Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Pena Blanca, NM
Thinking of moving to Peña Blanca, NM? With a small, close-knit population of around 730, Peña Blanca offers affordable living—median home prices are about $153,000 and average rents $850. Enjoy a mild, sunny climate with 76% sunny days each year and a relaxed pace of life. Commute times average 29 minutes, and while crime rates are a bit higher than the national average, the area's rich culture and proximity to Santa Fe and Albuquerque provide access to major amenities and schools. Discover the charm and unique lifestyle of this friendly New Mexico community below.
Demographics - Pena Blanca, NM
Demographics - Pena Blanca, NM
Peña Blanca is a small community of about 730 residents, characterized by a predominantly Hispanic or Latino population and a median age of 41.2. The area is culturally diverse, with nearly one-third of residents speaking a language other than English at home, fostering a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere.
Population:
730
Density:
170 per sq mi
Median Age:
41.2
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
30%

Ethnic Composition
White:
45%
Others:
6%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Pena Blanca, NM?
Living in Peña Blanca is affordable, with median home values around $153,000 and average rents at $850. The cost of living index is below the national average, making it an attractive option for those seeking lower housing and utility expenses.
Median House Value:
$153,000
Gross Rent:
$850
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$95
Auto Insurance:
$1,100
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,020
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$350
State Taxes:
Low:
1.7%
|
High:
5.9%
Cost Of Living Index:
88.0
Grocery:
93.4
Housing:
73.1
Utilities:
87.2
Transportation:
87.5
Health Care:
90.4
Miscellaneous:
95.0
Crime
Is Pena Blanca, NM a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Peña Blanca are higher than the national average, with a property crime risk of 1 in 48 and a violent crime risk of 1 in 285. Residents should be aware of these factors and consider local safety measures when moving to the area.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
350
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,100
Crime Index:
2,450
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 285
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 48
Weather
What is the weather like in Pena Blanca, NM year-round?
Peña Blanca enjoys a mild climate with warm summers reaching up to 92°F and cool winters dipping to 18°F. With 76% sunny days annually and low average rainfall, the area is ideal for those who appreciate bright, dry weather.

Winter
Min:
18°F
Max:
45°F

Spring
Min:
35°F
Max:
70°F

Summer
Min:
56°F
Max:
92°F

Fall
Min:
36°F
Max:
74°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
10.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
76%
Neighbors
Residents of Peña Blanca experience a modest median household income of $41,600, with about 20% living below the poverty line. The community values education, though only 13.5% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and most people drive to work, averaging a 29-minute commute.
Median Income:
$28,000
Household Income:
$41,600
Family Income:
$48,500
Per Capita Income:
$17,500
Income Male:
$32,000
Income Female:
$27,000
Poverty Rate:
20.5%
Non English Speakers:
30%
Rent:
$850
Unemployment Rate:
7.4%
Public Transport Usage:
1.2%
Commute Time:
29.5 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
74.2%
Bachelors or More:
13.5%
Education
How are the schools in Pena Blanca, NM?
Educational opportunities in Peña Blanca include a local public elementary and middle school with a favorable student-teacher ratio of 13.7. For higher education, residents are within 35 miles of major institutions like the University of New Mexico and Santa Fe Community College, offering a range of academic options.

Public Schools
Name:
Cochiti Elementary & Middle School
Street:
PO Box 185, Peña Blanca, NM 87041
Phone:
505-465-2314
Students:
290
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.7

Colleges
Name:
University of New Mexico
City:
Albuquerque
State:
NM
Distance:
34 miles
Students:
20,000
Name:
Santa Fe Community College
City:
Santa Fe
State:
NM
Distance:
36 miles
Students:
4,500
Healthcare
Peña Blanca residents have access to major hospitals in nearby Albuquerque and Santa Fe, such as Presbyterian Hospital and Santa Fe Indian Hospital. With nearly 90% health insurance coverage and 1.6 physicians per 1,000 people, essential healthcare services are within reach.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Presbyterian Hospital
Address:
1100 Central Ave SE, Albuquerque, NM 87106
Phone:
(505) 841-1234
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Santa Fe Indian Hospital
Address:
1700 Cerrillos Rd, Santa Fe, NM 87505
Phone:
(505) 946-9200
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.2%
Health Care Index:
67.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Pena Blanca, NM?
The local housing market is accessible, with a median home price of $153,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of over 85%. Modest home appreciation and low foreclosure rates contribute to a stable and affordable real estate environment.
Median Home Price:
$153,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$850
Owner Occupied Rate:
85.6%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.6%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
Peña Blanca residents are served by the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division, conveniently located in Santa Fe. The DMV offers comprehensive vehicle and licensing services both in-person and online for ease of access.
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.