Violent Crime
555/100K
46% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
100.0%
197% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
42.1%
31% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How El Morro Valley Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population49
Median Age9.7 yrs
Density4/mi²
Male / Female18% / 82%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans19.0%
Economy
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$2,894M
Housing
Ownership0.0%
Zillow$145,746
Housing Units13
Rent Burden23.3%
Crime
F
Violent555/100K
Property3,423/100K
Health
Obesity42.1%
Smoking29.1%
Depression27.3%
Heart Disease8.9%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI37 (Good)
Rain13.9 in/yr
Sunny Days330/yr
Elevation7,470 ft (2,277 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+100.0%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+44.8%
School Score3.32
Community
2024 VoteR 36% / D 61%
Broadband9.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is El Morro Valley a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, El Morro Valley receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, a highly educated population, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, high obesity rates. El Morro Valley offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
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%.
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
El Morro Valley is a highly educated community / 100.0% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, well above the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. School test scores average 3.3/10, below typical benchmarks.
Climate & Weather
El Morro Valley experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July. With 330 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 13.9 inches, including 38.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 37.
El Morro Valley has a population of 49 with a density of 4 people per square mile, spread across 13.3 square miles. The median age is 9.7 years, 75% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 81.6% female and 18.4% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 19.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 0.0% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
9.7yrs
Median Age
75% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
El Morro Valley 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
El Morro Valley vs U.S. Average
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: El Morro Valley vs U.S.
Income
| |
| 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) |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 100.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $145,746. Fair market rent ranges from $927 for a one-bedroom to $1,129 for a two-bedroom apartment. 0.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 13 total housing units in the city. The average annual property tax is $3,272. 23.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
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 | 0.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 34.5% |
| Housing Units | 13 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,272 |
| 7% below US avg |
In El Morro Valley, 42.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 18.1% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 8.9% of residents, above the national average. 37.5% have high blood pressure. 29.1% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 13.5% report binge drinking. 32.5% are physically inactive, above the national average. 27.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 24.0% experience frequent mental distress. 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: El Morro Valley vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 42.1% |
| 31% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 18.1% |
| Heart Disease | 8.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 37.5% |
| Asthma | 14.6% |
| COPD | 10.7% |
| Cancer | 5.7% |
| Stroke | 5.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 29.1% |
| 108% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 13.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 32.5% |
| Depression | 27.3% |
| Mental Distress | 24.0% |
| Physical Distress | 21.7% |
| Short Sleep | 45.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:1,217 |
| Dentists | 1:1,369 |
| Mental Health | 1:521 |
| Checkup Rate | 66.9% |
| Dental Visits | 44.3% |
| Premature Death | 27,593/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 3.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 41.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 130 |
El Morro Valley 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, El Morro Valley receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: El Morro Valley 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 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
El Morro Valley experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 68°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 13.9 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 38.0 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 7,470 feet, a high-altitude location.
Temperature
29°F Jan (-2°C)
68°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 47.7°F |
| 12% below US avg |
| January Average | 29°F (-2°C) |
| July Average | 68°F (20°C) |
| Sunny Days | 330 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 7,470 ft (2,277 m) |
| Area | 13.3 sq mi (34.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 4/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 35.0361°N, 108.3226°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | McKinley County County |
| Nearest Airport | Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) 97 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
13.9"
63% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
2.76"
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
44 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.5. Most recent: M2.6 on May 8, 2025.
| Jan 29, 1990 |
6 km W of Abeytas, New Mexico |
M4.5 |
147 km |
| Nov 8, 1990 |
4 km WSW of Abeytas, New Mexico |
M4.4 |
149 km |
| Jan 31, 1990 |
5 km WSW of Abeytas, New Mexico |
M4.0 |
149 km |
| May 18, 2023 |
8 km ENE of San Mateo, New Mexico |
M3.8 |
78 km |
| Nov 15, 1990 |
4 km WSW of Abeytas, New Mexico |
M3.6 |
148 km |
| May 5, 1990 |
6 km WSW of Abeytas, New Mexico |
M3.6 |
147 km |
| May 24, 2004 |
8 km W of Abeytas, New Mexico |
M3.5 |
145 km |
| Sep 10, 2024 |
7 km WNW of Paradise Hills, New Mexico |
M3.5 |
142 km |
| May 1, 2025 |
14 km NW of Alamillo, New Mexico |
M3.5 |
142 km |
| Oct 20, 2016 |
3 km NNW of Seboyeta, New Mexico |
M3.5 |
86 km |
| Sep 29, 2012 |
4 km WNW of Belen, New Mexico |
M3.5 |
143 km |
| Sep 23, 2009 |
29 km W of Alamo, New Mexico |
M3.4 |
78 km |
| Jul 31, 1990 |
4 km WSW of Abeytas, New Mexico |
M3.3 |
148 km |
| May 19, 2011 |
40 km SSE of Datil, New Mexico |
M3.2 |
149 km |
| Jul 21, 1990 |
4 km WSW of Abeytas, New Mexico |
M3.2 |
149 km |
| Apr 6, 2011 |
17 km WNW of La Joya, New Mexico |
M3.2 |
138 km |
| Sep 10, 2024 |
8 km WSW of Paradise Hills, New Mexico |
M3.2 |
140 km |
| Jul 4, 2021 |
24 km SW of Lake Valley, New Mexico |
M3.1 |
102 km |
| Nov 8, 1990 |
4 km WSW of Abeytas, New Mexico |
M3.1 |
149 km |
| Jul 21, 1990 |
4 km WSW of Abeytas, New Mexico |
M3.1 |
149 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
3 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF0.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 17, 2021 |
EF0 |
78 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2019 |
EF0 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 2018 |
EF0 |
64 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Nearby Volcanoes
2 volcanoes within 200 km.
Closest: Zuni-Bandera (39 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Zuni-Bandera |
Volcanic field |
2,550 m (8,366 ft) |
-1170 |
39 km |
| Red Hill |
Volcanic field |
2,300 m (7,546 ft) |
-9450 |
99 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 |
31 km |
| 2017 |
BACA |
10,382 |
99 km |
| 2018 |
DIENER CANYON |
9,824 |
25 km |
| 2004 |
SEDGWICK |
9,241 |
27 km |
| 2019 |
TRIPLE NICKLE |
7,819 |
78 km |
| 2018 |
BLUE WATER |
3,663 |
31 km |
| 1989 |
COLLAPSE |
3,438 |
37 km |
| 2019 |
REDONDO RX |
3,382 |
21 km |
| 1999 |
LA JARA |
3,249 |
68 km |
| 1996 |
ALLENTOWN5 |
2,653 |
82 km |
| 2014 |
2 MA HIGHWAY RX LP6 |
2,481 |
89 km |
| 1989 |
MALPAIS |
2,300 |
32 km |
| 2004 |
BROADCAST BLOCK 1 |
2,285 |
23 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
1,983 |
23 km |
| 1989 |
HOYA |
1,869 |
25 km |
| 2023 |
COPPERTAN RX 23 BLOCK 1 AND 2 |
1,850 |
19 km |
| 2000 |
WALL |
1,751 |
36 km |
| 2021 |
COPPERTAN RX FY21 |
1,694 |
19 km |
| 2012 |
COPPERTON |
1,583 |
19 km |
| 2014 |
2 MERTZ RX |
1,426 |
66 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
29°F (-2°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| February |
31°F (-1°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| March |
36°F (2°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| April |
43°F (6°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| May |
51°F (11°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| June |
60°F (16°C) |
0.6 in |
Driest |
| July |
68°F (20°C) |
2.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
63°F (17°C) |
2.8 in |
Wettest |
| September |
57°F (14°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| October |
47°F (8°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| November |
36°F (2°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| December |
29°F (-2°C) |
1.3 in |
Coldest |
El Morro Valley has a seasonal temperature swing of 40°F / from 29°F in December to 68°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 16.1 inches, with August being the wettest month (2.8") and June the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in El Morro Valley. 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 El Morro Valley
What is the population of El Morro Valley?
El Morro Valley has a population of 49 residents and is located in New Mexico. The population density is 4 people per square mile, spread across 13.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 9.7 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 81.6% female and 18.4% male.
Is El Morro Valley expensive to live in?
El Morro Valley is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 92.2 / below the baseline of 100.
Is El Morro Valley safe?
The violent crime rate in El Morro Valley 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, El Morro Valley receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in El Morro Valley?
El Morro Valley has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 29°F in January, while summers reach an average of 68°F in July. The area receives 330 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 13.9 inches, with 38.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 37.
How is the job market in El Morro Valley?
The job market in El Morro Valley 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 are the schools in El Morro Valley?
Schools in El Morro Valley have an average test score of 3.3 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 100.0% of adults in El Morro Valley hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 44.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is El Morro Valley?
The obesity rate in El Morro Valley is 42.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 29.1% of adults are smokers. 32.5% are physically inactive. 27.3% of residents report depression. 41.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,217.
What are the demographics of El Morro Valley?
The racial and ethnic makeup of El Morro Valley is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 19.0% of the population are military veterans. 0.0% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.