Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Chamisal, NM
Chamisal, NM is a small, close-knit rural community of about 255 residents nestled in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. With a median home value of $110,000 and average rent of $650, housing is very affordable, though incomes and educational attainment are below state averages. Residents enjoy a sunny, mild climate with 72% sunny days and cool mountain summers, plus access to nearby public schools. Crime rates are moderate for the region, and average commutes are under 30 minutes to neighboring towns. Chamisal offers a tranquil lifestyle for those seeking affordability and natural beauty.
Demographics - Chamisal, NM
Demographics - Chamisal, NM
Chamisal is a small, tight-knit community of just 255 residents, with a median age close to 50, reflecting a mature population. The area is predominantly Hispanic/Latino, and over half the residents speak a language other than English at home, contributing to its unique cultural character.
Population:
255
Density:
88 per sq mi
Median Age:
49.5
Gender Ratio:
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
57.0%
Ethnic Composition
White:
16.0%
Black:
0.0%
Asian:
0.0%
Others:
84.0% (primarily Hispanic/Latino)
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Chamisal, NM?
Living in Chamisal is notably affordable, with a median home value of $110,000 and average rent at $650. The overall cost of living index is 83.2, well below the national average, making it attractive for those seeking budget-friendly housing and everyday expenses.
Median House Value:
$110,000
Gross Rent:
$650
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$85
Auto Insurance:
$1,160
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$900
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$295
State Taxes:
Low:
1.7%
|
High:
5.9%
Cost Of Living Index:
83.2
Grocery:
96.0
Housing:
66.0
Utilities:
86.0
Transportation:
82.0
Health Care:
85.0
Miscellaneous:
90.0
Crime
Is Chamisal, NM a safe place to live?
Chamisal experiences moderate crime rates for a rural area, with a 1 in 285 chance of being a victim of violent crime and a 1 in 42 chance for property crime. While not the lowest in the region, the crime index suggests residents should be mindful, particularly regarding property security.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
350
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,400
Crime Index:
2,750
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 285
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 42
Weather
What is the weather like in Chamisal, NM year-round?
Chamisal enjoys a mild, sunny climate with 72% of days seeing sunshine and average annual rainfall around 18.5 inches. Summers are pleasantly warm with highs in the mid-80s, while winters are chilly but manageable, often dipping into the teens at night.
Winter
Min:
14°F
Max:
40°F
Spring
Min:
30°F
Max:
65°F
Summer
Min:
50°F
Max:
84°F
Fall
Min:
28°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
18.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
72%
Neighbors
The community has a median household income of $30,000 and a poverty rate of 21.5%, reflecting modest local earnings. Most residents own their homes, and nearly 58% speak a language other than English, creating a diverse and close community atmosphere.
Median Income:
$23,500
Household Income:
$30,000
Family Income:
$38,000
Per Capita Income:
$14,200
Income Male:
$32,000
Income Female:
$22,000
Poverty Rate:
21.5%
Non English Speakers:
57.0%
Rent:
$650
Unemployment Rate:
10.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
29.5 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
67.5%
Bachelors or More:
9.2%
Education
How are the schools in Chamisal, NM?
Local families have access to small public schools in nearby Penasco, offering low student-teacher ratios for personalized attention. For higher education, Northern New Mexico College and UNM-Taos are both within a 40-mile drive, providing opportunities for continued learning.
Public Schools
Name:
Penasco Elementary School
Street:
13 School Rd, Penasco, NM 87553
Phone:
575-587-2230
Students:
125
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.2
Name:
Penasco High School
Street:
13 School Rd, Penasco, NM 87553
Phone:
575-587-2502
Students:
110
Student Teacher Ratio:
10.7
Colleges
Name:
Northern New Mexico College
City:
Española
State:
NM
Distance:
27 miles
Students:
1,100
Name:
University of New Mexico - Taos
City:
Taos
State:
NM
Distance:
36 miles
Students:
1,200
Healthcare
Residents have access to hospitals in Española and Taos, with emergency services available nearby. Health insurance coverage is strong at nearly 90%, and with about 1.4 physicians per 1,000 people, basic medical needs are met within a reasonable distance.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Presbyterian Española Hospital
Address:
1010 Spruce St, Española, NM 87532
Phone:
(505) 753-1502
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Holy Cross Hospital
Address:
1397 Weimer Rd, Taos, NM 87571
Phone:
(575) 758-8883
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.4
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.6%
Health Care Index:
67.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Chamisal, NM?
Chamisal offers an affordable housing market with a median home price of $110,000 and high owner-occupancy at 78%. Home values have seen modest appreciation, and rental options are available with average rates around $650 for a two-bedroom unit.
Median Home Price:
$110,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$650
Owner Occupied Rate:
78.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
9.0%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.3%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Chamisal residents are served by the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division, with the nearest field office located in Santa Fe. Services such as licensing and vehicle registration are accessible both in person and online through the state DMV website.
State:
New Mexico
Department:
New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division
Address:
Santa Fe Field Office, 2544 Camino Edward Ortiz, Santa Fe, NM 87507
Phone:
(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.