Home Value
$130,500
54% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
1,937/100K
410% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
8.8%
74% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.5%
20% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.8%
6% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
50.0%
303% higher than US avg
How Highland Meadows Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population332
Median Age29.9 yrs
Density48/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 71%
Veterans0.9%
Economy
Per Capita$16,552
Unemployment3.8%
Poverty50.0%
County GDP$868M
Housing
Home Value$130,500
Ownership68.6%
Zillow$256,872
Housing Units256
Rent Burden25.3%
Crime
F
Violent1,937/100K
Property7,153/100K
Health
Obesity38.5%
Uninsured19.3%
Smoking21.1%
Depression26.2%
Heart Disease7.9%
Climate
Avg Temp53°F (12°C)
AQI37 (Good)
Rain10.0 in/yr
Sunny Days330/yr
Elevation5,497 ft (1,675 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+8.8%
High School+95.4%
Graduate+6.3%
School Score4.24
Community
2024 VoteR 48% / D 50%
Broadband66.1%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is Highland Meadows a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Highland Meadows receives an overall livability score of 1.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of F. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate. Highland Meadows faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.
Economy & Jobs
Unemployment stands at 3.8%, indicating a healthy job market. The poverty rate of 50.0% 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 Highland Meadows is $130,500, 54% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership.
Safety & Crime
With 1,937 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 7,153 per 100,000, 265% above the national average.
Education
8.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.2/10.
Climate & Weather
Highland Meadows experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 53°F. Winters average 34°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 10.0 inches, including 15.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 37.
Highland Meadows has a population of 332 with a density of 48 people per square mile, spread across 7.0 square miles. The median age is 29.9 years, 23% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.6% female and 49.4% male. The city is predominantly White (71.1%), with 9.3% Hispanic, 5.7% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 75.2% of residents, while 24.8% speak Spanish. 0.9% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 26.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 62.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
29.9yrs
Median Age
23% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Highland Meadows vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
75.2%
4% below US avg
Spanish
24.8%
85% above US avg
Social Characteristics
Highland Meadows vs U.S. Average
Per capita income is $16,552 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $934, 35% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.8% (above the 3.6% US average). 50.0% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 449 business establishments, including 46 restaurants. The cost of living index is 92.2, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. 17.5% of workers work from home.
Income: Highland Meadows vs U.S.
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $16,552 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $934 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $41,403 |
| Gini Index | 0.428 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.8% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 50.0% |
| 303% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 449 |
| County GDP | $868M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 46 |
| Healthcare | 44 |
| Retail | 57 |
| Manufacturing | 5 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,380 |
| 32% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 92.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.82% |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 64.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 17.5% |
The median home value in Highland Meadows is $130,500, 54% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $256,872, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $927 for a one-bedroom to $1,129 for a two-bedroom apartment. 68.6% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 256 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1989. The average annual property tax is $2,380 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 25.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Home Values
| Census Median | $130,500 |
| 54% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $256,872 |
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 | 68.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 68.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 31.4% |
| Housing Units | 256 |
| Median Year Built | 1989 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,380 |
| 32% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.82% |
In Highland Meadows, 38.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 14.6% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.9% of residents, above the national average. 35.4% have high blood pressure. 21.1% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 13.7% report binge drinking. 33.1% are physically inactive, above the national average. 26.2% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.8% experience frequent mental distress. 19.3% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,091. The dentist ratio is 1:1,497. 53.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 4.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Highland Meadows vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.5% |
| 20% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 14.6% |
| Heart Disease | 7.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 35.4% |
| Asthma | 11.1% |
| COPD | 9.1% |
| Cancer | 6.0% |
| Stroke | 4.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 21.1% |
| 51% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 13.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 33.1% |
| Depression | 26.2% |
| Mental Distress | 20.8% |
| Physical Distress | 19.1% |
| Short Sleep | 39.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 62.8% |
| Uninsured | 19.3% |
| 124% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,091 |
| Dentists | 1:1,497 |
| Mental Health | 1:268 |
| Checkup Rate | 66.1% |
| Dental Visits | 39.6% |
| Premature Death | 16,697/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 4.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 53.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 44 |
Highland Meadows has a violent crime rate of 1,937 per 100,000 residents, 410% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 7,153 per 100,000, 265% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 13 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Highland Meadows receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Highland Meadows vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 1,936.9/100K |
| 410% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 7,152.7/100K |
| 265% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 13 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Highland Meadows experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winters average 34°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 10.0 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 15.0 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 37. The city sits at an elevation of 5,497 feet, a high-altitude location.
Temperature
34°F Jan (1°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 52.7°F |
| 2% below US avg |
| January Average | 34°F (1°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 330 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 5,497 ft (1,675 m) |
| Area | 7.0 sq mi (18.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 48/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 34.9386°N, 107.1665°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | Cibola County County |
| Nearest Airport | Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ)
32 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
10.0"
74% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
1.89"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 37.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 58.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 94.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 3.6 / 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 |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Volcano |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
85 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 |
59 km |
| Nov 8, 1990 |
4 km WSW of Abeytas, New Mexico |
M4.4 |
61 km |
| Jul 12, 2021 |
5 km E of Capulin, New Mexico |
M4.2 |
148 km |
| Jan 31, 1990 |
5 km WSW of Abeytas, New Mexico |
M4.0 |
62 km |
| Feb 27, 1990 |
25 km E of San Antonio, New Mexico |
M3.9 |
122 km |
| May 18, 2023 |
8 km ENE of San Mateo, New Mexico |
M3.8 |
60 km |
| Jul 12, 2021 |
3 km E of Capulin, New Mexico |
M3.7 |
148 km |
| Jul 22, 1990 |
5 km SE of McIntosh, New Mexico |
M3.7 |
106 km |
| Nov 15, 1990 |
4 km WSW of Abeytas, New Mexico |
M3.6 |
61 km |
| Jan 4, 1998 |
5 km NE of Mountainair, New Mexico |
M3.6 |
99 km |
| May 5, 1990 |
6 km WSW of Abeytas, New Mexico |
M3.6 |
61 km |
| Feb 21, 1990 |
31 km ENE of San Antonio, New Mexico |
M3.6 |
118 km |
| Oct 20, 2016 |
3 km NNW of Seboyeta, New Mexico |
M3.5 |
39 km |
| Dec 31, 1997 |
8 km ENE of Mountainair, New Mexico |
M3.5 |
102 km |
| Dec 31, 1997 |
8 km E of Mountainair, New Mexico |
M3.5 |
103 km |
| May 1, 2025 |
14 km NW of Alamillo, New Mexico |
M3.5 |
67 km |
| Oct 17, 2011 |
3 km SE of Cuyamungue, New Mexico |
M3.5 |
148 km |
| Sep 10, 2024 |
7 km WNW of Paradise Hills, New Mexico |
M3.5 |
47 km |
| Sep 29, 2012 |
4 km WNW of Belen, New Mexico |
M3.5 |
43 km |
| May 24, 2004 |
8 km W of Abeytas, New Mexico |
M3.5 |
58 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
44 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2. Total: 1 fatality, 9 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 27, 1975 |
EF2 |
45 km |
0 |
| Oct 10, 1974 |
EF2 |
22 km |
1 |
| May 13, 2012 |
EF1 |
95 km |
0 |
| Sep 13, 1988 |
EF1 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1966 |
EF1 |
48 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1965 |
EF1 |
60 km |
0 |
| Aug 20, 1956 |
EF1 |
92 km |
0 |
| Aug 2, 1950 |
EF1 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 2021 |
EF0 |
67 km |
0 |
| May 31, 2021 |
EF0 |
87 km |
0 |
| May 17, 2021 |
EF0 |
46 km |
0 |
| May 17, 2021 |
EF0 |
92 km |
0 |
| Aug 15, 2020 |
EF0 |
49 km |
0 |
| Jul 15, 2020 |
EF0 |
63 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2019 |
EF0 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 2018 |
EF0 |
42 km |
0 |
| Sep 30, 2017 |
EF0 |
3 km |
0 |
| Jul 6, 2017 |
EF0 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jul 17, 2016 |
EF0 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 2015 |
EF0 |
91 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Nearby Volcanoes
3 volcanoes within 200 km.
Closest: Zuni-Bandera (78 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Zuni-Bandera |
Volcanic field |
2,550 m (8,366 ft) |
-1170 |
78 km |
| Red Hill |
Volcanic field |
2,300 m (7,546 ft) |
-9450 |
170 km |
| Carrizozo |
Pyroclastic cone(s) |
1,731 m (5,679 ft) |
-3250 |
172 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: DOG HEAD (19,816 ac, 2016).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2016 |
DOG HEAD |
19,816 |
80 km |
| 2002 |
CHERRY |
15,105 |
84 km |
| 2008 |
TRIGO |
13,855 |
77 km |
| 2018 |
DIENER CANYON |
9,824 |
89 km |
| 2004 |
SEDGWICK |
9,241 |
89 km |
| 2009 |
BLACK BUTTE |
8,124 |
75 km |
| 2019 |
TRIPLE NICKLE |
7,819 |
55 km |
| 2007 |
OJO PEAK |
6,118 |
79 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
5,083 |
79 km |
| 2008 |
BIG SPRING |
5,050 |
77 km |
| 2017 |
NMSER FY17 RX #1 |
4,817 |
78 km |
| 2008 |
LADRONE RX |
4,406 |
56 km |
| 2002 |
MIDDLE TANK |
4,279 |
79 km |
| 2019 |
NMSER-FY18-RX-NORTH DIAMOND |
4,261 |
79 km |
| 2018 |
VENADO |
4,007 |
99 km |
| 2018 |
BLUE WATER |
3,663 |
91 km |
| 1989 |
COLLAPSE |
3,438 |
82 km |
| 2019 |
REDONDO RX |
3,382 |
98 km |
| 1999 |
LA JARA |
3,249 |
59 km |
| 1989 |
MALPAIS |
2,300 |
84 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
34°F (1°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
40°F (4°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| March |
46°F (8°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| April |
53°F (12°C) |
0.4 in |
Driest |
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| August |
74°F (23°C) |
1.9 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| September |
67°F (20°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| October |
56°F (13°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| November |
43°F (6°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| December |
35°F (1°C) |
0.5 in |
|
Highland Meadows has a seasonal temperature swing of 40°F / from 34°F in January to 74°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 9.5 inches, with August being the wettest month (1.9") and April the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Highland Meadows. 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 Highland Meadows
What is the population of Highland Meadows?
Highland Meadows has a population of 332 residents and is located in New Mexico. The population density is 48 people per square mile, spread across 7.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 29.9 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.6% female and 49.4% male.
Is Highland Meadows expensive to live in?
Highland Meadows 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 $130,500 (54% below the U.S. median).
Is Highland Meadows safe?
Public safety is a concern in Highland Meadows, with a violent crime rate of 1,937 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 7,153 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Highland Meadows receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Highland Meadows?
Highland Meadows has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 34°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 10.0 inches, with 15.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 37.
How is the job market in Highland Meadows?
Highland Meadows has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.8%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $934. There are 449 business establishments in the area, including 46 restaurants and food service locations.
How much does housing cost in Highland Meadows?
The median home value in Highland Meadows is $130,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $256,872. The homeownership rate is 68.6%. The average annual property tax is $2,380.
How are the schools in Highland Meadows?
Schools in Highland Meadows have an average test score of 4.2 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 8.8% of adults in Highland Meadows hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.4% have completed high school. 6.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Highland Meadows?
The obesity rate in Highland Meadows is 38.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 21.1% of adults are smokers. 33.1% are physically inactive. 26.2% of residents report depression. 19.3% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 53.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,091.
What are the demographics of Highland Meadows?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Highland Meadows is 71.1% White, 9.3% Hispanic or Latino, 5.7% Asian. 75.2% of residents speak only English at home, while 24.8% speak Spanish. 0.9% of the population are military veterans. 26.5% of residents have a disability. 62.8% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
