Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Nogal, NM
Considering a move to Nogal, NM? With a small, close-knit population of about 125 residents, Nogal offers affordable living, with median home prices around $210,000 and average rents near $850. Residents enjoy a peaceful rural lifestyle, low cost of living, and plenty of sunny days (76% annually). Crime rates are low, commute times are short (23 minutes), and the area is served by nearby schools and health care in Ruidoso. If you’re looking for tranquility, friendly neighbors, and crisp mountain air, Nogal is a hidden New Mexico gem.
Demographics - Nogal, NM
Nogal is a small, rural community with a population of 125 and a median age of 50, reflecting a mature and close-knit environment. The town is predominantly White (85%), with a mix of Hispanic and Native American residents, and has a nearly balanced gender ratio. About 8% of locals speak a language other than English at home, contributing to the area's modest diversity.
Population:
125
Density:
12 per sq mi
Median Age:
50.0
Gender Ratio:
102 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
8.0%

Ethnic Composition
White:
85.0%
Others:
1.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Nogal, NM?
Nogal offers an affordable cost of living with a median home value of $210,000 and average rent around $850, making it budget-friendly compared to national averages. Residents benefit from lower-than-average utility costs and state taxes ranging from 1.7% to 5.9%. Everyday expenses such as groceries, transportation, and healthcare are also below the national average, making it an attractive option for those seeking value.
Median House Value:
$210,000
Gross Rent:
$850
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$98
Auto Insurance:
$1,160
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$380
State Taxes:
Low:
1.7%
|
High:
5.9%
Cost Of Living Index:
87.6
Grocery:
93.0
Housing:
69.0
Utilities:
88.0
Transportation:
84.0
Health Care:
89.0
Miscellaneous:
92.0
Crime
Is Nogal, NM a safe place to live?
Nogal maintains a low crime rate, with only 250 violent crimes and 1,350 property crimes per 100,000 residents, offering a sense of safety and security. The chance of experiencing a violent crime is just 1 in 400, significantly lower than in many urban areas. This peaceful atmosphere is ideal for families and retirees looking for a tranquil lifestyle.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
250
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,350
Crime Index:
1,600
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 400
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 74
Weather
What is the weather like in Nogal, NM year-round?
Nogal enjoys a mild mountain climate with warm summers (highs around 82°F), crisp winters (lows near 24°F), and an average annual rainfall of 19.5 inches. The area boasts 76% sunny days, perfect for outdoor activities. Seasonal changes bring comfortable temperatures year-round, contributing to the region’s appeal.

Winter
Min:
24°F
Max:
51°F

Spring
Min:
37°F
Max:
68°F

Summer
Min:
54°F
Max:
82°F

Fall
Min:
38°F
Max:
69°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
19.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
76%
Neighbors
Nogal’s residents typically earn a median household income of $40,500 and enjoy a strong sense of community, with 87% having at least a high school education. The area sees a low unemployment rate of 5.8% and an average commute time of just 23 minutes. Most neighbors own their homes and rely on personal vehicles, as public transportation is not in use locally.
Median Income:
$28,000
Household Income:
$40,500
Family Income:
$45,000
Per Capita Income:
$21,000
Income Male:
$29,500
Income Female:
$22,000
Poverty Rate:
14.5%
Non English Speakers:
8.0%
Rent:
$850
Unemployment Rate:
5.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.0%
Commute Time:
23.0 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
87.0%
Bachelors or More:
22.0%
Education
How are the schools in Nogal, NM?
Education in Nogal is anchored by Capitan Elementary School, offering small class sizes and a student-to-teacher ratio of 14:1. While there are no private schools in town, higher education opportunities are available at Eastern New Mexico University’s Ruidoso branch, located 17 miles away. The area supports lifelong learning for both children and adults.

Public Schools
Name:
Capitan Elementary School
Street:
150 Forest St
Phone:
575-354-8500
Students:
240
Student Teacher Ratio:
14:1

Colleges
Name:
Eastern New Mexico University - Ruidoso Branch
City:
Ruidoso
State:
NM
Distance:
17 miles
Students:
600
Healthcare
Access to healthcare is supported by nearby Lincoln County Medical Center in Ruidoso, offering general and emergency services just a short drive away. There are approximately 1.4 physicians per 1,000 residents and 89% of people have health insurance coverage. The area’s healthcare index reflects reliable, though limited, local medical resources.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Lincoln County Medical Center
Address:
211 Sudderth Dr, Ruidoso, NM 88345
Phone:
(575) 257-8200
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.4
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.0%
Health Care Index:
65.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Nogal, NM?
Nogal's housing market is stable and affordable, with a median home price of $210,000 and an 82% owner-occupancy rate. Rental options are available, with average rates for a two-bedroom home at $850 and a moderate vacancy rate. Home values have appreciated by 4.1% over the past year, indicating steady growth.
Median Home Price:
$210,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$850
Owner Occupied Rate:
82.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Residents of Nogal are served by the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division, with the nearest main office in Santa Fe. Services such as licensing, registration, and title transfers can be accessed in person or online through the state DMV website. The DMV provides essential vehicle services for all New Mexico drivers.
State:
New Mexico
Department:
New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division
Address:
2548 Camino Entrada, Santa Fe, NM 87507
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.