Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Chaparral, NM
Considering a move to Chaparral, NM? With a population of about 15,800, Chaparral offers affordable living—median home prices are just $120,000 and rents average $880—plus abundant sunshine with 82% sunny days yearly. Commute times are moderate at 26 minutes, and while the area is largely residential, you’ll find access to nearby healthcare and educational options. Crime rates are higher than average, but the cost of living is well below the national norm, making Chaparral an attractive choice for budget-minded movers seeking a warm, small-town atmosphere near the NM-TX border.
Demographics - Chaparral, NM
Demographics - Chaparral, NM
Chaparral is home to approximately 15,800 residents, with a median age of 31.3 and a population density of 470 people per square mile. The community is predominantly White with a strong Hispanic influence, and two-thirds of residents speak a language other than English at home, creating a diverse and youthful environment.
Population:
15,800
Density:
470 per sq mi
Median Age:
31.3
Gender Ratio:
102 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
66.0%

Ethnic Composition
White:
87.5%
Black:
0.8%
Asian:
0.3%
Others:
11.4%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Chaparral, NM?
Living in Chaparral is notably affordable, with a median home value of $120,000 and average rents around $880 per month. The overall cost of living index is well below the national average, making it an appealing option for those seeking lower housing and everyday expenses.
Median House Value:
$120,000
Gross Rent:
$880
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$95
Auto Insurance:
$1,260
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$980
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$340
State Taxes:
Low:
1.7%
|
High:
5.9%
Cost Of Living Index:
86.3
Grocery:
91.5
Housing:
65.2
Utilities:
97.8
Transportation:
85.6
Health Care:
89.2
Miscellaneous:
92.0
Crime
Is Chaparral, NM a safe place to live?
Chaparral has higher-than-average crime rates, with property crime being more common than violent crime. Residents have a 1 in 46 chance of experiencing property crime, so it's important to consider safety when choosing a neighborhood.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
320
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,200
Crime Index:
2,520
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 312
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 46
Weather
What is the weather like in Chaparral, NM year-round?
Chaparral enjoys a warm, sunny climate with 82% of days filled with sunshine and only about 9 inches of annual rainfall. Summers are hot with highs nearing 97°F, while winters are mild, making outdoor activities possible year-round.

Winter
Min:
30°F
Max:
60°F

Spring
Min:
45°F
Max:
78°F

Summer
Min:
68°F
Max:
97°F

Fall
Min:
45°F
Max:
79°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
9.3 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
82%
Neighbors
Chaparral's neighborhoods are close-knit, with a median household income of $40,900 and a relatively high poverty rate of 28%. Most residents commute about 26 minutes to work, and less than 1% use public transportation, reflecting a primarily car-dependent lifestyle.
Median Income:
$36,200
Household Income:
$40,900
Family Income:
$42,600
Per Capita Income:
$15,100
Income Male:
$26,000
Income Female:
$20,100
Poverty Rate:
28.2%
Non English Speakers:
66.0%
Rent:
$880
Unemployment Rate:
8.0%
Public Transport Usage:
0.6%
Commute Time:
26.1 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
57.6%
Bachelors or More:
6.9%
Education
How are the schools in Chaparral, NM?
Chaparral offers several public schools with manageable student-to-teacher ratios, and higher education is accessible via nearby colleges such as New Mexico State University and El Paso Community College. Educational attainment in the area is growing, though currently only about 7% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher.

Public Schools
Name:
Chaparral Elementary School
Street:
300 E Lisa Dr
Phone:
575-824-4760
Students:
850
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.3
Name:
Chaparral Middle School
Street:
240 E Lisa Dr
Phone:
575-824-4840
Students:
700
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.9
Name:
Chaparral High School
Street:
800 County Line Dr
Phone:
575-824-6400
Students:
1,400
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.8

Colleges
Name:
New Mexico State University
City:
Las Cruces
State:
NM
Distance:
28 miles
Students:
14,200
Name:
El Paso Community College
City:
El Paso
State:
TX
Distance:
19 miles
Students:
28,000
Healthcare
Residents have access to major hospitals in nearby Las Cruces, and about 84% of the community has health insurance coverage. While the number of physicians per capita is lower than average, essential healthcare services are accessible within a short drive.

Major Hospitals
Name:
MountainView Regional Medical Center
Address:
4311 E Lohman Ave, Las Cruces, NM 88011
Phone:
(575) 556-7600
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Memorial Medical Center
Address:
2450 S Telshor Blvd, Las Cruces, NM 88011
Phone:
(575) 522-8641
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.4
Health Insurance Coverage:
83.7%
Health Care Index:
62.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Chaparral, NM?
The housing market in Chaparral remains affordable, with a median home price of $120,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of over 80%. Home values have appreciated modestly in the past year, and rental options are available with average rates around $900 for a two-bedroom unit.
Median Home Price:
$120,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$900
Owner Occupied Rate:
80.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
5.1%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
Chaparral residents utilize the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division, headquartered in Santa Fe, for licensing and registration services. The DMV provides comprehensive resources both online and by phone to support drivers statewide.
State:
New Mexico
Department:
New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division
Address:
1100 South St. Francis Drive, 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.