Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Fence Lake, NM
Considering a move to Fence Lake, NM? This tiny rural community of just 176 residents offers wide open spaces, affordable living, and a quiet lifestyle. With median home prices at $114,000 and rents around $670, the cost of living is well below the national average. You'll enjoy lots of sunshine (73% sunny days), low violent crime, and a friendly, close-knit vibe. Commute times are short, but be prepared for limited local amenities and education options, with most services a drive away in neighboring towns.
Demographics - Fence Lake, NM
Demographics - Fence Lake, NM
Fence Lake is a sparsely populated community with just 176 residents and a population density of only 2 people per square mile. The median age is 57.3, reflecting a largely mature population, and the area is primarily White with a significant Native American presence. Most residents speak English at home, and the community has a balanced gender ratio.
Population:
176
Density:
2 per sq mi
Median Age:
57.3
Gender Ratio:
102 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
5.2%
Ethnic Composition
White:
77.5%
Others:
1.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Fence Lake, NM?
Living in Fence Lake is highly affordable, with a median home value of $114,000 and average rents around $670 per month. The overall cost of living index is well below the U.S. average, making it an attractive option for those seeking low housing and utility expenses. State taxes are moderate, and day-to-day expenses such as groceries and transportation are budget-friendly.
Median House Value:
$114,000
Gross Rent:
$670
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,230
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$850
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$340
State Taxes:
Low:
1.7%
|
High:
5.9%
Cost Of Living Index:
84.1
Grocery:
92.4
Housing:
66.3
Utilities:
98.8
Transportation:
85.2
Health Care:
87.5
Miscellaneous:
89.0
Crime
Is Fence Lake, NM a safe place to live?
Fence Lake experiences a low violent crime rate, with only 157 incidents per 100,000 people, offering residents a sense of security. Property crime is more common but still manageable for a rural area. The overall crime index suggests a generally safe environment for families and retirees.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
157
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,420
Crime Index:
1,577
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 637
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 70
Weather
What is the weather like in Fence Lake, NM year-round?
Residents of Fence Lake enjoy a sunny climate with 73% of days featuring clear skies each year. Seasonal temperatures range from chilly winters with lows around 18°F to warm summers peaking near 89°F, while annual rainfall remains modest at just over 13 inches. This climate supports a quiet, outdoor-oriented lifestyle.
Winter
Min:
18°F
Max:
47°F
Spring
Min:
32°F
Max:
68°F
Summer
Min:
54°F
Max:
89°F
Fall
Min:
35°F
Max:
69°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
13.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
73%
Neighbors
The community has a median household income of $36,200, and about 22% of residents live below the poverty line. Most adults have completed high school, though higher education attainment is limited, and nearly everyone commutes by car, averaging about 25 minutes per trip. The area is close-knit and predominantly English-speaking.
Median Income:
$33,400
Household Income:
$36,200
Family Income:
$41,800
Per Capita Income:
$19,800
Income Male:
$23,500
Income Female:
$19,700
Poverty Rate:
21.7%
Non English Speakers:
5.2%
Rent:
$670
Unemployment Rate:
6.9%
Public Transport Usage:
0.0%
Commute Time:
25.4 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
83.9%
Bachelors or More:
15.2%
Education
How are the schools in Fence Lake, NM?
Local education options in Fence Lake are limited, with Quemado Elementary & High School serving as the primary public school for the area, offering small class sizes. For higher education, residents can access colleges such as Western New Mexico University and the University of New Mexico – Gallup, both within a 75-mile drive. Private schooling options are not available locally.
Public Schools
Name:
Quemado Elementary & High School
Street:
3484 NM-32, Quemado, NM 87829
Phone:
575-773-4700
Students:
150
Student Teacher Ratio:
10.5
Colleges
Name:
Western New Mexico University
City:
Silver City
State:
NM
Distance:
75 miles
Students:
3,500
Name:
University of New Mexico – Gallup
City:
Gallup
State:
NM
Distance:
68 miles
Students:
2,200
Healthcare
Healthcare access in Fence Lake includes coverage for over 87% of residents, though local physician availability is limited. Major hospitals and emergency services are located in nearby towns like Grants and Gallup, ensuring essential care is within reach. Overall, the area offers basic but reliable healthcare services for its small population.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Cibola General Hospital
Address:
1016 E Roosevelt Ave, Grants, NM 87020
Phone:
(505) 287-4446
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Rehoboth McKinley Christian Health Care Services
Address:
1901 Red Rock Dr, Gallup, NM 87301
Phone:
(505) 863-7000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
0.9
Health Insurance Coverage:
87.3%
Health Care Index:
68.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Fence Lake, NM?
The housing market in Fence Lake is characterized by high owner-occupancy, with over 80% of residents owning their homes. Median home prices are affordable at $114,000, and rental options are available with average rents at $670 for a two-bedroom unit. The market sees slow appreciation but low foreclosure and vacancy rates, making it stable for buyers and renters alike.
Median Home Price:
$114,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$670
Owner Occupied Rate:
81.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
12.3%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.3%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Residents of Fence Lake are served by the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division, headquartered in Santa Fe. DMV services, including licensing and registration, are accessible online or at the main office, offering convenient options for vehicle and driver needs. Support is available by phone and through the MVD website.
State:
New Mexico
Department:
New Mexico MVD
Address:
1100 South 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.