Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Tierra Amarilla, NM
Considering a quiet move? Tierra Amarilla, NM is a rural community of around 300 people, offering affordable living with a median home price of $105,000 and average rents near $700. The area enjoys 75% sunny days, crisp mountain air, and short average commutes of about 19 minutes. While amenities are limited, nearby Española offers hospital access, and local schools provide small class sizes. Crime rates are generally low, making this a tranquil spot for those seeking a peaceful, scenic lifestyle in northern New Mexico.
Demographics - Tierra Amarilla, NM
Demographics - Tierra Amarilla, NM
Tierra Amarilla is a close-knit rural community with about 300 residents and a low population density of 6 people per square mile. The median age is 44, and the area has a diverse population, with over 40% speaking a language other than English at home. The gender ratio is balanced, and a significant portion of the community identifies as Latino or from other ethnic backgrounds.
Population:
300
Density:
6 per sq mi
Median Age:
44.0
Gender Ratio:
102 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
41.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
36.0%
Black:
0.5%
Asian:
0.3%
Others:
63.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Tierra Amarilla, NM?
Living in Tierra Amarilla is affordable, with a median home value of $105,000 and average rent around $700 per month. The cost of living index is well below the national average, making everyday expenses—like groceries, utilities, and insurance—more budget-friendly than in most U.S. cities. State income taxes range from 1.7% to 5.9%, which helps keep overall expenses manageable.
Median House Value:
$105,000
Gross Rent:
$700
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$90
Auto Insurance:
$1,350
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$950
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$310
State Taxes:
Low:
1.7%
|
High:
5.9%
Cost Of Living Index:
83.0
Grocery:
91.2
Housing:
68.4
Utilities:
92.8
Transportation:
82.5
Health Care:
86.3
Miscellaneous:
81.0
Crime
Is Tierra Amarilla, NM a safe place to live?
Tierra Amarilla offers a relatively safe environment, with the chance of being a victim of violent crime at about 1 in 445. Property crime is somewhat more common, but overall crime rates remain lower than in many larger towns. The community's small size and rural setting contribute to its tranquil and secure atmosphere.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
225
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,850
Crime Index:
2,075
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 445
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 54
Weather
What is the weather like in Tierra Amarilla, NM year-round?
The area enjoys a high percentage of sunny days—about 75% each year—and experiences four distinct seasons with mild summers (average highs in the low 80s) and cold winters (lows can drop to 11°F). Annual rainfall is modest at 14.5 inches, contributing to a crisp, dry climate perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Residents enjoy beautiful mountain views and a variety of seasonal activities.
Winter
Min:
11°F
Max:
36°F
Spring
Min:
28°F
Max:
62°F
Summer
Min:
45°F
Max:
83°F
Fall
Min:
29°F
Max:
67°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
14.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
75%
Neighbors
Households in Tierra Amarilla have a median income of around $32,500, with a family income of $38,500 and a poverty rate of 23.4%. Most people commute under 20 minutes, and the unemployment rate is 6.5%. The community values education, with nearly 80% of residents holding at least a high school diploma.
Median Income:
$27,900
Household Income:
$32,500
Family Income:
$38,500
Per Capita Income:
$16,800
Income Male:
$31,200
Income Female:
$24,600
Poverty Rate:
23.4%
Non English Speakers:
41.5%
Rent:
$700
Unemployment Rate:
6.5%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
18.7 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
78.5%
Bachelors or More:
13.0%
Education
How are the schools in Tierra Amarilla, NM?
Education in Tierra Amarilla is centered around small public schools, with Escalante Middle/High School and Tierra Amarilla Elementary offering low student-to-teacher ratios for personalized learning. There are no private schools in town, but Northern New Mexico College is a short drive away in Española for higher education opportunities. The community values education, and local schools are known for their supportive environment.
Public Schools
Name:
Escalante Middle/High School
Street:
800 County Road 1
Phone:
575-588-7285
Students:
180
Student Teacher Ratio:
10.5
Name:
Tierra Amarilla Elementary
Street:
300 State Road 531
Phone:
575-588-7283
Students:
80
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.0
Colleges
Name:
Northern New Mexico College
City:
Española
State:
NM
Distance:
40 miles
Students:
1,100
Healthcare
Residents have access to major healthcare services at Presbyterian Española Hospital, located nearby in Española and offering emergency care. With about 1.6 physicians per 1,000 people and 90% of residents insured, basic medical needs are well supported. The area’s healthcare index suggests reliable, if limited, local medical resources.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Presbyterian Española Hospital
Address:
1010 Spruce St, Española, NM 87532
Phone:
(505) 753-1502
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
90.2%
Health Care Index:
68.9
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Tierra Amarilla, NM?
Tierra Amarilla's housing market is highly accessible, with a median home price of $105,000 and most residents owning their homes. The area sees steady but modest home appreciation and a rental vacancy rate under 8%. New construction is rare, reflecting the community’s stable and established nature.
Median Home Price:
$105,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$700
Owner Occupied Rate:
75.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.4%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Vehicle registration and licensing for Tierra Amarilla are managed through the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division, with the nearest main office located in Santa Fe. Residents can access services both online and by phone, making it convenient to handle DMV needs. The state’s DMV website provides up-to-date information on requirements and locations.
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.