Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Bent, NM
Considering a move to Bent, NM? This peaceful village of 85 residents offers affordable living with median home prices near $150,000 and average rents around $900. Residents enjoy short commutes (22 minutes), abundant sunshine (73% sunny days), and a relaxed rural lifestyle. While the cost of living is well below national averages and owner-occupied homes are common, local amenities are limited and crime rates are higher than average for the region. Nearby schools and healthcare in Alamogordo and Tularosa provide key services for families and retirees alike.
Demographics - Bent, NM
Bent, NM is a small, close-knit community of just 85 residents, with a median age of 52 years indicating a mature population. The town is predominantly White (78%) with about 14.5% of residents speaking a language other than English at home. Its balanced gender ratio and low population density contribute to a peaceful, rural atmosphere.
Population:
85
Density:
57 per sq mi
Median Age:
52.0
Gender Ratio:
99 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
14.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
78.0%
Black:
0.0%
Asian:
1.0%
Others:
21.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Bent, NM?
Living in Bent is notably affordable, with a cost of living index of 87.5—well below the national average. Median home values are around $150,000, rent averages $900 per month, and utilities remain reasonably priced, making Bent attractive for those seeking budget-friendly rural living.
Median House Value:
$150,000
Gross Rent:
$900
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$95
Auto Insurance:
$1,420
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$365
State Taxes:
Low:
1.7%
|
High:
5.9%
Cost Of Living Index:
87.5
Grocery:
93.0
Housing:
72.5
Utilities:
86.0
Transportation:
90.0
Health Care:
95.0
Miscellaneous:
88.0
Crime
Is Bent, NM a safe place to live?
Bent experiences a higher crime rate compared to similar small towns, with property crimes being more prevalent than violent offenses. The chance of being a victim of property crime is about 1 in 43, which is something newcomers should consider when evaluating their move.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
320
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,350
Crime Index:
2,670
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 312
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 43
Weather
What is the weather like in Bent, NM year-round?
Residents of Bent enjoy a sunny climate with 73% of days filled with sunshine and moderate annual rainfall of nearly 20 inches. Seasonal temperatures range from cold winters (lows of 18°F) to warm summers (highs up to 88°F), making for comfortable living for those who appreciate four distinct seasons.
Winter
Min:
18°F
Max:
48°F
Spring
Min:
36°F
Max:
71°F
Summer
Min:
54°F
Max:
88°F
Fall
Min:
36°F
Max:
74°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
19.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
73%
Neighbors
The local economy is modest, with a median household income of $43,000 and a poverty rate of 17.2%. Most residents commute about 22 minutes for work, and the area is characterized by a strong sense of community, supported by high rates of homeownership and educational attainment above 85% for high school graduates.
Median Income:
$33,500
Household Income:
$43,000
Family Income:
$51,000
Per Capita Income:
$22,800
Income Male:
$36,000
Income Female:
$27,000
Poverty Rate:
17.2%
Non English Speakers:
14.5%
Rent:
$900
Unemployment Rate:
7.1%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
22.0 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
85.2%
Bachelors or More:
18.6%
Education
How are the schools in Bent, NM?
Families in Bent have access to public schools like Tularosa Elementary, which offers a favorable student-teacher ratio, while higher education options are available at New Mexico State University in Alamogordo, just 14 miles away. The area is served by dedicated educators and supports continued learning for all ages.
Public Schools
Name:
Tularosa Elementary School
Street:
1203 Bookout Rd
Phone:
575-585-8802
Students:
340
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.0
Colleges
Name:
New Mexico State University - Alamogordo
City:
Alamogordo
State:
NM
Distance:
14 miles
Students:
1,900
Healthcare
Healthcare needs in Bent are served by nearby facilities such as the Gerald Champion Regional Medical Center in Alamogordo. Residents benefit from a relatively high health insurance coverage rate of 88.3% and access to general and emergency medical services within a short drive.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Gerald Champion Regional Medical Center
Address:
2669 N Scenic Dr, Alamogordo, NM 88310
Phone:
(575) 439-6100
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
88.3%
Health Care Index:
72.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Bent, NM?
The Bent housing market is stable and affordable, with a median home price of $150,000 and an owner-occupancy rate of 81%. Rental vacancies are moderately low, and home values have seen modest appreciation, making the area appealing to both buyers and renters seeking value.
Median Home Price:
$150,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$900
Owner Occupied Rate:
81.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
9.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Bent residents rely on the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division office in nearby Alamogordo for all licensing and vehicle registration needs. The DMV provides a full range of services, and information is accessible online for added convenience.
State:
New Mexico
Department:
New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division
Address:
2544 North Scenic Drive, Alamogordo, NM 88310
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.