Everything You Should Know Before Moving to La Madera, NM
Considering a move to La Madera, NM? This peaceful rural community of about 140 residents offers affordable living, with median home prices around $167,000 and rents near $850. You'll enjoy a sunny climate with over 70% sunny days and low average rainfall, plus friendly small-town vibes. While commute times average 29 minutes and education opportunities are nearby, the area is quiet, with essential amenities accessible in neighboring towns. Explore below for more on housing, schools, and lifestyle in La Madera.
Demographics - La Madera, NM
Demographics - La Madera, NM
La Madera is a small, rural community of about 140 people, known for its older median age of 55 and a close balance between male and female residents. The population is primarily White and Hispanic or Latino, with nearly a quarter of residents speaking a language other than English at home. This quiet village offers a tight-knit, multicultural environment ideal for those seeking a slower pace of life.
Population:
140
Density:
38 per sq mi
Median Age:
55.1
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
23.0%
Ethnic Composition
White:
64.0%
Others:
1.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in La Madera, NM?
Living in La Madera is affordable, with a median home value of $167,000 and average rents around $850 per month. The overall cost of living index is below the national average, especially in housing and transportation, making it appealing for budget-conscious families or retirees. Utility and healthcare costs remain moderate, and state income tax rates are relatively low.
Median House Value:
$167,000
Gross Rent:
$850
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$98
Auto Insurance:
$1,210
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$950
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$320
State Taxes:
Low:
1.7%
|
High:
5.9%
Cost Of Living Index:
89.2
Grocery:
90.6
Housing:
78.2
Utilities:
95.1
Transportation:
87.2
Health Care:
92.3
Miscellaneous:
91.0
Crime
Is La Madera, NM a safe place to live?
La Madera experiences low violent crime rates, with the chance of being a victim about 1 in 347, though property crime is more common at 1 in 52. Overall, the community maintains a sense of safety, with crime rates lower than many urban areas. Residents can generally expect a peaceful atmosphere, typical of rural New Mexico towns.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
288
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,920
Crime Index:
2,208
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 347
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 52
Weather
What is the weather like in La Madera, NM year-round?
Residents enjoy a sunny climate, with 73% of days bathed in sunshine and modest rainfall averaging 13.4 inches annually. Seasonal temperatures range from chilly winters with lows around 17°F to warm, pleasant summers peaking at 85°F. The area’s weather supports an active outdoor lifestyle throughout most of the year.
Winter
Min:
17°F
Max:
42°F
Spring
Min:
32°F
Max:
63°F
Summer
Min:
52°F
Max:
85°F
Fall
Min:
36°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
13.4 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
73%
Neighbors
Neighbors in La Madera have a median household income of $38,000, and about 22% live below the poverty line. Most residents are homeowners and commute an average of 29 minutes to work, with very few relying on public transportation. The community is diverse, with a high percentage of high school graduates and a growing number of bilingual households.
Median Income:
$28,500
Household Income:
$38,000
Family Income:
$44,200
Per Capita Income:
$19,200
Income Male:
$28,900
Income Female:
$23,400
Poverty Rate:
22.5%
Non English Speakers:
23.0%
Rent:
$850
Unemployment Rate:
6.1%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
29.0 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
81.2%
Bachelors or More:
18.4%
Education
How are the schools in La Madera, NM?
Educational options include Ojo Caliente Elementary School, which serves local students with small class sizes, and Northern New Mexico College located 23 miles away in Española. While private schools are not available within the community, public education is accessible and the area values lifelong learning. The student-teacher ratio and proximity to higher education make La Madera suitable for families with children.
Public Schools
Name:
Ojo Caliente Elementary School
Street:
Hwy 285 & County Rd 101, Ojo Caliente, NM 87549
Phone:
505-583-2312
Students:
110
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.5
Colleges
Name:
Northern New Mexico College
City:
Española
State:
NM
Distance:
23 miles
Students:
1,100
Healthcare
Access to healthcare is supported by nearby hospitals in Española and Los Alamos, with the majority of residents (91%) having health insurance. The area offers 1.3 physicians per 1,000 people, and emergency services are available within a reasonable drive. Healthcare quality is solid, making the town a practical choice for families and seniors alike.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Espanola Hospital
Address:
1010 Spruce St, Española, NM 87532
Phone:
(505) 753-1502
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Los Alamos Medical Center
Address:
3917 West Rd, Los Alamos, NM 87544
Phone:
(505) 662-4201
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.0%
Health Care Index:
65.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in La Madera, NM?
La Madera’s housing market is stable and affordable, with a median home price around $167,000 and owner-occupancy rate at nearly 78%. Homes appreciate modestly at 4.2% per year, and rental options remain accessible with average two-bedroom rents at $850. The area has low foreclosure and vacancy rates, reflecting a steady demand for housing.
Median Home Price:
$167,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$850
Owner Occupied Rate:
77.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.9%
DMV Information
La Madera residents are served by the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division in Santa Fe, with online services and friendly support available. The DMV office is located at 1100 S St. Francis Dr, Santa Fe, making it convenient for routine licensing and registration needs. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit the official state DMV website.
State:
New Mexico
Department:
New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division
Address:
1100 S St. Francis Dr, Santa Fe, NM 87505
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.