Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Dulce, NM
Considering a move to Dulce, NM? This small, close-knit town of 2,623 residents is the heart of the Jicarilla Apache Nation, featuring affordable living with a median home price of $108,000 and average rent around $620. Commutes are short (about 18 minutes), and while the cost of living is low, amenities are basic and schools are small with low student-teacher ratios. Dulce enjoys abundant sunshine (72% sunny days) and dramatic mountain scenery, offering a peaceful rural lifestyle for those seeking a slower pace.
Demographics - Dulce, NM
Dulce is a small community of 2,623 residents, with a predominantly Native American population (over 90%) and a median age of just over 34 years. The area is characterized by a strong cultural identity and a high proportion of non-English speakers, making it a unique and diverse place to live.
Population:
2,623
Density:
224 per sq mi
Median Age:
34.2
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
60%
Ethnic Composition
White:
7.2%
Others:
1.9%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Dulce, NM?
Living in Dulce is affordable, with a median home value of $108,000 and an average rent of $620 per month. The overall cost of living index is well below the national average, allowing residents to enjoy lower housing and utility costs.
Median House Value:
$108,000
Gross Rent:
$620
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$98
Auto Insurance:
$1,130
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$320
State Taxes:
Low:
1.7%
|
High:
5.9%
Cost Of Living Index:
85.2
Grocery:
93.1
Housing:
58.0
Utilities:
90.3
Transportation:
89.5
Health Care:
89.7
Miscellaneous:
95.8
Crime
Is Dulce, NM a safe place to live?
Dulce experiences moderate crime rates, with a violent crime risk of about 1 in 290 and a property crime risk of 1 in 48. While crime exists, rates are comparable to many rural communities, and residents generally experience a safe, tight-knit environment.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
344
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,100
Crime Index:
2,444
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 290
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 48
Weather
What is the weather like in Dulce, NM year-round?
Dulce enjoys a sunny climate with around 72% sunny days each year and about 17 inches of annual rainfall. Winters can be cold with lows in the single digits, while summers are comfortably warm, making it ideal for those who appreciate four distinct seasons.
Winter
Min:
9°F
Max:
38°F
Spring
Min:
23°F
Max:
63°F
Summer
Min:
48°F
Max:
83°F
Fall
Min:
27°F
Max:
69°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
17 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
72%
Neighbors
The community has a median household income of $32,000 and a notably high poverty rate at nearly 30%. Residents tend to have strong local ties, with most commutes under 20 minutes, though educational attainment beyond high school is limited.
Median Income:
$28,100
Household Income:
$32,000
Family Income:
$35,700
Per Capita Income:
$14,500
Income Male:
$25,800
Income Female:
$22,100
Poverty Rate:
29.5%
Non English Speakers:
60%
Rent:
$620
Unemployment Rate:
9.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.3%
Commute Time:
18.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
79.3%
Bachelors or More:
7.1%
Education
How are the schools in Dulce, NM?
Dulce's public schools are small and community-oriented, offering low student-teacher ratios across elementary, middle, and high schools. While local higher education options are limited, San Juan College is located about 94 miles away, providing access to additional learning opportunities.
Public Schools
Name:
Dulce Elementary School
Street:
113 Hawk Dr
Phone:
575-759-2982
Students:
183
Student Teacher Ratio:
9.7
Name:
Dulce Middle School
Street:
113 Hawk Dr
Phone:
575-759-2983
Students:
120
Student Teacher Ratio:
10.2
Name:
Dulce High School
Street:
113 Hawk Dr
Phone:
575-759-3221
Students:
188
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.5
Colleges
Name:
San Juan College
City:
Farmington
State:
NM
Distance:
94 miles
Students:
6,400
Healthcare
Healthcare services in Dulce include a local clinic offering primary and emergency care, while additional hospital services are accessible in nearby Pagosa Springs. Most residents have health insurance coverage, but physician availability is below the national average, reflecting the town's rural setting.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Dulce Health Clinic
Address:
500 Clinic Rd, Dulce, NM 87528
Phone:
(575) 759-3291
Type:
Primary Care & Emergency
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Pagosa Springs Medical Center
Address:
95 S Pagosa Blvd, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
Phone:
(970) 731-3700
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.5%
Health Care Index:
67.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Dulce, NM?
The Dulce housing market is accessible, with a median home price of $108,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of nearly 69%. Rental vacancies are moderate, and home values have seen steady appreciation over the past year.
Median Home Price:
$108,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$620
Owner Occupied Rate:
68.7%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Vehicle registration and licensing for Dulce residents are handled by the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division, with the nearest main office located in Santa Fe. Information and services are readily available online or by phone for convenience.
State:
New Mexico
Department:
New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division
Address:
1100 S. St. Francis Dr., 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.