Violent Crime
237/100K
38% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
36.8%
9% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.4%
17% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
76.7%
519% higher than US avg
How La Jara Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population163
Median Age71.2 yrs
Density11/mi²
Male / Female59% / 41%
Largest GroupWhite 36%
Veterans55.8%
Economy
Per Capita$20,709
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty76.7%
County GDP$1,379M
Housing
Ownership72.9%
Zillow$255,385
Housing Units204
Rent Burden21.5%
Crime
F
Violent237/100K
Property983/100K
Health
Obesity37.4%
Uninsured22.2%
Smoking12.7%
Depression22.7%
Heart Disease5.9%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (9°C)
AQI37 (Good)
Rain12.8 in/yr
Sunny Days330/yr
Elevation7,429 ft (2,264 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+36.8%
High School+84.0%
Graduate+7.0%
School Score3.69
Community
2024 VoteR 39% / D 59%
Broadband96.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries10
Is La Jara a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, La Jara receives an overall livability score of 2.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate. La Jara has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. The poverty rate of 76.7% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in La Jara is below the national average at 237 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 983 per 100,000, 50% below the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 36.8% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 84.0% have completed high school. School test scores average 3.7/10, below typical benchmarks.
Climate & Weather
La Jara experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 28°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. With 330 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 12.8 inches, including 34.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 37.
La Jara has a population of 163 with a density of 11 people per square mile, spread across 14.3 square miles. The median age is 71.2 years, 83% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 41.1% female and 58.9% male. The city is predominantly White (35.6%), with 16% Hispanic, 16% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 35.7% of residents, while 64.3% speak Spanish. 55.8% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 20.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 99.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
71.2yrs
Median Age
83% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
35.7%
55% below US avg
Spanish
64.3%
380% above US avg
Per capita income is $20,709 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $941, 34% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 76.7% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 859 business establishments, including 65 restaurants. The cost of living index is 92.2, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $20,709 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $941 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $52,599 |
| Gini Index | 0.467 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 76.7% |
| 519% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 859 |
| County GDP | $1,379M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 65 |
| Healthcare | 72 |
| Retail | 81 |
| Manufacturing | 19 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,640 |
| 25% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 92.20 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 100.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $255,385. Fair market rent ranges from $927 for a one-bedroom to $1,129 for a two-bedroom apartment. 72.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 204 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1983. The average annual property tax is $2,640 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 21.5% 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 | 72.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 72.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 27.1% |
| Housing Units | 204 |
| Median Year Built | 1983 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,640 |
| 25% below US avg |
In La Jara, 37.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 13.4% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.9% of residents. 32.2% have high blood pressure. 12.7% are current smokers. 14.4% report binge drinking. 29.6% are physically inactive, above the national average. 22.7% report depression. 16.9% experience frequent mental distress. 22.2% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,009. The dentist ratio is 1:1,335. 49.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: La Jara vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.4% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 13.4% |
| Heart Disease | 5.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.2% |
| Asthma | 9.0% |
| COPD | 5.1% |
| Cancer | 5.1% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 12.7% |
| 9% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 14.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 29.6% |
| Depression | 22.7% |
| Mental Distress | 16.9% |
| Physical Distress | 15.6% |
| Short Sleep | 40.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 99.7% |
| Uninsured | 22.2% |
| 158% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,009 |
| Dentists | 1:1,335 |
| Mental Health | 1:183 |
| Checkup Rate | 65.2% |
| Dental Visits | 47.2% |
| Premature Death | 21,299/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 49.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 72 |
La Jara has a violent crime rate of 237 per 100,000 residents, 38% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 983 per 100,000, 50% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 13 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, La Jara receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: La Jara vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 237.3/100K |
| 38% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 982.9/100K |
| 50% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 13 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
La Jara experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winters average 28°F in January while summers reach 70°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 12.8 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 34.1 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 37. The city sits at an elevation of 7,429 feet, a high-altitude location.
Temperature
28°F Jan (-2°C)
70°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 48.7°F |
| 10% below US avg |
| January Average | 28°F (-2°C) |
| July Average | 70°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 330 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 7,429 ft (2,264 m) |
| Area | 14.3 sq mi (36.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 11/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 36.1055°N, 106.9419°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | Rio Arriba County County |
| Nearest Airport | Santa Fe Regional (SAF)
59 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
12.8"
66% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
3.27"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 37.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 80.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 91.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 9.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
| Volcano |
No Rating |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
43 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M3.2 on Sep 10, 2024.
| Jul 12, 2021 |
5 km E of Capulin, New Mexico |
M4.2 |
22 km |
| May 18, 2023 |
8 km ENE of San Mateo, New Mexico |
M3.8 |
99 km |
| Jul 12, 2021 |
3 km E of Capulin, New Mexico |
M3.7 |
21 km |
| Jun 4, 2008 |
8 km ENE of Canjilon, New Mexico |
M3.7 |
69 km |
| Sep 14, 2009 |
7 km NNW of Canjilon, New Mexico |
M3.5 |
65 km |
| Oct 20, 2016 |
3 km NNW of Seboyeta, New Mexico |
M3.5 |
106 km |
| Sep 10, 2024 |
7 km WNW of Paradise Hills, New Mexico |
M3.5 |
99 km |
| Oct 17, 2011 |
3 km SE of Cuyamungue, New Mexico |
M3.5 |
91 km |
| Apr 9, 2021 |
2 km NNE of Capulin, New Mexico |
M3.3 |
21 km |
| Sep 10, 2024 |
8 km WSW of Paradise Hills, New Mexico |
M3.2 |
104 km |
| Sep 29, 2017 |
17 km S of Mora, New Mexico |
M3.1 |
149 km |
| Jul 4, 2021 |
24 km SW of Lake Valley, New Mexico |
M3.1 |
130 km |
| Jun 26, 2018 |
3 km ESE of Regina, New Mexico |
M3.0 |
7 km |
| Jun 14, 2018 |
0 km NW of Regina, New Mexico |
M3.0 |
10 km |
| Jul 12, 2021 |
4 km NNE of Capulin, New Mexico |
M3.0 |
23 km |
| Aug 15, 2007 |
5 km W of La Cienega, New Mexico |
M3.0 |
91 km |
| Mar 31, 2013 |
4 km NNE of Eldorado at Santa Fe, New Mexico |
M3.0 |
111 km |
| Feb 8, 2021 |
3 km ENE of Capulin, New Mexico |
M2.9 |
22 km |
| Dec 9, 1991 |
5 km N of Meadow Lake, New Mexico |
M2.9 |
144 km |
| Jan 26, 2020 |
1 km SSE of Galisteo, New Mexico |
M2.9 |
121 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
20 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF1.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Sep 29, 2014 |
EF1 |
89 km |
0 |
| Sep 13, 1988 |
EF1 |
97 km |
0 |
| Dec 26, 1966 |
EF1 |
89 km |
0 |
| Aug 30, 1966 |
EF1 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 2021 |
EF0 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 17, 2021 |
EF0 |
86 km |
0 |
| Feb 17, 2019 |
EF0 |
44 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2018 |
EF0 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jul 6, 2017 |
EF0 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 9, 2017 |
EF0 |
96 km |
0 |
| Aug 13, 2016 |
EF0 |
40 km |
0 |
| Jul 24, 2012 |
EF0 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 2007 |
EF0 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 25, 1999 |
EF0 |
14 km |
0 |
| Sep 29, 1998 |
EF0 |
65 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1991 |
EF0 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 23, 1959 |
EF0 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1959 |
EF0 |
96 km |
0 |
| Oct 20, 1957 |
EF0 |
89 km |
0 |
| Oct 19, 1957 |
EF0 |
92 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Nearby Volcanoes
1 volcano within 200 km.
Closest: Zuni-Bandera (174 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Zuni-Bandera |
Volcanic field |
2,550 m (8,366 ft) |
-1170 |
174 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: LAS CONCHAS (150,874 ac, 2011).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2011 |
LAS CONCHAS |
150,874 |
54 km |
| 2022 |
CERRO PELADO |
45,620 |
55 km |
| 2000 |
CERRO GRANDE |
44,279 |
60 km |
| 2013 |
THOMPSON RIDGE |
21,077 |
42 km |
| 1996 |
DOME |
15,783 |
64 km |
| 1996 |
ARCHULETA |
15,613 |
99 km |
| 2010 |
SOUTH FORK |
12,585 |
48 km |
| 2017 |
BONITA |
7,754 |
89 km |
| 2017 |
HONDITO |
6,949 |
100 km |
| 1998 |
OSO |
5,297 |
57 km |
| 2022 |
MIDNIGHT |
5,293 |
76 km |
| 2023 |
ALAMOSA RX UNIT 1 FY24 |
4,616 |
81 km |
| 2014 |
PINO |
4,415 |
52 km |
| 2002 |
LAKES |
4,306 |
33 km |
| 2002 |
MONTOYA |
4,116 |
66 km |
| 2005 |
PINE CANYON |
4,092 |
67 km |
| 2018 |
VENADO |
4,007 |
38 km |
| 2014 |
DIEGO |
3,983 |
23 km |
| 2006 |
BEAR PAW |
3,277 |
13 km |
| 2017 |
OJITOS |
3,260 |
31 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.5 in |
Coldest |
| March |
33°F (1°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| April |
39°F (4°C) |
1.1 in |
Driest |
| May |
48°F (9°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| June |
56°F (13°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| July |
70°F (21°C) |
2.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
62°F (17°C) |
3.3 in |
Wettest |
| September |
57°F (14°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| October |
47°F (8°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| November |
35°F (2°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| December |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.5 in |
|
La Jara has a seasonal temperature swing of 43°F / from 27°F in February to 70°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 20.9 inches, with August being the wettest month (3.3") and April the driest (1.1").
Average costs for common services in La Jara. 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 La Jara
What is the population of La Jara?
La Jara has a population of 163 residents and is located in New Mexico. The population density is 11 people per square mile, spread across 14.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 71.2 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 41.1% female and 58.9% male.
Is La Jara expensive to live in?
La Jara is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 92.2 / below the baseline of 100.
Is La Jara safe?
La Jara is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 237 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 983 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, La Jara receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in La Jara?
La Jara has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 28°F in January, while summers reach an average of 70°F in July. The area receives 330 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 12.8 inches, with 34.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 37.
How is the job market in La Jara?
The job market in La Jara is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $941. There are 859 business establishments in the area, including 65 restaurants and food service locations.
How are the schools in La Jara?
Schools in La Jara have an average test score of 3.7 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 36.8% of adults in La Jara hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 84.0% have completed high school. 7.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is La Jara?
The obesity rate in La Jara is 37.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 12.7% of adults are smokers. 29.6% are physically inactive. 22.7% of residents report depression. 22.2% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 49.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,009.
What are the demographics of La Jara?
The racial and ethnic makeup of La Jara is 35.6% White, 16% Hispanic or Latino, 16% Asian. 35.7% of residents speak only English at home, while 64.3% speak Spanish. 55.8% of the population are military veterans. 20.8% of residents have a disability. 99.7% have health insurance coverage.
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