Median Income
$53,173
29% lower than US avg
Home Value
$57,100
80% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
11.4%
66% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$731
37% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
42.7%
33% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.6%
28% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
20.9%
69% higher than US avg
How First Mesa Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,381
Median Age36.3 yrs
Density88/mi²
Male / Female43% / 57%
Largest GroupWhite 1%
Economy
B
Median Income$53,173
Per Capita$14,166
Unemployment2.6%
Poverty20.9%
County GDP$4,065M
Commute23 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$57,100
Rent$731
OwnershipN/A
Health
Obesity42.7%
UninsuredN/A
Depression23.8%
Heart Disease8.1%
Climate
Avg Temp51°F
AQI45 (Good)
Elevation5,655 ft
Education
D
Bachelor's+11.4%
High School+89.9%
School Score4.62
Community
2024 VoteR 58% / D 41%
Commute23 min
Libraries15
Is First Mesa a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, First Mesa receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. First Mesa offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in First Mesa is $53,173, 29% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.6%. The poverty rate of 20.9% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in First Mesa is $57,100, 80% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $731 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. At just 1.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
11.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.6/10.
Climate & Weather
First Mesa experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 45.
First Mesa has a population of 1,381 with a density of 88 people per square mile. The median age is 36.3 years, 7% younger than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly Hispanic (99.3%), with 3.7% Asian.
Population
36.3yrs
Median Age
7% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
First Mesa vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 44.2% |
| 44% below US avg |
| Spanish | 55.8% |
| 316% above US avg |
Social Characteristics
First Mesa vs U.S. Average
The median household income in First Mesa is $53,173, which is 29% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 2.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 20.9% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Income: First Mesa vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $53,173 |
| 29% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $14,166 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $970 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $56,299 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.6% |
| 28% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 20.9% |
| 69% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,970 |
| County GDP | $4,065M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 248 |
| Healthcare | 253 |
| Retail | 278 |
| Manufacturing | 43 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,898 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.08% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 23.2 min |
| Work from Home | 19.2% |
The median home value in First Mesa is $57,100, 80% below the national average. Monthly rent averages $731 (37% below US avg).
Home Values
| Census Median | $57,100 |
| 80% below US avg |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $731 |
| 37% below US avg |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,053 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,151 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,419 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,889 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,158 |
Ownership & Property
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,898 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.08% |
In First Mesa, 42.7% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 23.8% report depression. 30.0% are physically inactive.
Health Metrics: First Mesa vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 42.7% |
| 33% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 16.6% |
| Heart Disease | 8.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 39.1% |
| Asthma | 16.5% |
| COPD | 11.1% |
| Stroke | 5.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 12.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 30.0% |
| Depression | 23.8% |
| Mental Distress | 23.7% |
| Physical Distress | 20.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 80.4% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 68.8% |
| Premature Death | 21,728/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 4.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 59.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 253 |
Crime Rates: First Mesa vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 37 |
Safety Score
First Mesa has an average annual temperature of 51°F (10°C). Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 45.
Temperature
31°F Jan (-0°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 50.8°F |
| 6% below US avg |
| January Average | 31°F (-0°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 45.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Geography
| Elevation | 5,655 ft (1,724 m) |
| Area | 15.7 sq mi (40.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 88/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 35.8317°N, 110.3689°W |
| County FIPS | 04017 |