Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Barranca, NM
Considering a move to Barranca, NM? With a close-knit population of 1,600 and a median home price around $365,000, Barranca offers affordable living, high educational attainment, and a peaceful, sunny climate with 73% sunny days each year. Violent crime rates are low at 170 per 100K, and residents enjoy short average commutes of just 17 minutes. Top-rated schools and proximity to Los Alamos amenities make Barranca a welcoming choice for families and professionals alike.
Demographics - Barranca, NM
Demographics - Barranca, NM
Barranca is a small, close-knit community of about 1,600 residents with a median age of 48.6 years. The population is predominantly White, with nearly a fifth speaking a language other than English at home, reflecting a modest level of diversity. Residents enjoy a balanced gender ratio and a suburban population density, making it an attractive place for those seeking a quieter lifestyle.
Population:
1,600
Density:
440 per sq mi
Median Age:
48.6
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
17.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
75.0%
Black:
0.5%
Asian:
1.5%
Others:
23.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Barranca, NM?
Barranca's cost of living is slightly below the national average, with a median home value of $365,000 and average rent around $1,200 per month. Utilities and groceries are also affordable, and state income taxes range from 1.7% to 5.9%. The area's overall affordability makes it a practical choice for families and retirees alike.
Median House Value:
$365,000
Gross Rent:
$1,200
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,320
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,650
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$520
State Taxes:
Low:
1.7%
|
High:
5.9%
Cost Of Living Index:
97.0
Grocery:
97.8
Housing:
99.0
Utilities:
92.5
Transportation:
93.0
Health Care:
94.6
Miscellaneous:
95.0
Crime
Is Barranca, NM a safe place to live?
Barranca boasts a low violent crime rate of 170 incidents per 100,000 people, offering a strong sense of personal safety. Property crime is more common, but residents still enjoy a safer environment compared to many urban areas. The chance of experiencing violent crime is 1 in 588, contributing to the area's peaceful atmosphere.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
170
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,700
Crime Index:
1,870
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 588
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 59
Weather
What is the weather like in Barranca, NM year-round?
Residents enjoy a sunny, mild climate with 73% of days featuring sunshine and an average annual rainfall of about 16 inches. Summers are warm but comfortable, while winters are chilly but not severe, with temperatures ranging from 19°F in the winter to 82°F in the summer. This pleasant weather supports an active, outdoor lifestyle year-round.
Winter
Min:
19°F
Max:
41°F
Spring
Min:
33°F
Max:
61°F
Summer
Min:
54°F
Max:
82°F
Fall
Min:
35°F
Max:
65°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
15.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
73%
Neighbors
Barranca residents tend to have strong educational backgrounds, with over half holding a bachelor's degree or higher and a high school graduation rate of nearly 98%. The median household income stands at $99,800, and the area experiences a low poverty rate of 5.6%. Short commutes and a low unemployment rate add to the appeal for working professionals and families.
Median Income:
$53,500
Household Income:
$99,800
Family Income:
$108,000
Per Capita Income:
$41,200
Income Male:
$58,000
Income Female:
$44,000
Poverty Rate:
5.6%
Non English Speakers:
17.5%
Rent:
$1,200
Unemployment Rate:
3.4%
Public Transport Usage:
2.1%
Commute Time:
17.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
97.6%
Bachelors or More:
55.2%
Education
How are the schools in Barranca, NM?
Barranca families benefit from highly rated public schools, including Barranca Mesa Elementary with a low student-teacher ratio of 13:1. Higher education is easily accessible at the University of New Mexico – Los Alamos, just four miles away. The area's strong educational offerings make it ideal for students of all ages.
Public Schools
Name:
Barranca Mesa Elementary School
Street:
57 Loma del Escolar, Los Alamos, NM 87544
Phone:
505-663-2730
Students:
400
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.0
Colleges
Name:
University of New Mexico – Los Alamos
City:
Los Alamos
State:
NM
Distance:
4 miles
Students:
1,100
Healthcare
Barranca is served by nearby Los Alamos Medical Center, offering comprehensive general and emergency services. With 1.9 physicians per 1,000 residents and over 92% of locals covered by health insurance, access to healthcare is solid. The community enjoys reliable medical care and a favorable health care index.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Los Alamos Medical Center
Address:
3917 West Road, Los Alamos, NM 87544
Phone:
(505) 662-4201
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.9
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.4%
Health Care Index:
78.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Barranca, NM?
The housing market in Barranca is stable, with a median home price of $365,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of 88%. Home values have appreciated by 6.1% over the past year, indicating a healthy market. Rental options are available, but the majority of residents choose to own their homes.
Median Home Price:
$365,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,200
Owner Occupied Rate:
88.1%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.9%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Barranca residents can access vehicle services through the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division in Santa Fe, located at 1100 South St. Francis Drive. The DMV offers a full range of licensing, registration, and title services, and assistance is available both in person and online. For questions, residents can call 1-888-683-4636 or visit the official website.
State:
New Mexico
Department:
New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division
Address:
1100 South St. Francis Drive, Santa Fe, NM 87504
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.