Home Value
$194,300
31% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
17.1%
49% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$529
55% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.5%
20% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.1%
14% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Chama Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population748
Median Age60.5 yrs
Density260/mi²
Male / Female56% / 44%
Largest GroupWhite 41%
Veterans8.4%
Economy
Per Capita$35,384
Unemployment3.1%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$1,379M
Commute11 min
Housing
Home Value$194,300
Rent$529
Ownership75.4%
Zillow$319,182
Housing Units541
Rent Burden21.5%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property453/100K
Health
Obesity38.5%
Uninsured19.6%
Smoking12.1%
Depression20.9%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp42°F (6°C)
AQI37 (Good)
Rain22.4 in/yr
Sunny Days323/yr
Elevation7,818 ft (2,383 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+17.1%
High School+78.0%
Graduate+5.6%
School Score3.69
Community
2024 VoteR 39% / D 59%
Commute11 min
Broadband62.2%
EV Stations1
Libraries10
Is Chama a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Chama receives an overall livability score of 2.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include a high uninsured rate. Chama has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
Unemployment stands at 3.1%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 11 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Chama is $194,300, 31% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $529 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability.
Safety & Crime
Chama is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 453 per 100,000, 77% below the national average.
Education
17.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 78.0% have completed high school. School test scores average 3.7/10, below typical benchmarks.
Climate & Weather
Chama has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F. Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 63°F in July. With 323 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 22.4 inches, including 91.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 37.
Chama has a population of 748 with a density of 260 people per square mile, spread across 2.7 square miles. The median age is 60.5 years, 56% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 43.9% female and 56.1% male. The city is predominantly White (40.8%), with 2.4% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 67% of residents, while 33% speak Spanish. 8.4% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 33.3% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 89.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
60.5yrs
Median Age
56% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
67.0%
15% below US avg
Spanish
33.0%
146% above US avg
Per capita income is $35,384. The average weekly wage is $941, 34% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.1% (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 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 11 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 7.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $35,384 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $941 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $52,599 |
| Gini Index | 0.467 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.1% |
| 14% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% 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 | 1.36% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 10.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 75.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 7.7% |
The median home value in Chama is $194,300, 31% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $319,182, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $529 (55% 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. 75.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 541 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1984. The average annual property tax is $2,640 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 21.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Home Values
| Census Median | $194,300 |
| 31% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $319,182 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $529 |
| 55% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 21.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $828 |
| 1 Bedroom | $927 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,129 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,496 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,758 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 75.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 75.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 24.6% |
| Housing Units | 541 |
| Median Year Built | 1984 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,640 |
| 25% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.36% |
In Chama, 38.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 29.0% have high blood pressure. 12.1% are current smokers. 14.8% report binge drinking. 26.3% are physically inactive. 20.9% report depression. 16.1% experience frequent mental distress. 19.6% 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: Chama vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.5% |
| 20% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.1% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.0% |
| Asthma | 9.3% |
| COPD | 5.0% |
| Cancer | 5.4% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 12.1% |
| 14% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 14.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.3% |
| Depression | 20.9% |
| Mental Distress | 16.1% |
| Physical Distress | 14.5% |
| Short Sleep | 35.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 89.5% |
| Uninsured | 19.6% |
| 128% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,009 |
| Dentists | 1:1,335 |
| Mental Health | 1:183 |
| Checkup Rate | 66.3% |
| Dental Visits | 57.4% |
| Premature Death | 21,299/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 49.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 72 |
Chama has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 453 per 100,000, 77% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 13 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Chama receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Chama vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 452.7/100K |
| 77% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 13 |
| Traffic Accidents | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Chama has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (6°C). Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 63°F in July. The area gets 323 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 22.4 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 91.9 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 37. The city sits at an elevation of 7,818 feet, a high-altitude location.
Temperature
22°F Jan (-5°C)
63°F Jul (17°C)
| Annual Average | 42.2°F |
| 22% below US avg |
| January Average | 22°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 63°F (17°C) |
| Sunny Days | 323 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 7,818 ft (2,383 m) |
| Area | 2.7 sq mi (7.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 260/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 36.8901°N, 106.5842°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | Rio Arriba County County |
| Nearest Airport | San Luis Valley Regional/Bergman Field (ALS)
55 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
22.4"
41% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
3.03"
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
133 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.3. Most recent: M2.9 on Sep 1, 2024.
| Aug 1, 2004 |
31 km S of Stonewall Gap, Colorado |
M4.3 |
132 km |
| Jul 12, 2021 |
5 km E of Capulin, New Mexico |
M4.2 |
75 km |
| Aug 26, 2023 |
19 km SSW of Weston, Colorado |
M4.0 |
147 km |
| Feb 6, 2016 |
Colorado |
M4.0 |
146 km |
| Aug 20, 2015 |
7 km WSW of Weston, Colorado |
M3.9 |
150 km |
| Aug 23, 2016 |
18 km SSW of Weston, CO |
M3.9 |
146 km |
| Sep 13, 2003 |
33 km S of Weston, Colorado |
M3.8 |
149 km |
| May 19, 2019 |
15 km SSE of Stonewall Gap, Colorado |
M3.8 |
142 km |
| Nov 20, 2009 |
29 km S of Stonewall Gap, Colorado |
M3.7 |
142 km |
| Jun 4, 2008 |
8 km ENE of Canjilon, New Mexico |
M3.7 |
47 km |
| Sep 10, 2017 |
14 km SW of Weston, Colorado |
M3.7 |
146 km |
| Jul 12, 2021 |
3 km E of Capulin, New Mexico |
M3.7 |
75 km |
| May 27, 2010 |
14 km SSW of Weston, Colorado |
M3.6 |
150 km |
| Mar 10, 2023 |
16 km S of Ophir, Colorado |
M3.6 |
144 km |
| Apr 28, 2003 |
32 km SSW of Weston, Colorado |
M3.6 |
148 km |
| Feb 13, 2011 |
16 km SSW of Weston, Colorado |
M3.6 |
147 km |
| Feb 22, 2015 |
12 km SW of Weston, Colorado |
M3.6 |
146 km |
| Feb 22, 2015 |
5 km E of Stonewall Gap, Colorado |
M3.6 |
145 km |
| Sep 8, 2017 |
17 km SSW of Weston, Colorado |
M3.6 |
146 km |
| Dec 4, 2012 |
13 km SW of Weston, Colorado |
M3.5 |
147 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
26 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Oct 10, 1997 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jul 10, 1955 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 1953 |
EF2 |
49 km |
0 |
| Sep 29, 2014 |
EF1 |
20 km |
0 |
| Mar 19, 1995 |
EF1 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 1983 |
EF1 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1982 |
EF1 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1980 |
EF1 |
88 km |
0 |
| Aug 30, 1966 |
EF1 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 1956 |
EF1 |
92 km |
0 |
| May 31, 2021 |
EF0 |
65 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 2018 |
EF0 |
84 km |
0 |
| Sep 25, 2012 |
EF0 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 2009 |
EF0 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jul 9, 2006 |
EF0 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 2006 |
EF0 |
91 km |
0 |
| Apr 17, 2005 |
EF0 |
63 km |
0 |
| Apr 15, 2005 |
EF0 |
63 km |
0 |
| Apr 25, 1999 |
EF0 |
56 km |
0 |
| Sep 29, 1998 |
EF0 |
35 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: WEST FORK COMPLEX - EAST ZONE (34,441 ac, 2013).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2013 |
WEST FORK COMPLEX - EAST ZONE |
34,441 |
85 km |
| 2012 |
LITTLE SAND |
26,240 |
86 km |
| 2013 |
WEST FORK COMPLEX |
18,775 |
76 km |
| 1996 |
ARCHULETA |
15,613 |
40 km |
| 2010 |
SOUTH FORK |
12,585 |
93 km |
| 1996 |
HONDO |
8,258 |
92 km |
| 2002 |
MILLION |
7,923 |
83 km |
| 2017 |
BONITA |
7,754 |
52 km |
| 2017 |
HONDITO |
6,949 |
59 km |
| 2001 |
SANDOVAL |
6,773 |
67 km |
| 2017 |
EIGHT FOUR TWO |
5,954 |
82 km |
| 1998 |
OSO |
5,297 |
100 km |
| 2022 |
MIDNIGHT |
5,293 |
61 km |
| 2023 |
ALAMOSA RX UNIT 1 FY24 |
4,616 |
63 km |
| 2002 |
MONTOYA |
4,116 |
49 km |
| 2005 |
PINE CANYON |
4,092 |
66 km |
| 2014 |
DIEGO |
3,983 |
92 km |
| 2016 |
GREATER GRACIA RX |
3,960 |
63 km |
| 2006 |
BEAR PAW |
3,277 |
80 km |
| 2017 |
OJITOS |
3,260 |
69 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
22°F (-5°C) |
1.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| March |
30°F (-1°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| April |
37°F (3°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| May |
46°F (8°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| June |
54°F (12°C) |
1.2 in |
Driest |
| July |
63°F (17°C) |
2.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
60°F (15°C) |
3.0 in |
Wettest |
| September |
54°F (12°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| October |
44°F (7°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| November |
32°F (-0°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| December |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.9 in |
|
Chama has a seasonal temperature swing of 41°F / from 22°F in January to 63°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 23.9 inches, with August being the wettest month (3.0") and June the driest (1.2").
Average costs for common services in Chama. 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 Chama
What is the population of Chama?
Chama has a population of 748 residents and is located in New Mexico. The population density is 260 people per square mile, spread across 2.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 60.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 43.9% female and 56.1% male.
Is Chama expensive to live in?
Chama is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 92.2 / below the baseline of 100. The median home value is $194,300 (31% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $529 per month, below the national average of $1,163.
Is Chama safe?
Chama is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 453 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Chama receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Chama?
Chama has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 22°F in January, while summers reach an average of 63°F in July. The area receives 323 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 22.4 inches, with 91.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 37.
How is the job market in Chama?
Chama has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.1%, 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 11 minutes, and 7.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Chama?
The median home value in Chama is $194,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $319,182. For renters, the median monthly rent is $529. Fair market rent is $927 for a 1-bedroom and $1,129 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 75.4%. The average annual property tax is $2,640.
How are the schools in Chama?
Schools in Chama have an average test score of 3.7 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 17.1% of adults in Chama hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 78.0% have completed high school. 5.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Chama?
The obesity rate in Chama is 38.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 12.1% of adults are smokers. 26.3% are physically inactive. 20.9% of residents report depression. 19.6% 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 Chama?
The average commute in Chama is 11 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 75.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 7.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Chama?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Chama is 40.8% White, 2.4% Hispanic or Latino. 67% of residents speak only English at home, while 33% speak Spanish. 8.4% of the population are military veterans. 33.3% of residents have a disability. 89.5% have health insurance coverage.
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