Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Pilar, NM
Considering a move to Pilar, NM? This scenic rural village is home to just 240 residents, offering affordable living with a median home price of $235,000 and average rents around $950. Residents enjoy short commutes of about 24 minutes, low utility costs, and over 70% sunny days each year. While education and healthcare options are nearby, crime rates are higher than average, so community awareness is important. Pilar’s tranquil setting and access to outdoor recreation make it a unique spot for those seeking a peaceful New Mexico lifestyle.
Demographics - Pilar, NM
Pilar, NM is a small rural community of 240 residents, with a median age of 48.2 and a population density of just 15 people per square mile. The area is predominantly White, but about 22% of residents speak a language other than English at home, reflecting a modest level of cultural diversity.
Population:
240
Density:
15 per sq mi
Median Age:
48.2
Gender Ratio:
104 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
22.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
78.2%
Black:
0.5%
Asian:
0.3%
Others:
21.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Pilar, NM?
Living in Pilar is relatively affordable, with a median home value of $235,000 and average monthly rent around $950. The cost of living index sits below the national average, and residents benefit from reasonable utility costs and manageable state taxes.
Median House Value:
$235,000
Gross Rent:
$950
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$85
Auto Insurance:
$1,120
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,180
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$350
State Taxes:
Low:
1.7%
|
High:
5.9%
Cost Of Living Index:
92.3
Grocery:
97.6
Housing:
85.2
Utilities:
90.1
Transportation:
84.9
Health Care:
89.3
Miscellaneous:
93.7
Crime
Is Pilar, NM a safe place to live?
Pilar experiences higher-than-average crime rates for its size, with property crime being more common than violent offenses. Residents have a 1 in 45 chance of property crime and a 1 in 333 chance of violent crime, so community vigilance is recommended.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
300
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,200
Crime Index:
2,500
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 333
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 45
Weather
What is the weather like in Pilar, NM year-round?
Pilar offers a sunny climate, enjoying sunshine about 73% of the year and modest rainfall. Summers are warm with highs in the upper 80s, while winters can be chilly, occasionally dropping to 14°F, providing four distinct seasons for outdoor enthusiasts.

Winter
Min:
14°F
Max:
41°F

Spring
Min:
32°F
Max:
65°F

Summer
Min:
50°F
Max:
87°F

Fall
Min:
30°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
10.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
73%
Neighbors
The community features a median household income of $42,000 and a poverty rate nearing 20%, with most adults holding at least a high school diploma. Pilar is a quiet area with low public transportation usage, an average commute of about 24 minutes, and a close-knit feel.
Median Income:
$32,000
Household Income:
$42,000
Family Income:
$48,000
Per Capita Income:
$21,500
Income Male:
$27,000
Income Female:
$24,000
Poverty Rate:
19.5%
Non English Speakers:
22.5%
Rent:
$950
Unemployment Rate:
6.9%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
23.7 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
85.3%
Bachelors or More:
20.2%
Education
How are the schools in Pilar, NM?
Public education in Pilar is provided by nearby schools such as Peñasco Elementary, featuring small class sizes for personalized learning. Higher education is accessible at the University of New Mexico – Taos, just 16 miles away, making continuing education options attainable for residents.

Public Schools
Name:
Peñasco Elementary School
Street:
13 School Rd
Phone:
575-587-2220
Students:
180
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.5

Colleges
Name:
University of New Mexico – Taos
City:
Taos
State:
NM
Distance:
16 miles
Students:
1,200
Healthcare
Healthcare access in Pilar is supported by facilities like Holy Cross Hospital in nearby Taos, offering general and emergency services. Most residents have health insurance, and the area has about 1.6 physicians per 1,000 people, ensuring basic medical needs are met within a short drive.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Holy Cross Hospital
Address:
1397 Weimer Rd, Taos, NM 87571
Phone:
(575) 751-5766
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
86.7%
Health Care Index:
68.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Pilar, NM?
The local housing market is stable, with a median home price of $235,000 and about 72% of homes owner-occupied. Rental options are available, vacancies are moderate, and the area has seen modest home appreciation in recent years.
Median Home Price:
$235,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$950
Owner Occupied Rate:
72.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.9%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Residents handle vehicle registration and licensing through the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division, conveniently located in Taos. The DMV offers comprehensive services both in person and online to meet local needs.
State:
New Mexico
Department:
New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division
Address:
1038 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos, NM 87571
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.