Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Counselor, NM
Considering a move to Counselor, NM? This small, rural community of about 120 residents offers affordable living, with median home prices around $76,000 and average rents at $650. The area features a low population density, abundant sunshine (75% sunny days), and quick commutes averaging 28 minutes. While education rates and incomes are below state averages, residents enjoy a peaceful lifestyle and stunning high desert climate. Discover local schools, healthcare options, and cost of living details below to help plan your move.
Demographics - Counselor, NM
Demographics - Counselor, NM
Counselor, NM is a close-knit rural community with about 120 residents and a low population density of 3 people per square mile. The median age is 35.2, and the area is predominantly made up of 'Other' ethnicities, with 58% of the population speaking a language other than English at home. This diverse and youthful population offers a unique cultural atmosphere for newcomers.
Population:
120
Density:
3 per sq mi
Median Age:
35.2
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
58%

Ethnic Composition
White:
10.5%
Black:
0.5%
Asian:
0.2%
Others:
88.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Counselor, NM?
Living in Counselor is highly affordable, with a median home value of $76,000 and average rent at $650. The cost of living index is 85.5, notably lower than the national average, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious individuals. Utilities and groceries are also reasonably priced, contributing to an overall low cost lifestyle.
Median House Value:
$76,000
Gross Rent:
$650
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,320
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$950
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$290
State Taxes:
Low:
1.7%
|
High:
5.9%
Cost Of Living Index:
85.5
Grocery:
93.2
Housing:
62.1
Utilities:
97.6
Transportation:
88.0
Health Care:
94.3
Miscellaneous:
91.0
Crime
Is Counselor, NM a safe place to live?
Counselor experiences moderate crime levels, with a property crime rate of 2,210 per 100,000 residents and a violent crime rate of 370 per 100,000. The chance of being a victim of a violent crime is about 1 in 270, while property crime risk is higher at 1 in 45. Residents should remain vigilant but can expect crime rates similar to many rural areas.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
370
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,210
Crime Index:
2,580
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 270
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 45
Weather
What is the weather like in Counselor, NM year-round?
Counselor enjoys a sunny, high desert climate with 75% of days seeing sunshine each year. Summers are warm with highs near 86°F, while winters are chilly with lows dipping to 14°F. The area receives about 13 inches of rainfall annually, making for a dry and pleasant environment for outdoor activities.

Winter
Min:
14°F
Max:
38°F

Spring
Min:
29°F
Max:
62°F

Summer
Min:
52°F
Max:
86°F

Fall
Min:
32°F
Max:
65°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
13.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
75%
Neighbors
The community has a median household income of $38,500 and a relatively high poverty rate of 31%. Most adults have completed high school, though college attainment is low, and unemployment sits at 7.6%. The area is quiet and residential, with long average commutes and a strong presence of non-English speakers.
Median Income:
$28,000
Household Income:
$38,500
Family Income:
$42,000
Per Capita Income:
$12,800
Income Male:
$31,000
Income Female:
$25,000
Poverty Rate:
31.0%
Non English Speakers:
58%
Rent:
$650
Unemployment Rate:
7.6%
Public Transport Usage:
0.8%
Commute Time:
28.3 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
67.5%
Bachelors or More:
8.2%
Education
How are the schools in Counselor, NM?
Education options in Counselor include local elementary schools with small class sizes and access to community colleges within an hour's drive. While there are no private schools, nearby public schools like Ojo Amarillo Elementary serve the area, and higher education is available at San Juan College and University of New Mexico – Gallup. Educational attainment is modest, reflecting the rural character of the community.

Public Schools
Name:
Ojo Amarillo Elementary School
Street:
Old Hwy 44, Bloomfield, NM 87413
Phone:
505-960-0761
Students:
320
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.5

Colleges
Name:
San Juan College
City:
Farmington
State:
NM
Distance:
56 miles
Students:
7,000
Name:
University of New Mexico – Gallup
City:
Gallup
State:
NM
Distance:
68 miles
Students:
2,500
Healthcare
Counselor residents have access to general healthcare at the nearby Cuba Health Center, with emergency services available at larger hospitals within driving distance. There are approximately 0.9 physicians per 1,000 people and over 81% of residents have health insurance coverage. Healthcare services are accessible but may require travel for specialized care.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Cuba Health Center
Address:
6349 US-550, Cuba, NM 87013
Phone:
(575) 289-3291
Type:
General Practice
Emergency Services:
No
Name:
UNM Sandoval Regional Medical Center
Address:
3001 Broadmoor Blvd NE, Rio Rancho, NM 87144
Phone:
(505) 994-7000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
0.9
Health Insurance Coverage:
81.1%
Health Care Index:
63.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Counselor, NM?
The housing market in Counselor is stable and affordable, with a median home price of $76,000 and average two-bedroom rent at $650. Around 74% of homes are owner-occupied, and the area sees modest home appreciation at 4.7% annually. Rental options are available, though the market is largely oriented toward homeowners.
Median Home Price:
$76,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$650
Owner Occupied Rate:
74.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.7%
New Construction Rate:
0.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
Vehicle services for Counselor residents are provided by the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division, located in Santa Fe. The DMV offers a full range of licensing and registration services, and more information can be found on their official website. Residents should plan for occasional travel to access in-person services.
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.