Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Arabela, NM
Arabela, NM is a tranquil rural community with about 60 residents, offering wide-open spaces, a low cost of living, and affordable housing (median home price of $130,000). While amenities are limited, you'll find a tight-knit atmosphere, abundant sunny days, and easy access to local healthcare in nearby towns. Commute times average 31 minutes, crime rates are low by national standards, and the area enjoys a mild, sunny high desert climate. Arabela is ideal for those seeking small-town life, scenic surroundings, and a peaceful pace.
Demographics - Arabela, NM
Demographics - Arabela, NM
Arabela is a close-knit rural community of around 60 people, predominantly White and Hispanic, with a median age of 52.6 years. The population density is very low, offering residents plenty of open space, and about 15% of locals speak a language other than English at home.
Population:
60
Density:
2 per sq mi
Median Age:
52.6
Gender Ratio:
105 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
15.0%

Ethnic Composition
White:
70.0%
Others:
2.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Arabela, NM?
Living costs in Arabela are well below the national average, with a cost of living index of 84.2 and a median home value of $130,000. Residents benefit from affordable housing, modest utility bills, and reasonable state tax rates, making Arabela an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals.
Median House Value:
$130,000
Gross Rent:
$700
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,250
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$920
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$350
State Taxes:
Low:
1.7%
|
High:
5.9%
Cost Of Living Index:
84.2
Grocery:
95.0
Housing:
68.0
Utilities:
92.0
Transportation:
85.0
Health Care:
88.0
Miscellaneous:
90.0
Crime
Is Arabela, NM a safe place to live?
Arabela experiences low crime rates, with violent crime at just 170 incidents per 100,000 people and a 1 in 588 chance of being affected. Property crime is also relatively uncommon, contributing to a safe and peaceful environment for residents.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
170
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,100
Crime Index:
2,270
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 588
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 48
Weather
What is the weather like in Arabela, NM year-round?
The climate in Arabela features mild winters with lows around 20°F and warm, sunny summers reaching up to 89°F. Residents enjoy about 73% sunny days annually and moderate rainfall, making the area comfortable year-round.

Winter
Min:
20°F
Max:
48°F

Spring
Min:
37°F
Max:
65°F

Summer
Min:
58°F
Max:
89°F

Fall
Min:
38°F
Max:
72°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
18.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
73%
Neighbors
Local households in Arabela typically earn a median income of $48,300, with a poverty rate just under 20%. Most adults have at least a high school education, and the community enjoys a laid-back rural lifestyle with average commutes of 31 minutes.
Median Income:
$34,000
Household Income:
$48,300
Family Income:
$52,000
Per Capita Income:
$22,000
Income Male:
$28,000
Income Female:
$25,000
Poverty Rate:
19.5%
Non English Speakers:
15.0%
Rent:
$700
Unemployment Rate:
7.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.0%
Commute Time:
31 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
86.0%
Bachelors or More:
17.0%
Education
How are the schools in Arabela, NM?
Local students typically attend Capitan Elementary School, which offers small class sizes and a personalized learning environment. Nearby, Eastern New Mexico University’s Ruidoso branch provides higher education opportunities just 39 miles away.

Public Schools
Name:
Capitan Elementary School
Street:
150 Forest St, Capitan, NM 88316
Phone:
575-354-8500
Students:
170
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.0

Colleges
Name:
Eastern New Mexico University - Ruidoso Branch
City:
Ruidoso
State:
NM
Distance:
39 miles
Students:
1,200
Healthcare
Residents have access to healthcare services in nearby Ruidoso, including the Lincoln County Medical Center. About 87.5% of the population has health insurance, and physician availability is comparable to other small rural areas.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Lincoln County Medical Center
Address:
211 Sudderth Dr, Ruidoso, NM 88345
Phone:
(575) 257-8200
Type:
General & Emergency
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
87.5%
Health Care Index:
62.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Arabela, NM?
The housing market in Arabela features affordable options, with a median home price of $130,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of 79%. Rental vacancies are moderate, and home values have shown steady appreciation in recent years.
Median Home Price:
$130,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$700
Owner Occupied Rate:
79.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
10.0%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
For vehicle services, residents are served by the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division, located in Santa Fe, with resources available both in-person and online for convenience.
State:
New Mexico
Department:
New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division
Address:
1100 South St. Francis Drive, Santa Fe, NM 87505
Phone:
1-888-683-4636
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.