Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Dusty, NM
Considering a move to Dusty, NM? This tiny rural community of just 85 residents offers a very low cost of living, with median home prices around $95,000 and average rents at $625. Residents enjoy abundant sunshine (82% sunny days) and a relaxed pace, though property crime rates are higher than the national average. With commute times averaging 27.5 minutes, nearby schools in Magdalena, and access to regional hospitals in Truth or Consequences and Socorro, Dusty is ideal for those seeking affordability and wide-open New Mexico skies.
Demographics - Dusty, NM
Dusty, NM is a small, close-knit community with just 85 residents and a low population density. The median age is 49.2, reflecting a mature population, and about 22% of residents speak a language other than English at home, highlighting some cultural diversity.
Population:
85
Density:
7 per sq mi
Median Age:
49.2
Gender Ratio:
103 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
22.0%

Ethnic Composition
White:
70.1%
Black:
0.8%
Asian:
0.5%
Others:
28.6%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Dusty, NM?
The cost of living in Dusty is well below the national average, with a median home value of $95,000 and average rents of $625. Essentials like groceries, utilities, and transportation are also generally affordable, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals.
Median House Value:
$95,000
Gross Rent:
$625
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,120
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$820
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$310
State Taxes:
Low:
1.7%
|
High:
5.9%
Cost Of Living Index:
84.5
Grocery:
91.2
Housing:
63.3
Utilities:
87.5
Transportation:
82.6
Health Care:
94.3
Miscellaneous:
88.9
Crime
Is Dusty, NM a safe place to live?
While Dusty offers a peaceful rural lifestyle, its property crime rate is higher than average, with a 1 in 36 chance of property crime and a 1 in 312 chance of violent crime. Residents should remain vigilant and take standard safety precautions.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
320
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,800
Crime Index:
3,120
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 312
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 36
Weather
What is the weather like in Dusty, NM year-round?
Dusty enjoys a sunny climate with over 80% sunny days each year and mild winters, where temperatures range from 25°F to 55°F. Summers can be warm, reaching up to 95°F, and annual rainfall is low, contributing to its characteristic arid landscape.

Winter
Min:
25°F
Max:
55°F

Spring
Min:
40°F
Max:
75°F

Summer
Min:
64°F
Max:
95°F

Fall
Min:
38°F
Max:
75°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
10.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
82%
Neighbors
Households in Dusty typically have modest incomes, with a median household income of $36,200 and a poverty rate of 18.3%. Most residents rely on personal vehicles for commuting, and public transportation is not in use locally.
Median Income:
$28,900
Household Income:
$36,200
Family Income:
$42,000
Per Capita Income:
$18,350
Income Male:
$29,000
Income Female:
$25,000
Poverty Rate:
18.3%
Non English Speakers:
22.0%
Rent:
$625
Unemployment Rate:
6.4%
Public Transport Usage:
0.0%
Commute Time:
27.5 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
82.5%
Bachelors or More:
12.5%
Education
How are the schools in Dusty, NM?
Educational opportunities in Dusty include public schools in nearby Magdalena, which offer small class sizes, and access to the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology in Socorro, about 40 miles away, for higher education.

Public Schools
Name:
Magdalena Schools
Street:
201 Duggins Dr
Phone:
575-854-2241
Students:
320
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.2

Colleges
Name:
New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology
City:
Socorro
State:
NM
Distance:
40 miles
Students:
2,000
Healthcare
Residents have access to general and emergency medical services at nearby hospitals in Truth or Consequences and Socorro. About 87% of the population is insured, and healthcare resources are available at a level typical for rural communities, with 1.2 physicians per 1,000 people.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Sierra Vista Hospital
Address:
800 E 9th Ave, Truth or Consequences, NM 87901
Phone:
(575) 894-2111
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Presbyterian Socorro General Hospital
Address:
1202 Highway 60 West, Socorro, NM 87801
Phone:
(575) 835-1140
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
87.4%
Health Care Index:
63.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Dusty, NM?
Dusty features an affordable housing market, with a median home price of $95,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $625. The community has a high rate of homeownership at 82%, and the market remains stable with a low foreclosure rate.
Median Home Price:
$95,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$625
Owner Occupied Rate:
82.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
10.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.3%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
Vehicle and licensing services for Dusty residents are provided by the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division, with the main office located in Santa Fe and comprehensive resources available online and by phone.
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.