Median Income
$69,917
7% lower than US avg
Home Value
$525,500
86% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
36.3%
8% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$1,687
45% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
25.2%
21% lower than US avg
Unemployment
11.9%
231% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
4.7%
62% lower than US avg
How Arroyo Seco Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,107
Median Age57.9 yrs
Density308/mi²
Male / Female42% / 59%
Largest GroupWhite 90%
Veterans6.3%
Economy
B
Median Income$69,917
Per Capita$38,673
Unemployment11.9%
Poverty4.7%
County GDP$1,521M
Commute23 min
Housing
C
Home Value$525,500
Rent$1,687
Ownership80.6%
Zillow$641,983
Housing Units1,133
Rent Burden17.2%
Health
Obesity25.2%
Uninsured1.4%
Smoking8.5%
Depression22.8%
Heart Disease4.5%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (9°C)
AQI16 (Good)
Rain12.7 in/yr
Elevation7,581 ft (2,311 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+36.3%
High School+94.8%
Graduate+4.9%
School Score4.34
Community
2024 VoteR 25% / D 72%
Commute23 min
Broadband95.8%
EV Stations1
Libraries4
Is Arroyo Seco a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Arroyo Seco receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage, strong internet connectivity. Areas to be aware of include high housing costs, above-average unemployment. Arroyo Seco offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Arroyo Seco is $69,917, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. At 11.9%, unemployment is notably high. Only 4.7% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Arroyo Seco is $525,500, making it a premium housing market at 86% above the U.S. median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $1,687 per month, significantly above the national average of $1,163. With a home price-to-income ratio of 7.5x, housing affordability is a significant challenge for many families.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 36.3% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 94.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Arroyo Seco experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 27°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 12.7 inches, including 28.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 16.
Arroyo Seco has a population of 2,107 with a density of 308 people per square mile, spread across 6.8 square miles. The median age is 57.9 years, 49% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 58.5% female and 41.5% male. The city is predominantly White (90.4%), with 59.5% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 76.7% of residents, while 25.3% speak Spanish. 6.3% of the population are veterans. 21.1% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 98.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
2,107
Total Population
2023 Census
57.9yrs
Median Age
49% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Arroyo Seco vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
76.7%
2% below US avg
Spanish
25.3%
89% above US avg
Social Characteristics
Arroyo Seco vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Arroyo Seco is $69,917, which is 7% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $38,673. The average weekly wage is $873, 39% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 11.9% (above the 3.6% US average). 4.7% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,449 business establishments, including 151 restaurants. The cost of living index is 92.2, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 16.5% of workers work from home.
Income: Arroyo Seco vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $69,917 |
| 7% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $38,673 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $873 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $56,455 |
| Gini Index | 0.508 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 11.9% |
| 231% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 4.7% |
| 62% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,449 |
| County GDP | $1,521M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 151 |
| Healthcare | 105 |
| Retail | 194 |
| Manufacturing | 33 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,363 |
| 4% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 92.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 0.64% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 23.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 83.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 16.5% |
The median home value in Arroyo Seco is $525,500, 86% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $641,983, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,687 (45% 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. 80.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,133 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1984. The average annual property tax is $3,363. 17.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 7.5x, making homeownership a significant financial stretch for most families.
Home Values
| Census Median | $525,500 |
| 86% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $641,983 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,687 |
| 45% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 17.2% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $828 |
| 1 Bedroom | $927 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,129 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,496 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,758 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 80.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 80.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 19.4% |
| Housing Units | 1,133 |
| Median Year Built | 1984 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,363 |
| 4% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 0.64% |
In Arroyo Seco, 25.2% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 8.5% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.5% of residents, below the national average. 25.4% have high blood pressure. 8.5% are current smokers (below the 14.0% national rate). 17.4% report binge drinking. 16.9% are physically inactive, below the national average. 22.8% report depression. 14.9% experience frequent mental distress. 1.4% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,154. The dentist ratio is 1:2,034. 79.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Arroyo Seco vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 25.2% |
| 21% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.5% |
| Heart Disease | 4.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 25.4% |
| Asthma | 9.5% |
| COPD | 3.7% |
| Cancer | 6.4% |
| Stroke | 2.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 8.5% |
| 39% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 16.9% |
| Depression | 22.8% |
| Mental Distress | 14.9% |
| Physical Distress | 11.1% |
| Short Sleep | 30.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.6% |
| Uninsured | 1.4% |
| 84% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,154 |
| Dentists | 1:2,034 |
| Mental Health | 1:115 |
| Checkup Rate | 66.1% |
| Dental Visits | 67.3% |
| Premature Death | 12,930/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 79.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 105 |
Arroyo Seco experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winters average 27°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 12.7 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 28.4 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 16 / among the cleanest air in the country. 97% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 7,581 feet, a high-altitude location.
Temperature
27°F Jan (-3°C)
70°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 48.5°F |
| 10% below US avg |
| January Average | 27°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 70°F (21°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 7,581 ft (2,311 m) |
| Area | 6.8 sq mi (17.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 308/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 36.5215°N, 105.5861°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | Taos County County |
| Nearest Airport | Taos Regional (TSM)
7 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
12.7"
67% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
1.77"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 16.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Good Days % | 97.0% |
| Unhealthy Days | 0 |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 4.1 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 74.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 89.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 36.1 / 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 High |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
| Volcano |
No Rating |
| Avalanche |
Relatively High |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
358 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.3. Most recent: M3.4 on Jun 28, 2025.
| Aug 23, 2011 |
6 km S of Valdez, Colorado |
M5.3 |
99 km |
| Aug 10, 2005 |
20 km S of Weston, Colorado |
M5.0 |
82 km |
| Aug 22, 2011 |
9 km SSW of Starkville, Colorado |
M4.7 |
108 km |
| Sep 5, 2001 |
0 km SE of Cokedale, Colorado |
M4.5 |
110 km |
| Jan 3, 2007 |
8 km SSW of Weston, Colorado |
M4.4 |
86 km |
| Mar 22, 2004 |
30 km S of Weston, Colorado |
M4.4 |
75 km |
| Aug 1, 2004 |
31 km S of Stonewall Gap, Colorado |
M4.3 |
58 km |
| Mar 10, 2023 |
6 km NNE of Segundo, Colorado |
M4.3 |
105 km |
| Jul 12, 2021 |
5 km E of Capulin, New Mexico |
M4.2 |
109 km |
| Jul 29, 2009 |
32 km NNE of Cimarron, New Mexico |
M4.1 |
74 km |
| Jun 19, 2023 |
Colorado |
M4.1 |
132 km |
| Aug 10, 2005 |
20 km SSW of Segundo, Colorado |
M4.1 |
83 km |
| Aug 23, 2011 |
7 km S of Valdez, Colorado |
M4.0 |
99 km |
| Sep 4, 2001 |
2 km W of Cokedale, Colorado |
M4.0 |
108 km |
| Sep 13, 2011 |
20 km S of Sequndo, Colorado |
M4.0 |
88 km |
| Aug 26, 2023 |
19 km SSW of Weston, Colorado |
M4.0 |
77 km |
| Feb 6, 2016 |
Colorado |
M4.0 |
84 km |
| Sep 16, 2011 |
26 km S of Sequndo, Colorado |
M3.9 |
86 km |
| Aug 23, 2016 |
18 km SSW of Weston, CO |
M3.9 |
77 km |
| Mar 10, 2023 |
5 km N of Sequndo, Colorado |
M3.9 |
105 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
42 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 1 fatality, 48 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 29, 1964 |
EF3 |
90 km |
1 |
| Jul 25, 1996 |
EF2 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 1953 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
| Aug 17, 1992 |
EF1 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1980 |
EF1 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 1977 |
EF1 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jul 21, 1973 |
EF1 |
69 km |
0 |
| Dec 26, 1966 |
EF1 |
81 km |
0 |
| Oct 1, 2023 |
EF0 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 2021 |
EF0 |
71 km |
0 |
| May 31, 2021 |
EF0 |
87 km |
0 |
| May 28, 2021 |
EF0 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 28, 2021 |
EF0 |
91 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 2018 |
EF0 |
44 km |
0 |
| Aug 9, 2018 |
EF0 |
27 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 2014 |
EF0 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 2014 |
EF0 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 2014 |
EF0 |
90 km |
0 |
| Oct 12, 2012 |
EF0 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 2009 |
EF0 |
36 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 |
76 km |
| 2002 |
PONIL COMPLEX |
89,084 |
51 km |
| 2022 |
COOKS PEAK |
61,195 |
61 km |
| 2000 |
CERRO GRANDE |
44,279 |
95 km |
| 2018 |
UTE PARK |
30,177 |
50 km |
| 2006 |
CASA |
27,452 |
63 km |
| 2002 |
SPRING |
24,044 |
77 km |
| 2000 |
VIVEASH |
22,468 |
91 km |
| 2006 |
OJO FELIZ |
17,767 |
62 km |
| 2006 |
RIVERA MESA |
16,412 |
65 km |
| 1993 |
OJO |
14,887 |
68 km |
| 2002 |
CERRO PELON |
13,015 |
68 km |
| 2002 |
BORREGO |
12,877 |
62 km |
| 2010 |
SOUTH FORK |
12,585 |
90 km |
| 2020 |
LUNA |
10,849 |
38 km |
| 2011 |
PACHECO |
9,790 |
78 km |
| 2013 |
JAROSO |
9,529 |
70 km |
| 2006 |
LEVI |
9,491 |
91 km |
| 2018 |
EMILY |
8,342 |
86 km |
| 1996 |
HONDO |
8,258 |
13 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.7 in |
Coldest |
| February |
33°F (0°C) |
0.5 in |
Driest |
| March |
40°F (5°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| April |
47°F (8°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| May |
55°F (13°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| June |
66°F (19°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| July |
70°F (21°C) |
1.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
68°F (20°C) |
1.8 in |
Wettest |
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| November |
38°F (3°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| December |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.1 in |
|
Arroyo Seco has a seasonal temperature swing of 42°F / from 27°F in January to 70°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 12.7 inches, with August being the wettest month (1.8") and February the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Arroyo Seco. 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 Arroyo Seco
What is the population of Arroyo Seco?
Arroyo Seco has a population of 2,107 residents and is located in New Mexico. The population density is 308 people per square mile, spread across 6.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 57.9 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 58.5% female and 41.5% male.
Is Arroyo Seco expensive to live in?
Arroyo Seco 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 $69,917, 7% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $525,500 (86% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,687 per month, above the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 7.5x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.
What is the weather like in Arroyo Seco?
Arroyo Seco has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 27°F in January, while summers reach an average of 70°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 12.7 inches, with 28.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 16.
How is the job market in Arroyo Seco?
The job market in Arroyo Seco faces challenges, with unemployment at 11.9% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $873. There are 1,449 business establishments in the area, including 151 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 23 minutes, and 16.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Arroyo Seco?
The median home value in Arroyo Seco is $525,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $641,983. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,687. Fair market rent is $927 for a 1-bedroom and $1,129 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 80.6%. The average annual property tax is $3,363.
How are the schools in Arroyo Seco?
Schools in Arroyo Seco have an average test score of 4.3 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 36.3% of adults in Arroyo Seco hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 94.8% have completed high school. 4.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Arroyo Seco?
The obesity rate in Arroyo Seco is 25.2% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 8.5% of adults are smokers. 16.9% are physically inactive. 22.8% of residents report depression. 1.4% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 79.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,154.
What is transportation like in Arroyo Seco?
The average commute in Arroyo Seco is 23 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 83.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 16.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Arroyo Seco?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Arroyo Seco is 90.4% White, 59.5% Hispanic or Latino. 76.7% of residents speak only English at home, while 25.3% speak Spanish. 6.3% of the population are military veterans. 21.1% of residents have a disability. 98.6% have health insurance coverage.