Median Income
$121,083
61% higher than US avg
Home Value
$268,100
5% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
555/100K
46% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
32.4%
4% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
43.3%
35% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Bluewater Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population241
Median Age60.8 yrs
Density20/mi²
Male / Female44% / 56%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans3.7%
Economy
A+
Median Income$121,083
Per Capita$51,854
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$2,894M
Housing
A+
Home Value$268,100
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$145,746
Housing Units137
Rent Burden23.3%
Crime
F
Violent555/100K
Property3,423/100K
Health
Obesity43.3%
Uninsured28.3%
Smoking30.1%
Depression26.3%
Heart Disease11.2%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI37 (Good)
Rain12.3 in/yr
Sunny Days330/yr
Elevation7,459 ft (2,274 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+32.4%
High School+80.9%
Graduate+8.9%
School Score3.32
Community
2024 VoteR 36% / D 61%
Broadband82.1%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is Bluewater a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Bluewater receives an overall livability score of 3.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, a high uninsured rate, high obesity rates. Bluewater offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Bluewater is $121,083, which is significantly higher than the national average / 61% above $75,149. This places Bluewater among higher-income communities. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Bluewater is $268,100, roughly aligned with the national median of $281,900. At just 2.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 555 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,423 per 100,000, 75% above the national average.
Education
32.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 80.9% have completed high school. School test scores average 3.3/10, below typical benchmarks.
Climate & Weather
Bluewater experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. With 330 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 12.3 inches, including 30.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 37.
Bluewater has a population of 241 with a density of 20 people per square mile, spread across 11.8 square miles. The median age is 60.8 years, 56% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 56% female and 44% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 3.7% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 4.5% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
60.8yrs
Median Age
56% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Bluewater vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Bluewater vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Bluewater is $121,083, which is 61% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $51,854 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $908, 37% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower 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. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Bluewater vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $121,083 |
| 61% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $51,854 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $908 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $41,364 |
| Gini Index | 0.501 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below 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 | 1.22% |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 40.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Bluewater is $268,100, 5% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $145,746, lower than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $927 for a one-bedroom to $1,129 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% 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 1992. The average annual property tax is $3,272. 23.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $268,100 |
| 5% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $145,746 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $828 |
| 1 Bedroom | $927 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,129 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,496 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,758 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 137 |
| Median Year Built | 1992 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,272 |
| 7% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.22% |
In Bluewater, 43.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 19.6% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 11.2% of residents, above the national average. 39.7% have high blood pressure. 30.1% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 12.4% report binge drinking. 40.8% are physically inactive, above the national average. 26.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 23.9% experience frequent mental distress. 28.3% 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: Bluewater vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 43.3% |
| 35% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 19.6% |
| Heart Disease | 11.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 39.7% |
| Asthma | 12.4% |
| COPD | 15.6% |
| Cancer | 5.9% |
| Stroke | 6.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 30.1% |
| 115% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 12.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 40.8% |
| Depression | 26.3% |
| Mental Distress | 23.9% |
| Physical Distress | 25.1% |
| Short Sleep | 37.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 28.3% |
| 229% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,217 |
| Dentists | 1:1,369 |
| Mental Health | 1:521 |
| Checkup Rate | 61.6% |
| Dental Visits | 40.5% |
| Premature Death | 27,593/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 3.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 41.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 130 |
Bluewater has a violent crime rate of 555 per 100,000 residents, 46% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,423 per 100,000, 75% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 33 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Bluewater receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Bluewater vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 555.0/100K |
| 46% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,422.8/100K |
| 75% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 33 |
| Traffic Accidents | 4 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.5 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Bluewater experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 70°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 12.3 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 30.6 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 37. The city sits at an elevation of 7,459 feet, a high-altitude location.
Temperature
30°F Jan (-1°C)
70°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 49.7°F |
| 8% below US avg |
| January Average | 30°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 70°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 330 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 7,459 ft (2,274 m) |
| Area | 11.8 sq mi (30.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 20/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 35.3243°N, 108.2060°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | McKinley County County |
| Nearest Airport | Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ)
92 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
12.3"
68% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
2.83"
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
28 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 |
59 km |
| Sep 10, 2024 |
7 km WNW of Paradise Hills, New Mexico |
M3.5 |
130 km |
| Sep 29, 2012 |
4 km WNW of Belen, New Mexico |
M3.5 |
145 km |
| Oct 20, 2016 |
3 km NNW of Seboyeta, New Mexico |
M3.5 |
73 km |
| Sep 23, 2009 |
29 km W of Alamo, New Mexico |
M3.4 |
102 km |
| Apr 6, 2011 |
17 km WNW of La Joya, New Mexico |
M3.2 |
149 km |
| Sep 10, 2024 |
8 km WSW of Paradise Hills, New Mexico |
M3.2 |
129 km |
| Sep 23, 2019 |
22 km NNW of Saint Johns, Arizona |
M3.1 |
131 km |
| Jul 4, 2021 |
24 km SW of Lake Valley, New Mexico |
M3.1 |
72 km |
| Jun 26, 2018 |
3 km ESE of Regina, New Mexico |
M3.0 |
149 km |
| Jun 14, 2018 |
0 km NW of Regina, New Mexico |
M3.0 |
148 km |
| Feb 25, 2022 |
7 km SW of Pueblitos, New Mexico |
M2.9 |
150 km |
| Jul 17, 2009 |
17 km SSE of Eagle Nest, New Mexico |
M2.8 |
90 km |
| Aug 10, 2019 |
5 km E of Bluewater Village, New Mexico |
M2.8 |
28 km |
| Jun 17, 2022 |
4 km NNW of Regina, New Mexico |
M2.8 |
149 km |
| Jun 10, 2020 |
5 km WNW of Tsaile, Arizona |
M2.8 |
147 km |
| May 14, 2011 |
27 km W of Alamo, New Mexico |
M2.7 |
107 km |
| Jan 30, 2023 |
18 km WSW of Pueblo Pintado, New Mexico |
M2.7 |
71 km |
| Nov 28, 2009 |
28 km SE of Eagle Nest, New Mexico |
M2.7 |
104 km |
| Aug 28, 2012 |
10 km WNW of Veguita, New Mexico |
M2.7 |
149 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
5 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF0.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 17, 2021 |
EF0 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2019 |
EF0 |
41 km |
0 |
| Feb 17, 2019 |
EF0 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 2018 |
EF0 |
68 km |
0 |
| Oct 20, 1957 |
EF0 |
91 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Nearby Volcanoes
2 volcanoes within 200 km.
Closest: Zuni-Bandera (61 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Zuni-Bandera |
Volcanic field |
2,550 m (8,366 ft) |
-1170 |
61 km |
| Red Hill |
Volcanic field |
2,300 m (7,546 ft) |
-9450 |
132 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 |
55 km |
| 2014 |
ASSAYII LAKE |
13,176 |
98 km |
| 2018 |
DIENER CANYON |
9,824 |
19 km |
| 2004 |
SEDGWICK |
9,241 |
18 km |
| 2019 |
TRIPLE NICKLE |
7,819 |
60 km |
| 2005 |
LITTLE WATER1 |
4,342 |
92 km |
| 2018 |
BLUE WATER |
3,663 |
14 km |
| 1989 |
COLLAPSE |
3,438 |
61 km |
| 2019 |
REDONDO RX |
3,382 |
15 km |
| 1999 |
LA JARA |
3,249 |
51 km |
| 2004 |
SANDSPRING |
2,935 |
99 km |
| 1996 |
ALLENTOWN5 |
2,653 |
90 km |
| 1989 |
MALPAIS |
2,300 |
56 km |
| 2004 |
BROADCAST BLOCK 1 |
2,285 |
54 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
1,983 |
16 km |
| 1989 |
HOYA |
1,869 |
50 km |
| 2023 |
COPPERTAN RX 23 BLOCK 1 AND 2 |
1,850 |
18 km |
| 2000 |
WALL |
1,751 |
55 km |
| 2021 |
COPPERTAN RX FY21 |
1,694 |
19 km |
| 2012 |
COPPERTON |
1,583 |
19 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| February |
29°F (-2°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| March |
34°F (1°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| April |
40°F (5°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| May |
49°F (10°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| June |
58°F (15°C) |
0.7 in |
Driest |
| July |
70°F (21°C) |
2.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
61°F (16°C) |
2.8 in |
Wettest |
| September |
55°F (13°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| October |
45°F (7°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| November |
35°F (1°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| December |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.4 in |
Coldest |
Bluewater has a seasonal temperature swing of 43°F / from 27°F in December to 70°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 17.5 inches, with August being the wettest month (2.8") and June the driest (0.7").
Average costs for common services in Bluewater. 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 Bluewater
What is the population of Bluewater?
Bluewater has a population of 241 residents and is located in New Mexico. The population density is 20 people per square mile, spread across 11.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 60.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 56% female and 44% male.
Is Bluewater expensive to live in?
Bluewater 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 $121,083, 61% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $268,100 (5% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Bluewater safe?
The violent crime rate in Bluewater is 555 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,423 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Bluewater receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Bluewater?
Bluewater 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 70°F in July. The area receives 330 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 12.3 inches, with 30.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 37.
How is the job market in Bluewater?
The job market in Bluewater is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / 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.
How much does housing cost in Bluewater?
The median home value in Bluewater is $268,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $145,746. The homeownership rate is 100.0%. The average annual property tax is $3,272.
How are the schools in Bluewater?
Schools in Bluewater have an average test score of 3.3 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 32.4% of adults in Bluewater hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 80.9% have completed high school. 8.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Bluewater?
The obesity rate in Bluewater is 43.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 30.1% of adults are smokers. 40.8% are physically inactive. 26.3% of residents report depression. 28.3% 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 are the demographics of Bluewater?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Bluewater is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 3.7% of the population are military veterans. 4.5% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
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