Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Jal, NM
Considering a move to Jal, NM? This small community of about 2,000 residents offers affordable living, with median home prices around $120,000 and average rents of $750. The cost of living is well below the national average, and most residents enjoy short 17-minute commutes. Crime rates are on par with rural New Mexico, while schools provide solid student-teacher ratios. Enjoy sunny skies 75% of the year and a friendly small-town atmosphere—perfect for those seeking peace, space, and West Texas border charm.
Demographics - Jal, NM
Jal, New Mexico is a small city of nearly 2,000 residents, characterized by a youthful median age of 34.8 and a slightly higher proportion of males to females. The community is predominantly White with a significant Hispanic and other minority presence, and over a quarter of residents speak a language other than English at home. Its moderate population density offers a spacious, welcoming environment for new arrivals.
Population:
1,996
Density:
630 per sq mi
Median Age:
34.8
Gender Ratio:
107 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
26.0%
Ethnic Composition
White:
63.5%
Black:
1.0%
Asian:
0.5%
Others:
35.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Jal, NM?
Jal boasts a cost of living well below the national average, with median home values around $120,000 and average rents of $750 per month. Utilities and other day-to-day expenses are also affordable, making Jal an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals and families. State taxes are moderate, and residents enjoy savings on housing compared to many other U.S. communities.
Median House Value:
$120,000
Gross Rent:
$750
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,330
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$900
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$330
State Taxes:
Low:
1.7%
|
High:
5.9%
Cost Of Living Index:
84.2
Grocery:
93.0
Housing:
65.0
Utilities:
89.0
Transportation:
91.0
Health Care:
88.0
Miscellaneous:
92.0
Crime
Is Jal, NM a safe place to live?
The crime rate in Jal is comparable to other rural areas in New Mexico, with a chance of experiencing property crime at about 1 in 51 and violent crime at 1 in 313. While not immune to typical small-town crime concerns, overall safety remains manageable for families and newcomers. The close-knit nature of the community contributes to a sense of security for residents.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
320
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,950
Crime Index:
2,270
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 313
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 51
Weather
What is the weather like in Jal, NM year-round?
Jal experiences a sunny, semi-arid climate with warm summers reaching up to 96°F and mild winters with lows around 27°F. The city enjoys about 75% sunny days annually and receives approximately 15 inches of rainfall each year. This weather is ideal for those who appreciate plenty of sunshine and moderate seasonal changes.
Winter
Min:
27°F
Max:
57°F
Spring
Min:
41°F
Max:
78°F
Summer
Min:
67°F
Max:
96°F
Fall
Min:
46°F
Max:
83°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
15 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
75%
Neighbors
Local households in Jal earn a median income of around $56,000, with a family income of $64,000 and a per capita income of $23,800. Most residents have high school diplomas, and commutes are short, averaging just over 17 minutes. The city has a modest poverty rate and low public transportation usage, reflecting its rural character.
Median Income:
$30,200
Household Income:
$56,000
Family Income:
$64,000
Per Capita Income:
$23,800
Income Male:
$47,000
Income Female:
$32,000
Poverty Rate:
15.2%
Non English Speakers:
26.0%
Rent:
$750
Unemployment Rate:
4.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.2%
Commute Time:
17.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
81.5%
Bachelors or More:
12.4%
Education
How are the schools in Jal, NM?
Jal offers two public schools with favorable student-to-teacher ratios, providing a supportive learning environment for local children. While there are no private schools in town, higher education opportunities are accessible at New Mexico Junior College, located 42 miles away in Hobbs. The educational landscape supports both foundational learning and paths to further education.
Public Schools
Name:
Jal Elementary School
Street:
601 E Utah Ave
Phone:
575-395-2111
Students:
380
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.2
Name:
Jal Junior/Senior High School
Street:
201 S 6th St
Phone:
575-395-2223
Students:
320
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.9
Colleges
Name:
New Mexico Junior College
City:
Hobbs
State:
NM
Distance:
42 miles
Students:
3,200
Healthcare
Healthcare in Jal is anchored by the Jal Medical Clinic, with additional emergency services available nearby in Lovington. Residents benefit from a high health insurance coverage rate of almost 89% and access to local physicians. The city maintains a reasonable healthcare index, ensuring essential services are within reach.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Jal Medical Clinic
Address:
1504 S Main Ave, Jal, NM 88252
Phone:
(575) 395-3400
Type:
General
Emergency Services:
No
Name:
Nor-Lea Hospital District
Address:
1600 N Main St, Lovington, NM 88260
Phone:
(575) 396-6611
Type:
General & Emergency
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.8
Health Insurance Coverage:
88.7%
Health Care Index:
64.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Jal, NM?
Jal's housing market is affordable, with a median home price of $120,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom at $750. A high owner-occupancy rate of 74% indicates a stable community, and home values have appreciated modestly in recent years. The area features a balanced mix of available rentals and owner-occupied homes, making it suitable for various housing needs.
Median Home Price:
$120,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$750
Owner Occupied Rate:
74.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.3%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
Residents of Jal are served by the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division branch located in nearby Hobbs, offering full DMV services and support. The office is accessible for vehicle registration, licensing, and other essential motor vehicle needs. Information and online services can be found on the New Mexico MVD website.
State:
New Mexico
Department:
New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division
Address:
101 W. Broadway, Suite A, Hobbs, NM 88240
Phone:
(575) 397-9216
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.