Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Fort Wingate, NM
Looking to relocate to Fort Wingate, NM? This small, friendly community of around 400 residents offers affordable housing, with median home values near $85,000 and average rent at $780. Residents enjoy a low cost of living, over 70% sunny days each year, and short 22-minute commutes. While crime rates are above national averages and educational attainment is lower than in larger cities, nearby Gallup offers healthcare, schools, and college access. Fort Wingate is ideal for those seeking a quiet, rural lifestyle with beautiful high desert surroundings.
Demographics - Fort Wingate, NM
Demographics - Fort Wingate, NM
Fort Wingate is a close-knit rural community of about 400 people, with a median age of 32.1 years and a nearly even gender balance. The population is predominantly from diverse backgrounds, with over 80% identifying as 'other' ethnicities and 38% speaking a language other than English at home. This diversity, along with its low population density, creates a unique cultural atmosphere for residents.
Population:
400
Density:
50 per sq mi
Median Age:
32.1
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
38.0%
Ethnic Composition
White:
14.2%
Black:
0.8%
Asian:
0.1%
Others:
84.9%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Fort Wingate, NM?
Living in Fort Wingate is notably affordable, with a cost of living index of 88.5 and median home values around $85,000. Monthly rent averages $780, and essential expenses like utilities and groceries remain below national averages. This low cost of living makes it appealing for those seeking budget-friendly rural living.
Median House Value:
$85,000
Gross Rent:
$780
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,290
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$950
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$320
State Taxes:
Low:
1.7%
|
High:
5.9%
Cost Of Living Index:
88.5
Grocery:
93.2
Housing:
75.8
Utilities:
97.0
Transportation:
93.8
Health Care:
96.5
Miscellaneous:
90.5
Crime
Is Fort Wingate, NM a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Fort Wingate are higher than the national average, with a 1 in 240 chance of experiencing violent crime and a 1 in 47 chance of property crime. The property crime rate is particularly notable, so new residents should take standard safety precautions. Despite this, the small-town environment fosters a sense of community.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
417
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,130
Crime Index:
2,547
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 240
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 47
Weather
What is the weather like in Fort Wingate, NM year-round?
Fort Wingate enjoys a high desert climate featuring mild winters, warm summers, and about 71% sunny days yearly. Average rainfall is modest at 13.5 inches, and seasonal temperatures range from winter lows of 16°F to summer highs of 88°F. This weather supports an active outdoor lifestyle and scenic surroundings.
Winter
Min:
16°F
Max:
43°F
Spring
Min:
30°F
Max:
65°F
Summer
Min:
50°F
Max:
88°F
Fall
Min:
32°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
13.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
71%
Neighbors
Residents of Fort Wingate experience modest incomes, with a median household income of around $36,800 and a poverty rate of 27%. Most neighbors rely on cars for commuting, averaging 22 minutes to work, and public transit usage is almost nonexistent. While educational attainment is lower than average, there is a strong sense of community and cultural diversity.
Median Income:
$31,000
Household Income:
$36,800
Family Income:
$41,200
Per Capita Income:
$15,200
Income Male:
$34,000
Income Female:
$28,800
Poverty Rate:
27.0%
Non English Speakers:
38.0%
Rent:
$780
Unemployment Rate:
7.9%
Public Transport Usage:
0.1%
Commute Time:
22.4 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
74.6%
Bachelors or More:
9.5%
Education
How are the schools in Fort Wingate, NM?
Education options in Fort Wingate include nearby public schools such as Tohatchi High School and Gallup High School, both offering manageable student-teacher ratios. Higher education is accessible at the University of New Mexico–Gallup, just seven miles away, making it feasible for residents to further their studies locally. While private schools are not present, public and college options are within easy reach.
Public Schools
Name:
Tohatchi High School
Street:
P.O. Box 170, Tohatchi, NM 87325
Phone:
505-721-4800
Students:
330
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.5
Name:
Gallup High School
Street:
1055 Rico St, Gallup, NM 87301
Phone:
505-721-1000
Students:
1,100
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.8
Colleges
Name:
University of New Mexico - Gallup
City:
Gallup
State:
NM
Distance:
7 miles
Students:
2,200
Healthcare
Healthcare needs are served by facilities like the Gallup Indian Medical Center, located nearby and offering emergency services. The area has 1.2 physicians per 1,000 residents, and nearly 86% of people have health insurance coverage. Access to major medical care is convenient for this rural region.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Gallup Indian Medical Center
Address:
516 E Nizhoni Blvd, Gallup, NM 87301
Phone:
(505) 722-1000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
85.9%
Health Care Index:
62.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Fort Wingate, NM?
The Fort Wingate housing market is highly affordable, with a median home price of $85,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $780. Home ownership is common, with 58% of homes owner-occupied, and the area sees steady but modest appreciation. Rental vacancies are moderate, making it relatively easy to find housing.
Median Home Price:
$85,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$780
Owner Occupied Rate:
58.1%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.3%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.9%
DMV Information
Local DMV services are provided by the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division, conveniently located in nearby Gallup. Residents can access vehicle registration, licensing, and other services online or at the Gallup office. The DMV offers helpful resources for both new and long-term residents.
State:
New Mexico
Department:
New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division
Address:
1601 S. Second Street, Gallup, NM 87301
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.