Everything You Should Know Before Moving to El Rito, CO
Considering a move to El Rito, CO? This quiet rural community of about 160 residents offers affordable living, with median home prices around $165,000 and rents averaging $750. Expect plenty of sunshine (73% sunny days), a low population density, and a tight-knit feel. With a typical commute of 25 minutes, low crime rates, and excellent access to nature, El Rito is ideal for those seeking peace and a slower pace. While education and healthcare options are limited locally, the small-town charm and scenic beauty make it a unique place to call home.
Demographics - El Rito, CO
Demographics - El Rito, CO
El Rito, CO is a quiet rural community with a population of about 160, featuring a low density of 40 residents per square mile and a median age of 50.1. The area is ethnically diverse, with a significant portion of non-English speakers (36%) and a slightly higher number of males than females. This small-town atmosphere is ideal for those seeking a slower pace and a close-knit community.
Population:
160
Density:
40 per sq mi
Median Age:
50.1
Gender Ratio:
105 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
36.0%

Ethnic Composition
White:
54.0%
Black:
0.5%
Asian:
0.2%
Others:
45.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in El Rito, CO?
El Rito offers an affordable cost of living, with median home values around $165,000 and average rent at $750 per month. The overall cost of living index is slightly below the national average, making it attractive for budget-conscious residents. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also reasonable, helping residents stretch their dollars further.
Median House Value:
$165,000
Gross Rent:
$750
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,250
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$910
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$310
State Taxes:
Low:
4.40%
|
High:
4.40%
Cost Of Living Index:
94.2
Grocery:
98.1
Housing:
78.4
Utilities:
94.7
Transportation:
92.5
Health Care:
91.8
Miscellaneous:
95.3
Crime
Is El Rito, CO a safe place to live?
El Rito experiences lower-than-average crime rates, with violent crime being quite rare and property crime also at manageable levels. Residents have a 1 in 555 chance of experiencing violent crime, supporting a sense of safety in the community. This contributes to El Rito's appeal as a peaceful and secure place to live.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
180
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,420
Crime Index:
1,600
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 555
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 70
Weather
What is the weather like in El Rito, CO year-round?
The area enjoys a sunny climate with 73% of days being clear and an average annual rainfall of 14.8 inches. Winters are cold with lows around 11°F, while summers are warm, reaching highs of 86°F, offering a variety of seasonal experiences. The pleasant weather and abundance of sunshine make outdoor activities popular year-round.

Winter
Min:
11°F
Max:
38°F

Spring
Min:
32°F
Max:
65°F

Summer
Min:
50°F
Max:
86°F

Fall
Min:
33°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
14.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
73%
Neighbors
Households in El Rito typically earn a median income of $38,200, with a per capita income of $19,500 and a poverty rate of 24.8%. Most residents commute about 25 minutes for work, and public transportation is not commonly used. Educational attainment is solid, with over 83% of adults holding at least a high school diploma.
Median Income:
$26,400
Household Income:
$38,200
Family Income:
$46,000
Per Capita Income:
$19,500
Income Male:
$30,000
Income Female:
$26,000
Poverty Rate:
24.8%
Non English Speakers:
36.0%
Rent:
$750
Unemployment Rate:
5.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.0%
Commute Time:
25.3 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
83.2%
Bachelors or More:
14.5%
Education
How are the schools in El Rito, CO?
El Rito offers local elementary education with a favorable student-teacher ratio, while higher education is accessible at the nearby Northern New Mexico College campus. There are no private schools in the immediate vicinity, but additional college options exist within a 45-mile radius. The community's educational resources are sufficient for a small town, with opportunities for lifelong learning.

Public Schools
Name:
El Rito Elementary School
Street:
State Highway 554, El Rito, CO 87530
Phone:
575-581-4504
Students:
65
Student Teacher Ratio:
10.3

Colleges
Name:
Northern New Mexico College – El Rito Campus
City:
El Rito
State:
NM
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
300
Name:
University of New Mexico – Taos Branch
City:
Taos
State:
NM
Distance:
45 miles
Students:
1,200
Healthcare
Healthcare access in El Rito is limited, with major hospitals and emergency services located in nearby towns. Most residents are covered by health insurance, and the area has about 1.3 physicians per 1,000 people. For advanced medical needs, residents typically travel to larger facilities in Española or Los Alamos.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Presbyterian Española Hospital
Address:
1010 Spruce St, Española, NM 87532
Phone:
(505) 753-1502
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Los Alamos Medical Center
Address:
3917 West Road, Los Alamos, NM 87544
Phone:
(505) 662-4201
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
90.2%
Health Care Index:
71.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in El Rito, CO?
The housing market in El Rito is characterized by affordable home prices, with a median of $165,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $750. Homeownership is high at 75%, and the market has seen steady appreciation in recent years. Rental vacancies are moderate, allowing for some flexibility for new residents.
Median Home Price:
$165,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$750
Owner Occupied Rate:
75.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
12.0%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
5.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.3%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
El Rito residents access DMV services through the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles, with the nearest main office in Colorado Springs. Services are available online and by phone, making it straightforward to manage vehicle registration and licensing. The DMV provides comprehensive resources for new and existing residents alike.
State:
Colorado
Department:
Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
6351 Wetmore Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80923
Phone:
303-205-5600
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.