Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Petaca, NM
Considering a move to tranquil Petaca, NM? With a population of just 40, this rural community offers affordable living—median home prices are around $120,000 and average rents about $650. Residents enjoy abundant sunshine (73% sunny days), scenic high desert landscapes, and a peaceful lifestyle. Commute times average 35 minutes, and while amenities are limited, nearby Taos provides access to healthcare and education. Petaca is ideal for those seeking wide open spaces, affordability, and a close-knit feel.
Demographics - Petaca, NM
Demographics - Petaca, NM
Petaca is a small, close-knit community with a population of just 40 people and a median age of 53, reflecting a mature rural atmosphere. The area is predominantly White and Hispanic, and about 18% of residents speak a language other than English at home. With a low population density, Petaca offers a quiet, spacious lifestyle.
Population:
40
Density:
2 per sq mi
Median Age:
53.0
Gender Ratio:
104 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
18.0%
Ethnic Composition
White:
65.0%
Others:
1.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Petaca, NM?
Living in Petaca is highly affordable, with median home values around $120,000 and average rents near $650 per month. The overall cost of living index is below the national average, making it attractive for those seeking budget-friendly housing and daily expenses. Utilities and groceries are also reasonably priced, further supporting a cost-effective lifestyle.
Median House Value:
$120,000
Gross Rent:
$650
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$95
Auto Insurance:
$1,180
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$900
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$315
State Taxes:
Low:
1.7%
|
High:
5.9%
Cost Of Living Index:
87.0
Grocery:
93.2
Housing:
69.0
Utilities:
91.6
Transportation:
86.1
Health Care:
92.8
Miscellaneous:
89.5
Crime
Is Petaca, NM a safe place to live?
Petaca experiences relatively low violent crime, but property crime rates are higher, with a chance of 1 in 37 for property-related incidents. The peaceful nature of the community is balanced by the need for general awareness regarding property safety. Overall, residents enjoy a sense of rural security in daily life.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
350
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,700
Crime Index:
3,050
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 285
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 37
Weather
What is the weather like in Petaca, NM year-round?
Petaca boasts a sunny climate, receiving sunshine about 73% of the year and an average annual rainfall of 13.5 inches. Winters are chilly with lows around 15°F, while summers are warm but comfortable, peaking at 86°F. The weather supports an outdoor lifestyle amid scenic high desert surroundings.
Winter
Min:
15°F
Max:
42°F
Spring
Min:
32°F
Max:
68°F
Summer
Min:
52°F
Max:
86°F
Fall
Min:
30°F
Max:
71°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
13.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
73%
Neighbors
Households in Petaca typically have a median income of $30,500, with about 23.5% of the population living below the poverty line. The area has a high owner-occupancy rate and a long average commute of 35 minutes. Educational attainment is moderate, with over three-quarters of residents holding at least a high school diploma.
Median Income:
$23,000
Household Income:
$30,500
Family Income:
$36,000
Per Capita Income:
$19,200
Income Male:
$26,000
Income Female:
$21,500
Poverty Rate:
23.5%
Non English Speakers:
18.0%
Rent:
$650
Unemployment Rate:
7.1%
Public Transport Usage:
0.4%
Commute Time:
35.0 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
77.5%
Bachelors or More:
16.2%
Education
How are the schools in Petaca, NM?
Public education is provided by Ojo Caliente Elementary School, offering small class sizes with a 10.5 student-teacher ratio. While there are no private schools in Petaca, higher education is accessible at Northern New Mexico College, located 34 miles away in Española. Families benefit from a supportive and close-knit educational environment.
Public Schools
Name:
Ojo Caliente Elementary School
Street:
Hwy 285, Ojo Caliente, NM 87549
Phone:
505-583-2311
Students:
95
Student Teacher Ratio:
10.5
Colleges
Name:
Northern New Mexico College
City:
Española
State:
NM
Distance:
34 miles
Students:
1,100
Healthcare
Residents have access to general and surgical care at Holy Cross Hospital in nearby Taos, which offers emergency services. The community enjoys a relatively high rate of health insurance coverage at 87.2%. With 1.3 physicians per 1,000 people, basic medical needs are met within a reasonable distance.
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:
1.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
87.2%
Health Care Index:
63.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Petaca, NM?
Petaca's housing market is stable and affordable, with a median home price of $120,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of 84%. Rent for a typical two-bedroom home averages $650, and the area sees slow but steady home appreciation. The market favors buyers seeking affordable, long-term rural residences.
Median Home Price:
$120,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$650
Owner Occupied Rate:
84.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Petaca residents are served by the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division based in Santa Fe, accessible by phone or through the official state website. Standard DMV services and information are available to support vehicle registration and licensing needs. The main office is conveniently located for residents throughout the region.
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.