Median Income
$19,074
75% lower than US avg
Home Value
$109,300
61% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
555/100K
46% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
4.4%
87% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
46.0%
43% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.3%
19% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
80.7%
551% higher than US avg
How Haystack Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population347
Median Age57.7 yrs
Density81/mi²
Male / Female76% / 24%
Largest GroupWhite 0%
Veterans0.0%
Economy
D
Median Income$19,074
Per Capita$11,696
Unemployment4.3%
Poverty80.7%
County GDP$2,894M
Housing
B
Home Value$109,300
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$145,746
Housing Units49
Rent Burden23.3%
Crime
F
Violent555/100K
Property3,423/100K
Health
Obesity46.0%
Uninsured19.8%
Smoking38.2%
Depression27.7%
Heart Disease11.0%
Climate
Avg Temp52°F (11°C)
AQI37 (Good)
Rain9.7 in/yr
Sunny Days330/yr
Elevation7,273 ft (2,217 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+4.4%
High School+22.8%
Graduate+8.0%
School Score3.32
Community
2024 VoteR 36% / D 61%
Broadband40.0%
EV Stations3
Libraries3
Is Haystack a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Haystack receives an overall livability score of 1.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of D. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate. Haystack faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Haystack is $19,074, 75% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.3%, indicating a healthy job market. The poverty rate of 80.7% 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 Haystack is $109,300, 61% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. The price-to-income ratio of 5.7x means housing costs are stretched relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 555 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,423 per 100,000, 75% above the national average.
Education
4.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 22.8% have completed high school. School test scores average 3.3/10, below typical benchmarks.
Climate & Weather
Haystack experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 52°F. Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 330 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 9.7 inches, including 7.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 37.
Haystack has a population of 347 with a density of 81 people per square mile, spread across 4.3 square miles. The median age is 57.7 years, 48% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 23.6% female and 76.4% male. The city is predominantly Hispanic (100%), with 87.3% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 42.2% of residents, while 57.8% speak Spanish. 0.0% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 19.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 93.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
57.7yrs
Median Age
48% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
42.2%
46% below US avg
Spanish
57.8%
331% above US avg
The median household income in Haystack is $19,074, which is 75% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $11,696 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $908, 37% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.3% (above the 3.6% US average). 80.7% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,225 business establishments, including 138 restaurants. The cost of living index is 92.2, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. 34.1% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $19,074 |
| 75% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $11,696 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $908 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $41,364 |
| Gini Index | 0.501 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.3% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 80.7% |
| 551% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,225 |
| County GDP | $2,894M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 138 |
| Healthcare | 130 |
| Retail | 214 |
| Manufacturing | 22 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,272 |
| 7% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 92.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.99% |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 65.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 34.1% |
The median home value in Haystack is $109,300, 61% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $145,746, 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 49 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1980. The average annual property tax is $3,272. 23.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 5.7x, above the traditionally affordable threshold of 3-4x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $109,300 |
| 61% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $145,746 |
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 | 49 |
| Median Year Built | 1980 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,272 |
| 7% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.99% |
In Haystack, 46.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 22.5% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 11.0% of residents, above the national average. 41.3% have high blood pressure. 38.2% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 11.6% report binge drinking. 40.5% are physically inactive, above the national average. 27.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 27.9% experience frequent mental distress. 19.8% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,217. The dentist ratio is 1:1,369. 41.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 3.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Haystack vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 46.0% |
| 43% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 22.5% |
| Heart Disease | 11.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 41.3% |
| Asthma | 16.5% |
| COPD | 16.5% |
| Cancer | 5.5% |
| Stroke | 7.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 38.2% |
| 173% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 11.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 40.5% |
| Depression | 27.7% |
| Mental Distress | 27.9% |
| Physical Distress | 28.2% |
| Short Sleep | 44.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.7% |
| Uninsured | 19.8% |
| 130% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,217 |
| Dentists | 1:1,369 |
| Mental Health | 1:521 |
| Checkup Rate | 64.3% |
| Dental Visits | 31.3% |
| Premature Death | 27,593/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 3.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 41.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 130 |
Haystack has a violent crime rate of 555 per 100,000 residents, 46% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,423 per 100,000, 75% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 33 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Haystack receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Haystack vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 555.0/100K |
| 46% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,422.8/100K |
| 75% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 33 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Haystack experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 74°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 9.7 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 7.9 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 37. The city sits at an elevation of 7,273 feet, a high-altitude location.
Temperature
32°F Jan (0°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 52.1°F |
| 4% below US avg |
| January Average | 32°F (0°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 330 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 7,273 ft (2,217 m) |
| Area | 4.3 sq mi (11.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 81/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 35.3545°N, 107.9389°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | McKinley County County |
| Nearest Airport | Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ)
78 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
9.7"
75% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
2.24"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 37.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 78.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 99.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 0.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
| Volcano |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
59 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.5. Most recent: M2.6 on May 8, 2025.
| Jan 29, 1990 |
6 km W of Abeytas, New Mexico |
M4.5 |
138 km |
| Nov 8, 1990 |
4 km WSW of Abeytas, New Mexico |
M4.4 |
141 km |
| Jul 12, 2021 |
5 km E of Capulin, New Mexico |
M4.2 |
145 km |
| Jan 31, 1990 |
5 km WSW of Abeytas, New Mexico |
M4.0 |
141 km |
| May 18, 2023 |
8 km ENE of San Mateo, New Mexico |
M3.8 |
34 km |
| Jul 12, 2021 |
3 km E of Capulin, New Mexico |
M3.7 |
144 km |
| May 5, 1990 |
6 km WSW of Abeytas, New Mexico |
M3.6 |
140 km |
| Nov 15, 1990 |
4 km WSW of Abeytas, New Mexico |
M3.6 |
140 km |
| Sep 10, 2024 |
7 km WNW of Paradise Hills, New Mexico |
M3.5 |
106 km |
| Sep 29, 2012 |
4 km WNW of Belen, New Mexico |
M3.5 |
127 km |
| Oct 20, 2016 |
3 km NNW of Seboyeta, New Mexico |
M3.5 |
50 km |
| May 24, 2004 |
8 km W of Abeytas, New Mexico |
M3.5 |
137 km |
| May 1, 2025 |
14 km NW of Alamillo, New Mexico |
M3.5 |
140 km |
| Sep 23, 2009 |
29 km W of Alamo, New Mexico |
M3.4 |
100 km |
| Apr 9, 2021 |
2 km NNE of Capulin, New Mexico |
M3.3 |
144 km |
| Jul 31, 1990 |
4 km WSW of Abeytas, New Mexico |
M3.3 |
140 km |
| Apr 6, 2011 |
17 km WNW of La Joya, New Mexico |
M3.2 |
135 km |
| Sep 10, 2024 |
8 km WSW of Paradise Hills, New Mexico |
M3.2 |
106 km |
| Jul 21, 1990 |
4 km WSW of Abeytas, New Mexico |
M3.2 |
141 km |
| Nov 8, 1990 |
4 km WSW of Abeytas, New Mexico |
M3.1 |
140 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
7 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2. Total: 1 fatality, 8 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Oct 10, 1974 |
EF2 |
83 km |
1 |
| May 30, 2019 |
EF0 |
28 km |
0 |
| Feb 17, 2019 |
EF0 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 2018 |
EF0 |
55 km |
0 |
| Sep 30, 2017 |
EF0 |
81 km |
0 |
| Aug 13, 2016 |
EF0 |
86 km |
0 |
| Oct 20, 1957 |
EF0 |
67 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Nearby Volcanoes
2 volcanoes within 200 km.
Closest: Zuni-Bandera (62 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Zuni-Bandera |
Volcanic field |
2,550 m (8,366 ft) |
-1170 |
62 km |
| Red Hill |
Volcanic field |
2,300 m (7,546 ft) |
-9450 |
147 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: CHERRY (15,105 ac, 2002).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2002 |
CHERRY |
15,105 |
58 km |
| 2018 |
DIENER CANYON |
9,824 |
25 km |
| 2004 |
SEDGWICK |
9,241 |
23 km |
| 2019 |
TRIPLE NICKLE |
7,819 |
36 km |
| 2018 |
BLUE WATER |
3,663 |
19 km |
| 1989 |
COLLAPSE |
3,438 |
63 km |
| 2019 |
REDONDO RX |
3,382 |
30 km |
| 1999 |
LA JARA |
3,249 |
27 km |
| 1989 |
MALPAIS |
2,300 |
60 km |
| 2004 |
BROADCAST BLOCK 1 |
2,285 |
63 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
1,983 |
27 km |
| 1989 |
HOYA |
1,869 |
56 km |
| 2023 |
COPPERTAN RX 23 BLOCK 1 AND 2 |
1,850 |
31 km |
| 2000 |
WALL |
1,751 |
55 km |
| 2021 |
COPPERTAN RX FY21 |
1,694 |
31 km |
| 2012 |
COPPERTON |
1,583 |
31 km |
| 2017 |
ENCINO |
1,501 |
100 km |
| 2014 |
2 MERTZ RX |
1,426 |
81 km |
| 2006 |
FOREST UNIT |
1,408 |
72 km |
| 2014 |
WHISKEY |
1,176 |
45 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
32°F (0°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| February |
33°F (1°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
39°F (4°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
0.5 in |
Driest |
| May |
55°F (13°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| June |
64°F (18°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
1.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
67°F (19°C) |
2.2 in |
Wettest |
| September |
60°F (16°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| October |
49°F (10°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| November |
38°F (3°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| December |
30°F (-1°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest |
Haystack has a seasonal temperature swing of 44°F / from 30°F in December to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 11.3 inches, with August being the wettest month (2.2") and April the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Haystack. 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 Haystack
What is the population of Haystack?
Haystack has a population of 347 residents and is located in New Mexico. The population density is 81 people per square mile, spread across 4.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 57.7 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 23.6% female and 76.4% male.
Is Haystack expensive to live in?
Haystack 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 $19,074, 75% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $109,300 (61% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 5.7x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.
Is Haystack safe?
The violent crime rate in Haystack is 555 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 3,423 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Haystack receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Haystack?
Haystack has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 32°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 330 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 9.7 inches, with 7.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 37.
How is the job market in Haystack?
Haystack has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.3%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $908. There are 1,225 business establishments in the area, including 138 restaurants and food service locations.
How much does housing cost in Haystack?
The median home value in Haystack is $109,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $145,746. The homeownership rate is 100.0%. The average annual property tax is $3,272.
How are the schools in Haystack?
Schools in Haystack have an average test score of 3.3 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 4.4% of adults in Haystack hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 22.8% have completed high school. 8.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Haystack?
The obesity rate in Haystack is 46.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 38.2% of adults are smokers. 40.5% are physically inactive. 27.7% of residents report depression. 19.8% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 41.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,217.
What are the demographics of Haystack?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Haystack is 100% Hispanic or Latino, 87.3% Asian. 42.2% of residents speak only English at home, while 57.8% speak Spanish. 0.0% of the population are military veterans. 19.5% of residents have a disability. 93.7% have health insurance coverage.
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