Median Income
$45,781
39% lower than US avg
Home Value
$231,300
18% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
237/100K
38% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
13.5%
60% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,375
18% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.0%
28% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.7%
31% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.3%
73% lower than US avg
How Alcalde Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population237
Median Age29.6 yrs
Density456/mi²
Male / Female44% / 56%
Largest GroupWhite 4%
Veterans4.8%
Economy
B+
Median Income$45,781
Per Capita$27,362
Unemployment4.7%
Poverty3.3%
County GDP$1,379M
Commute30 min
Housing
B+
Home Value$231,300
Rent$1,375
Ownership77.6%
Zillow$320,034
Housing Units137
Rent Burden45.0%
Crime
F
Violent237/100K
Property983/100K
Health
Obesity41.0%
Uninsured22.5%
Smoking12.9%
Depression21.3%
Heart Disease5.8%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI37 (Good)
Rain11.1 in/yr
Sunny Days330/yr
Elevation5,692 ft (1,735 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+13.5%
High School+89.7%
Graduate+3.6%
School Score3.69
Community
2024 VoteR 39% / D 59%
Commute30 min
Broadband85.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries10
Is Alcalde a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Alcalde receives an overall livability score of 2.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Alcalde has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Alcalde is $45,781, 39% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.7%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 3.3% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Alcalde is $231,300, 18% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,375 per month. The price-to-income ratio of 5.1x means housing costs are stretched relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Alcalde is below the national average at 237 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 983 per 100,000, 50% below the national average.
Education
13.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.7% have completed high school. School test scores average 3.7/10, below typical benchmarks.
Climate & Weather
Alcalde experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 330 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 11.1 inches, including 10.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 37.
Alcalde has a population of 237 with a density of 456 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age is 29.6 years, 24% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 56.1% female and 43.9% male. The city is predominantly Black (10.1%), with 4.2% White. English is the primary language spoken at home by 40.1% of residents, while 59.9% speak Spanish. 4.8% of the population are veterans. 14.9% of residents have a disability. 94.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
29.6yrs
Median Age
24% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
40.1%
49% below US avg
Spanish
59.9%
347% above US avg
The median household income in Alcalde is $45,781, which is 39% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $27,362 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $941, 34% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.7% (above the 3.6% US average). 3.3% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 859 business establishments, including 65 restaurants. The cost of living index is 92.2, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes. 22.5% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $45,781 |
| 39% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $27,362 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $941 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $52,599 |
| Gini Index | 0.467 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.7% |
| 31% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.3% |
| 73% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 859 |
| County GDP | $1,379M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 65 |
| Healthcare | 72 |
| Retail | 81 |
| Manufacturing | 19 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,640 |
| 25% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 92.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.14% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 30.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 61.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 22.5% |
The median home value in Alcalde is $231,300, 18% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $320,034, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,375 (18% above the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $927 for a one-bedroom to $1,129 for a two-bedroom apartment. 77.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 137 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1981. The average annual property tax is $2,640 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 45.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters. The home price-to-income ratio is 5.1x, above the traditionally affordable threshold of 3-4x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $231,300 |
| 18% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $320,034 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,375 |
| 18% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 45.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $828 |
| 1 Bedroom | $927 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,129 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,496 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,758 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 77.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 77.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 22.4% |
| Housing Units | 137 |
| Median Year Built | 1981 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,640 |
| 25% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.14% |
In Alcalde, 41.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 13.9% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.8% of residents. 29.9% have high blood pressure. 12.9% are current smokers. 13.2% report binge drinking. 31.0% are physically inactive, above the national average. 21.3% report depression. 17.1% experience frequent mental distress. 22.5% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,009. The dentist ratio is 1:1,335. 49.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Alcalde vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.0% |
| 28% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 13.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.9% |
| Asthma | 9.7% |
| COPD | 5.1% |
| Cancer | 4.8% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 12.9% |
| 8% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 13.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 31.0% |
| Depression | 21.3% |
| Mental Distress | 17.1% |
| Physical Distress | 16.1% |
| Short Sleep | 36.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.5% |
| Uninsured | 22.5% |
| 162% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,009 |
| Dentists | 1:1,335 |
| Mental Health | 1:183 |
| Checkup Rate | 67.0% |
| Dental Visits | 51.9% |
| Premature Death | 21,299/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 49.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 72 |
Alcalde has a violent crime rate of 237 per 100,000 residents, 38% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 983 per 100,000, 50% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 13 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Alcalde receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Alcalde vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 237.3/100K |
| 38% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 982.9/100K |
| 50% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 13 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Alcalde experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 330 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 11.1 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 10.7 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 37. The city sits at an elevation of 5,692 feet, a high-altitude location.
Temperature
30°F Jan (-1°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 50.4°F |
| 7% below US avg |
| January Average | 30°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 330 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 5,692 ft (1,735 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 456/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 36.0854°N, 106.0575°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | Rio Arriba County County |
| Nearest Airport | Taos Regional (TSM) 33 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
11.1"
71% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
2.09"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 37.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 80.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 91.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 9.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
| Volcano |
No Rating |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
224 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.0. Most recent: M3.4 on Jun 28, 2025.
| Aug 10, 2005 |
20 km S of Weston, Colorado |
M5.0 |
145 km |
| Mar 22, 2004 |
30 km S of Weston, Colorado |
M4.4 |
138 km |
| Aug 1, 2004 |
31 km S of Stonewall Gap, Colorado |
M4.3 |
122 km |
| Jul 12, 2021 |
5 km E of Capulin, New Mexico |
M4.2 |
64 km |
| Jul 29, 2009 |
32 km NNE of Cimarron, New Mexico |
M4.1 |
135 km |
| Aug 10, 2005 |
20 km SSW of Segundo, Colorado |
M4.1 |
147 km |
| Aug 26, 2023 |
19 km SSW of Weston, Colorado |
M4.0 |
141 km |
| Feb 6, 2016 |
Colorado |
M4.0 |
149 km |
| Sep 16, 2011 |
26 km S of Sequndo, Colorado |
M3.9 |
148 km |
| Aug 23, 2016 |
18 km SSW of Weston, CO |
M3.9 |
141 km |
| Jul 4, 1995 |
23 km WSW of Springer, New Mexico |
M3.8 |
113 km |
| Jan 18, 2010 |
30 km S of Segundo, Colorado |
M3.8 |
140 km |
| May 19, 2019 |
15 km SSE of Stonewall Gap, Colorado |
M3.8 |
141 km |
| Mar 20, 2015 |
25 km S of Sequndo, Colorado |
M3.8 |
148 km |
| Sep 13, 2003 |
33 km S of Weston, Colorado |
M3.8 |
132 km |
| Jan 7, 2015 |
27 km S of Sequndo, Colorado |
M3.7 |
146 km |
| Jul 12, 2021 |
3 km E of Capulin, New Mexico |
M3.7 |
66 km |
| Jul 22, 1990 |
5 km SE of McIntosh, New Mexico |
M3.7 |
139 km |
| Sep 10, 2017 |
14 km SW of Weston, Colorado |
M3.7 |
145 km |
| Nov 20, 2009 |
29 km S of Stonewall Gap, Colorado |
M3.7 |
131 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
38 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF1.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 13, 1982 |
EF1 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jul 21, 1973 |
EF1 |
80 km |
0 |
| Apr 15, 1971 |
EF1 |
49 km |
0 |
| Dec 26, 1966 |
EF1 |
25 km |
0 |
| Oct 1, 2023 |
EF0 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 2021 |
EF0 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 2021 |
EF0 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 2021 |
EF0 |
78 km |
0 |
| May 17, 2021 |
EF0 |
67 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 2018 |
EF0 |
99 km |
0 |
| Aug 9, 2018 |
EF0 |
85 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2018 |
EF0 |
49 km |
0 |
| Jul 6, 2017 |
EF0 |
79 km |
0 |
| May 9, 2017 |
EF0 |
49 km |
0 |
| Oct 12, 2012 |
EF0 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jul 24, 2012 |
EF0 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 2009 |
EF0 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 2009 |
EF0 |
60 km |
0 |
| Aug 17, 2008 |
EF0 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 2007 |
EF0 |
72 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: HERMITS PEAK (352,046 ac, 2022).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2022 |
HERMITS PEAK |
352,046 |
63 km |
| 2011 |
LAS CONCHAS |
150,874 |
41 km |
| 2022 |
COOKS PEAK |
61,195 |
100 km |
| 2022 |
CERRO PELADO |
45,620 |
54 km |
| 2000 |
CERRO GRANDE |
44,279 |
31 km |
| 2000 |
VIVEASH |
22,468 |
60 km |
| 2013 |
THOMPSON RIDGE |
21,077 |
50 km |
| 2006 |
OJO FELIZ |
17,767 |
83 km |
| 1996 |
DOME |
15,783 |
46 km |
| 1993 |
OJO |
14,887 |
89 km |
| 2002 |
CERRO PELON |
13,015 |
92 km |
| 2002 |
BORREGO |
12,877 |
26 km |
| 2010 |
SOUTH FORK |
12,585 |
32 km |
| 2020 |
LUNA |
10,849 |
65 km |
| 2011 |
PACHECO |
9,790 |
35 km |
| 2013 |
JAROSO |
9,529 |
40 km |
| 1996 |
HONDO |
8,258 |
75 km |
| 2017 |
BONITA |
7,754 |
56 km |
| 2017 |
HONDITO |
6,949 |
58 km |
| 2003 |
CAPULIN |
6,155 |
31 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
30°F (-1°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
35°F (2°C) |
0.4 in |
Driest |
| March |
42°F (6°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| April |
49°F (9°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| June |
66°F (19°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
1.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
2.1 in |
Wettest |
| September |
66°F (19°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| November |
42°F (5°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| December |
33°F (0°C) |
0.5 in |
|
Alcalde has a seasonal temperature swing of 42°F / from 30°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 10.7 inches, with August being the wettest month (2.1") and February the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Alcalde. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$231 ($138–$369) |
| Specialist Visit |
$323 ($184–$507) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$184 ($92–$323) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,028 ($738–$4,610) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$120 ($69–$184) |
| Dental Filling |
$231 ($138–$369) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$69) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$69 ($46–$111) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$277 ($138–$461) |
| Tire Rotation |
$37 ($18–$69) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$553 ($369–$922) |
| Battery Replacement |
$184 ($92–$323) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$92 ($55–$138) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$83 ($46–$129) |
| HVAC Repair |
$369 ($138–$738) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,454 ($3,688–$11,064) |
| Roof Repair |
$922 ($369–$1,844) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,298 ($5,071–$13,830) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,383 ($461–$3,227) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,830 ($4,610–$27,660) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,610 ($1,844–$9,220) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,383 ($738–$2,766) |
| Will Preparation |
$461 ($184–$922) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,305 ($922–$4,610) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$51 ($28–$92) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$138 ($69–$231) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$37 ($23–$60) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$74 ($46–$120) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.78 ($2.77–$5.07) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.23 ($2.31–$4.61) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.50 ($2.31–$5.07) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.15 ($2.77–$5.99) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.07 ($3.69–$6.92) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.92 ($0.55–$1.66) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$129 ($74–$231) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$138) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$111) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$92) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$60 ($28–$92) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$78 ($46–$138) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$184 ($69–$461) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,844 ($1,106–$3,227) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$120) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.38–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$92 ($28–$231) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$69) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,106 ($553–$2,305) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$922 ($461–$1,844) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$369 ($184–$645) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$46 ($23–$92) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$922 ($369–$2,305) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,525 ($4,610–$27,660) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$55 ($28–$92) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$92 ($46–$184) |
| Dog Grooming |
$55 ($28–$92) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$37 ($18–$69) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$277 ($138–$461) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$184 ($92–$369) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Alcalde
What is the population of Alcalde?
Alcalde has a population of 237 residents and is located in New Mexico. The population density is 456 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 29.6 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 56.1% female and 43.9% male.
Is Alcalde expensive to live in?
Alcalde is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 92.2 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $45,781, 39% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $231,300 (18% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,375 per month, above the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 5.1x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.
Is Alcalde safe?
Alcalde is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 237 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 983 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Alcalde receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Alcalde?
Alcalde has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 30°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 330 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 11.1 inches, with 10.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 37.
How is the job market in Alcalde?
Alcalde has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.7%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $941. There are 859 business establishments in the area, including 65 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 30 minutes, and 22.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Alcalde?
The median home value in Alcalde is $231,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $320,034. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,375. Fair market rent is $927 for a 1-bedroom and $1,129 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 77.6%. The average annual property tax is $2,640.
How are the schools in Alcalde?
Schools in Alcalde have an average test score of 3.7 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 13.5% of adults in Alcalde hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.7% have completed high school. 3.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Alcalde?
The obesity rate in Alcalde is 41.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 12.9% of adults are smokers. 31.0% are physically inactive. 21.3% of residents report depression. 22.5% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 49.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,009.
What is transportation like in Alcalde?
The average commute in Alcalde is 30 minutes. 61.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 22.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Alcalde?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Alcalde is 4.2% White, 10.1% Black or African American. 40.1% of residents speak only English at home, while 59.9% speak Spanish. 4.8% of the population are military veterans. 14.9% of residents have a disability. 94.5% have health insurance coverage.