Chama, NM

New Mexico

Chama is a small town in New Mexico with a population of 748.

2.4 /5.0
C Fair
748 Population 260/sq mi density
N/A Median Income $35,384 per capita
$194,300 Home Value $319,182 Zillow
$529 Median Rent
42°F Avg Temperature
C
Overall
2.4 / 5.0
Fair overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
C
Education
2.4 / 5.0
17.1% bachelor's degree or higher
Home Value $194,300
31% 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%

Economy

Median IncomeN/A
Per Capita$35,384
Unemployment3.1%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$1,379M
Commute11 min

Housing

Home Value$194,300
Rent$529
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$319,182

Crime

ViolentN/A
PropertyN/A

Health

Obesity38.5%
UninsuredN/A
Depression20.9%
Heart Disease5.6%

Climate

Avg Temp42°F
AQI37 (Good)
Rain22.4 in/yr
Elevation7,818 ft

Education

C
Bachelor's+17.1%
High School+78.0%
School Score4.65

Community

2024 VoteR 39% / D 59%
Commute11 min
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, affordable housing, a low poverty 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.

Education

17.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 78.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.7/10.

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. 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. The median age is 60.5 years, 56% older than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (40.8%), with 2.4% Hispanic.

Population

748
Total Population
260
People / sq mi
60.5yrs
Median Age
56% above US avg
2.9mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 56.1%
Female 43.9%

Race & Ethnicity

Chama vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only67.0%
15% below US avg
Spanish33.0%
146% above US avg

Social Characteristics

Chama vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Chama is N/A. The unemployment rate is 3.1% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 11 minutes.

Income: Chama vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Per Capita Income$35,384
Avg Weekly Wage$941
IRS Avg AGI$52,599

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment3.1%
14% below US avg
Poverty Rate0.0%
100% below US avg
Establishments (County)859
County GDP$1,379M

Business (County)

Restaurants65
Healthcare72
Retail81
Manufacturing19

Tax & Cost of Living

Property Tax (IRS)$2,640
25% below US avg
Effective Tax Rate1.36%

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time10.9 min
Work from Home7.7%

Walkability

The median home value in Chama is $194,300, 31% below the national average. Monthly rent averages $529 (55% below US avg). Zillow estimates the typical home value at $319,182.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

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

HUD Fair Market Rent

Studio$828
1 Bedroom$927
2 Bedrooms$1,129
3 Bedrooms$1,496
4 Bedrooms$1,758

Ownership & Property

Owner-Occupied75.4%

Property Tax

Avg Tax (IRS)$2,640
25% below US avg
Effective Rate1.36%
In Chama, 38.5% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 20.9% report depression. 26.3% are physically inactive.

Health Metrics: Chama vs U.S. Average (%)

Chronic Conditions

Obesity38.5%
20% above US avg
Diabetes12.1%
Heart Disease5.6%
High Blood Pressure29.0%
Asthma9.3%
COPD5.0%
Stroke3.1%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Binge Drinking14.8%
Physical Inactivity26.3%
Depression20.9%
Mental Distress16.1%
Physical Distress14.5%

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate89.5%
Checkup Rate66.3%
Premature Death21,299/100K

Food & Exercise

Food Environment8.0/10
Exercise Access49.7%
Healthcare Facilities72

Crime Rates: Chama vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)

Violent Crime

Property Crime

Traffic Safety

Fatal Crashes (County/yr)13
FEMA Disasters91

Safety Score

Chama has an average annual temperature of 42°F (6°C). Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 63°F in July. Annual precipitation is 22.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 37.

Temperature

22°F Jan (-5°C) 63°F Jul (17°C)
Annual Average42.2°F
22% below US avg
January Average22°F (-5°C)
July Average63°F (17°C)

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall22.4 inches
41% below US avg
Snowfall91.9 inches/yr

Air Quality

AQI Median37.0
RatingGood

Geography

Elevation7,818 ft (2,383 m)
Area2.9 sq mi (7.5 km²)
Population Density260/sq mi
Coordinates36.8901°N, 106.5842°W
County FIPS35039
It is classified as Nonmetro — Urban 2.5K–20K, adjacent. 17.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher (49% below US avg). In the 2024 election, the county voted Democrat by a 19.4-point margin.

2024 Presidential Election (County)

R 39.2%
D 58.6%

Winner: Democrat by 19.4 points

Education

Bachelor's Degree+17.1%
49% below US avg
High School+78.0%
School Test Score4.65
C Education Grade (2.4/5.0)

Urban-Rural Classification

RUCC Code 6Nonmetro — Urban 2.5K–20K, adjacent
Population Density260/sq mi
Total Area2.9 sq mi

Infrastructure & Services

EV Charging Stations1
Alt Fuel Stations1
Public Libraries10
Healthcare Facilities72
Restaurants65
Retail Stores81

Safety & Disasters

Fatal Crashes (County/yr)13
FEMA Disaster Declarations91

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute10.9 min
Work from Home7.7%

Nearby Cities

Compare Chama with another city: