Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Ocate, NM
Considering a move to quiet Ocate, NM? With a small population of around 150 and median home prices at $145,000, Ocate is an affordable rural retreat. Residents enjoy low rents, mild summers, and plenty of sunny days, though property crime rates are above state averages. Commutes average about 31 minutes, and schools are small and close-knit. If you value space, serenity, and scenic New Mexico landscapes, Ocate could be your next home.
Demographics - Ocate, NM
Ocate is a small, close-knit community of about 150 residents, with a low population density of just 2 people per square mile. The median age is 48.2, indicating a mature population, and 18% of residents speak a language other than English at home. The city is predominantly White, but nearly half identify with other ethnic backgrounds, contributing to local diversity.
Population:
150
Density:
2 per sq mi
Median Age:
48.2
Gender Ratio:
105 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
18%
Ethnic Composition
White:
55%
Black:
0.5%
Asian:
0.2%
Others:
44.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Ocate, NM?
Living in Ocate is quite affordable, with a median home value of $145,000 and average rent around $700 per month. The cost of living index is 84.5, well below the national average, meaning residents benefit from lower expenses for housing, groceries, and utilities. State taxes are moderate, making Ocate a budget-friendly place to settle.
Median House Value:
$145,000
Gross Rent:
$700
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$95
Auto Insurance:
$1,120
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$320
State Taxes:
Low:
1.7%
|
High:
5.9%
Cost Of Living Index:
84.5
Grocery:
90.2
Housing:
62.8
Utilities:
86.7
Transportation:
83.5
Health Care:
90.9
Miscellaneous:
89.1
Crime
Is Ocate, NM a safe place to live?
Ocate experiences a higher property crime rate compared to violent crime, with a chance of about 1 in 49 for property offenses. Violent crime is relatively lower, with odds of 1 in 312, but residents should remain mindful of local crime trends. Overall, the crime index suggests safety is a consideration for newcomers.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
320
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,060
Crime Index:
2,380
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 312
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 49
Weather
What is the weather like in Ocate, NM year-round?
Ocate enjoys a sunny climate, with 76% of days bringing sunshine throughout the year. Summers are mild, reaching highs of 84°F, while winters can dip to lows of 15°F, and the area receives around 18.5 inches of annual rainfall. The weather is generally pleasant, offering four distinct seasons with plenty of bright, clear days.
Winter
Min:
15°F
Max:
42°F
Spring
Min:
32°F
Max:
61°F
Summer
Min:
50°F
Max:
84°F
Fall
Min:
28°F
Max:
65°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
18.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
76%
Neighbors
The community has a median household income of $38,800 and a poverty rate of 19.8%, reflecting a modest economic profile. Most residents commute about 31 minutes to work, and public transportation use is minimal. Educational attainment is solid, with over 81% of adults holding a high school diploma or higher.
Median Income:
$29,500
Household Income:
$38,800
Family Income:
$44,200
Per Capita Income:
$18,700
Income Male:
$26,000
Income Female:
$22,000
Poverty Rate:
19.8%
Non English Speakers:
18%
Rent:
$700
Unemployment Rate:
7.3%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
31.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
81.2%
Bachelors or More:
15.6%
Education
How are the schools in Ocate, NM?
Ocate offers access to small, close-knit public schools like Springer High School and Maxwell Elementary, each with low student-to-teacher ratios for personalized attention. While there are no private schools, higher education is available nearby at New Mexico Highlands University, about 34 miles away in Las Vegas, NM. The educational environment supports both families and lifelong learners.
Public Schools
Name:
Springer High School
Street:
1401 8th St
Phone:
575-483-3434
Students:
110
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.5
Name:
Maxwell Elementary School
Street:
4th & Parque Ave
Phone:
575-375-3000
Students:
120
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.1
Colleges
Name:
New Mexico Highlands University
City:
Las Vegas
State:
NM
Distance:
34 miles
Students:
2,700
Healthcare
Ocate residents have access to nearby healthcare facilities like Alta Vista Regional Hospital in Las Vegas, NM, which offers emergency services. With 1.3 physicians per 1,000 residents and 87.5% having health insurance, basic healthcare needs are well-supported. The area’s healthcare index reflects reasonable access and coverage for such a small town.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Alta Vista Regional Hospital
Address:
104 Legion Dr, Las Vegas, NM 87701
Phone:
(505) 426-3610
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
87.5%
Health Care Index:
66.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Ocate, NM?
The housing market in Ocate is affordable, with a median home price of $145,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $700. About 76% of homes are owner-occupied, and vacancy rates remain moderate. Home values have appreciated by 3.1% over the past year, suggesting gradual growth in property value.
Median Home Price:
$145,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$700
Owner Occupied Rate:
76.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
For vehicle services, residents rely on the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division located in Santa Fe, with convenient phone and online support. The DMV provides essential licensing, registration, and titling services for Ocate locals. Accessing DMV resources is straightforward, whether in person or through the state 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.