Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Sierra Blanca, NM
Considering a move to Sierra Blanca, NM? With a small, close-knit population of around 500, the city offers affordable living—median home prices are just $110,000 and average rent is $650. Enjoy over 75% sunny days each year and a relaxed commute averaging 22 minutes. While the area has a high poverty rate and limited educational attainment, residents appreciate the low cost of living, rural charm, and access to basic healthcare and local schools. Sierra Blanca is ideal for those seeking quiet, scenic desert living at a budget-friendly price.
Demographics - Sierra Blanca, NM
Demographics - Sierra Blanca, NM
Sierra Blanca is a small, close-knit community of about 500 residents, with a median age of 46 and a slightly higher number of males than females. The population is predominantly White, with 18% speaking a language other than English at home, reflecting some cultural diversity in this rural setting.
Population:
500
Density:
200 per sq mi
Median Age:
46.0
Gender Ratio:
105 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
18.0%
Ethnic Composition
White:
66.0%
Black:
2.0%
Asian:
1.0%
Others:
31.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Sierra Blanca, NM?
The cost of living in Sierra Blanca is notably affordable, with a median home value of $110,000 and average rent at $650. Everyday expenses like groceries and utilities are below the national average, making it an appealing choice for budget-conscious individuals.
Median House Value:
$110,000
Gross Rent:
$650
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,120
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$860
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$350
State Taxes:
Low:
1.7%
|
High:
5.9%
Cost Of Living Index:
85.0
Grocery:
91.0
Housing:
65.0
Utilities:
97.0
Transportation:
80.0
Health Care:
89.0
Miscellaneous:
90.0
Crime
Is Sierra Blanca, NM a safe place to live?
Sierra Blanca experiences relatively low violent crime, with a rate of 220 incidents per 100,000 people, but property crime is more common, with a 1 in 63 chance of being affected. Residents generally enjoy a safe, small-town environment, though attention to property security is advised.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
220
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,600
Crime Index:
1,820
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 455
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 63
Weather
What is the weather like in Sierra Blanca, NM year-round?
Sierra Blanca enjoys a semi-arid climate with mild winters, warm summers, and 76% sunny days annually. Average rainfall is modest at 13.5 inches per year, making it ideal for those who prefer dry, sunny weather.
Winter
Min:
22°F
Max:
52°F
Spring
Min:
38°F
Max:
70°F
Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
92°F
Fall
Min:
40°F
Max:
74°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
13.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
76%
Neighbors
Residents in Sierra Blanca typically earn around $34,000 in median income, with a poverty rate of 21% and an unemployment rate of 7.5%. Most people commute about 22 minutes to work, and educational attainment is moderate, with 74% holding a high school diploma or higher.
Median Income:
$34,000
Household Income:
$32,500
Family Income:
$38,000
Per Capita Income:
$19,500
Income Male:
$27,000
Income Female:
$23,000
Poverty Rate:
21.0%
Non English Speakers:
18.0%
Rent:
$650
Unemployment Rate:
7.5%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
22.0 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
74.0%
Bachelors or More:
12.0%
Education
How are the schools in Sierra Blanca, NM?
Sierra Blanca offers local elementary education with small class sizes, while higher education options are available nearby, such as Eastern New Mexico University in Ruidoso, about 32 miles away. The area has limited private schools, making public education the primary choice for families.
Public Schools
Name:
Sierra Blanca Elementary School
Street:
200 Main St
Phone:
575-555-2001
Students:
110
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.5
Colleges
Name:
Eastern New Mexico University - Ruidoso
City:
Ruidoso
State:
NM
Distance:
32 miles
Students:
1,700
Healthcare
Healthcare in Sierra Blanca centers around a local rural clinic and access to a nearby hospital with emergency services, though there are only 0.7 physicians per 1,000 residents. Most residents have health insurance, but specialized care may require travel to larger towns.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Sierra Blanca Rural Health Clinic
Address:
500 Sierra Blanca Dr, Sierra Blanca, NM 88349
Phone:
(575) 555-1234
Type:
Clinic
Emergency Services:
No
Name:
Lincoln County Medical Center
Address:
211 Sudderth Dr, Ruidoso, NM 88345
Phone:
(575) 257-8200
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
0.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
83.0%
Health Care Index:
61.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Sierra Blanca, NM?
The housing market in Sierra Blanca is accessible, with a median home price of $110,000 and a 69% owner-occupancy rate. Rental vacancies are moderate, and home appreciation has grown by 4.1% over the past year, making it a stable environment for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$110,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$650
Owner Occupied Rate:
69.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.0%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.4%
Foreclosure Rate:
1.2%
DMV Information
Vehicle services for Sierra Blanca are provided by the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division, with information and resources available through their Santa Fe office or the official state website.
State:
New Mexico
Department:
New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division
Address:
1100 South St. Francis Drive, Santa Fe, NM 87504
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.