Violent Crime
106/100K
72% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
24.7%
23% lower than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Golden Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population17
Density3/mi²
Male / Female100% / 0%
Largest GroupWhite 0%
Veterans17.0%
Economy
Unemployment0.0%
County GDP$54,831M
Housing
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$371,900
Housing Units21
Rent Burden31.0%
Crime
F
Violent106/100K
Property2,192/100K
Health
Obesity24.7%
Smoking10.7%
Depression24.6%
Heart Disease4.9%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI37 (Good)
Sunny Days318/yr
Elevation7,060 ft (2,152 m)
Education
Bachelor's+0.0%
High School+0.0%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score4.50
Community
2024 VoteR 38% / D 59%
Broadband17.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries20
Is Golden a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Golden receives an overall livability score of 1.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of F. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Golden faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.
Economy & Jobs
The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%.
Safety & Crime
Golden is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 106 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,192 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
0.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 0.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Golden experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July. With 318 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 37.
Golden has a population of 17 with a density of 3 people per square mile, spread across 6.7 square miles. The gender split is 0% female and 100% male. The city is predominantly White (0%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 17.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 100.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The average weekly wage is $1,221, 15% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). The area has 22,948 business establishments, including 1,584 restaurants. The cost of living index is 92.2, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living.
Income
| |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,221 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $71,971 |
| Gini Index | 0.477 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
| Establishments (County) | 22,948 |
| County GDP | $54,831M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 1,584 |
| Healthcare | 2,110 |
| Retail | 1,974 |
| Manufacturing | 547 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,874 |
| 39% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 92.20 (100=avg) |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $371,900. 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 21 total housing units in the city. The average annual property tax is $4,874 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 31.0% 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 | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 21 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,874 |
| 39% above US avg |
In Golden, 24.7% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 7.8% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.9% of residents, below the national average. 24.9% have high blood pressure. 10.7% are current smokers (below the 14.0% national rate). 16.3% report binge drinking. 17.0% are physically inactive, below the national average. 24.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 15.5% experience frequent mental distress. The primary care physician ratio is 1:942. The dentist ratio is 1:1,136. 95.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Golden vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 24.7% |
| 23% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 7.8% |
| Heart Disease | 4.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 24.9% |
| Asthma | 9.5% |
| COPD | 4.7% |
| Cancer | 7.1% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 10.7% |
| 24% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 17.0% |
| Depression | 24.6% |
| Mental Distress | 15.5% |
| Physical Distress | 11.8% |
| Short Sleep | 32.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:942 |
| Dentists | 1:1,136 |
| Mental Health | 1:176 |
| Checkup Rate | 65.5% |
| Dental Visits | 67.9% |
| Premature Death | 11,524/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 95.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 2,110 |
Golden has a violent crime rate of 106 per 100,000 residents, 72% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,192 per 100,000, 12% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 102 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Golden receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Golden vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 105.6/100K |
| 72% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,191.7/100K |
| 12% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 102 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Golden experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July. The area gets 318 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 37. The city sits at an elevation of 7,060 feet, a high-altitude location.
Temperature
31°F Jan (-0°C)
68°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 49.5°F |
| 8% below US avg |
| January Average | 31°F (-0°C) |
| July Average | 68°F (20°C) |
| Sunny Days | 318 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 7,060 ft (2,152 m) |
| Area | 6.7 sq mi (17.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 3/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 35.2637°N, 106.2230°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | Bernalillo County County |
| Nearest Airport | Santa Fe Regional (SAF) 24 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Wettest Month (Aug)
2.64"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 37.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0481 ppm |
| NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide) | 14.8 ppb |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 67.57 ppb |
| CO (Carbon Monoxide) | 0.22 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 6.0 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively High |
| Risk Score | 94.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 43.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 41.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Moderate |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| Flood |
Relatively High |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Very High |
| Lightning |
Very High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Volcano |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
96 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.5. Most recent: M3.5 on May 1, 2025.
| Jan 29, 1990 |
6 km W of Abeytas, New Mexico |
M4.5 |
107 km |
| Nov 8, 1990 |
4 km WSW of Abeytas, New Mexico |
M4.4 |
107 km |
| Jul 12, 2021 |
5 km E of Capulin, New Mexico |
M4.2 |
117 km |
| Jan 31, 1990 |
5 km WSW of Abeytas, New Mexico |
M4.0 |
108 km |
| Feb 27, 1990 |
25 km E of San Antonio, New Mexico |
M3.9 |
150 km |
| May 18, 2023 |
8 km ENE of San Mateo, New Mexico |
M3.8 |
122 km |
| Jun 4, 2008 |
8 km ENE of Canjilon, New Mexico |
M3.7 |
139 km |
| Jul 22, 1990 |
5 km SE of McIntosh, New Mexico |
M3.7 |
51 km |
| Jul 12, 2021 |
3 km E of Capulin, New Mexico |
M3.7 |
119 km |
| May 5, 1990 |
6 km WSW of Abeytas, New Mexico |
M3.6 |
109 km |
| Jan 4, 1998 |
5 km NE of Mountainair, New Mexico |
M3.6 |
79 km |
| Feb 21, 1990 |
31 km ENE of San Antonio, New Mexico |
M3.6 |
142 km |
| Nov 15, 1990 |
4 km WSW of Abeytas, New Mexico |
M3.6 |
107 km |
| May 24, 2004 |
8 km W of Abeytas, New Mexico |
M3.5 |
108 km |
| Sep 29, 2012 |
4 km WNW of Belen, New Mexico |
M3.5 |
85 km |
| Dec 31, 1997 |
8 km E of Mountainair, New Mexico |
M3.5 |
82 km |
| Sep 10, 2024 |
7 km WNW of Paradise Hills, New Mexico |
M3.5 |
51 km |
| Sep 14, 2009 |
7 km NNW of Canjilon, New Mexico |
M3.5 |
144 km |
| May 1, 2025 |
14 km NW of Alamillo, New Mexico |
M3.5 |
124 km |
| Oct 20, 2016 |
3 km NNW of Seboyeta, New Mexico |
M3.5 |
107 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
73 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2. Total: 1 fatality, 9 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 27, 1975 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| Oct 10, 1974 |
EF2 |
79 km |
1 |
| Jun 8, 1989 |
EF1 |
36 km |
0 |
| Sep 13, 1988 |
EF1 |
33 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 1982 |
EF1 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 1981 |
EF1 |
82 km |
0 |
| Apr 15, 1971 |
EF1 |
48 km |
0 |
| Dec 26, 1966 |
EF1 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1966 |
EF1 |
78 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1965 |
EF1 |
34 km |
0 |
| Aug 20, 1956 |
EF1 |
11 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 2021 |
EF0 |
33 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 2021 |
EF0 |
16 km |
0 |
| May 17, 2021 |
EF0 |
30 km |
0 |
| May 17, 2021 |
EF0 |
69 km |
0 |
| Aug 15, 2020 |
EF0 |
48 km |
0 |
| Jul 15, 2020 |
EF0 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2019 |
EF0 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 2018 |
EF0 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2018 |
EF0 |
48 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Nearby Volcanoes
2 volcanoes within 200 km.
Closest: Carrizozo (167 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Carrizozo |
Pyroclastic cone(s) |
1,731 m (5,679 ft) |
-3250 |
167 km |
| Zuni-Bandera |
Volcanic field |
2,550 m (8,366 ft) |
-1170 |
170 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.
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 |
98 km |
| 2011 |
LAS CONCHAS |
150,874 |
70 km |
| 2022 |
CERRO PELADO |
45,620 |
61 km |
| 2000 |
CERRO GRANDE |
44,279 |
72 km |
| 2000 |
VIVEASH |
22,468 |
75 km |
| 2013 |
THOMPSON RIDGE |
21,077 |
76 km |
| 2016 |
DOG HEAD |
19,816 |
46 km |
| 1996 |
DOME |
15,783 |
57 km |
| 2008 |
TRIGO |
13,855 |
66 km |
| 2002 |
BORREGO |
12,877 |
90 km |
| 2010 |
SOUTH FORK |
12,585 |
91 km |
| 2011 |
PACHECO |
9,790 |
75 km |
| 2013 |
JAROSO |
9,529 |
86 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
7,351 |
87 km |
| 2003 |
CAPULIN |
6,155 |
76 km |
| 2007 |
OJO PEAK |
6,118 |
77 km |
| 2013 |
TRES LAGUNAS |
5,832 |
72 km |
| 1998 |
OSO |
5,297 |
85 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
5,083 |
76 km |
| 2008 |
BIG SPRING |
5,050 |
57 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
31°F (-0°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
36°F (2°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| March |
42°F (5°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| April |
49°F (9°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| May |
58°F (15°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| July |
68°F (20°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
2.6 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| November |
40°F (4°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| December |
32°F (0°C) |
0.9 in |
|
Golden has a seasonal temperature swing of 38°F / from 31°F in January to 70°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 15.6 inches, with August being the wettest month (2.6") and January the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in Golden. 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 Golden
What is the population of Golden?
Golden has a population of 17 residents and is located in New Mexico. The population density is 3 people per square mile, spread across 6.7 square miles. The population is 0% female and 100% male.
Is Golden expensive to live in?
Golden is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 92.2 / below the baseline of 100.
Is Golden safe?
Golden is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 106 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,192 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Golden receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Golden?
Golden has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 31°F in January, while summers reach an average of 68°F in July. The area receives 318 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 37.
How is the job market in Golden?
The job market in Golden is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,221. There are 22,948 business establishments in the area, including 1,584 restaurants and food service locations.
How are the schools in Golden?
Schools in Golden have an average test score of 4.5 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 0.0% of adults in Golden hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 0.0% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Golden?
The obesity rate in Golden is 24.7% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 10.7% of adults are smokers. 17.0% are physically inactive. 24.6% of residents report depression. 95.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:942.
What are the demographics of Golden?
100% of residents speak only English at home. 17.0% of the population are military veterans. 100.0% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.