Living in New Mexico

#44 in population growth

Should you move to New Mexico?

Known as the Land of Enchantment, New Mexico is a place where cultures, natural beauty, and history blend into a vibrant tapestry. With its striking desert landscapes, snow-capped peaks, rich Native American heritage, and blend of Spanish and Anglo influences, New Mexico offers a unique living experience unlike any other.

New Mexico’s economy is rooted in oil and gas production, agriculture, and government spending, with many federal jobs associated with military and research activities. The state is also known for its contribution to film and television, providing beautiful and versatile filming locations and state-of-the-art production facilities.

But life in New Mexico is more than just work—it’s a cultural adventure. The state’s rich history has left a lasting architectural legacy, from the ancient Puebloan ruins to the Spanish colonial-style buildings. New Mexico’s culinary scene is famous for its unique blend of Native American, Spanish, and Mexican cuisines, and the state’s art scene is one of the most vibrant in the country, especially in cities like Santa Fe and Taos.

Outdoor enthusiasts will find a wealth of opportunities in New Mexico, from exploring the Carlsbad Caverns, skiing in Taos, or white water rafting on the Rio Grande. Star gazers will be delighted with some of the clearest and darkest skies in the continental U.S., and the state’s National Parks and Monuments offer spectacular landscapes and hiking trails.

Education is a priority in New Mexico, with top research institutions like the University of New Mexico and New Mexico State University making significant contributions in areas like renewable energy and health sciences.

So, if you’re seeking a state with a rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and a slower pace of life under the wide Southwestern sky, New Mexico might be your next move. Be prepared for hot summers, mild winters, and a spice level in the local cuisine that might take some getting used to!

#36 in population

Population

2,113,344

National Avg 6,652,315

#6 in population

Population Per Square Mile

18

National Avg 206.5 persons/square mile

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How Does New Mexico Score?

B
Home Affordability
B
Cost of Living
A
Diversity

LEARN ABOUT
RANKINGS & DATA

Metropolitans

Living in New Mexico

Climate

How Does New Mexico Compare?

#2
in Sunny Days
#47
in Annual Rainfall
#49
in Daytime Humidity

Healthcare

#32

How Does New Mexico Compare?

#32
in Healthcare
#8
in Available Beds
#26
in Doctors Per Resident

0

Children's Hospitals

0

VA Medical Centers

15

VA Clinics

New Mexico Marijuana Laws

Cost of Living

#19

How Does New Mexico Compare?

#19
in Cost of Living
#16
in Minimum Hourly Wage
#17
in Living Wage

New Mexico State Taxes

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Essential New Mover Steps

What costs and challenges will you face when relocating to New Mexico? Start your journey by preparing with these key steps.

eMortgage connects you with up to 5 competing mortgage lenders through a quick, streamlined process.

Renter tested. Landlord approved. Starting from $5/mo.

Moving costs can add up quickly. Start budgeting by tackling one of your largest costs first by requesting a free online quote from 1-800-Pack-Rat.

Education in New Mexico

#50

New Mexico School Districts

8th Grade Proficiency (2022)

Ranked #50 in Mathematics

Basic Proficiency

45%

Proficient or Above

13%

Ranked #50 in Reading

Basic Proficiency

57%

Proficient or Above

18%

Education Attainment

High School Degree
86.8%
Bachelors Degree
28.5%

Raising a Family?

See if any of these family-friendly places are a fit for yours.

Places (Cities & Towns)

Get to Know New Mexico

State Capital

Santa Fe

Area Codes

505, 575

Time Zone

Mountain Time Zone

Number of Counties

33

Land Area (square miles)

121,313

Motto

Crescit eundo (It grows as it goes)

State Bird

Roadrunner

Housing

#25
#25 in home affordability

Median Home Value

$246,000

National $440,300

#15 in rent affordability

Median Rent

$897

National $1,702

Average Homeownership cost

$378

Taxes, Insurance, Utilities, HOA (no mortgage)

Total Households

797,596

Persons Per Household

2.59

Rent vs Own

Own 68.2%
Rent 31.8%

Economy

#46 in household income

Median Household Income

54,020

National $70,784

#49 in labor participation
% in Labor Force
56.6%
Poverty Rate
18.4%

Industries by Revenue

in $1,000s

Health & Social Assistance Revenue

$13,602,375

Accomodations & Food Revenue

$5,526,025

Transportation & Warehousing Revenue

$2,816,277

Per Capita Retail Sales

12,616

Counties

Diversity

#8
White alone
81.1%
Black or African American alone
2.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native alone
11.2%
Asian alone
2%
Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander alone
0.2%
Two or More Races
2.8%
Hispanic or Latino
50.2%
White alone, not Hispanic or Latino
35.7%

Foreign Born Persons

9.2%

Veterans

139347

Persons Under 5 years
5.2%
Persons Under 18 years
21.7%
Persons 65 years and over
19.1%

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