Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Oil Center, NM
Considering a move to Oil Center, NM? With a small, close-knit population of about 250, Oil Center offers affordable living—median home prices are just $110,000 and average rents hover around $800. The commute is manageable at 21.5 minutes, and you'll enjoy a sunny climate with 70% sunny days each year. While crime rates are higher than the national average, the area features a low cost of living and easy access to local schools and healthcare in nearby towns—making it a practical choice for those seeking rural charm and affordability.
Demographics - Oil Center, NM
Demographics - Oil Center, NM
Oil Center, NM is a small, tight-knit community of around 250 residents, with a median age of 38.7 and a diverse population that is over one-third Hispanic or Latino. The area has a balanced gender ratio and about 27% of residents speak a language other than English at home, reflecting a culturally varied environment.
Population:
250
Density:
40 per sq mi
Median Age:
38.7
Gender Ratio:
103 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
27.0%
Ethnic Composition
White:
56.2%
Black:
2.1%
Others:
1.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Oil Center, NM?
Living in Oil Center is highly affordable, with a median home value of $110,000 and a cost of living index well below the national average at 87.6. Residents benefit from low housing costs and manageable utility expenses, making it a budget-friendly choice for families and individuals alike.
Median House Value:
$110,000
Gross Rent:
$800
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,350
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$920
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$280
State Taxes:
Low:
1.7%
|
High:
5.9%
Cost Of Living Index:
87.6
Grocery:
92.5
Housing:
65.3
Utilities:
95.1
Transportation:
85.7
Health Care:
90.2
Miscellaneous:
89.8
Crime
Is Oil Center, NM a safe place to live?
While Oil Center offers rural charm, crime rates are higher than the national average, with a 1 in 256 chance of violent crime and a 1 in 43 chance of property crime. Prospective residents should consider these factors when evaluating safety and community resources.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
390
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,340
Crime Index:
2,730
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 256
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 43
Weather
What is the weather like in Oil Center, NM year-round?
The area experiences mild winters, hot summers, and generally pleasant weather, with temperatures ranging from 25°F in winter to 95°F in summer. Residents enjoy approximately 70% sunny days each year and an average annual rainfall of 13.7 inches, making it ideal for those who appreciate a sunny, dry climate.
Winter
Min:
25°F
Max:
54°F
Spring
Min:
45°F
Max:
78°F
Summer
Min:
66°F
Max:
95°F
Fall
Min:
46°F
Max:
79°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
13.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
70%
Neighbors
Households in Oil Center typically have a median income of $34,000, with a poverty rate of 18.7%. The community features a high homeownership rate and most residents drive to work, averaging a 21.5-minute commute, which supports a quiet, rural lifestyle.
Median Income:
$34,000
Household Income:
$52,000
Family Income:
$60,000
Per Capita Income:
$25,500
Income Male:
$38,000
Income Female:
$28,000
Poverty Rate:
18.7%
Non English Speakers:
27.0%
Rent:
$800
Unemployment Rate:
6.4%
Public Transport Usage:
0.2%
Commute Time:
21.5 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
79.8%
Bachelors or More:
13.1%
Education
How are the schools in Oil Center, NM?
Oil Center is served by public schools in nearby Lovington, such as Lovington High School and Llano Elementary, offering reasonable class sizes and supportive learning environments. Additionally, New Mexico Junior College in Hobbs is just 15 miles away, providing local options for higher education.
Public Schools
Name:
Lovington High School
Street:
701 W Avenue K, Lovington, NM 88260
Phone:
575-739-2300
Students:
850
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.5
Name:
Llano Elementary School
Street:
1105 S Commercial St, Lovington, NM 88260
Phone:
575-739-2200
Students:
370
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.1
Colleges
Name:
New Mexico Junior College
City:
Hobbs
State:
NM
Distance:
15 miles
Students:
3,500
Healthcare
Healthcare needs are served by nearby facilities such as Nor-Lea Hospital District in Lovington, with 1.5 physicians per 1,000 residents and nearly 90% health insurance coverage. Access to general and emergency medical services is available within a short drive, ensuring reliable care for locals.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Nor-Lea Hospital District
Address:
1600 N Main St, Lovington, NM 88260
Phone:
(575) 396-6611
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.3%
Health Care Index:
67.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Oil Center, NM?
The housing market in Oil Center is accessible, with a median home price of $110,000 and average two-bedroom rent at $800. Over 70% of homes are owner-occupied, and the area sees modest home appreciation, offering stability for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$110,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$800
Owner Occupied Rate:
72.1%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.3%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.7%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
Residents can access DMV services through the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division in nearby Hobbs, located at 409 E. Broadway. The office offers essential vehicle and licensing services and can be reached at 1-888-683-4636 or via their website.
State:
New Mexico
Department:
New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division
Address:
409 E. Broadway, Hobbs, NM 88240
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.