Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Raton, NM
Thinking of moving to Raton, NM? With a small-town population of about 6,000 and a median home price of just $119,000, Raton offers affordable living and short average commutes of under 14 minutes. The city enjoys mostly sunny weather and a close-knit community feel, though property crime rates are a bit higher than the national average. You'll find basic amenities, a local hospital, and convenient access to outdoor recreation in this scenic mountain town—plus public schools with favorable student-teacher ratios. Explore housing, cost of living, and more below to see if Raton is right for you.
Demographics - Raton, NM
Raton is home to nearly 6,000 residents, with a median age of 46.2, reflecting a mature, community-oriented population. The city features a diverse cultural mix, with over 18% of residents speaking a language other than English at home, and a comfortable population density that supports a small-town atmosphere.
Population:
5,971
Density:
700 per sq mi
Median Age:
46.2
Gender Ratio:
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
18.4%
Ethnic Composition
White:
70.1%
Black:
1.2%
Asian:
0.6%
Others:
28.1%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Raton, NM?
Raton offers an affordable cost of living, with a median home value of $119,000 and average rents around $720 per month. Utility and grocery costs are below national averages, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious individuals and families.
Median House Value:
$119,000
Gross Rent:
$720
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,070
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$340
State Taxes:
Low:
1.7%
|
High:
5.9%
Cost Of Living Index:
77
Grocery:
92.3
Housing:
56.4
Utilities:
93.1
Transportation:
76.2
Health Care:
87.5
Miscellaneous:
80.8
Crime
Is Raton, NM a safe place to live?
Raton experiences a higher-than-average property crime rate, with a 1 in 42 chance, while violent crime remains relatively moderate at 366 incidents per 100,000 people. Residents should take standard precautions, but many enjoy the city's overall sense of safety and community.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
366
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,380
Crime Index:
2,746
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 273
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 42
Weather
What is the weather like in Raton, NM year-round?
Raton enjoys four distinct seasons, featuring mild summers with highs around 85°F and crisp winters that can dip to 18°F. The area receives about 18 inches of rainfall annually and boasts sunny conditions nearly 72% of the year, ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.
Winter
Min:
18°F
Max:
47°F
Spring
Min:
29°F
Max:
66°F
Summer
Min:
52°F
Max:
85°F
Fall
Min:
32°F
Max:
71°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
18.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
72%
Neighbors
Typical households in Raton earn a median income of $36,400, and most residents commute just under 14 minutes to work. The community maintains a high school graduation rate of over 84%, though about 21% of residents live below the poverty line, reflecting a modest but close-knit local economy.
Median Income:
$36,400
Household Income:
$36,400
Family Income:
$47,800
Per Capita Income:
$23,700
Income Male:
$33,000
Income Female:
$23,600
Poverty Rate:
21.5%
Non English Speakers:
18.4%
Rent:
$720
Unemployment Rate:
6.1%
Public Transport Usage:
0.1%
Commute Time:
13.8 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
84.1%
Bachelors or More:
18.9%
Education
How are the schools in Raton, NM?
Raton's public schools, such as Raton High School and Raton Intermediate School, offer small class sizes and supportive learning environments, with student-teacher ratios near 13:1. While there are no private schools in town, higher education is accessible through Trinidad State College, just 22 miles away in Colorado.
Public Schools
Name:
Raton High School
Street:
1535 Tiger Circle
Phone:
575-445-3541
Students:
350
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.5
Name:
Raton Intermediate School
Street:
1401 Tiger Circle
Phone:
575-445-9510
Students:
270
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.2
Colleges
Name:
Trinidad State College
City:
Trinidad
State:
CO
Distance:
22 miles
Students:
1,800
Healthcare
Healthcare in Raton is anchored by Miners' Colfax Medical Center, offering general and emergency services to the community. With 1.2 physicians per 1,000 residents and nearly 90% health insurance coverage, essential medical needs are well covered for a city of its size.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Miners' Colfax Medical Center
Address:
203 Hospital Drive, Raton, NM 87740
Phone:
(575) 445-3661
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.3%
Health Care Index:
61.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Raton, NM?
Raton's housing market is characterized by affordability and stability, with a median home price of $119,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of over 68%. Rental options are available, and the area has seen steady home appreciation, making it attractive for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$119,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$720
Owner Occupied Rate:
68.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
10.3%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.3%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Raton residents can conveniently access the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division at 101 W. Mills Ave for all driver and vehicle services. The local office provides essential licensing and registration support, with information and resources available online and by phone.
State:
New Mexico
Department:
New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division
Address:
101 W. Mills Ave, Raton, NM 87740
Phone:
(575) 445-9651
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.