Median Income
$80,739
7% higher than US avg
Home Value
$225,000
20% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
665/100K
75% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
64.2%
91% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.1%
16% higher than US avg
Unemployment
7.1%
97% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.3%
49% lower than US avg
How Lake Valley Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population87
Median Age58.3 yrs
Density10/mi²
Male / Female26% / 74%
Largest GroupWhite 55%
Veterans85.0%
Economy
B+
Median Income$80,739
Per Capita$29,528
Unemployment7.1%
Poverty6.3%
County GDP$7,043M
Housing
A+
Home Value$225,000
Ownership28.6%
Zillow$272,697
Housing Units78
Rent Burden27.9%
Crime
F
Violent665/100K
Property3,358/100K
Health
Obesity37.1%
Uninsured15.0%
Smoking30.1%
Depression24.7%
Heart Disease8.5%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (10°C)
AQI37 (Good)
Rain8.9 in/yr
Sunny Days330/yr
Elevation5,889 ft (1,795 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+64.2%
High School+91.4%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score4.52
Community
2024 VoteR 65% / D 33%
Broadband35.0%
Libraries3
Is Lake Valley a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Lake Valley receives an overall livability score of 3.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include a highly educated population, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, above-average unemployment, a high uninsured rate. Lake Valley offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Lake Valley is $80,739, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 7.1% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. Only 6.3% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Lake Valley is $225,000, 20% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 2.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
With 665 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 3,358 per 100,000, 71% above the national average.
Education
Lake Valley is a highly educated community / 64.2% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, well above the national average of 33.7%. 91.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Lake Valley experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 28°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 330 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 8.9 inches, including 11.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 37.
Lake Valley has a population of 87 with a density of 10 people per square mile, spread across 8.4 square miles. The median age is 58.3 years, 50% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 73.6% female and 26.4% male. The city is predominantly White (55.2%), with 44.8% Hispanic, 35.6% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 52% of residents, while 48% speak Spanish. 85.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 31.6% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 91.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
58.3yrs
Median Age
50% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Lake Valley vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
52.0%
34% below US avg
Spanish
48.0%
258% above US avg
Social Characteristics
Lake Valley vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Lake Valley is $80,739, which is 7% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $29,528 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,077, 25% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 7.1% (above the 3.6% US average). 6.3% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 3,087 business establishments, including 230 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: Lake Valley vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $80,739 |
| 7% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $29,528 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,077 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $56,852 |
| Gini Index | 0.470 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 7.1% |
| 97% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.3% |
| 49% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 3,087 |
| County GDP | $7,043M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 230 |
| Healthcare | 294 |
| Retail | 417 |
| Manufacturing | 66 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,974 |
| 15% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 92.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.32% |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 100.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Lake Valley is $225,000, 20% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $272,697, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $927 for a one-bedroom to $1,129 for a two-bedroom apartment. 28.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 78 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1967. The average annual property tax is $2,974. 27.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $225,000 |
| 20% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $272,697 |
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 | 28.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 28.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 71.4% |
| Housing Units | 78 |
| Median Year Built | 1967 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,974 |
| 15% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.32% |
In Lake Valley, 37.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 16.3% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 8.5% of residents, above the national average. 35.4% have high blood pressure. 30.1% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 11.8% report binge drinking. 34.0% are physically inactive, above the national average. 24.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 23.4% experience frequent mental distress. 15.0% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,891. The dentist ratio is 1:933. 50.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 5.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Lake Valley vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.1% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 16.3% |
| Heart Disease | 8.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 35.4% |
| Asthma | 13.6% |
| COPD | 12.3% |
| Cancer | 6.0% |
| Stroke | 5.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 30.1% |
| 115% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 11.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 34.0% |
| Depression | 24.7% |
| Mental Distress | 23.4% |
| Physical Distress | 22.2% |
| Short Sleep | 41.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.8% |
| Uninsured | 15.0% |
| 74% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,891 |
| Dentists | 1:933 |
| Mental Health | 1:355 |
| Checkup Rate | 67.1% |
| Dental Visits | 42.2% |
| Premature Death | 18,277/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 5.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 50.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 294 |
Lake Valley has a violent crime rate of 665 per 100,000 residents, 75% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,358 per 100,000, 71% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 18 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Lake Valley receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Lake Valley vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 664.6/100K |
| 75% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,358.4/100K |
| 71% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 18 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Lake Valley experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (10°C). Winters average 28°F in January while summers reach 73°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 8.9 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 11.2 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 37. The city sits at an elevation of 5,889 feet, a high-altitude location.
Temperature
28°F Jan (-2°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 49.3°F |
| 9% below US avg |
| January Average | 28°F (-2°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 330 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 5,889 ft (1,795 m) |
| Area | 8.4 sq mi (21.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 10/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 36.0901°N, 108.1642°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | San Juan County County |
| Nearest Airport | Four Corners Regional (FMN)
45 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
8.9"
77% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
1.42"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 37.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0416 ppm |
| NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide) | 8.5 ppb |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 1.25 ppb |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 88.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 91.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 5.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
29 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M2.9 on Sep 1, 2024.
| Jul 12, 2021 |
5 km E of Capulin, New Mexico |
M4.2 |
128 km |
| May 18, 2023 |
8 km ENE of San Mateo, New Mexico |
M3.8 |
97 km |
| Jul 12, 2021 |
3 km E of Capulin, New Mexico |
M3.7 |
126 km |
| Oct 20, 2016 |
3 km NNW of Seboyeta, New Mexico |
M3.5 |
117 km |
| Apr 9, 2021 |
2 km NNE of Capulin, New Mexico |
M3.3 |
124 km |
| Jul 4, 2021 |
24 km SW of Lake Valley, New Mexico |
M3.1 |
24 km |
| Jul 12, 2021 |
4 km NNE of Capulin, New Mexico |
M3.0 |
126 km |
| Jun 14, 2018 |
0 km NW of Regina, New Mexico |
M3.0 |
109 km |
| Jun 26, 2018 |
3 km ESE of Regina, New Mexico |
M3.0 |
112 km |
| Feb 8, 2021 |
3 km ENE of Capulin, New Mexico |
M2.9 |
127 km |
| Sep 1, 2024 |
7 km ENE of Capulin, New Mexico |
M2.9 |
130 km |
| Aug 10, 2019 |
5 km E of Bluewater Village, New Mexico |
M2.8 |
98 km |
| Jun 10, 2020 |
5 km WNW of Tsaile, Arizona |
M2.8 |
103 km |
| Jul 17, 2009 |
17 km SSE of Eagle Nest, New Mexico |
M2.8 |
122 km |
| Jun 17, 2022 |
4 km NNW of Regina, New Mexico |
M2.8 |
107 km |
| Nov 28, 2009 |
28 km SE of Eagle Nest, New Mexico |
M2.7 |
133 km |
| Jul 12, 2021 |
4 km SE of Capulin, New Mexico |
M2.7 |
125 km |
| Jul 13, 2021 |
4 km NE of Capulin, New Mexico |
M2.7 |
127 km |
| Jan 30, 2023 |
18 km WSW of Pueblo Pintado, New Mexico |
M2.7 |
39 km |
| Sep 23, 1995 |
4 km E of Teec Nos Pos, Arizona |
M2.7 |
121 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
13 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 10, 1957 |
EF2 |
66 km |
0 |
| Aug 30, 1966 |
EF1 |
94 km |
0 |
| Mar 21, 2020 |
EF0 |
61 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2019 |
EF0 |
60 km |
0 |
| Feb 17, 2019 |
EF0 |
81 km |
0 |
| Aug 13, 2016 |
EF0 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jun 10, 2015 |
EF0 |
56 km |
0 |
| Sep 18, 2013 |
EF0 |
63 km |
0 |
| Sep 10, 2013 |
EF0 |
92 km |
0 |
| Oct 23, 2000 |
EF0 |
92 km |
0 |
| Oct 23, 2000 |
EF0 |
92 km |
0 |
| Sep 28, 1990 |
EF0 |
71 km |
0 |
| May 28, 1963 |
EF0 |
72 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Nearby Volcanoes
1 volcano within 200 km.
Closest: Zuni-Bandera (144 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Zuni-Bandera |
Volcanic field |
2,550 m (8,366 ft) |
-1170 |
144 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.
Wildfire History
12 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: ASSAYII LAKE (13,176 ac, 2014).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2014 |
ASSAYII LAKE |
13,176 |
62 km |
| 2005 |
LITTLE WATER1 |
4,342 |
61 km |
| 2018 |
BLUE WATER |
3,663 |
95 km |
| 2005 |
HOOK LAKE |
3,609 |
71 km |
| 2009 |
SAWMILL ROAD RX |
3,411 |
99 km |
| 1999 |
LA JARA |
3,249 |
100 km |
| 2004 |
TURKEY SPRING |
3,017 |
93 km |
| 2004 |
SANDSPRING |
2,935 |
63 km |
| 2010 |
FLUTED ROCK LAKE RX |
2,630 |
95 km |
| 2001 |
VALLES |
2,460 |
97 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
1,983 |
100 km |
| 2011 |
CATTAIL CANYON JACKPOT BURN |
1,801 |
90 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
28°F (-2°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
36°F (2°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| March |
42°F (5°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| April |
49°F (9°C) |
0.4 in |
Driest |
| May |
58°F (14°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
1.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
1.4 in |
Wettest |
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| November |
40°F (4°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| December |
31°F (-1°C) |
0.6 in |
|
Lake Valley has a seasonal temperature swing of 45°F / from 28°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 9.0 inches, with August being the wettest month (1.4") and April the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Lake 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 Lake Valley
What is the population of Lake Valley?
Lake Valley has a population of 87 residents and is located in New Mexico. The population density is 10 people per square mile, spread across 8.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 58.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 73.6% female and 26.4% male.
Is Lake Valley expensive to live in?
Lake Valley 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 $80,739, 7% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $225,000 (20% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 2.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Lake Valley safe?
Public safety is a concern in Lake Valley, with a violent crime rate of 665 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 3,358 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Lake Valley receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Lake Valley?
Lake Valley has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 49°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 28°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 330 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 8.9 inches, with 11.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 37.
How is the job market in Lake Valley?
The unemployment rate in Lake Valley is 7.1%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,077. There are 3,087 business establishments in the area, including 230 restaurants and food service locations.
How much does housing cost in Lake Valley?
The median home value in Lake Valley is $225,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $272,697. The homeownership rate is 28.6%. The average annual property tax is $2,974.
How are the schools in Lake Valley?
Schools in Lake Valley have an average test score of 4.5 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 64.2% of adults in Lake Valley hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 91.4% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Lake Valley?
The obesity rate in Lake Valley is 37.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 30.1% of adults are smokers. 34.0% are physically inactive. 24.7% of residents report depression. 15.0% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 50.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,891.
What are the demographics of Lake Valley?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Lake Valley is 55.2% White, 44.8% Hispanic or Latino, 35.6% Asian. 52% of residents speak only English at home, while 48% speak Spanish. 85.0% of the population are military veterans. 31.6% of residents have a disability. 91.8% have health insurance coverage.
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