Home Value
$154,000
45% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
689/100K
81% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
3.1%
91% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$715
39% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
33.3%
4% higher than US avg
Unemployment
10.4%
189% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.6%
47% lower than US avg
How Fort Sumner Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population958
Median Age27.9 yrs
Density289/mi²
Male / Female59% / 41%
Largest GroupWhite 16%
Veterans3.7%
Economy
Per Capita$28,170
Unemployment10.4%
Poverty6.6%
County GDP$111M
Commute6 min
Housing
Home Value$154,000
Rent$715
Ownership77.4%
Zillow$107,875
Housing Units591
Rent Burden37.5%
Crime
F
Violent689/100K
Property1,887/100K
Health
Obesity33.3%
Uninsured17.7%
Smoking14.0%
Depression24.1%
Heart Disease5.9%
Climate
Avg Temp59°F (15°C)
AQI37 (Good)
Rain15.1 in/yr
Sunny Days330/yr
Elevation4,137 ft (1,261 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+3.1%
High School+87.2%
Graduate+1.9%
School Score5.24
Community
2024 VoteR 74% / D 24%
Commute6 min
Broadband82.5%
EV Stations1
Libraries1
Is Fort Sumner a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Fort Sumner receives an overall livability score of 1.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of F. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, above-average unemployment, a high uninsured rate. Fort Sumner faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.
Economy & Jobs
At 10.4%, unemployment is notably high. Only 6.6% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 6 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Fort Sumner is $154,000, 45% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $715 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability.
Safety & Crime
With 689 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,887 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
3.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.2/10.
Climate & Weather
Fort Sumner enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F. Winters average 40°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. With 330 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 15.1 inches, including 9.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 37.
Fort Sumner has a population of 958 with a density of 289 people per square mile, spread across 3.4 square miles. The median age is 27.9 years, 28% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 40.9% female and 59.1% male. The city is predominantly White (15.7%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 40.4% of residents, while 59.6% speak Spanish. 3.7% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 13.4% of residents have a disability. 98.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
27.9yrs
Median Age
28% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Fort Sumner vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
40.4%
49% below US avg
Spanish
59.6%
345% above US avg
Social Characteristics
Fort Sumner vs U.S. Average
Per capita income is $28,170 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $806, 44% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 10.4% (above the 3.6% US average). 6.6% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 82 business establishments, including 8 restaurants. The cost of living index is 92.2, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 6 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Fort Sumner vs U.S.
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $28,170 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $806 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $45,685 |
| Gini Index | 0.446 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 10.4% |
| 189% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.6% |
| 47% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 82 |
| County GDP | $111M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 8 |
| Healthcare | 3 |
| Retail | 10 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 92.20 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 5.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 85.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Fort Sumner is $154,000, 45% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $107,875, lower than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $715 (39% 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. 77.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 591 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1972. 37.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Home Values
| Census Median | $154,000 |
| 45% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $107,875 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $715 |
| 39% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 37.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $828 |
| 1 Bedroom | $927 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,129 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,496 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,758 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 77.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 77.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 22.6% |
| Housing Units | 591 |
| Median Year Built | 1972 |
Property Tax
In Fort Sumner, 33.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.9% of residents. 30.4% have high blood pressure. 14.0% are current smokers. 15.7% report binge drinking. 26.3% are physically inactive. 24.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.8% experience frequent mental distress. 17.7% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,680. The dentist ratio is 1:847. 81.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Fort Sumner vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 33.3% |
| 4% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.3% |
| Heart Disease | 5.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.4% |
| Asthma | 10.1% |
| COPD | 5.8% |
| Cancer | 6.0% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.0% |
| 0% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.3% |
| Depression | 24.1% |
| Mental Distress | 17.8% |
| Physical Distress | 15.2% |
| Short Sleep | 33.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.1% |
| Uninsured | 17.7% |
| 106% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,680 |
| Dentists | 1:847 |
| Mental Health | 1:87 |
| Checkup Rate | 65.9% |
| Dental Visits | 58.9% |
| Premature Death | 13,650/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 81.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 3 |
Fort Sumner has a violent crime rate of 689 per 100,000 residents, 81% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,887 per 100,000, 4% below the U.S. average. Overall, Fort Sumner receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Fort Sumner vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 689.4/100K |
| 81% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,886.8/100K |
| 4% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Traffic Accidents | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Fort Sumner enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F (15°C). Winters average 40°F in January while summers reach 79°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 15.1 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 9.1 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 37. The city sits at an elevation of 4,137 feet.
Temperature
40°F Jan (4°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 59.2°F |
| 10% above US avg |
| January Average | 40°F (4°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 330 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 4,137 ft (1,261 m) |
| Area | 3.4 sq mi (8.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 289/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 34.4869°N, 104.2177°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | De Baca County County |
| Nearest Airport | Clovis Regional (CVN)
65 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
15.1"
60% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
2.91"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 37.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 4.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 62.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 14.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Volcano |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
11 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.4. Most recent: M3.0 on Apr 1, 2025.
| Jul 22, 1996 |
11 km WSW of Corona, New Mexico |
M3.4 |
141 km |
| Mar 24, 1996 |
8 km WNW of Corona, New Mexico |
M3.3 |
137 km |
| Mar 19, 1995 |
8 km SSE of Newkirk, New Mexico |
M3.3 |
57 km |
| Jan 6, 2014 |
31 km E of Logan, New Mexico |
M3.3 |
139 km |
| Apr 1, 2025 |
22 km S of Newkirk, New Mexico |
M3.0 |
42 km |
| Jul 14, 1998 |
6 km WSW of Logan, New Mexico |
M3.0 |
117 km |
| Mar 24, 1996 |
7 km W of Corona, New Mexico |
M2.8 |
137 km |
| Aug 18, 2017 |
13 km SW of Newkirk, New Mexico |
M2.8 |
56 km |
| May 20, 1997 |
New Mexico |
M2.7 |
144 km |
| Jun 29, 2020 |
5 km SSW of Newkirk, New Mexico |
M2.7 |
60 km |
| Mar 24, 1993 |
New Mexico |
M2.7 |
101 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
124 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2. Total: 3 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 23, 2007 |
EF2 |
100 km |
2 |
| Jun 4, 1978 |
EF2 |
80 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1972 |
EF2 |
85 km |
0 |
| Apr 17, 1970 |
EF2 |
38 km |
0 |
| Jul 12, 1963 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1957 |
EF2 |
62 km |
0 |
| Dec 27, 2019 |
EF1 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2012 |
EF1 |
69 km |
0 |
| Sep 2, 1993 |
EF1 |
24 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 1992 |
EF1 |
94 km |
0 |
| Apr 14, 1992 |
EF1 |
51 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 1989 |
EF1 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 1989 |
EF1 |
40 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 1989 |
EF1 |
52 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1989 |
EF1 |
44 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 1981 |
EF1 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 1974 |
EF1 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 1972 |
EF1 |
30 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 1971 |
EF1 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 1971 |
EF1 |
91 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Nearby Volcanoes
1 volcano within 200 km.
Closest: Carrizozo (176 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Carrizozo |
Pyroclastic cone(s) |
1,731 m (5,679 ft) |
-3250 |
176 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: TIRE (44,942 ac, 2011).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2011 |
TIRE |
44,942 |
75 km |
| 2000 |
JOHNNY |
34,324 |
13 km |
| 1997 |
PEREZ |
30,288 |
71 km |
| 2011 |
WINDY |
24,687 |
67 km |
| 2005 |
RANGE |
24,643 |
56 km |
| 2006 |
LUMBRE |
15,598 |
65 km |
| 2006 |
JET |
13,889 |
57 km |
| 1989 |
BURGETTE |
10,576 |
89 km |
| 2011 |
BURNING TENT |
9,473 |
16 km |
| 1992 |
FRONTIER |
8,454 |
61 km |
| 1988 |
ROSA |
7,387 |
66 km |
| 2000 |
VAUGHN |
6,967 |
77 km |
| 1994 |
WOODS |
6,016 |
78 km |
| 2011 |
GARZA |
5,635 |
19 km |
| 1990 |
REDONDO |
5,408 |
79 km |
| 1992 |
NEWTON |
5,386 |
26 km |
| 1989 |
BURGETTE |
4,935 |
29 km |
| 2015 |
NORTH CUT |
4,353 |
40 km |
| 1998 |
HEATHER |
4,249 |
65 km |
| 2008 |
GOMEZ |
3,927 |
51 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
40°F (4°C) |
0.4 in |
Driest |
| February |
43°F (6°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| March |
49°F (10°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| April |
57°F (14°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| May |
66°F (19°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| June |
74°F (23°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| July |
79°F (26°C) |
2.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
76°F (24°C) |
2.9 in |
Wettest |
| September |
69°F (21°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| October |
59°F (15°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| November |
48°F (9°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| December |
40°F (4°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest |
Fort Sumner has a seasonal temperature swing of 40°F / from 40°F in December to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 15.2 inches, with August being the wettest month (2.9") and January the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Fort Sumner. 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 Fort Sumner
What is the population of Fort Sumner?
Fort Sumner has a population of 958 residents and is located in New Mexico. The population density is 289 people per square mile, spread across 3.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 27.9 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 40.9% female and 59.1% male.
Is Fort Sumner expensive to live in?
Fort Sumner 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 $154,000 (45% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $715 per month, below the national average of $1,163.
Is Fort Sumner safe?
Public safety is a concern in Fort Sumner, with a violent crime rate of 689 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,887 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Fort Sumner receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Fort Sumner?
Fort Sumner enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F (15°C). Winter temperatures average 40°F in January, while summers reach an average of 79°F in July. The area receives 330 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 15.1 inches, with 9.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 37.
How is the job market in Fort Sumner?
The job market in Fort Sumner faces challenges, with unemployment at 10.4% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $806. There are 82 business establishments in the area, including 8 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 6 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Fort Sumner?
The median home value in Fort Sumner is $154,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $107,875. For renters, the median monthly rent is $715. Fair market rent is $927 for a 1-bedroom and $1,129 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 77.4%.
How are the schools in Fort Sumner?
Schools in Fort Sumner score 5.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 3.1% of adults in Fort Sumner hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.2% have completed high school. 1.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Fort Sumner?
The obesity rate in Fort Sumner is 33.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.0% of adults are smokers. 26.3% are physically inactive. 24.1% of residents report depression. 17.7% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 81.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,680.
What is transportation like in Fort Sumner?
The average commute in Fort Sumner is 6 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 85.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Fort Sumner?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Fort Sumner is 15.7% White. 40.4% of residents speak only English at home, while 59.6% speak Spanish. 3.7% of the population are military veterans. 13.4% of residents have a disability. 98.1% have health insurance coverage.
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