Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Chama, NM
Considering a move to Chama, NM? With a cozy population of just 910, Chama offers affordable living with median home prices around $165,000 and average rent at $795. Residents enjoy short 15-minute commutes, over 70% sunny days, and scenic mountain surroundings. While crime rates are moderate, the local schools have small class sizes and the village boasts a strong sense of community. If you value small-town charm, outdoor recreation, and a cost-effective lifestyle, Chama is a friendly place to call home.
Demographics - Chama, NM
Chama, New Mexico is a small village with a population of 910, a balanced gender ratio, and a median age of 42.7, making it a peaceful community with a blend of families and older adults. Over half the population identifies as White, while nearly 40% are Hispanic or Latino, and about 23% speak a non-English language at home, adding to the area’s cultural diversity.
Population:
910
Density:
290 per sq mi
Median Age:
42.7
Gender Ratio:
100 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
23.0%
Ethnic Composition
White:
53.5%
Black:
0.2%
Asian:
0.3%
Others:
3.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Chama, NM?
Chama offers a notably affordable cost of living, with a median home value of $165,000 and average rent at $795, both well below national averages. Utility and grocery costs are also reasonable, and the overall cost of living index is 81.0, making the area appealing for budget-conscious residents.
Median House Value:
$165,000
Gross Rent:
$795
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,210
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,080
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$410
State Taxes:
Low:
1.7%
|
High:
5.9%
Cost Of Living Index:
81.0
Grocery:
94.2
Housing:
57.5
Utilities:
91.4
Transportation:
86.0
Health Care:
83.7
Miscellaneous:
88.5
Crime
Is Chama, NM a safe place to live?
Chama experiences moderate crime levels for a rural area, with a violent crime rate of 240 per 100,000 residents and a property crime risk of about 1 in 66. Residents enjoy a generally safe environment but should remain aware of property security.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
240
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,520
Crime Index:
1,760
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 417
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 66
Weather
What is the weather like in Chama, NM year-round?
Chama’s climate features cold winters with temperatures dipping as low as 7°F and warm, pleasant summers reaching up to 80°F. The area receives about 16.5 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys 70% sunny days, making it attractive for outdoor enthusiasts.
Winter
Min:
7°F
Max:
38°F
Spring
Min:
21°F
Max:
62°F
Summer
Min:
38°F
Max:
80°F
Fall
Min:
22°F
Max:
65°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
16.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
70%
Neighbors
Local households in Chama typically earn around $43,500, with a per capita income of $22,100, and about 19% of residents live below the poverty line. The area boasts short 15-minute average commutes, a strong sense of community, and a high school graduation rate above 85%.
Median Income:
$32,400
Household Income:
$43,500
Family Income:
$52,000
Per Capita Income:
$22,100
Income Male:
$28,000
Income Female:
$26,000
Poverty Rate:
18.7%
Non English Speakers:
23.0%
Rent:
$795
Unemployment Rate:
7.4%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
15.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
85.1%
Bachelors or More:
19.5%
Education
How are the schools in Chama, NM?
Chama’s public schools offer small class sizes, with the elementary and middle/high schools serving fewer than 300 students combined and student-teacher ratios around 12:1. Higher education is accessible at Northern New Mexico College, located 50 miles away in Española.
Public Schools
Name:
Chama Elementary School
Street:
1504 NM-17
Phone:
575-756-2256
Students:
120
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.5
Name:
Escalante Middle/High School
Street:
1584 NM-17
Phone:
575-756-3661
Students:
170
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.0
Colleges
Name:
Northern New Mexico College
City:
Española
State:
NM
Distance:
50 miles
Students:
1,100
Healthcare
Healthcare needs in Chama are served by a local primary care clinic and a full-service hospital 50 miles away in Española, with nearly 90% of residents having health insurance. The community has about 1.9 physicians per 1,000 people, ensuring basic medical access for most families.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Chama Valley Clinic
Address:
211 Pine Ave, Chama, NM 87520
Phone:
(575) 756-2301
Type:
Primary Care Clinic
Emergency Services:
No
Name:
Espanola Hospital
Address:
1010 Spruce St, Española, NM 87532
Phone:
(505) 753-7111
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.9
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.1%
Health Care Index:
67.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Chama, NM?
Chama’s housing market is dominated by owner-occupied homes, with a median price of $165,000 and a high ownership rate of 78%. Average rent for a two-bedroom is $795, and the area sees modest home appreciation, offering affordable options for buyers and renters alike.
Median Home Price:
$165,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$795
Owner Occupied Rate:
78.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.9%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.4%
New Construction Rate:
0.6%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Residents of Chama can access vehicle and licensing services through the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division, located in Santa Fe and available online for convenience. The office provides a full range of motor vehicle services for state residents.
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.