Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Questa, NM
Considering a move to Questa, NM? This small town of 1,685 residents offers affordable living, with median home prices around $168,000 and average rents near $720. Enjoy a relaxed lifestyle with short average commutes of 24 minutes, abundant sunshine (72% sunny days), and access to scenic mountain landscapes. While crime rates are moderate and incomes below the national average, Questa features a close-knit community, low housing costs, and access to local schools and nearby healthcare in Taos. Explore more about Questa’s cost of living, schools, and weather to see if this mountain town is right for you.
Demographics - Questa, NM
Demographics - Questa, NM
Questa is a small, close-knit community of 1,685 residents with a median age of 48, reflecting a mature population. The town is predominantly Hispanic or Latino (72%), with a significant portion of non-English speakers, contributing to its distinctive cultural atmosphere. Population density is low at 110 people per square mile, offering a spacious and peaceful rural environment.
Population:
1,685
Density:
110 per sq mi
Median Age:
48.0
Gender Ratio:
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
38.0%
Ethnic Composition
White:
57.0%
Black:
0.5%
Asian:
0.3%
Others:
14.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Questa, NM?
Questa offers an affordable cost of living, with a median house value of $168,000 and average gross rent of $720 per month. The overall cost of living index is 89, noticeably below the national average, making it attractive for budget-conscious movers. Utilities, groceries, and transportation are all moderately priced, and state taxes remain reasonable for residents.
Median House Value:
$168,000
Gross Rent:
$720
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$105
Auto Insurance:
$1,200
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:
89.0
Grocery:
94.5
Housing:
78.0
Utilities:
90.2
Transportation:
92.0
Health Care:
88.5
Miscellaneous:
91.0
Crime
Is Questa, NM a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Questa are moderate, with a violent crime rate of 245 per 100,000 and a property crime rate of 1,600 per 100,000 people. Residents have about a 1 in 408 chance of being a victim of violent crime and a 1 in 62 chance for property crime, which is typical for rural communities. Overall, the town maintains a sense of safety, but it's wise to stay vigilant.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
245
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,600
Crime Index:
1,845
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 408
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 62
Weather
What is the weather like in Questa, NM year-round?
Questa enjoys a mild climate with warm summers reaching up to 82°F and chilly winters averaging lows of 10°F. The area experiences 72% sunny days annually and about 13 inches of rainfall, ideal for those who appreciate sunshine and outdoor recreation. Seasonal temperature swings offer a true four-season experience amid beautiful mountain scenery.
Winter
Min:
10°F
Max:
38°F
Spring
Min:
28°F
Max:
60°F
Summer
Min:
45°F
Max:
82°F
Fall
Min:
30°F
Max:
65°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
13.4 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
72%
Neighbors
Households in Questa typically earn a median income of $36,800, with about 19.6% of residents living below the poverty line. Most neighbors have completed high school (84.7%), though college attainment is modest, and the unemployment rate is slightly above average at 7.5%. The area is predominantly residential, with friendly, diverse neighbors and a short average commute of 24 minutes.
Median Income:
$36,800
Household Income:
$38,900
Family Income:
$42,200
Per Capita Income:
$21,500
Income Male:
$31,000
Income Female:
$28,500
Poverty Rate:
19.6%
Non English Speakers:
38.0%
Rent:
$720
Unemployment Rate:
7.5%
Public Transport Usage:
0.6%
Commute Time:
23.7 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
84.7%
Bachelors or More:
12.1%
Education
How are the schools in Questa, NM?
Questa offers quality educational opportunities with two public schools featuring low student-teacher ratios, supporting personalized instruction. Higher education is accessible at the University of New Mexico – Taos, just 24 miles away, catering to those seeking college courses. While there are no private schools in town, local public schools serve as community hubs.
Public Schools
Name:
Alta Vista Elementary & Intermediate School
Street:
2556 Hwy 522
Phone:
575-586-2041
Students:
240
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.5
Name:
Questa Junior/Senior High School
Street:
16 Sagebrush Rd
Phone:
575-586-1604
Students:
210
Student Teacher Ratio:
10.2
Colleges
Name:
University of New Mexico – Taos
City:
Taos
State:
NM
Distance:
24 miles
Students:
1,200
Healthcare
Healthcare access in Questa is supported by Holy Cross Hospital in nearby Taos, offering general and emergency services within a short drive. There are about 1.5 physicians per 1,000 residents, and 89% of the population has health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable, though specialized care may require travel to larger nearby cities.
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:
1.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.0%
Health Care Index:
67.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Questa, NM?
Questa’s housing market is affordable with a median home price of $168,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of 78.5%. Average rent for a two-bedroom is just $750, and home values have appreciated by 4.2% in the past year. The market is stable, with low vacancy and foreclosure rates, making it attractive for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$168,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$750
Owner Occupied Rate:
78.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Residents of Questa access motor vehicle services through the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division office in Taos, located about 24 miles away. The DMV provides all standard licensing and vehicle registration services, and more information is available on the state’s official website. For assistance, locals can call the statewide helpline or visit the nearby office in person.
State:
New Mexico
Department:
New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division
Address:
1036 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.