Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Thoreau, NM
Considering a move to Thoreau, NM? With a population of about 2,300, Thoreau offers affordable living, with median home prices around $78,000 and average rents at $720. Residents enjoy short, 22-minute commutes and abundant sunshine, with 72% sunny days annually. While crime rates are higher than average and educational attainment is modest, the town's rich Native American heritage and easy access to outdoor recreation make it a distinct and welcoming choice.
Demographics - Thoreau, NM
Demographics - Thoreau, NM
Thoreau is home to approximately 2,300 residents, predominantly Native American, reflecting a strong local heritage. The community is youthful, with a median age of 33.5, and over half of residents speak a language other than English, creating a diverse and vibrant cultural atmosphere.
Population:
2,300
Density:
100 per sq mi
Median Age:
33.5
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
52.0%

Ethnic Composition
White:
8.5%
Black:
0.3%
Asian:
0.4%
Others:
4.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Thoreau, NM?
Thoreau offers an affordable cost of living, with a median home value of $78,000 and average rent of $720 per month. Living expenses, including utilities and groceries, fall well below national averages, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious families.
Median House Value:
$78,000
Gross Rent:
$720
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,210
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$850
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$270
State Taxes:
Low:
1.7%
|
High:
5.9%
Cost Of Living Index:
83.1
Grocery:
92.0
Housing:
54.0
Utilities:
96.5
Transportation:
80.2
Health Care:
88.4
Miscellaneous:
90.0
Crime
Is Thoreau, NM a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Thoreau are higher than the national average, with a chance of experiencing property crime at 1 in 48 and violent crime at 1 in 204. Prospective residents should consider local safety measures and stay informed about neighborhood trends.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
490
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,100
Crime Index:
2,590
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 204
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 48
Weather
What is the weather like in Thoreau, NM year-round?
Thoreau enjoys a sunny climate with 72% of days each year featuring sunshine. Winters are cold with lows around 14°F, while summers are warm with highs reaching 88°F, and the area receives about 12 inches of rainfall annually.

Winter
Min:
14°F
Max:
43°F

Spring
Min:
29°F
Max:
63°F

Summer
Min:
51°F
Max:
88°F

Fall
Min:
33°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
12.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
72%
Neighbors
Local households have a median income of $37,400, though the poverty rate is notably higher at 41%. Most residents commute about 22 minutes to work, and educational attainment reflects that just over two-thirds have completed high school or higher.
Median Income:
$27,000
Household Income:
$37,400
Family Income:
$39,200
Per Capita Income:
$11,900
Income Male:
$25,000
Income Female:
$21,500
Poverty Rate:
41.0%
Non English Speakers:
52.0%
Rent:
$720
Unemployment Rate:
9.6%
Public Transport Usage:
1.2%
Commute Time:
22.1 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
67.1%
Bachelors or More:
9.2%
Education
How are the schools in Thoreau, NM?
Thoreau provides public schooling across elementary to high school levels, with student-teacher ratios around 15:1, fostering small class sizes. For higher education, the University of New Mexico - Gallup is located just 24 miles away, offering nearby college opportunities.

Public Schools
Name:
Thoreau Elementary School
Street:
P.O. Box 87, Thoreau, NM 87323
Phone:
505-721-4000
Students:
360
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.5
Name:
Thoreau Middle School
Street:
P.O. Box 87, Thoreau, NM 87323
Phone:
505-721-4100
Students:
260
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.2
Name:
Thoreau High School
Street:
P.O. Box 87, Thoreau, NM 87323
Phone:
505-721-4200
Students:
320
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.8

Colleges
Name:
University of New Mexico - Gallup
City:
Gallup
State:
NM
Distance:
24 miles
Students:
2,200
Healthcare
Healthcare access in Thoreau is modest, with one major hospital nearby in Gallup and about 0.6 physicians per 1,000 residents. Most locals have health insurance coverage, ensuring basic medical needs are met within reasonable proximity.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Rehoboth McKinley Christian Health Care Services
Address:
1901 Red Rock Dr, Gallup, NM 87301
Phone:
(505) 863-7000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
0.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
86.0%
Health Care Index:
62.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Thoreau, NM?
The housing market in Thoreau is affordable, with median home prices at $78,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of 75%. Home values have seen modest appreciation, and rental vacancy rates remain manageable, offering options for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$78,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$720
Owner Occupied Rate:
75.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.4%
New Construction Rate:
0.4%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Vehicle registration and licensing are managed by the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division, located in Santa Fe, with resources and online services available on their official website. Residents can access comprehensive DMV information and support by phone or in person.
State:
New Mexico
Department:
New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division
Address:
1100 South St. Francis Drive, Santa Fe, NM 87505
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.