Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Smith Lake, NM
Considering a move to Smith Lake, NM? This small, close-knit community of about 1,250 residents offers affordable housing with median home prices around $98,000 and average rents of $690. Expect a low cost of living, wide open spaces, and plenty of sunny days (72% annually). While violent crime rates are moderate and property crimes somewhat higher, residents enjoy a peaceful rural lifestyle. Commute times are reasonable at under 30 minutes, and local schools and healthcare are available nearby in neighboring towns.
Demographics - Smith Lake, NM
Demographics - Smith Lake, NM
Smith Lake has a small population of around 1,250 residents with a youthful median age of 31.2 years and a diverse community where 60% speak a language other than English at home. Most residents identify as 'Other' ethnicity, reflecting the area's rich cultural heritage and strong community ties.
Population:
1,250
Density:
15 per sq mi
Median Age:
31.2
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
60.0%
Ethnic Composition
White:
9.5%
Black:
0.3%
Asian:
0.2%
Others:
90.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Smith Lake, NM?
Living in Smith Lake is highly affordable, with a cost of living index of 88.7 and median home values at $98,000. Everyday expenses such as rent, utilities, and groceries are significantly lower than the national average, making it a budget-friendly choice for families and individuals alike.
Median House Value:
$98,000
Gross Rent:
$690
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,320
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$935
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$320
State Taxes:
Low:
1.7%
|
High:
5.9%
Cost Of Living Index:
88.7
Grocery:
93.2
Housing:
71.1
Utilities:
98.5
Transportation:
89.7
Health Care:
91.8
Miscellaneous:
85.4
Crime
Is Smith Lake, NM a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Smith Lake are moderate, with a violent crime rate of 410 per 100,000 people and a property crime rate of 2,800 per 100,000. While the chance of property crime is higher than in some areas, the overall environment remains peaceful and community-focused.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
410
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,800
Crime Index:
3,210
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 244
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 36
Weather
What is the weather like in Smith Lake, NM year-round?
Smith Lake enjoys a semi-arid climate with about 72% sunny days annually and only 11.2 inches of rainfall each year. Winters are chilly but not extreme, while summers are warm and comfortable, making outdoor activities enjoyable year-round.
Winter
Min:
17°F
Max:
42°F
Spring
Min:
32°F
Max:
65°F
Summer
Min:
56°F
Max:
89°F
Fall
Min:
35°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
11.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
72%
Neighbors
The community has a median household income of $31,700 and faces a relatively high poverty rate of 39.2%. Despite economic challenges, residents benefit from reasonable rents and a close-knit rural atmosphere, with most people commuting about 29 minutes for work.
Median Income:
$20,800
Household Income:
$31,700
Family Income:
$33,900
Per Capita Income:
$13,600
Income Male:
$18,900
Income Female:
$15,200
Poverty Rate:
39.2%
Non English Speakers:
60.0%
Rent:
$690
Unemployment Rate:
6.9%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
28.7 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
70.7%
Bachelors or More:
8.2%
Education
How are the schools in Smith Lake, NM?
Smith Lake offers access to public education through nearby Thoreau schools, which maintain manageable student-teacher ratios and supportive learning environments. For higher education, the University of New Mexico – Gallup is just 35 miles away, giving residents local opportunities for college and vocational training.
Public Schools
Name:
Thoreau Middle School
Street:
118 2nd Ave, Thoreau, NM 87323
Phone:
505-721-4800
Students:
330
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.6
Name:
Thoreau High School
Street:
P.O. Box 160, Thoreau, NM 87323
Phone:
505-721-4800
Students:
375
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.1
Colleges
Name:
University of New Mexico - Gallup
City:
Gallup
State:
NM
Distance:
35 miles
Students:
2,200
Healthcare
Healthcare needs are served by nearby facilities like the Gallup Indian Medical Center, and 77.3% of residents have health insurance coverage. The area has a healthcare index of 61.4, and there are 1.7 physicians available per 1,000 residents, ensuring basic medical services are accessible.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Gallup Indian Medical Center
Address:
516 E Nizhoni Blvd, Gallup, NM 87301
Phone:
(505) 722-1000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
77.3%
Health Care Index:
61.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Smith Lake, NM?
Smith Lake's housing market is characterized by affordable homes, with a median price of $98,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom around $690. The area has a high owner-occupancy rate of 77.2%, and home values have appreciated by 4.3% in the past year, making it an attractive option for buyers.
Median Home Price:
$98,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$690
Owner Occupied Rate:
77.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.3%
New Construction Rate:
0.4%
Foreclosure Rate:
1.2%
DMV Information
Residents can handle vehicle registration and licensing needs at the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division office located in nearby Gallup. The office provides comprehensive DMV services and support for Smith Lake locals.
State:
New Mexico
Department:
New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division
Address:
MVD Field Office, 1600 E Aztec Ave, Gallup, NM 87301
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.