Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Yatahey, NM
Thinking of moving to Yatahey, NM? This small, predominantly Navajo community of around 600 residents offers affordable living, with median home prices near $124,000 and average rents just $720. Enjoy plenty of sunshine (over 70% of days are sunny!) and a short average commute of 25 minutes. While the cost of living is low, be mindful of limited higher education attainment and higher poverty rates; schools and basic healthcare are accessible in nearby Gallup. If you’re seeking small-town life with rich cultural heritage and beautiful high desert climate, Yatahey might be a great fit.
Demographics - Yatahey, NM
Demographics - Yatahey, NM
Yatahey is a small community of about 612 people, primarily part of the Navajo Nation, with a median age of 34.7 and a nearly even gender ratio. Over half of residents speak a language other than English at home, reflecting the area's strong Native American cultural presence. The population density is low, offering spacious, rural living.
Population:
612
Density:
92 per sq mi
Median Age:
34.7
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
55%
Ethnic Composition
White:
7.3%
Black:
0.2%
Asian:
0.0%
Others:
92.5% (primarily Native American, Navajo Nation)
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Yatahey, NM?
The cost of living in Yatahey is well below the national average, with a cost of living index of 81.2 and median home values around $124,000. Rent is affordable at about $720 per month, and utilities and groceries also tend to be less expensive than in larger cities. State taxes are moderate, making it a budget-friendly place for individuals and families.
Median House Value:
$124,000
Gross Rent:
$720
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$95
Auto Insurance:
$1,120
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$900
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$305
State Taxes:
Low:
1.7%
|
High:
5.9%
Cost Of Living Index:
81.2
Grocery:
92.9
Housing:
58.0
Utilities:
94.1
Transportation:
77.8
Health Care:
88.4
Miscellaneous:
86.5
Crime
Is Yatahey, NM a safe place to live?
Yatahey experiences moderate crime rates, with a property crime risk higher than violent crime. Residents face about a 1 in 48 chance of property crime and a 1 in 270 chance of violent crime, making community awareness important. The overall crime index suggests caution, but the town retains a close-knit, rural atmosphere.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
370
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,100
Crime Index:
2,470
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 270
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 48
Weather
What is the weather like in Yatahey, NM year-round?
Yatahey enjoys a high desert climate, featuring over 70% sunny days each year and just over 10 inches of annual rainfall. Winters can be chilly with lows around 18°F, while summers are warm but not extreme, reaching highs near 89°F. The area’s weather is ideal for those who appreciate abundant sunshine and distinct seasons.
Winter
Min:
18°F
Max:
40°F
Spring
Min:
34°F
Max:
66°F
Summer
Min:
54°F
Max:
89°F
Fall
Min:
36°F
Max:
70°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
10.1 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
72%
Neighbors
Residents in Yatahey have a median household income of about $36,900, with a notable poverty rate of 31.2%. Most households are owner-occupied, and unemployment is somewhat higher at 9.3%. Educational attainment is lower than average, but the community is tight-knit and rich in Navajo heritage.
Median Income:
$31,500
Household Income:
$36,900
Family Income:
$39,200
Per Capita Income:
$12,700
Income Male:
$29,800
Income Female:
$21,600
Poverty Rate:
31.2%
Non English Speakers:
55%
Rent:
$720
Unemployment Rate:
9.3%
Public Transport Usage:
0.8%
Commute Time:
25.3 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
69.3%
Bachelors or More:
7.5%
Education
How are the schools in Yatahey, NM?
Yatahey is served by local public schools with small class sizes, such as Chee Dodge Elementary and Chief Manualito Middle School. For higher education, the University of New Mexico - Gallup campus is just 10 miles away, offering accessible college options. While there are no private schools in the immediate area, public education is available for all grade levels.
Public Schools
Name:
Chee Dodge Elementary School
Street:
100 Hwy 264, Yatahey, NM 87375
Phone:
505-786-2230
Students:
400
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.6
Name:
Chief Manualito Middle School
Street:
220 Hwy 264, Gallup, NM 87301
Phone:
505-721-5400
Students:
350
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.8
Colleges
Name:
University of New Mexico - Gallup
City:
Gallup
State:
NM
Distance:
10 miles
Students:
2,100
Healthcare
Basic healthcare needs are met by two major hospitals located in nearby Gallup, with emergency services readily available. Most residents (about 87%) have health insurance, and the area has approximately 1.2 physicians per 1,000 people. While healthcare resources are accessible, specialized care may require travel to larger cities.
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
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:
1.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
86.7%
Health Care Index:
61.9
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Yatahey, NM?
Yatahey's housing market is affordable, with median home prices at $124,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $720. Homeownership is high at over 73%, and foreclosure rates are very low. The area experiences modest home appreciation, making it suitable for buyers seeking stability rather than rapid investment growth.
Median Home Price:
$124,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$720
Owner Occupied Rate:
73.1%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.9%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.4%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
DMV services for Yatahey are provided by the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division in Gallup, located a short drive away. Residents can access standard vehicle registration, licensing, and other services either in person or online. The nearby location ensures convenient access for most transportation needs.
State:
New Mexico
Department:
New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division
Address:
1601 S Second St, 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.