Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Fort Sumner, NM
Considering a move to Fort Sumner, NM? This small town of 842 residents features affordable living, with median home prices around $92,500 and average rents of $675. Commute times are short (about 14 minutes), and the area enjoys 71% sunny days annually and low utility costs. While property crime rates are higher than the national average, the friendly, tight-knit community and relaxed rural lifestyle make Fort Sumner a unique place to call home. Public schools offer small class sizes, and outdoor lovers will enjoy the mild climate and open spaces.
Demographics - Fort Sumner, NM
Demographics - Fort Sumner, NM
Fort Sumner is a small community of 842 residents with a median age of 48.3, reflecting a mature population. The town is predominantly White (59.3%) with a significant Hispanic or Latino presence (36.2%), and about one in five residents speak a language other than English at home. Moderate population density and a nearly even gender ratio contribute to the town’s relaxed, neighborly atmosphere.
Population:
842
Density:
338 per sq mi
Median Age:
48.3
Gender Ratio:
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
22.0%

Ethnic Composition
White:
59.3%
Black:
0.2%
Others:
1.4%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Fort Sumner, NM?
Fort Sumner offers a notably affordable cost of living, with a median home value of $92,500 and monthly rent averaging $675. Utilities and everyday expenses are budget-friendly, and the overall cost of living index is well below the national average. State income taxes range from 1.7% to 5.9%, helping stretch your budget further.
Median House Value:
$92,500
Gross Rent:
$675
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,200
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$920
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$290
State Taxes:
Low:
1.7%
|
High:
5.9%
Cost Of Living Index:
80.2
Grocery:
93.5
Housing:
50.1
Utilities:
87.9
Transportation:
78.2
Health Care:
86.4
Miscellaneous:
79.0
Crime
Is Fort Sumner, NM a safe place to live?
The town experiences a higher property crime rate compared to national figures, with about a 1 in 49 chance of being affected, while violent crime remains relatively low. The overall crime index reflects a need for awareness, but many residents appreciate the small-town sense of community. Safety-minded newcomers should consider local crime trends when choosing a neighborhood.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
241
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,030
Crime Index:
2,271
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 415
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 49
Weather
What is the weather like in Fort Sumner, NM year-round?
Fort Sumner enjoys a mild, sunny climate, with around 71% of days featuring sunshine each year. Winters are cool but not severe, while summers are warm with highs reaching into the low 90s, making outdoor activities pleasant most of the year. Annual rainfall is modest at just over 15 inches.

Winter
Min:
21°F
Max:
54°F

Spring
Min:
37°F
Max:
74°F

Summer
Min:
61°F
Max:
92°F

Fall
Min:
41°F
Max:
75°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
15.1 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
71%
Neighbors
Local residents typically have a median household income of $34,900, and the poverty rate is somewhat above the national average at 18.7%. Most adults have completed high school, with a smaller percentage holding college degrees, and average commute times are short at about 14 minutes. The community is primarily English-speaking, though a notable portion speaks other languages at home.
Median Income:
$28,300
Household Income:
$34,900
Family Income:
$41,200
Per Capita Income:
$20,400
Income Male:
$29,800
Income Female:
$22,700
Poverty Rate:
18.7%
Non English Speakers:
22.0%
Rent:
$675
Unemployment Rate:
6.6%
Public Transport Usage:
0.2%
Commute Time:
13.7 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
82.5%
Bachelors or More:
13.4%
Education
How are the schools in Fort Sumner, NM?
Fort Sumner’s public schools feature small class sizes, with the elementary school serving 144 students at a 12:1 ratio and the high school enrolling 92 students with a 10:1 ratio. While there are no private schools in town, Eastern New Mexico University is located just 40 miles away, offering higher education options. The education environment is close-knit and supportive, ideal for families seeking a personalized learning experience.

Public Schools
Name:
Fort Sumner Elementary School
Street:
1001 Sumner Ave
Phone:
575-355-2231
Students:
144
Student Teacher Ratio:
12:1
Name:
Fort Sumner High School
Street:
1001 Sumner Ave
Phone:
575-355-2231
Students:
92
Student Teacher Ratio:
10:1

Colleges
Name:
Eastern New Mexico University
City:
Portales
State:
NM
Distance:
40 miles
Students:
5,800
Healthcare
Fort Sumner is served by a family clinic for primary and urgent care, with a general hospital offering emergency services located about 40 miles away. The area has a physician rate of 1.1 per 1,000 residents, and nearly 90% of locals have health insurance. Healthcare services are accessible, though for specialized or emergency treatment, residents may travel to nearby towns.

Major Hospitals
Name:
De Baca Family Clinic
Address:
502 Avenue C, Fort Sumner, NM 88119
Phone:
(575) 355-2273
Type:
Primary & Urgent Care
Emergency Services:
No
Name:
Roosevelt General Hospital
Address:
42121 US-70, Portales, NM 88130
Phone:
(575) 356-3465
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.3%
Health Care Index:
67.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Fort Sumner, NM?
Housing in Fort Sumner is highly affordable, with a median home price of just $92,500 and two-bedroom rents averaging $675. About 70% of homes are owner-occupied, and the housing market is stable with low foreclosure and vacancy rates. Modest appreciation and limited new construction reflect the area's steady, small-town character.
Median Home Price:
$92,500
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$675
Owner Occupied Rate:
70.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
10.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Residents can access vehicle registration and licensing services at the local New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division office on West Chisum Avenue. The office provides standard DMV services for Fort Sumner and is easily reachable for most residents. Additional information and online services are available through the state DMV website.
State:
New Mexico
Department:
New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division
Address:
300 W. Chisum Ave, Fort Sumner, NM 88119
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.