Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Ojo Caliente, NM
Thinking of moving to Ojo Caliente, NM? With a small, welcoming population of 233 and affordable median home prices around $218,000, Ojo Caliente offers peaceful rural living and a sunny, dry climate with 74% sunny days yearly. The cost of living is well below the national average, though incomes are modest and the area has a higher poverty rate. Commute times average 29 minutes, and local schools are small and community-oriented. Enjoy the area’s famous mineral hot springs and tranquil New Mexico landscapes as you settle into this unique, close-knit community.
Demographics - Ojo Caliente, NM
Demographics - Ojo Caliente, NM
Ojo Caliente is a small, close-knit community of 233 residents with a median age of 54, reflecting a mature population. The area features a diverse mix, including 52% White, 38% Hispanic or Latino, and 8% Native American residents, with about one-third speaking a language other than English at home. The gender balance is nearly even, and the town's low density offers a peaceful rural lifestyle.
Population:
233
Density:
28 per sq mi
Median Age:
54
Gender Ratio:
99 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
32%

Ethnic Composition
White:
52%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Ojo Caliente, NM?
Living in Ojo Caliente is budget-friendly, with a cost of living index of 88.2, well below the national average. Median home values are around $218,000 and average rents are about $850, making housing particularly affordable. Essentials like utilities and groceries are also reasonably priced, helping residents stretch their budgets further.
Median House Value:
$218,000
Gross Rent:
$850
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,290
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:
88.2
Grocery:
93.0
Housing:
72.0
Utilities:
92.1
Transportation:
85.2
Health Care:
87.0
Miscellaneous:
90.5
Crime
Is Ojo Caliente, NM a safe place to live?
Ojo Caliente experiences relatively low crime rates for its size, with a violent crime rate of 305 per 100,000 people and a property crime rate of 1,650 per 100,000. Residents have a 1 in 328 chance of experiencing violent crime, contributing to the community's overall sense of safety. The area’s rural character and small population support a quieter, more secure environment.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
305
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,650
Crime Index:
1,955
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 328
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 60
Weather
What is the weather like in Ojo Caliente, NM year-round?
Ojo Caliente enjoys a sunny, arid climate with 74% of days bathed in sunshine each year. Summers are warm with highs near 88°F, while winters are cool but mild, often dipping to 17°F at night. With only about 10 inches of annual rainfall, the region is perfect for those seeking dry, pleasant weather year-round.

Winter
Min:
17°F
Max:
41°F

Spring
Min:
29°F
Max:
65°F

Summer
Min:
53°F
Max:
88°F

Fall
Min:
31°F
Max:
66°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
10.1 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
74%
Neighbors
The community has a modest median household income of $42,000 and a higher-than-average poverty rate of 17.2%, reflecting its rural character. Most residents commute about 29 minutes to work, and public transportation is not commonly used. Education levels are solid, with over 82% having completed high school and nearly 20% holding a bachelor's degree or higher.
Median Income:
$26,000
Household Income:
$42,000
Family Income:
$49,000
Per Capita Income:
$23,800
Income Male:
$32,000
Income Female:
$27,000
Poverty Rate:
17.2%
Non English Speakers:
32%
Rent:
$850
Unemployment Rate:
7.3%
Public Transport Usage:
0.0%
Commute Time:
29.2 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
82.4%
Bachelors or More:
19.8%
Education
How are the schools in Ojo Caliente, NM?
Ojo Caliente offers small, community-focused public schools, including Ojo Caliente Elementary and Mesa Vista High School, both with favorable student-teacher ratios. There are no private schools locally, but Northern New Mexico College in Española is just 29 miles away for higher education options. Families benefit from a supportive, close-knit learning environment.

Public Schools
Name:
Ojo Caliente Elementary School
Street:
Highway 285, Ojo Caliente, NM 87549
Phone:
505-583-2275
Students:
72
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.4
Name:
Mesa Vista High School
Street:
Highway 285, Ojo Caliente, NM 87549
Phone:
505-583-2275
Students:
178
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.1

Colleges
Name:
Northern New Mexico College
City:
Española
State:
NM
Distance:
29 miles
Students:
1,100
Healthcare
Healthcare in Ojo Caliente is anchored by Espanola Hospital, a general and surgical facility with emergency services located nearby in Española. The area has 1.3 physicians per 1,000 residents, and 83.4% of locals have health insurance coverage. While healthcare access is typical for a small rural area, basic services are available within a reasonable drive.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Espanola Hospital
Address:
1010 Spruce St, Española, NM 87532
Phone:
(505) 753-7111
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
83.4%
Health Care Index:
66.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Ojo Caliente, NM?
Ojo Caliente’s housing market is affordable, with a median home price of $218,000 and typical rent for a two-bedroom at $850. The area boasts a high owner-occupancy rate of 77%, steady home appreciation, and low foreclosure rates, making it attractive for buyers seeking stability and value. Rental vacancies remain moderate, offering options for both renters and homeowners.
Median Home Price:
$218,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$850
Owner Occupied Rate:
77.1%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
Residents of Ojo Caliente can access vehicle services through the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division, located in Santa Fe. The DMV offers a range of services, including licensing and registration, and can be reached by phone or through its official website. The location is convenient for residents needing to handle state driving or vehicle matters.
State:
New Mexico
Department:
New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division
Address:
1100 South St. Francis Drive, Santa Fe, NM 87504
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.