Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Elephant Butte, NM
Considering a move to Elephant Butte, NM? This friendly lakeside city has a population of about 1,390 and offers affordable living with median home prices around $198,000 and average rents at $750. Residents enjoy a low violent crime rate, short 14-minute commutes, and 75% sunny days each year. With a strong sense of community, excellent access to outdoor recreation, and a relaxed, small-town atmosphere, Elephant Butte is ideal for those seeking a peaceful lifestyle in the beautiful New Mexico climate.
Demographics - Elephant Butte, NM
Demographics - Elephant Butte, NM
Elephant Butte is a small city with around 1,390 residents and a notably high median age of 62.5, reflecting its appeal to retirees and those seeking a slower pace. The community is predominantly White, and the population density is low, offering a quiet, uncrowded environment.
Population:
1,390
Density:
255 per sq mi
Median Age:
62.5
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
8.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
88.0%
Black:
0.8%
Asian:
0.7%
Others:
10.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Elephant Butte, NM?
Living in Elephant Butte is affordable, with a median home value of $198,000 and average rents around $750. The cost of living index is well below the national average, making this lakeside community attractive for those on a budget.
Median House Value:
$198,000
Gross Rent:
$750
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,120
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,020
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$340
State Taxes:
Low:
1.7%
|
High:
5.9%
Cost Of Living Index:
83.5
Grocery:
92.2
Housing:
65.0
Utilities:
90.4
Transportation:
89.0
Health Care:
87.5
Miscellaneous:
85.0
Crime
Is Elephant Butte, NM a safe place to live?
Elephant Butte enjoys a low violent crime rate of 132 incidents per 100,000 residents, giving newcomers peace of mind. Property crime is more common, but overall, the city maintains a safe reputation compared to national averages.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
132
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,125
Crime Index:
1,257
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 757
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 89
Weather
What is the weather like in Elephant Butte, NM year-round?
Residents experience a pleasant climate with mild winters, warm summers, and about 75% sunny days each year. With only 10.5 inches of annual rainfall, outdoor activities are possible nearly year-round.

Winter
Min:
29°F
Max:
56°F

Spring
Min:
43°F
Max:
77°F

Summer
Min:
68°F
Max:
96°F

Fall
Min:
45°F
Max:
79°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
10.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
75%
Neighbors
Typical households in Elephant Butte earn around $50,100 annually, with a poverty rate of 13%. Most residents have at least a high school diploma, and commutes are quick, averaging just over 14 minutes.
Median Income:
$34,900
Household Income:
$50,100
Family Income:
$59,200
Per Capita Income:
$29,800
Income Male:
$31,000
Income Female:
$28,000
Poverty Rate:
13.0%
Non English Speakers:
8.5%
Rent:
$750
Unemployment Rate:
5.0%
Public Transport Usage:
0.2%
Commute Time:
14.2 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
87.4%
Bachelors or More:
22.8%
Education
How are the schools in Elephant Butte, NM?
Public education is served by nearby schools with favorable student-teacher ratios, and a local branch of Western New Mexico University provides higher education just six miles away. There are no private schools in the immediate area, but students benefit from small class sizes and community-focused learning.

Public Schools
Name:
Truth or Consequences Middle School
Street:
180 N Date St
Phone:
575-894-8367
Students:
250
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.7
Name:
Hot Springs High School
Street:
1801 Pershing St
Phone:
575-894-8350
Students:
380
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.5

Colleges
Name:
Western New Mexico University - T or C Branch
City:
Truth or Consequences
State:
NM
Distance:
6 miles
Students:
200
Healthcare
Access to healthcare is reliable, with Sierra Vista Hospital nearby and over 92% of residents having health insurance. The city offers a moderate number of physicians, supporting the medical needs of its population.

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
Physicians Per 1000:
1.4
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.1%
Health Care Index:
61.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Elephant Butte, NM?
The housing market is stable with a median home price of $198,000, high owner-occupancy at 82%, and a recent appreciation rate of 7.2%. Rental options are available with reasonable vacancy, and new construction remains limited.
Median Home Price:
$198,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$750
Owner Occupied Rate:
82.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
11.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
DMV services for Elephant Butte residents are provided by the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division in nearby Truth or Consequences, offering convenient access for vehicle registration and licensing needs.
State:
New Mexico
Department:
New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division
Address:
1300 W. Iron Ave, Truth or Consequences, NM 87901
Phone:
(575) 894-2840
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.