Median Income
$24,611
67% lower than US avg
Home Value
$273,700
3% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
237/100K
38% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
5.4%
84% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.1%
22% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
64.8%
423% higher than US avg
How El Rito Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population961
Median Age39.9 yrs
Density234/mi²
Male / Female40% / 60%
Largest GroupWhite 11%
Veterans17.8%
Economy
C
Median Income$24,611
Per Capita$20,750
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty64.8%
County GDP$1,379M
Housing
F
Home Value$273,700
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$320,034
Housing Units544
Rent Burden21.5%
Crime
F
Violent237/100K
Property983/100K
Health
Obesity39.1%
Uninsured20.9%
Smoking11.6%
Depression20.3%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (9°C)
AQI37 (Good)
Rain11.7 in/yr
Sunny Days330/yr
Elevation6,767 ft (2,063 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+5.4%
High School+58.9%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score3.69
Community
2024 VoteR 39% / D 59%
Broadband57.1%
EV Stations1
Libraries10
Is El Rito a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, El Rito receives an overall livability score of 1.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of F. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes. El Rito faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in El Rito is $24,611, 67% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. The poverty rate of 64.8% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in El Rito is $273,700, roughly aligned with the national median of $281,900. With a home price-to-income ratio of 11.1x, housing affordability is a significant challenge for many families.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in El Rito is below the national average at 237 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 983 per 100,000, 50% below the national average.
Education
5.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 58.9% have completed high school. School test scores average 3.7/10, below typical benchmarks.
Climate & Weather
El Rito experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. With 330 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 11.7 inches, including 23.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 37.
El Rito has a population of 961 with a density of 234 people per square mile, spread across 4.1 square miles. The median age is 39.9 years, 3% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 60.1% female and 39.9% male. The city is predominantly White (11.1%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 3.7% of residents, while 96.3% speak Spanish. 17.8% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 17.4% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 77.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
39.9yrs
Median Age
3% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
3.7%
95% below US avg
Spanish
96.3%
619% above US avg
The median household income in El Rito is $24,611, which is 67% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $20,750 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $941, 34% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 64.8% of residents live below the poverty line, higher 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. 12.4% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $24,611 |
| 67% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $20,750 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $941 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $52,599 |
| Gini Index | 0.467 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 64.8% |
| 423% above 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 | 0.96% |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 38.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 12.4% |
The median home value in El Rito is $273,700, 3% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $320,034, higher 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 544 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1989. 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. The home price-to-income ratio is 11.1x, making homeownership a significant financial stretch for most families.
Home Values
| Census Median | $273,700 |
| 3% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $320,034 |
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 | 544 |
| Median Year Built | 1989 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,640 |
| 25% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 0.96% |
In El Rito, 39.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.8% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 28.5% have high blood pressure. 11.6% are current smokers. 14.4% report binge drinking. 27.6% are physically inactive. 20.3% report depression. 16.0% experience frequent mental distress. 20.9% 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: El Rito vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.1% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.8% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.5% |
| Asthma | 9.1% |
| COPD | 4.4% |
| Cancer | 4.8% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 11.6% |
| 17% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 14.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.6% |
| Depression | 20.3% |
| Mental Distress | 16.0% |
| Physical Distress | 14.8% |
| Short Sleep | 35.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 77.9% |
| Uninsured | 20.9% |
| 143% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,009 |
| Dentists | 1:1,335 |
| Mental Health | 1:183 |
| Checkup Rate | 66.5% |
| Dental Visits | 58.6% |
| Premature Death | 21,299/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 49.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 72 |
El Rito has a violent crime rate of 237 per 100,000 residents, 38% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 983 per 100,000, 50% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 13 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, El Rito receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: El Rito vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 237.3/100K |
| 38% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 982.9/100K |
| 50% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 13 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
El Rito experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 69°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 11.7 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 23.9 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 6,767 feet, a high-altitude location.
Temperature
30°F Jan (-1°C)
69°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 48.9°F |
| 9% below US avg |
| January Average | 30°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 69°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 330 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 6,767 ft (2,063 m) |
| Area | 4.1 sq mi (10.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 234/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 36.3326°N, 106.1741°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | Rio Arriba County County |
| Nearest Airport | Taos Regional (TSM)
29 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
11.7"
69% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
2.28"
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
264 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.0. Most recent: M3.4 on Jun 28, 2025.
| Aug 10, 2005 |
20 km S of Weston, Colorado |
M5.0 |
138 km |
| Mar 22, 2004 |
30 km S of Weston, Colorado |
M4.4 |
132 km |
| Jan 3, 2007 |
8 km SSW of Weston, Colorado |
M4.4 |
140 km |
| Aug 1, 2004 |
31 km S of Stonewall Gap, Colorado |
M4.3 |
113 km |
| Jul 12, 2021 |
5 km E of Capulin, New Mexico |
M4.2 |
53 km |
| Jul 29, 2009 |
32 km NNE of Cimarron, New Mexico |
M4.1 |
131 km |
| Aug 10, 2005 |
20 km SSW of Segundo, Colorado |
M4.1 |
139 km |
| Aug 26, 2023 |
19 km SSW of Weston, Colorado |
M4.0 |
132 km |
| Feb 6, 2016 |
Colorado |
M4.0 |
137 km |
| Sep 13, 2011 |
20 km S of Sequndo, Colorado |
M4.0 |
144 km |
| Aug 20, 2015 |
7 km WSW of Weston, Colorado |
M3.9 |
141 km |
| Aug 23, 2016 |
18 km SSW of Weston, CO |
M3.9 |
132 km |
| Sep 16, 2011 |
26 km S of Sequndo, Colorado |
M3.9 |
142 km |
| Mar 20, 2015 |
25 km S of Sequndo, Colorado |
M3.8 |
142 km |
| Jan 18, 2010 |
30 km S of Segundo, Colorado |
M3.8 |
134 km |
| Jul 4, 1995 |
23 km WSW of Springer, New Mexico |
M3.8 |
122 km |
| May 19, 2019 |
15 km SSE of Stonewall Gap, Colorado |
M3.8 |
130 km |
| Sep 13, 2003 |
33 km S of Weston, Colorado |
M3.8 |
126 km |
| Jun 4, 2008 |
8 km ENE of Canjilon, New Mexico |
M3.7 |
26 km |
| Jul 12, 2021 |
3 km E of Capulin, New Mexico |
M3.7 |
55 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
28 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 17, 1953 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
| Sep 29, 2014 |
EF1 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jul 21, 1973 |
EF1 |
97 km |
0 |
| Apr 15, 1971 |
EF1 |
78 km |
0 |
| Dec 26, 1966 |
EF1 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 2021 |
EF0 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 17, 2021 |
EF0 |
91 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 2018 |
EF0 |
80 km |
0 |
| Aug 9, 2018 |
EF0 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2018 |
EF0 |
72 km |
0 |
| May 9, 2017 |
EF0 |
78 km |
0 |
| Oct 12, 2012 |
EF0 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jul 24, 2012 |
EF0 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 2009 |
EF0 |
37 km |
0 |
| Aug 17, 2008 |
EF0 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 2007 |
EF0 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 2007 |
EF0 |
98 km |
0 |
| Apr 17, 2005 |
EF0 |
93 km |
0 |
| Apr 15, 2005 |
EF0 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 25, 1999 |
EF0 |
86 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: HERMITS PEAK (352,046 ac, 2022).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2022 |
HERMITS PEAK |
352,046 |
86 km |
| 2011 |
LAS CONCHAS |
150,874 |
56 km |
| 2022 |
CERRO PELADO |
45,620 |
70 km |
| 2000 |
CERRO GRANDE |
44,279 |
49 km |
| 2000 |
VIVEASH |
22,468 |
87 km |
| 2013 |
THOMPSON RIDGE |
21,077 |
60 km |
| 2006 |
OJO FELIZ |
17,767 |
97 km |
| 1996 |
DOME |
15,783 |
66 km |
| 2002 |
BORREGO |
12,877 |
51 km |
| 2010 |
SOUTH FORK |
12,585 |
37 km |
| 2020 |
LUNA |
10,849 |
74 km |
| 2011 |
PACHECO |
9,790 |
64 km |
| 2013 |
JAROSO |
9,529 |
66 km |
| 1996 |
HONDO |
8,258 |
62 km |
| 2017 |
BONITA |
7,754 |
28 km |
| 2017 |
HONDITO |
6,949 |
34 km |
| 2003 |
CAPULIN |
6,155 |
60 km |
| 2013 |
TRES LAGUNAS |
5,832 |
81 km |
| 1998 |
OSO |
5,297 |
37 km |
| 2022 |
MIDNIGHT |
5,293 |
12 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
30°F (-1°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
34°F (1°C) |
0.4 in |
Driest |
| March |
40°F (5°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| April |
47°F (8°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| May |
56°F (13°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| June |
65°F (18°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| July |
69°F (21°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
2.3 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| November |
41°F (5°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| December |
32°F (0°C) |
0.5 in |
|
El Rito has a seasonal temperature swing of 40°F / from 30°F in January to 70°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 11.7 inches, with August being the wettest month (2.3") and February the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in El Rito. 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 Rito
What is the population of El Rito?
El Rito has a population of 961 residents and is located in New Mexico. The population density is 234 people per square mile, spread across 4.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 39.9 years. The population is 60.1% female and 39.9% male.
Is El Rito expensive to live in?
El Rito 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 $24,611, 67% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $273,700 (3% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 11.1x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.
Is El Rito safe?
El Rito is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 237 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 983 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, El Rito receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in El Rito?
El Rito has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 30°F in January, while summers reach an average of 69°F in July. The area receives 330 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 11.7 inches, with 23.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 37.
How is the job market in El Rito?
The job market in El Rito is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $941. There are 859 business establishments in the area, including 65 restaurants and food service locations.
How much does housing cost in El Rito?
The median home value in El Rito is $273,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $320,034. The homeownership rate is 100.0%. The average annual property tax is $2,640.
How are the schools in El Rito?
Schools in El Rito have an average test score of 3.7 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 5.4% of adults in El Rito hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 58.9% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is El Rito?
The obesity rate in El Rito is 39.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 11.6% of adults are smokers. 27.6% are physically inactive. 20.3% of residents report depression. 20.9% 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 are the demographics of El Rito?
The racial and ethnic makeup of El Rito is 11.1% White. 3.7% of residents speak only English at home, while 96.3% speak Spanish. 17.8% of the population are military veterans. 17.4% of residents have a disability. 77.9% have health insurance coverage.
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