Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Rio Rancho, NM
Considering a move to Rio Rancho, NM? With a population of just over 106,000, this growing city offers affordable living, with median home prices around $323,000 and average rents near $1,450. Residents enjoy a sunny climate with 78% clear days annually, low cost of living, and relatively short commutes averaging 27 minutes. Crime rates are below national averages, and the city is served by strong public schools, making it a great choice for families and professionals alike.
Demographics - Rio Rancho, NM
Demographics - Rio Rancho, NM
Rio Rancho has a population of approximately 106,500, featuring a balanced gender ratio and a median age of 39, providing a mix of young professionals, families, and retirees. The city is predominantly White (nearly 70%), with a growing multicultural presence and over 14% of residents speaking a language other than English at home. Its moderate population density fosters a suburban environment with space to grow.
Population:
106,526
Density:
1,100 per sq mi
Median Age:
39.1
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
14.2%
Ethnic Composition
White:
69.6%
Black:
2.5%
Asian:
1.6%
Others:
26.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Rio Rancho, NM?
Residents in Rio Rancho benefit from a cost of living index of 92.1, notably lower than the national average, with median home values at $323,000 and typical monthly rent near $1,450. Housing, utilities, and groceries are especially affordable, making the city attractive for both homeowners and renters. State taxes are moderate, helping further stretch household budgets.
Median House Value:
$323,000
Gross Rent:
$1,450
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,400
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,720
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$520
State Taxes:
Low:
1.7%
|
High:
5.9%
Cost Of Living Index:
92.1
Grocery:
96.0
Housing:
89.2
Utilities:
88.3
Transportation:
95.5
Health Care:
93.2
Miscellaneous:
90.5
Crime
Is Rio Rancho, NM a safe place to live?
Rio Rancho maintains crime rates below national averages, with only 219 violent crimes and 2,140 property crimes per 100,000 people annually. Residents have a relatively low chance of experiencing violent crime (1 in 456), contributing to the community’s reputation for safety. This makes the area appealing for families and those seeking a secure environment.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
219
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,140
Crime Index:
2,359
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 456
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 47
Weather
What is the weather like in Rio Rancho, NM year-round?
The city enjoys a sunny desert climate, boasting 78% sunny days each year and mild winters with lows in the mid-20s and highs near 50°F. Summers are warm but manageable, with high temperatures averaging in the low 90s and very little annual rainfall—around 8 inches. These conditions support an active, outdoor lifestyle nearly year-round.
Winter
Min:
24°F
Max:
49°F
Spring
Min:
40°F
Max:
75°F
Summer
Min:
63°F
Max:
93°F
Fall
Min:
43°F
Max:
77°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
8.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
78%
Neighbors
Rio Rancho neighborhoods offer a median household income of $72,456 and a low poverty rate of 8.8%, reflecting a stable and prosperous community. Most adults have at least a high school diploma, and nearly one-third hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Residents experience low unemployment and enjoy average commute times just under 27 minutes.
Median Income:
$38,200
Household Income:
$72,456
Family Income:
$82,200
Per Capita Income:
$34,100
Income Male:
$48,200
Income Female:
$39,100
Poverty Rate:
8.8%
Non English Speakers:
14.2%
Rent:
$1,450
Unemployment Rate:
4.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
26.8 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
93.5%
Bachelors or More:
30.7%
Education
How are the schools in Rio Rancho, NM?
Rio Rancho is served by strong public schools such as Rio Rancho and Cleveland High Schools, both offering extensive academic and extracurricular programs. The area also features private school options and convenient access to higher education through Central New Mexico Community College and the nearby University of New Mexico. High educational attainment and dedicated school resources make the city attractive for families.
Public Schools
Name:
Rio Rancho High School
Street:
301 Loma Colorado Blvd NE
Phone:
505-896-0667
Students:
2,500
Student Teacher Ratio:
18.5
Name:
Cleveland High School
Street:
4800 Laban Rd NE
Phone:
505-938-0300
Students:
2,300
Student Teacher Ratio:
19.1
Private Schools
Name:
St. Thomas Aquinas School
Street:
1100 Hood Rd SE
Phone:
505-892-3221
Students:
375
Colleges
Name:
Central New Mexico Community College (Rio Rancho Campus)
City:
Rio Rancho
State:
NM
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
2,000
Name:
University of New Mexico (Main Campus)
City:
Albuquerque
State:
NM
Distance:
18 miles
Students:
25,000
Healthcare
Healthcare in Rio Rancho is robust, with two major hospitals offering comprehensive services and emergency care within city limits. The area boasts good physician availability and over 92% of residents have health insurance coverage, ensuring reliable access to medical services. The city’s healthcare index indicates favorable health outcomes and service quality.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Presbyterian Rust Medical Center
Address:
2400 Unser Blvd SE, Rio Rancho, NM 87124
Phone:
(505) 253-1140
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
UNM Sandoval Regional Medical Center
Address:
3001 Broadmoor Blvd NE, Rio Rancho, NM 87144
Phone:
(505) 994-7000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.0
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.1%
Health Care Index:
70.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Rio Rancho, NM?
Rio Rancho’s housing market is accessible, with a median home price of $323,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of 78%. Home values have appreciated by 6.4% over the past year, signaling a healthy and growing market. Rental options are available, with average two-bedroom rents around $1,450 and a vacancy rate just over 6%.
Median Home Price:
$323,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,450
Owner Occupied Rate:
78.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.4%
New Construction Rate:
2.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Residents access motor vehicle services through the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division, with the nearest main office located in Santa Fe. The DMV offers comprehensive online and in-person services, including licensing, registration, and title transfers. Ample information and resources are available on the state’s official website for ease of use.
State:
New Mexico
Department:
New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division
Address:
2540 Camino Entrada, Santa Fe, NM 87507
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.