Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Penasco, NM
Thinking about relocating to Penasco, NM? With a close-knit population of about 1,200, Penasco offers affordable living—median home prices are around $165,000 and rents average $680. Enjoy abundant sunshine (75% sunny days), short commutes (24 minutes), and a welcoming, primarily Hispanic community. While property crime rates are higher than average, small class sizes and strong community ties make Penasco a unique rural spot to enjoy New Mexico’s scenic mountain lifestyle.
Demographics - Penasco, NM
Demographics - Penasco, NM
Penasco is a small, close-knit community of about 1,200 residents, with a median age of 44.6 and a strong Hispanic or Latino presence making up 82% of the population. The area features a balanced gender ratio and a significant portion of non-English speakers, reflecting its rich cultural diversity.
Population:
1,200
Density:
35 per sq mi
Median Age:
44.6
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
44%
Ethnic Composition
White:
14.0%
Black:
0.5%
Others:
1.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Penasco, NM?
Living in Penasco is highly affordable, with median home values around $165,000 and average rents at $680, making it attractive for budget-conscious residents. The cost of living index is 84.5, well below the national average, and essential expenses like utilities and groceries remain comparatively low.
Median House Value:
$165,000
Gross Rent:
$680
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$105
Auto Insurance:
$1,080
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$350
State Taxes:
Low:
1.7%
|
High:
5.9%
Cost Of Living Index:
84.5
Grocery:
92.5
Housing:
69.0
Utilities:
89.0
Transportation:
87.0
Health Care:
95.0
Miscellaneous:
88.0
Crime
Is Penasco, NM a safe place to live?
Penasco experiences a higher property crime rate, with about 2,200 incidents per 100,000 residents, while the chance of encountering violent crime is relatively low at 1 in 263. It's important for residents to stay vigilant, but the area remains a generally safe rural community.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
380
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,200
Crime Index:
2,580
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 263
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 45
Weather
What is the weather like in Penasco, NM year-round?
Penasco boasts a mild mountain climate, with cool winters dipping to 15°F and warm summers peaking around 83°F. Residents enjoy 75% sunny days annually and an average rainfall of 18.5 inches, making it ideal for outdoor activities year-round.
Winter
Min:
15°F
Max:
41°F
Spring
Min:
28°F
Max:
61°F
Summer
Min:
50°F
Max:
83°F
Fall
Min:
27°F
Max:
66°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
18.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
75%
Neighbors
The typical household in Penasco earns about $32,000, with a family median income of $36,500, and nearly 28% of residents live below the poverty line. The community is known for its strong local ties, with most people commuting around 24 minutes and a high owner-occupancy rate.
Median Income:
$27,500
Household Income:
$32,000
Family Income:
$36,500
Per Capita Income:
$15,200
Income Male:
$29,500
Income Female:
$22,400
Poverty Rate:
27.5%
Non English Speakers:
44%
Rent:
$680
Unemployment Rate:
7.5%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
24.1 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
75.2%
Bachelors or More:
13.8%
Education
How are the schools in Penasco, NM?
Penasco offers small public schools with low student-to-teacher ratios, fostering personalized attention for students, and higher education is accessible at nearby colleges in Taos and Española. The community values education, with over 75% of adults holding at least a high school diploma.
Public Schools
Name:
Penasco Elementary School
Street:
13 School Rd
Phone:
575-587-2213
Students:
155
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.2
Name:
Penasco High School
Street:
13 School Rd
Phone:
575-587-2230
Students:
125
Student Teacher Ratio:
10.4
Colleges
Name:
Northern New Mexico College
City:
Española
State:
NM
Distance:
41 miles
Students:
1,100
Name:
University of New Mexico - Taos
City:
Taos
State:
NM
Distance:
28 miles
Students:
1,200
Healthcare
Residents have access to general and emergency care through Holy Cross Hospital in nearby Taos, supported by a health insurance coverage rate of 83%. The area provides basic healthcare services, with about 1.1 physicians per 1,000 people.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Holy Cross Hospital
Address:
1397 Weimer Rd, Taos, NM 87571
Phone:
(575) 758-8883
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
83.4%
Health Care Index:
61.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Penasco, NM?
Penasco’s housing market offers affordable options, with a median home price of $165,000 and owner-occupied homes comprising 78% of properties. The area has a healthy mix of stable home values and moderate rent levels, making it appealing for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$165,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$680
Owner Occupied Rate:
78.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
10.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Penasco residents are served by the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division in Española, which provides all standard vehicle and licensing services. Essential information, including hours and forms, can be found on the official state DMV website.
State:
New Mexico
Department:
New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division
Address:
1101 New Mexico Hwy 68, Española, NM 87532
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.