Median Income
$55,350
26% lower than US avg
Home Value
$80,000
72% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
2,147/100K
465% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
13.9%
59% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$705
39% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.9%
21% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.1%
69% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
31.3%
152% higher than US avg
How Black Rock Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,108
Median Age28.8 yrs
Density633/mi²
Male / Female44% / 56%
Largest GroupWhite 4%
Veterans2.3%
Economy
C+
Median Income$55,350
Per Capita$17,754
Unemployment1.1%
Poverty31.3%
County GDP$2,894M
Commute27 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$80,000
Rent$705
Ownership24.1%
Zillow$218,536
Housing Units334
Rent Burden20.1%
Crime
F
Violent2,147/100K
Property10,577/100K
Health
Obesity38.9%
Uninsured12.3%
Smoking24.3%
Depression24.4%
Heart Disease8.1%
Climate
Avg Temp51°F (11°C)
AQI37 (Good)
Rain11.2 in/yr
Sunny Days330/yr
Elevation6,439 ft (1,963 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+13.9%
High School+86.5%
Graduate+6.5%
School Score3.32
Community
2024 VoteR 36% / D 61%
Commute27 min
Broadband64.5%
EV Stations4
Libraries3
Is Black Rock a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Black Rock receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate. Black Rock has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Black Rock is $55,350, 26% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.1%. The poverty rate of 31.3% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Black Rock is $80,000, 72% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $705 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
With 2,147 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 10,577 per 100,000, 440% above the national average.
Education
13.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 86.5% have completed high school. School test scores average 3.3/10, below typical benchmarks.
Climate & Weather
Black Rock experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 33°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 11.2 inches, including 10.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 37.
Black Rock has a population of 1,108 with a density of 633 people per square mile, spread across 1.7 square miles. The median age is 28.8 years, 26% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 56% female and 44% male. The city is predominantly Hispanic (89.7%), with 4% White, 2.7% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 19% of residents, while 81% speak Spanish. 2.3% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 14.1% of residents have a disability. 76.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
28.8yrs
Median Age
26% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Black Rock vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
19.0%
76% below US avg
Spanish
81.0%
504% above US avg
Social Characteristics
Black Rock vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Black Rock is $55,350, which is 26% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $17,754 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $908, 37% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.1% (below the 3.6% US average). 31.3% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,225 business establishments, including 138 restaurants. The cost of living index is 92.2, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes. 17.6% of workers work from home.
Income: Black Rock vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $55,350 |
| 26% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $17,754 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $908 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $41,364 |
| Gini Index | 0.501 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.1% |
| 69% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 31.3% |
| 152% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,225 |
| County GDP | $2,894M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 138 |
| Healthcare | 130 |
| Retail | 214 |
| Manufacturing | 22 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,272 |
| 7% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 92.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.09% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 26.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 75.2% |
| Public Transit | 2.2% |
| Work from Home | 17.6% |
The median home value in Black Rock is $80,000, 72% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $218,536, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $705 (39% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $927 for a one-bedroom to $1,129 for a two-bedroom apartment. 24.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 334 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1991. The average annual property tax is $3,272. 20.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.4x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $80,000 |
| 72% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $218,536 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $705 |
| 39% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 20.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $828 |
| 1 Bedroom | $927 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,129 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,496 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,758 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 24.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 24.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 75.9% |
| Housing Units | 334 |
| Median Year Built | 1991 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,272 |
| 7% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.09% |
In Black Rock, 38.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 16.3% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 8.1% of residents, above the national average. 35.0% have high blood pressure. 24.3% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 13.0% report binge drinking. 28.3% are physically inactive. 24.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 22.8% experience frequent mental distress. 12.3% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,217. The dentist ratio is 1:1,369. 41.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 3.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Black Rock vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.9% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 16.3% |
| Heart Disease | 8.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 35.0% |
| Asthma | 14.1% |
| COPD | 9.4% |
| Cancer | 5.7% |
| Stroke | 5.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 24.3% |
| 74% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 13.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 28.3% |
| Depression | 24.4% |
| Mental Distress | 22.8% |
| Physical Distress | 20.0% |
| Short Sleep | 41.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 76.3% |
| Uninsured | 12.3% |
| 43% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,217 |
| Dentists | 1:1,369 |
| Mental Health | 1:521 |
| Checkup Rate | 65.8% |
| Dental Visits | 46.5% |
| Premature Death | 27,593/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 3.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 41.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 130 |
Black Rock has a violent crime rate of 2,147 per 100,000 residents, 465% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 10,577 per 100,000, 440% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 33 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Black Rock receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Black Rock vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 2,146.8/100K |
| 465% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 10,577.4/100K |
| 440% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 33 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Black Rock experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winters average 33°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 11.2 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 10.0 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 37. The city sits at an elevation of 6,439 feet, a high-altitude location.
Temperature
33°F Jan (0°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 51.3°F |
| 5% below US avg |
| January Average | 33°F (0°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 330 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 6,439 ft (1,963 m) |
| Area | 1.7 sq mi (4.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 633/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 35.0809°N, 108.7982°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | McKinley County County |
| Nearest Airport | Show Low Regional (SOW)
89 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
11.2"
71% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
2.32"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 37.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 78.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 99.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 0.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
| Volcano |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
15 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.8. Most recent: M2.6 on May 8, 2025.
| May 18, 2023 |
8 km ENE of San Mateo, New Mexico |
M3.8 |
117 km |
| Oct 20, 2016 |
3 km NNW of Seboyeta, New Mexico |
M3.5 |
128 km |
| Sep 23, 2009 |
29 km W of Alamo, New Mexico |
M3.4 |
112 km |
| Mar 18, 2025 |
13 km NNE of Clay Springs, Arizona |
M3.2 |
149 km |
| Sep 23, 2019 |
22 km NNW of Saint Johns, Arizona |
M3.1 |
71 km |
| Jul 4, 2021 |
24 km SW of Lake Valley, New Mexico |
M3.1 |
105 km |
| Jun 10, 2020 |
5 km WNW of Tsaile, Arizona |
M2.8 |
145 km |
| Aug 10, 2019 |
5 km E of Bluewater Village, New Mexico |
M2.8 |
81 km |
| Jul 17, 2009 |
17 km SSE of Eagle Nest, New Mexico |
M2.8 |
146 km |
| Jan 30, 2023 |
18 km WSW of Pueblo Pintado, New Mexico |
M2.7 |
126 km |
| May 14, 2011 |
27 km W of Alamo, New Mexico |
M2.7 |
117 km |
| Sep 7, 2014 |
4 km WSW of Sun Valley, Arizona |
M2.6 |
119 km |
| May 20, 2024 |
11 km WNW of Ramah, New Mexico |
M2.6 |
18 km |
| May 8, 2025 |
44 km SSW of San Rafael, New Mexico |
M2.6 |
81 km |
| Jun 23, 2006 |
5 km NNW of Seboyeta, New Mexico |
M2.5 |
127 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
9 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF0.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 17, 2021 |
EF0 |
35 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2019 |
EF0 |
100 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2009 |
EF0 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jul 25, 2005 |
EF0 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 2005 |
EF0 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 2005 |
EF0 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2005 |
EF0 |
100 km |
0 |
| Sep 9, 2003 |
EF0 |
74 km |
0 |
| Oct 27, 1974 |
EF0 |
95 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Nearby Volcanoes
2 volcanoes within 200 km.
Closest: Zuni-Bandera (79 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Zuni-Bandera |
Volcanic field |
2,550 m (8,366 ft) |
-1170 |
79 km |
| Red Hill |
Volcanic field |
2,300 m (7,546 ft) |
-9450 |
92 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: CHERRY (15,105 ac, 2002).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2002 |
CHERRY |
15,105 |
71 km |
| 2018 |
DIENER CANYON |
9,824 |
64 km |
| 2004 |
SEDGWICK |
9,241 |
66 km |
| 2005 |
LITTLE WATER1 |
4,342 |
100 km |
| 2018 |
BLUE WATER |
3,663 |
67 km |
| 1989 |
COLLAPSE |
3,438 |
76 km |
| 2009 |
SAWMILL ROAD RX |
3,411 |
92 km |
| 2019 |
REDONDO RX |
3,382 |
56 km |
| 2007 |
OAK RIDGE 3 |
2,959 |
75 km |
| 1996 |
ALLENTOWN5 |
2,653 |
39 km |
| 2014 |
2 MA HIGHWAY RX LP6 |
2,481 |
89 km |
| 1989 |
MALPAIS |
2,300 |
71 km |
| 2004 |
BROADCAST BLOCK 1 |
2,285 |
59 km |
| 2006 |
KINLICHEE CANYON 1 |
2,283 |
82 km |
| 1996 |
HDSCRABBLE |
2,217 |
58 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
1,983 |
60 km |
| 2005 |
KINLICHEE |
1,949 |
80 km |
| 1989 |
HOYA |
1,869 |
64 km |
| 2023 |
COPPERTAN RX 23 BLOCK 1 AND 2 |
1,850 |
57 km |
| 2000 |
WALL |
1,751 |
78 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
33°F (0°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| February |
34°F (1°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| March |
40°F (4°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| May |
55°F (13°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| June |
64°F (18°C) |
0.5 in |
Driest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
2.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
68°F (20°C) |
2.3 in |
Wettest |
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| November |
39°F (4°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| December |
31°F (-0°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest |
Black Rock has a seasonal temperature swing of 41°F / from 31°F in December to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 13.0 inches, with August being the wettest month (2.3") and June the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Black Rock. 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 Black Rock
What is the population of Black Rock?
Black Rock has a population of 1,108 residents and is located in New Mexico. The population density is 633 people per square mile, spread across 1.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 28.8 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 56% female and 44% male.
Is Black Rock expensive to live in?
Black Rock 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 $55,350, 26% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $80,000 (72% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $705 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Black Rock safe?
Public safety is a concern in Black Rock, with a violent crime rate of 2,147 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 10,577 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Black Rock receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Black Rock?
Black Rock has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 33°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 11.2 inches, with 10.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 37.
How is the job market in Black Rock?
The job market in Black Rock is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.1% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $908. There are 1,225 business establishments in the area, including 138 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 27 minutes, and 17.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Black Rock?
The median home value in Black Rock is $80,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $218,536. For renters, the median monthly rent is $705. Fair market rent is $927 for a 1-bedroom and $1,129 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 24.1%. The average annual property tax is $3,272.
How are the schools in Black Rock?
Schools in Black Rock have an average test score of 3.3 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 13.9% of adults in Black Rock hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 86.5% have completed high school. 6.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Black Rock?
The obesity rate in Black Rock is 38.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 24.3% of adults are smokers. 28.3% are physically inactive. 24.4% of residents report depression. 12.3% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 41.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,217.
What is transportation like in Black Rock?
The average commute in Black Rock is 27 minutes. 75.2% of workers drive alone to work, 2.2% use public transit, and 17.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Black Rock?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Black Rock is 4% White, 89.7% Hispanic or Latino, 2.7% Asian. 19% of residents speak only English at home, while 81% speak Spanish. 2.3% of the population are military veterans. 14.1% of residents have a disability. 76.3% have health insurance coverage.
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