Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Mescalero, NM
Considering a move to Mescalero, NM? With a tight-knit community of about 1,170 residents, Mescalero offers affordable living—median home prices are just $95,000 and average rents around $690. Commute times are short at 17 minutes, and residents enjoy 71% sunny days per year in a beautiful mountainous setting. While the area’s violent crime rate is moderate at 350 per 100K, the city is home to the Mescalero Apache School and boasts easy access to outdoor recreation and local healthcare facilities. Explore Mescalero’s cost of living, housing, and community resources below to see if it’s right for you.
Demographics - Mescalero, NM
Demographics - Mescalero, NM
Mescalero is a small community of 1,170 residents, with a youthful median age of 30.5 and a population that is predominantly Native American. The area has a balanced gender ratio and nearly one in five residents speaks a language other than English at home, reflecting its strong cultural heritage.
Population:
1,170
Density:
63 per sq mi
Median Age:
30.5
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
19.3%
Ethnic Composition
White:
7.2%
Black:
0.5%
Others:
3.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Mescalero, NM?
Living in Mescalero is highly affordable, with a cost of living index well below the national average and median home values at just $95,000. Residents benefit from low housing costs, modest utility expenses, and reasonable state taxes, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious households.
Median House Value:
$95,000
Gross Rent:
$690
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$114
Auto Insurance:
$1,210
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$890
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$275
State Taxes:
Low:
1.7%
|
High:
5.9%
Cost Of Living Index:
84.2
Grocery:
93.1
Housing:
56.8
Utilities:
95.6
Transportation:
91.2
Health Care:
92.5
Miscellaneous:
88.0
Crime
Is Mescalero, NM a safe place to live?
Mescalero experiences moderate crime rates, with 350 violent crimes per 100,000 residents and a property crime rate of 2,100 per 100,000. While the risk of property crime is higher than average, the area's small size often fosters a close-knit, watchful community.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
350
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,100
Crime Index:
2,450
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 286
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 48
Weather
What is the weather like in Mescalero, NM year-round?
Mescalero enjoys a mild mountain climate featuring cool winters with lows around 20°F and warm summers reaching up to 82°F. The area boasts 71% sunny days annually and receives about 20.7 inches of rainfall, creating pleasant conditions for outdoor activities.
Winter
Min:
20°F
Max:
45°F
Spring
Min:
35°F
Max:
68°F
Summer
Min:
55°F
Max:
82°F
Fall
Min:
38°F
Max:
70°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
20.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
71%
Neighbors
Households in Mescalero have a median income of $32,900, with a relatively high poverty rate of 36.5% and an unemployment rate of 10.5%. Most residents have at least a high school education, and commute times are short at just over 17 minutes, contributing to a strong sense of local community.
Median Income:
$32,900
Household Income:
$32,900
Family Income:
$38,500
Per Capita Income:
$13,700
Income Male:
$28,200
Income Female:
$25,400
Poverty Rate:
36.5%
Non English Speakers:
19.3%
Rent:
$690
Unemployment Rate:
10.5%
Public Transport Usage:
0.9%
Commute Time:
17.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
81.1%
Bachelors or More:
12.4%
Education
How are the schools in Mescalero, NM?
Public education is centered around Mescalero Apache School, which serves about 530 students with a favorable student-teacher ratio of 10.5. For higher education, residents have access to Eastern New Mexico University in Ruidoso, located just 23 miles away.
Public Schools
Name:
Mescalero Apache School
Street:
Hwy 70, Mescalero, NM 88340
Phone:
575-464-4431
Students:
530
Student Teacher Ratio:
10.5
Colleges
Name:
Eastern New Mexico University - Ruidoso
City:
Ruidoso
State:
NM
Distance:
23 miles
Students:
1,100
Healthcare
Local healthcare is anchored by Mescalero Hospital, providing general and outpatient services, and nearby Gerald Champion Regional Medical Center. With 86.5% health insurance coverage and 1.2 physicians per 1,000 residents, essential medical care is accessible within the region.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Mescalero Hospital (IHS)
Address:
318 Abalone Loop, Mescalero, NM 88340
Phone:
(575) 464-4441
Type:
General & Outpatient
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Gerald Champion Regional Medical Center
Address:
2669 Scenic Dr, Alamogordo, NM 88310
Phone:
(575) 439-6100
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
86.5%
Health Care Index:
58.7
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Mescalero, NM?
The Mescalero housing market is accessible, with a median home price of $95,000 and average two-bedroom rent at $690. Owner occupancy is high at over 65%, and the area sees modest home appreciation, making it an appealing choice for first-time buyers or renters.
Median Home Price:
$95,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$690
Owner Occupied Rate:
65.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.9%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
5.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.6%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
Mescalero residents can access DMV services through the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division office in nearby Alamogordo, offering convenient licensing, registration, and title services. The state DMV provides comprehensive online resources and customer support for local drivers.
State:
New Mexico
Department:
New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division
Address:
2540 South Clark Road, Alamogordo, NM 88310
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.