Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Bernal, NM
Considering Bernal, NM for your next move? This tranquil rural community of about 180 people offers affordable living, with median home prices around $85,000 and average rents at $720. Residents enjoy over 70% sunny days a year and quick access to wide open spaces. Commute times average about 29 minutes, and while the cost of living is well below the national average, services and amenities are limited. Crime rates are higher than average for the region, so research neighborhoods carefully. Bernal is ideal for those seeking peace, low housing costs, and a small-town New Mexico lifestyle.
Demographics - Bernal, NM
Demographics - Bernal, NM
Bernal, NM is a small rural community with around 180 residents, featuring a median age of 50 and a low population density. The town has a diverse mix, with a majority White population and a significant Hispanic or Latino community. About 17% of residents speak a language other than English at home, reflecting its multicultural character.
Population:
180
Density:
3 per sq mi
Median Age:
50.1
Gender Ratio:
104 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
17.0%
Ethnic Composition
White:
52.0%
Others:
3.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Bernal, NM?
Bernal offers a notably low cost of living, with median home values at $85,000 and average rent around $720 per month. Utilities and housing costs are well below the national average, making it an affordable choice for those looking to stretch their budget. State taxes range from 1.7% to 5.9%, further supporting cost-conscious living.
Median House Value:
$85,000
Gross Rent:
$720
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,300
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$930
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$320
State Taxes:
Low:
1.7%
|
High:
5.9%
Cost Of Living Index:
85.1
Grocery:
92.0
Housing:
69.0
Utilities:
92.5
Transportation:
90.2
Health Care:
87.6
Miscellaneous:
88.0
Crime
Is Bernal, NM a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Bernal are higher than the regional average, with a property crime rate of 2,150 incidents per 100,000 people and a violent crime chance of about 1 in 256. Prospective residents should review local neighborhoods carefully to ensure peace of mind. Safety remains a concern, so staying informed is important.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
390
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,150
Crime Index:
2,540
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 256
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 46
Weather
What is the weather like in Bernal, NM year-round?
Bernal experiences a sunny and dry climate, boasting 72% sunny days annually and only about 14.5 inches of rainfall. Winters are cold with lows near 17°F, while summers are warm, reaching highs around 90°F. The area enjoys distinct seasonal changes and abundant sunshine.
Winter
Min:
17°F
Max:
45°F
Spring
Min:
35°F
Max:
67°F
Summer
Min:
57°F
Max:
90°F
Fall
Min:
33°F
Max:
69°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
14.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
72%
Neighbors
The median household income in Bernal is approximately $36,800, with 19.8% of residents living below the poverty line. Most adults have at least a high school diploma, and the average commute time is just under 30 minutes. The community is tight-knit, with limited public transport use and affordable housing options.
Median Income:
$29,500
Household Income:
$36,800
Family Income:
$40,200
Per Capita Income:
$20,400
Income Male:
$29,000
Income Female:
$22,500
Poverty Rate:
19.8%
Non English Speakers:
17.0%
Rent:
$720
Unemployment Rate:
7.1%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
29.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
84.4%
Bachelors or More:
17.2%
Education
How are the schools in Bernal, NM?
Education in Bernal is provided primarily through Vaughn Elementary School, which maintains a low student-to-teacher ratio for personalized attention. For higher education, Eastern New Mexico University in Roswell is the closest major option, located about 82 miles away. Families may find limited local schooling choices and should consider nearby districts.
Public Schools
Name:
Vaughn Elementary School
Street:
101 4th St, Vaughn, NM 88353
Phone:
575-584-2300
Students:
85
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.2
Colleges
Name:
Eastern New Mexico University – Roswell
City:
Roswell
State:
NM
Distance:
82 miles
Students:
2,600
Healthcare
Residents have access to regional healthcare at Guadalupe County Hospital, offering general and emergency services. Health insurance coverage is strong at nearly 90%, and the area has about 1.2 physicians per 1,000 people. Healthcare costs are lower than average, but specialized care options may be limited locally.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Guadalupe County Hospital
Address:
117 Camino de Vida, Santa Rosa, NM 88435
Phone:
(575) 472-3417
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.6%
Health Care Index:
65.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Bernal, NM?
Bernal's housing market is marked by affordability, with a median home price of $85,000 and most residents owning their homes. The rental vacancy rate stands at 8.9%, and home values have appreciated modestly in the past year. New construction is rare, preserving the area's small-town feel.
Median Home Price:
$85,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$720
Owner Occupied Rate:
75.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.9%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
Vehicle services for Bernal residents are managed by the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division, located in Santa Fe. The DMV offers comprehensive services, and information can be accessed online or by phone. Drivers should plan ahead, as the nearest office is some distance from Bernal.
State:
New Mexico
Department:
New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division
Address:
1100 S St. Francis Dr., 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.