pikas, elk, mule deer, and golden eagles, and pigs.

  • International UFO Museum and Research Center

    The International UFO Museum and Research Center focus on the study of UFO incidents in the US and elsewhere. The museum contains extensive documentation of the now-famous 1947 Roswell incident, which is believed to be an extraterrestrial landing. The museum’s library contains nearly 55,000 documents, including books, videotapes, audiotapes, photographs, news clippings, letters, reports, and artwork related to extraterrestrial life.

  • Carlsbad Caverns National Park

    The 46,766-acre Carlsbad Caverns National Park has show caves that can be hiked for adventure. There is a large limestone chamber inside, which is the largest in North America and the 31st largest in the world

  • White Sands National Monument

    The national monument in the southeastern region of New Mexico has the world’s largest gypsum dune field, made of 275 square miles of fine white sand. The monument ranges in elevation from 3890' to 4116' above sea level and about a thousand species of animals inhabit the park.

  • Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

    During the annual 9-day festival, the Albuquerque sky will be filled with about 500 hot air balloons launched from the 78-acre Balloon Fiesta Park. The balloons are launched before sunrise and it illuminates the night sky. Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is the world’s largest balloon festival.

Best schools and universities in New Mexico

New Mexico is home to several top-quality schools including universities, colleges, high, middle, and elementary schools. Since you’re considering moving to New Mexico, here are the best schools in the state:

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