Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Portales, NM
Thinking of moving to Portales, NM? With a friendly population of 11,754 and a median home value around $143,000, Portales offers affordable living, short 14-minute commutes, and sunny weather nearly three-quarters of the year. The city is home to Eastern New Mexico University, and families enjoy local schools and a cost of living well below the national average. While property crime is a bit higher than average, the tight-knit community, reasonable rents, and small-town charm make Portales a welcoming place to call home.
Demographics - Portales, NM
Demographics - Portales, NM
Portales is home to 11,754 residents, with a youthful median age of 27.2 years and a diverse community where nearly 21% speak a language other than English at home. The city’s population density is moderate, and people of various backgrounds contribute to its vibrant culture.
Population:
11,754
Density:
1,800 per sq mi
Median Age:
27.2
Gender Ratio:
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
20.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
63.9%
Black:
3.7%
Asian:
1.3%
Others:
31.1%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Portales, NM?
Portales boasts a low cost of living, with a median home value of $143,000 and an average rent of $760, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious movers. Utilities and groceries are also affordable, and state taxes remain moderate, allowing residents to stretch their dollars further compared to many U.S. cities.
Median House Value:
$143,000
Gross Rent:
$760
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$115
Auto Insurance:
$1,220
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,060
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$370
State Taxes:
Low:
1.7%
|
High:
5.9%
Cost Of Living Index:
81.5
Grocery:
92.1
Housing:
68.7
Utilities:
97.4
Transportation:
80.9
Health Care:
82.5
Miscellaneous:
89.2
Crime
Is Portales, NM a safe place to live?
While Portales experiences a slightly higher property crime rate, with a 1 in 49 chance, violent crime remains moderate at 1 in 262. Residents benefit from a tight-knit community that supports local safety initiatives, although newcomers should remain aware of property security.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
382
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,040
Crime Index:
2,422
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 262
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 49
Weather
What is the weather like in Portales, NM year-round?
Portales enjoys a sunny climate, with 72% of days filled with sunshine and average annual rainfall of 17.5 inches. Winters are mild with lows around 21°F, while summers are warm but not extreme, making outdoor activities enjoyable much of the year.
Winter
Min:
21°F
Max:
54°F
Spring
Min:
42°F
Max:
74°F
Summer
Min:
65°F
Max:
92°F
Fall
Min:
43°F
Max:
76°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
17.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
72%
Neighbors
Portales residents earn a median household income of $44,600, with a family income of $53,200 and a poverty rate of 23.5%. Most neighbors have at least a high school education, and commutes are short, averaging just under 14 minutes, contributing to a relaxed, small-town feel.
Median Income:
$40,900
Household Income:
$44,600
Family Income:
$53,200
Per Capita Income:
$20,400
Income Male:
$37,200
Income Female:
$32,400
Poverty Rate:
23.5%
Non English Speakers:
20.5%
Rent:
$760
Unemployment Rate:
4.9%
Public Transport Usage:
0.8%
Commute Time:
13.6 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
85.6%
Bachelors or More:
22.1%
Education
How are the schools in Portales, NM?
Families in Portales benefit from a range of educational options, including public schools like Portales High School and Valencia Elementary, as well as private schooling choices. Eastern New Mexico University, located in the city, offers higher education opportunities to over 5,000 students and enriches the local community.
Public Schools
Name:
Portales High School
Street:
701 W 18th St
Phone:
575-356-7015
Students:
650
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.3
Name:
Valencia Elementary School
Street:
1415 S Globe Ave
Phone:
575-356-7097
Students:
350
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.8
Private Schools
Name:
First Baptist Church Christian School
Street:
100 S Avenue C
Phone:
575-356-6241
Students:
75
Colleges
Name:
Eastern New Mexico University
City:
Portales
State:
NM
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
5,300
Healthcare
Healthcare in Portales is accessible, anchored by Roosevelt General Hospital offering emergency services. With 1.7 physicians per 1,000 people and nearly 90% health insurance coverage, the community provides residents with reasonable medical support.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Roosevelt General Hospital
Address:
42121 US-70, Portales, NM 88130
Phone:
(575) 356-3467
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.2%
Health Care Index:
66.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Portales, NM?
Portales offers affordable housing, with a median home price of $143,000 and an owner-occupied rate of 61%. The rental market is accessible, with average two-bedroom rents at $760 and a low foreclosure rate, making it appealing for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$143,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$760
Owner Occupied Rate:
60.9%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.5%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Portales residents are served by the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division located on S Ave D, providing easy access to licensing and registration services. The DMV offers both in-person assistance and online resources for convenience.
State:
New Mexico
Department:
New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division
Address:
1601 S Ave D, Portales, NM 88130
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.