Violent Crime
766/100K
102% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.6%
8% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
63.9%
415% higher than US avg
How La Joya Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population139
Median Age42.7 yrs
Density148/mi²
Male / Female91% / 9%
Largest GroupWhite 20%
Veterans56.8%
Economy
Per Capita$28,142
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty63.9%
County GDP$2,430M
Housing
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$193,880
Housing Units68
Rent Burden29.6%
Crime
F
Violent766/100K
Property5,327/100K
Health
Obesity34.6%
Uninsured19.1%
Smoking16.6%
Depression18.6%
Heart Disease6.7%
Climate
Avg Temp58°F (15°C)
AQI37 (Good)
Rain8.6 in/yr
Sunny Days330/yr
Elevation4,723 ft (1,440 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+0.0%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score4.71
Community
2024 VoteR 57% / D 41%
Broadband36.0%
EV Stations5
Libraries5
Is La Joya a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, La Joya receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate. La Joya offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. The poverty rate of 63.9% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population.
Safety & Crime
With 766 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 5,327 per 100,000, 172% above the national average.
Education
0.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.7/10.
Climate & Weather
La Joya enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F. Winters average 37°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. With 330 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 8.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 37.
La Joya has a population of 139 with a density of 148 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age is 42.7 years, 10% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 9.4% female and 90.6% male. The city is predominantly White (20.1%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 44.1% of residents, while 55.9% speak Spanish. 56.8% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 15.4% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
42.7yrs
Median Age
10% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
44.1%
44% below US avg
Spanish
55.9%
317% above US avg
Per capita income is $28,142 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $955, 33% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 63.9% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,532 business establishments, including 85 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 | $28,142 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $955 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $55,941 |
| Gini Index | 0.453 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 63.9% |
| 415% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,532 |
| County GDP | $2,430M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 85 |
| Healthcare | 113 |
| Retail | 155 |
| Manufacturing | 34 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,068 |
| 12% 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 $193,880. 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 68 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $3,068. 29.6% 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 | 68 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,068 |
| 12% below US avg |
In La Joya, 34.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 13.7% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.7% of residents, above the national average. 31.8% have high blood pressure. 16.6% are current smokers. 12.1% report binge drinking. 29.6% are physically inactive, above the national average. 18.6% report depression. 15.2% experience frequent mental distress. 19.1% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,356. The dentist ratio is 1:3,003. 47.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 5.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: La Joya vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.6% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 13.7% |
| Heart Disease | 6.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.8% |
| Asthma | 8.4% |
| COPD | 6.9% |
| Cancer | 5.3% |
| Stroke | 3.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.6% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 12.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 29.6% |
| Depression | 18.6% |
| Mental Distress | 15.2% |
| Physical Distress | 16.2% |
| Short Sleep | 30.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 19.1% |
| 122% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,356 |
| Dentists | 1:3,003 |
| Mental Health | 1:437 |
| Checkup Rate | 57.4% |
| Dental Visits | 42.0% |
| Premature Death | 11,779/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 5.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 47.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 113 |
La Joya has a violent crime rate of 766 per 100,000 residents, 102% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 5,327 per 100,000, 172% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 12 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 273 federally declared disasters. Overall, La Joya receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: La Joya vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 765.9/100K |
| 102% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 5,327.2/100K |
| 172% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 12 |
| Traffic Accidents | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 273 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
La Joya enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F (15°C). Winters average 37°F in January while summers reach 80°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 8.6 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 4,723 feet.
Temperature
37°F Jan (3°C)
80°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 58.2°F |
| 8% above US avg |
| January Average | 37°F (3°C) |
| July Average | 80°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 330 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 4,723 ft (1,440 m) |
| Area | 0.9 sq mi (2.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 148/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 34.3450°N, 106.8467°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | Valencia County County |
| Nearest Airport | Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ)
50 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
8.6"
78% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
1.93"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 37.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 82.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 64.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 3.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Moderate |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Volcano |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
82 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.5. Most recent: M2.6 on May 9, 2025.
| Jan 29, 1990 |
6 km W of Abeytas, New Mexico |
M4.5 |
14 km |
| Nov 8, 1990 |
4 km WSW of Abeytas, New Mexico |
M4.4 |
12 km |
| Jan 31, 1990 |
5 km WSW of Abeytas, New Mexico |
M4.0 |
11 km |
| Feb 27, 1990 |
25 km E of San Antonio, New Mexico |
M3.9 |
50 km |
| May 18, 2023 |
8 km ENE of San Mateo, New Mexico |
M3.8 |
131 km |
| Jul 22, 1990 |
5 km SE of McIntosh, New Mexico |
M3.7 |
95 km |
| Jan 4, 1998 |
5 km NE of Mountainair, New Mexico |
M3.6 |
64 km |
| Feb 21, 1990 |
31 km ENE of San Antonio, New Mexico |
M3.6 |
46 km |
| May 5, 1990 |
6 km WSW of Abeytas, New Mexico |
M3.6 |
12 km |
| Nov 15, 1990 |
4 km WSW of Abeytas, New Mexico |
M3.6 |
13 km |
| Sep 10, 2024 |
7 km WNW of Paradise Hills, New Mexico |
M3.5 |
98 km |
| May 24, 2004 |
8 km W of Abeytas, New Mexico |
M3.5 |
14 km |
| Sep 29, 2012 |
4 km WNW of Belen, New Mexico |
M3.5 |
37 km |
| Dec 31, 1997 |
8 km E of Mountainair, New Mexico |
M3.5 |
67 km |
| Dec 31, 1997 |
8 km ENE of Mountainair, New Mexico |
M3.5 |
68 km |
| May 1, 2025 |
14 km NW of Alamillo, New Mexico |
M3.5 |
15 km |
| Oct 20, 2016 |
3 km NNW of Seboyeta, New Mexico |
M3.5 |
111 km |
| Jun 20, 1991 |
47 km SE of San Antonito, New Mexico |
M3.5 |
88 km |
| Jul 22, 2013 |
25 km E of San Antonio, New Mexico |
M3.4 |
52 km |
| May 23, 2007 |
4 km WNW of Socorro, New Mexico |
M3.4 |
32 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
37 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2. Total: 1 fatality, 8 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 27, 1975 |
EF2 |
36 km |
0 |
| Oct 10, 1974 |
EF2 |
89 km |
1 |
| May 13, 2012 |
EF1 |
49 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1966 |
EF1 |
41 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1965 |
EF1 |
96 km |
0 |
| Aug 2, 1950 |
EF1 |
43 km |
0 |
| May 31, 2021 |
EF0 |
21 km |
0 |
| May 31, 2021 |
EF0 |
78 km |
0 |
| May 17, 2021 |
EF0 |
50 km |
0 |
| May 17, 2021 |
EF0 |
34 km |
0 |
| Aug 15, 2020 |
EF0 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jul 15, 2020 |
EF0 |
22 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 2018 |
EF0 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 2018 |
EF0 |
76 km |
0 |
| Sep 30, 2017 |
EF0 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jul 17, 2016 |
EF0 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 2012 |
EF0 |
35 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 2011 |
EF0 |
79 km |
0 |
| Apr 17, 2005 |
EF0 |
14 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 2005 |
EF0 |
80 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Nearby Volcanoes
3 volcanoes within 200 km.
Closest: Carrizozo (105 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Carrizozo |
Pyroclastic cone(s) |
1,731 m (5,679 ft) |
-3250 |
105 km |
| Zuni-Bandera |
Volcanic field |
2,550 m (8,366 ft) |
-1170 |
117 km |
| Red Hill |
Volcanic field |
2,300 m (7,546 ft) |
-9450 |
183 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BEAR TRAP (38,201 ac, 2022).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2022 |
BEAR TRAP |
38,201 |
87 km |
| 2016 |
NORTH |
34,562 |
77 km |
| 1994 |
POT |
30,248 |
94 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
22,591 |
97 km |
| 2016 |
DOG HEAD |
19,816 |
75 km |
| 2020 |
VICS PEAK |
16,283 |
97 km |
| 2009 |
EAST MAGDALENA RX |
15,626 |
48 km |
| 2008 |
TRIGO |
13,855 |
57 km |
| 2015 |
RED CANYON |
13,506 |
87 km |
| 1994 |
BLACK |
10,695 |
89 km |
| 2017 |
TIFFANY |
8,654 |
77 km |
| 2009 |
BLACK BUTTE |
8,124 |
13 km |
| 1996 |
SAN PEDRO |
8,048 |
55 km |
| 2010 |
FISHER RX |
7,892 |
83 km |
| 1994 |
OSCURA |
7,179 |
90 km |
| 2007 |
OJO PEAK |
6,118 |
49 km |
| 1994 |
PINNACLE |
5,964 |
89 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
5,083 |
49 km |
| 2008 |
BIG SPRING |
5,050 |
65 km |
| 2006 |
MARCIAL |
4,873 |
70 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
37°F (3°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| February |
41°F (5°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| March |
47°F (8°C) |
0.3 in |
Driest |
| April |
54°F (12°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| May |
63°F (17°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| July |
80°F (26°C) |
1.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
76°F (24°C) |
1.9 in |
Wettest |
| September |
69°F (21°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| October |
58°F (14°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| November |
45°F (7°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| December |
37°F (3°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest |
La Joya has a seasonal temperature swing of 43°F / from 37°F in December to 80°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 9.0 inches, with August being the wettest month (1.9") and March the driest (0.3").
Average costs for common services in La Joya. 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 Joya
What is the population of La Joya?
La Joya has a population of 139 residents and is located in New Mexico. The population density is 148 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 42.7 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 9.4% female and 90.6% male.
Is La Joya expensive to live in?
La Joya is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 92.2 / below the baseline of 100.
Is La Joya safe?
Public safety is a concern in La Joya, with a violent crime rate of 766 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 5,327 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, La Joya receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in La Joya?
La Joya enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F (15°C). Winter temperatures average 37°F in January, while summers reach an average of 80°F in July. The area receives 330 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 8.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 37.
How is the job market in La Joya?
The job market in La Joya is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $955. There are 1,532 business establishments in the area, including 85 restaurants and food service locations.
How are the schools in La Joya?
Schools in La Joya have an average test score of 4.7 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 0.0% of adults in La Joya hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is La Joya?
The obesity rate in La Joya is 34.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.6% of adults are smokers. 29.6% are physically inactive. 18.6% of residents report depression. 19.1% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 47.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,356.
What are the demographics of La Joya?
The racial and ethnic makeup of La Joya is 20.1% White. 44.1% of residents speak only English at home, while 55.9% speak Spanish. 56.8% of the population are military veterans. 15.4% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
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