Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Espanola, NM
Considering a move to Española, NM? With a population of 10,895, Española offers affordable living—median home prices are around $170,200 and rents average $850. Residents enjoy a sunny climate with 73% sunny days per year and short commutes averaging 22 minutes. While the cost of living is below the national average, be aware that crime rates are higher than average, and educational attainment is lower. However, local schools, a community college, and scenic high-desert surroundings make Española a unique, budget-friendly place to call home.
Demographics - Espanola, NM
Demographics - Espanola, NM
Española is home to nearly 11,000 residents and features a diverse community, with a significant portion identifying as Hispanic/Latino or Native American. The median age is 36.7, and almost half of the population speaks a language other than English at home, reflecting the city's rich multicultural heritage.
Population:
10,895
Density:
1,400 per sq mi
Median Age:
36.7
Gender Ratio:
94 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
45.2%

Ethnic Composition
White:
18.1%
Black:
0.7%
Asian:
0.6%
Others:
80.6% (primarily Hispanic/Latino and Native American)
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Espanola, NM?
Española offers a cost of living well below the national average, with median home values at about $170,200 and average rents around $850 per month. Everyday expenses like utilities and groceries are also relatively affordable, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious residents.
Median House Value:
$170,200
Gross Rent:
$850
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$105
Auto Insurance:
$1,350
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$340
State Taxes:
Low:
1.7%
|
High:
5.9%
Cost Of Living Index:
87.4
Grocery:
93.2
Housing:
73.6
Utilities:
95.5
Transportation:
89.7
Health Care:
91.0
Miscellaneous:
88.2
Crime
Is Espanola, NM a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Española are higher than average, with a 1 in 98 chance of experiencing violent crime and a 1 in 17 chance of property crime. Prospective residents should consider local safety measures and neighborhood options when moving to the area.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
1,015
Property Crimes Per 100k:
5,940
Crime Index:
6,955
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 98
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 17
Weather
What is the weather like in Espanola, NM year-round?
Española enjoys a sunny, high-desert climate with about 73% sunny days annually and moderate rainfall of 12.6 inches per year. Summers are warm, with highs reaching 91°F, while winters remain relatively mild with lows around 18°F.

Winter
Min:
18°F
Max:
45°F

Spring
Min:
32°F
Max:
68°F

Summer
Min:
56°F
Max:
91°F

Fall
Min:
34°F
Max:
75°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
12.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
73%
Neighbors
Residents of Española have a median household income of approximately $38,700, and the area sees a higher-than-average poverty rate of 25.3%. The community is friendly and close-knit, with an average commute time of 22 minutes and a strong presence of bilingual households.
Median Income:
$32,500
Household Income:
$38,700
Family Income:
$42,800
Per Capita Income:
$19,100
Income Male:
$34,200
Income Female:
$29,400
Poverty Rate:
25.3%
Non English Speakers:
45.2%
Rent:
$850
Unemployment Rate:
7.1%
Public Transport Usage:
0.8%
Commute Time:
22.3 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
77.8%
Bachelors or More:
15.2%
Education
How are the schools in Espanola, NM?
Española offers a range of educational opportunities, including local public schools like Española Valley High School and a community college, Northern New Mexico College, right in town. While educational attainment is below national averages, families benefit from accessible K-12 and higher education options.

Public Schools
Name:
Espanola Valley High School
Street:
1111 El Llano Rd
Phone:
505-753-7357
Students:
880
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.4
Name:
Carlos F. Vigil Middle School
Street:
1260 Industrial Park Rd
Phone:
505-753-3351
Students:
680
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.7

Private Schools
Name:
McCurdy Charter School
Street:
515 Camino Arbolera
Phone:
505-692-6090
Students:
535

Colleges
Name:
Northern New Mexico College
City:
Espanola
State:
NM
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
1,100
Name:
University of New Mexico – Los Alamos
City:
Los Alamos
State:
NM
Distance:
26 miles
Students:
1,200
Healthcare
Española is served by the Presbyterian Española Hospital, offering general and emergency care, and has a physician rate of 1.5 per 1,000 residents. Health insurance coverage is high at 86.7%, supporting good access to essential healthcare services.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Presbyterian Española Hospital
Address:
1010 Spruce St, Española, NM 87532
Phone:
(505) 753-1502
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
86.7%
Health Care Index:
67.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Espanola, NM?
The housing market in Española is accessible, with median home prices at $170,200 and a homeownership rate of 54.1%. Rental options are also available, with average two-bedroom rents at $850 and a moderate vacancy rate, making it favorable for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$170,200
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$850
Owner Occupied Rate:
54.1%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
9.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.9%
DMV Information
Española’s vehicle and licensing needs are handled by the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division located on Industrial Park Road. Residents can access services in person or online through the state DMV website for convenience.
State:
New Mexico
Department:
New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division
Address:
1122 Industrial Park Rd, Española, NM 87532
Phone:
(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.