Home Value
$144,400
49% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
510/100K
34% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
5.5%
84% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,153
1% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.7%
24% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.7%
53% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
24.4%
97% higher than US avg
How Happy Valley Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population616
Median Age54.0 yrs
Density287/mi²
Male / Female46% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 75%
Veterans6.1%
Economy
Per Capita$24,220
Unemployment1.7%
Poverty24.4%
County GDP$11,319M
Commute25 min
Housing
Home Value$144,400
Rent$1,153
Ownership86.5%
Zillow$242,280
Housing Units343
Rent Burden23.2%
Crime
F
Violent510/100K
Property4,376/100K
Health
Obesity39.7%
Uninsured13.2%
Smoking13.0%
Depression24.8%
Heart Disease5.7%
Climate
Avg Temp63°F (17°C)
AQI37 (Good)
Rain12.1 in/yr
Sunny Days330/yr
Elevation3,223 ft (982 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+5.5%
High School+86.5%
Graduate+4.0%
School Score4.85
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 21%
Commute25 min
Broadband86.5%
EV Stations7
Libraries2
Is Happy Valley a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Happy Valley receives an overall livability score of 1.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of F. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate. Happy Valley faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.
Economy & Jobs
The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.7%. The poverty rate of 24.4% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Happy Valley is $144,400, 49% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,153 per month.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 510 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,376 per 100,000, 123% above the national average.
Education
5.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 86.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Happy Valley enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 63°F. Winters average 44°F in January while summers reach 82°F in July. With 330 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 12.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 37.
Happy Valley has a population of 616 with a density of 287 people per square mile, spread across 2.2 square miles. The median age is 54.0 years, 39% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 54.4% female and 45.6% male. The city is predominantly White (75.3%), with 4.4% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 81.3% of residents, while 18.7% speak Spanish. 6.1% of the population are veterans. 18.6% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 74.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
54.0yrs
Median Age
39% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Happy Valley vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
81.3%
4% above US avg
Spanish
18.7%
40% above US avg
Social Characteristics
Happy Valley vs U.S. Average
Per capita income is $24,220 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,470. The unemployment rate is 1.7% (below the 3.6% US average). 24.4% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,976 business establishments, including 159 restaurants. The cost of living index is 92.2, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Happy Valley vs U.S.
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $24,220 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,470 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $84,135 |
| Gini Index | 0.431 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.7% |
| 53% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 24.4% |
| 97% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,976 |
| County GDP | $11,319M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 159 |
| Healthcare | 118 |
| Retail | 195 |
| Manufacturing | 38 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,282 |
| 6% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 92.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.27% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 24.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 93.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Happy Valley is $144,400, 49% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $242,280, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,153 (1% 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. 86.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 343 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1977. The average annual property tax is $3,282. 23.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Home Values
| Census Median | $144,400 |
| 49% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $242,280 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,153 |
| 1% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 23.2% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $828 |
| 1 Bedroom | $927 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,129 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,496 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,758 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 86.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 86.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 13.5% |
| Housing Units | 343 |
| Median Year Built | 1977 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,282 |
| 6% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.27% |
In Happy Valley, 39.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.7% of residents. 30.6% have high blood pressure. 13.0% are current smokers. 16.1% report binge drinking. 23.9% are physically inactive. 24.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.4% experience frequent mental distress. 13.2% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,384. The dentist ratio is 1:3,020. 73.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Happy Valley vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.7% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.2% |
| Heart Disease | 5.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.6% |
| Asthma | 10.3% |
| COPD | 5.6% |
| Cancer | 6.5% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.0% |
| 7% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.9% |
| Depression | 24.8% |
| Mental Distress | 17.4% |
| Physical Distress | 13.8% |
| Short Sleep | 38.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 74.6% |
| Uninsured | 13.2% |
| 53% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,384 |
| Dentists | 1:3,020 |
| Mental Health | 1:662 |
| Checkup Rate | 66.4% |
| Dental Visits | 62.2% |
| Premature Death | 12,798/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 73.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 118 |
Happy Valley has a violent crime rate of 510 per 100,000 residents, 34% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,376 per 100,000, 123% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 15 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Happy Valley receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Happy Valley vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 510.0/100K |
| 34% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,376.2/100K |
| 123% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 15 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Happy Valley enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 63°F (17°C). Winters average 44°F in January while summers reach 82°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 12.1 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 37. The city sits at an elevation of 3,223 feet.
Temperature
44°F Jan (7°C)
82°F Jul (28°C)
| Annual Average | 63.4°F |
| 17% above US avg |
| January Average | 44°F (7°C) |
| July Average | 82°F (28°C) |
| Sunny Days | 330 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 3,223 ft (982 m) |
| Area | 2.2 sq mi (5.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 287/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 32.4279°N, 104.2898°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | Eddy County County |
| Nearest Airport | Lea County Regional (HOB)
65 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
12.1"
68% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
2.80"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 37.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0526 ppm |
| NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide) | 9.6 ppb |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 83.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 56.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 12.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2,041 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.4. Most recent: M2.6 on Aug 30, 2025.
| May 4, 2025 |
59 km S of Whites City, New Mexico |
M5.4 |
88 km |
| Feb 15, 2025 |
53 km NW of Toyah, Texas |
M5.0 |
86 km |
| Mar 26, 2020 |
41 km W of Mentone, Texas |
M5.0 |
83 km |
| Jul 21, 2022 |
55 km S of Whites City, New Mexico |
M4.9 |
84 km |
| Feb 18, 2025 |
52 km SSW of Whites City, New Mexico |
M4.7 |
82 km |
| Jun 1, 2022 |
53 km SSW of Whites City, New Mexico |
M4.6 |
83 km |
| Mar 25, 2022 |
56 km S of Whites City, New Mexico |
M4.6 |
85 km |
| Jan 2, 1992 |
12 km SSE of Eunice, New Mexico |
M4.6 |
112 km |
| Aug 11, 2022 |
54 km S of Whites City, New Mexico |
M4.5 |
84 km |
| Mar 17, 2021 |
57 km S of Whites City, New Mexico |
M4.5 |
86 km |
| Sep 1, 2022 |
38 km WSW of Mentone, Texas |
M4.4 |
94 km |
| Jun 25, 2021 |
56 km S of Whites City, New Mexico |
M4.4 |
85 km |
| Jul 28, 2021 |
54 km NW of Toyah, Texas |
M4.3 |
91 km |
| Mar 5, 2022 |
57 km S of Whites City, New Mexico |
M4.3 |
85 km |
| Jun 1, 2022 |
western Texas |
M4.3 |
97 km |
| Jun 6, 2022 |
52 km SSW of Whites City, New Mexico |
M4.3 |
82 km |
| Jul 23, 2024 |
55 km S of Whites City, New Mexico |
M4.2 |
84 km |
| Feb 13, 2022 |
55 km S of Whites City, New Mexico |
M4.2 |
84 km |
| Feb 22, 2023 |
western Texas |
M4.2 |
84 km |
| Mar 2, 2025 |
51 km S of Whites City, New Mexico |
M4.2 |
79 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
123 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2. Total: 37 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 12, 2019 |
EF2 |
34 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 2019 |
EF2 |
65 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1999 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1999 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1992 |
EF2 |
4 km |
0 |
| May 22, 1992 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1991 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1991 |
EF2 |
16 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 1982 |
EF2 |
56 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1976 |
EF2 |
22 km |
0 |
| Aug 11, 1974 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| Oct 27, 1998 |
EF1 |
75 km |
0 |
| Oct 2, 1995 |
EF1 |
70 km |
0 |
| May 26, 1995 |
EF1 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jun 10, 1989 |
EF1 |
53 km |
0 |
| May 11, 1989 |
EF1 |
46 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 1988 |
EF1 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1981 |
EF1 |
6 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1979 |
EF1 |
39 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 1974 |
EF1 |
89 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: LAST CHANCE (53,486 ac, 2011).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2011 |
LAST CHANCE |
53,486 |
39 km |
| 2008 |
ROCKY |
48,019 |
57 km |
| 2011 |
LOOP |
29,771 |
25 km |
| 2009 |
FOUR MILE |
27,609 |
76 km |
| 2011 |
MARTIN 2 |
26,841 |
95 km |
| 2009 |
238 |
24,831 |
91 km |
| 1990 |
BIG |
24,768 |
56 km |
| 2011 |
CROOKED CREEK |
19,206 |
92 km |
| 2006 |
BUCKEYE I |
19,027 |
97 km |
| 2011 |
ACREY |
18,720 |
54 km |
| 2010 |
CAVE WF INCIDENTS |
17,648 |
43 km |
| 2009 |
PICACHO |
16,411 |
92 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
16,027 |
91 km |
| 2016 |
COYOTE |
14,517 |
75 km |
| 1993 |
JALTWO |
13,332 |
89 km |
| 1998 |
BURLESON |
11,014 |
60 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
11,008 |
100 km |
| 2010 |
CUTOFF |
10,433 |
73 km |
| 1998 |
BUCKEYE |
9,844 |
92 km |
| 2011 |
WIR1 |
9,010 |
83 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
44°F (7°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest |
| February |
48°F (9°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| March |
55°F (13°C) |
0.3 in |
Driest |
| April |
63°F (17°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| May |
71°F (22°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| June |
79°F (26°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| July |
82°F (28°C) |
1.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
79°F (26°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| September |
73°F (23°C) |
2.8 in |
Wettest |
| October |
63°F (17°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| November |
51°F (11°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| December |
44°F (7°C) |
0.6 in |
|
Happy Valley has a seasonal temperature swing of 38°F / from 44°F in January to 82°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 13.5 inches, with September being the wettest month (2.8") and March the driest (0.3").
Average costs for common services in Happy 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 Happy Valley
What is the population of Happy Valley?
Happy Valley has a population of 616 residents and is located in New Mexico. The population density is 287 people per square mile, spread across 2.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 54.0 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 54.4% female and 45.6% male.
Is Happy Valley expensive to live in?
Happy Valley 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 $144,400 (49% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,153 per month.
Is Happy Valley safe?
The violent crime rate in Happy Valley is 510 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 4,376 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Happy Valley receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Happy Valley?
Happy Valley enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 63°F (17°C). Winter temperatures average 44°F in January, while summers reach an average of 82°F in July. The area receives 330 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 12.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 37.
How is the job market in Happy Valley?
The job market in Happy Valley is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.7% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,470. There are 1,976 business establishments in the area, including 159 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 25 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Happy Valley?
The median home value in Happy Valley is $144,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $242,280. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,153. Fair market rent is $927 for a 1-bedroom and $1,129 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 86.5%. The average annual property tax is $3,282.
How are the schools in Happy Valley?
Schools in Happy Valley have an average test score of 4.9 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 5.5% of adults in Happy Valley hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 86.5% have completed high school. 4.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Happy Valley?
The obesity rate in Happy Valley is 39.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.0% of adults are smokers. 23.9% are physically inactive. 24.8% of residents report depression. 13.2% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 73.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,384.
What is transportation like in Happy Valley?
The average commute in Happy Valley is 25 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 93.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Happy Valley?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Happy Valley is 75.3% White, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino. 81.3% of residents speak only English at home, while 18.7% speak Spanish. 6.1% of the population are military veterans. 18.6% of residents have a disability. 74.6% have health insurance coverage.
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