Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Taos, NM
Considering a move to Taos, NM? This artsy mountain town of 6,437 offers a unique blend of culture, affordable living, and abundant sunshine, with median home prices around $355,000 and average rents near $1,080. Residents enjoy quick commute times (under 13 minutes), 71% sunny days, and access to both public and private schools, plus a local UNM campus. While property crime rates are higher than average, Taos' vibrant community, outdoor recreation, and scenic high-desert climate make it a special place for creatives and nature lovers alike.
Demographics - Taos, NM
Taos is home to a close-knit community of about 6,400 residents, with a population density of 919 people per square mile and a median age of 45.6 years. The town boasts a diverse mix, including a strong Hispanic or Latino presence at 54% and a notable portion of non-English speakers, creating a culturally rich environment.
Population:
6,437
Density:
919 per sq mi
Median Age:
45.6
Gender Ratio:
93 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
23.4%
Ethnic Composition
White:
66.9%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Taos, NM?
Living in Taos is moderately affordable, with a cost of living index slightly above the national average at 106.1. Housing is a significant factor, with median home values at $355,000 and average rent around $1,080, while overall expenses for groceries, utilities, and healthcare remain competitive for the region.
Median House Value:
$355,000
Gross Rent:
$1,080
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,410
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,570
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$470
State Taxes:
Low:
1.7%
|
High:
5.9%
Cost Of Living Index:
106.1
Grocery:
97.8
Housing:
124.5
Utilities:
90.1
Transportation:
93.2
Health Care:
96.7
Miscellaneous:
99.0
Crime
Is Taos, NM a safe place to live?
Taos experiences higher property crime rates, with 3,210 incidents per 100,000 residents and a 1 in 31 chance of property crime, while violent crime is less frequent at 403 per 100,000. Newcomers should stay aware of safety but will find an overall welcoming and tight-knit community atmosphere.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
403
Property Crimes Per 100k:
3,210
Crime Index:
3,613
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 248
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 31
Weather
What is the weather like in Taos, NM year-round?
Taos enjoys a high-desert climate with about 71% sunny days annually and mild summers reaching up to 82°F. Winters can be cold, dipping to 10°F at night, and the area receives around 13.6 inches of rainfall each year, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.
Winter
Min:
10°F
Max:
40°F
Spring
Min:
25°F
Max:
65°F
Summer
Min:
45°F
Max:
82°F
Fall
Min:
28°F
Max:
67°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
13.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
71%
Neighbors
Neighborhoods in Taos are characterized by modest incomes, with household medians around $43,000 and a per capita income of $27,600. While the local poverty rate is higher at 22.7%, residents typically enjoy short commute times under 13 minutes and a strong sense of community.
Median Income:
$38,200
Household Income:
$43,000
Family Income:
$56,900
Per Capita Income:
$27,600
Income Male:
$34,900
Income Female:
$28,300
Poverty Rate:
22.7%
Non English Speakers:
23.4%
Rent:
$1,080
Unemployment Rate:
5.9%
Public Transport Usage:
0.7%
Commute Time:
12.9 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
89.6%
Bachelors or More:
35.4%
Education
How are the schools in Taos, NM?
Families in Taos have a range of educational choices, including public schools like Taos High and Enos Garcia Elementary, as well as private options such as Taos Waldorf School. The presence of the University of New Mexico-Taos campus makes higher education easily accessible within the community.
Public Schools
Name:
Taos High School
Street:
134 Cervantes St
Phone:
575-751-8000
Students:
630
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.5
Name:
Enos Garcia Elementary
Street:
305 Don Fernando St
Phone:
575-751-2040
Students:
400
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.3
Private Schools
Name:
Taos Waldorf School
Street:
9 Arroyo Seco Rd
Phone:
575-776-1215
Students:
70
Colleges
Name:
University of New Mexico-Taos
City:
Taos
State:
NM
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
1,100
Healthcare
Taos offers accessible healthcare with a major hospital, Holy Cross Hospital, and a physician rate of 2.2 per 1,000 residents. Most locals (84.4%) have health insurance, and the area provides essential medical services within a small-town setting.
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:
2.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
84.4%
Health Care Index:
69.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Taos, NM?
The Taos housing market features a median home price of $355,000, steady appreciation at 4.1% over the past year, and an owner-occupancy rate of 58.1%. Rental options are available, with average two-bedroom rents at $1,080 and a relatively low vacancy rate.
Median Home Price:
$355,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,080
Owner Occupied Rate:
58.1%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.3%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Vehicle services for Taos are handled by the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division, conveniently located at 1036 Salazar Rd. Residents can access registration, licensing, and other DMV needs locally or online through the state’s official website.
State:
New Mexico
Department:
New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division
Address:
1036 Salazar Rd, Taos, NM 87571
Phone:
(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.