New Mexico / Roosevelt County

Moving to Portales, NM

Thinking of making a move to Portales, NM? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Portales, NM

Considering a move to Portales, NM? This welcoming community of 12,000 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $165,000 and average rents near $850. Commute times average 16 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (78% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Portales's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Portales, NM

Portales has a population of 12,000 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 27 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 49% White, 4% Black, and 2% Asian residents, and over 17% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
12,000
Density
1,700 per sq mi
Median Age
26.8
Gender Ratio
91 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
17.0%

Ethnic Composition

White
49.0%
Black
4.0%
Asian
2.0%
Others
45.0%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Portales, NM?

The cost of living in Portales is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 82.4. Median home values are around $165,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $850. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$165,000
Gross Rent
$850
Monthly Electricity Charges
$155
Auto Insurance
$1,650
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$1,180
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$420
State Taxes
Low: 1.7%| High: 5.9%
Cost Of Living Index
82.4
Grocery
93.0
Housing
61.5
Utilities
102.8
Transportation
90.2
Health Care
93.8
Miscellaneous
95.1

Crime

Is Portales, NM a safe place to live?

Portales is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 310 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 41. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in New Mexico.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
310
Property Crimes Per 100k
2,420
Crime Index
2,730
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 323
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 41

Weather

What is the weather like in Portales, NM year-round?

Portales experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 92°F and cold winters dipping to 24°F. The area receives about 19 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 78% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
24°F
Max
53°F

Summer

Min
66°F
Max
92°F

Spring

Min
44°F
Max
74°F

Fall

Min
45°F
Max
75°F
Average Rainfall Inches
18.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
78%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $45,500 and a low poverty rate of 24.5%. Over 84% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 21% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 16 minutes, and almost 2% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$30,500
Household Income
$45,500
Family Income
$55,000
Per Capita Income
$21,500
Income Male
$31,000
Income Female
$25,500
Poverty Rate
24.5%
Non English Speakers
24.0%
Rent
$850
Unemployment Rate
3.8%
Public Transport Usage
1.8%
Commute Time
15.8 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
84.0%
Bachelors or More
20.5%

Education

How are the schools in Portales, NM?

Portales offers quality education options, with public schools like Brown Early College High School and Portales High School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Eastern New Mexico University and Clovis Community College. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Brown Early College High School
Street
500 E 8th St
Phone
575-356-7015
Students
290
Student Teacher Ratio
14.1
Name
Portales High School
Street
317 S Abilene Ave
Phone
575-356-7020
Students
560
Student Teacher Ratio
13.8

Private Schools

Name
Immanuel Lutheran School
Street
1200 E 15th St
Phone
575-359-0200
Students
85

Colleges

Name
Eastern New Mexico University
City
Portales
State
NM
Distance
0 miles
Students
5,500
Name
Clovis Community College
City
Clovis
State
NM
Distance
22 miles
Students
2,700

Healthcare

Portales residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Eastern New Mexico Medical Center and Plains Regional Medical Center nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 1.9 per 1,000 people and 86.5% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
Eastern New Mexico Medical Center
Address
405 W Country Club Rd, Roswell, NM 88201
Phone
(575) 622-8170
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Plains Regional Medical Center
Address
2100 S Ave A, Portales, NM 88130
Phone
(575) 356-4461
Type
Critical Access
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
1.9
Health Insurance Coverage
86.5%
Health Care Index
61.8

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Portales, NM?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $165,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 57%. The market has seen a 3.2% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 8.2%. Portales offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$165,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$850
Owner Occupied Rate
57.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate
8.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
3.2%
New Construction Rate
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate
0.7%

DMV Information

Residents of Portales handle vehicle services through the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division, conveniently located in Santa Fe. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
New Mexico
Department
New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division
Address
1100 S. St. Francis Dr., Santa Fe, NM 87504
Phone
1-888-683-4636

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.

FAQs About Moving to Portales, NM

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Portales, review the core fields on this page: population 12,000, median home value $165,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $850, commute time 15.8 minutes, and sunny days percentage 78%.

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