Median Income
$36,691
51% lower than US avg
Home Value
$77,900
72% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
10.6%
69% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$545
53% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
31.8%
1% lower than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
7.1%
43% lower than US avg
How Maxwell Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population370
Median Age31.0 yrs
Density787/mi²
Male / Female44% / 56%
Largest GroupWhite 81%
Veterans11.2%
Economy
B+
Median Income$36,691
Per Capita$21,267
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty7.1%
County GDP$623M
Commute31 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$77,900
Rent$545
Ownership63.2%
Zillow$151,873
Housing Units181
Rent Burden21.0%
Crime
Violent0/100K
Property0/100K
Health
Obesity31.8%
Uninsured17.8%
Smoking11.7%
Depression21.1%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (9°C)
AQI37 (Good)
Rain14.1 in/yr
Sunny Days330/yr
Elevation5,925 ft (1,806 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+10.6%
High School+89.4%
Graduate+4.0%
School Score4.60
Community
2024 VoteR 56% / D 42%
Commute31 min
Broadband73.7%
EV Stations3
Libraries4
Is Maxwell a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Maxwell receives an overall livability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes. Maxwell offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Maxwell is $36,691, 51% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 7.1% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 31 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Maxwell is $77,900, 72% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $545 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Maxwell is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 0 per 100,000, 100% below the national average.
Education
10.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Maxwell experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. With 330 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 14.1 inches, including 21.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 37.
Maxwell has a population of 370 with a density of 787 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age is 31.0 years, 20% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 55.9% female and 44.1% male. The city is predominantly White (81.1%), with 4.9% Hispanic, 1.4% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 82.5% of residents, while 17.5% speak Spanish. 11.2% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 27.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 79.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
31.0yrs
Median Age
20% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
82.5%
5% above US avg
Spanish
17.5%
31% above US avg
The median household income in Maxwell is $36,691, which is 51% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $21,267 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $848, 41% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 7.1% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 550 business establishments, including 70 restaurants. The cost of living index is 92.2, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 31 minutes. 13.0% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $36,691 |
| 51% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $21,267 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $848 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $54,385 |
| Gini Index | 0.417 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 7.1% |
| 43% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 550 |
| County GDP | $623M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 70 |
| Healthcare | 29 |
| Retail | 67 |
| Manufacturing | 14 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,431 |
| 2% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 92.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.40% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 30.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 66.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 13.0% |
The median home value in Maxwell is $77,900, 72% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $151,873, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $545 (53% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $927 for a one-bedroom to $1,129 for a two-bedroom apartment. 63.2% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 181 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1967. The average annual property tax is $3,431. 21.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $77,900 |
| 72% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $151,873 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $545 |
| 53% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 21.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $828 |
| 1 Bedroom | $927 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,129 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,496 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,758 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 63.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 63.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 36.8% |
| Housing Units | 181 |
| Median Year Built | 1967 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,431 |
| 2% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.40% |
In Maxwell, 31.8% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 11.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 29.1% have high blood pressure. 11.7% are current smokers. 15.8% report binge drinking. 24.7% are physically inactive. 21.1% report depression. 15.6% experience frequent mental distress. 17.8% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,474. The dentist ratio is 1:2,449. 79.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Maxwell vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 31.8% |
| 1% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.3% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.1% |
| Asthma | 9.1% |
| COPD | 4.9% |
| Cancer | 5.7% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 11.7% |
| 16% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.7% |
| Depression | 21.1% |
| Mental Distress | 15.6% |
| Physical Distress | 14.0% |
| Short Sleep | 34.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 79.3% |
| Uninsured | 17.8% |
| 107% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,474 |
| Dentists | 1:2,449 |
| Mental Health | 1:98 |
| Checkup Rate | 66.4% |
| Dental Visits | 61.5% |
| Premature Death | 13,075/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 79.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 29 |
Maxwell has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 0 per 100,000, 100% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 182 federally declared disasters.
Crime Rates: Maxwell vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Traffic Accidents | 3 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.7 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 182 |
Safety Score
Maxwell experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 69°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 14.1 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 21.4 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 5,925 feet, a high-altitude location.
Temperature
30°F Jan (-1°C)
69°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 48.7°F |
| 10% below US avg |
| January Average | 30°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 69°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 330 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 5,925 ft (1,806 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 787/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 36.5411°N, 104.5430°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | Colfax County County |
| Nearest Airport | Taos Regional (TSM)
63 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
14.1"
63% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
2.95"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 37.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 58.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 95.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 35.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Volcano |
No Rating |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
339 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.3. Most recent: M3.4 on Jun 28, 2025.
| Aug 23, 2011 |
6 km S of Valdez, Colorado |
M5.3 |
60 km |
| Aug 10, 2005 |
20 km S of Weston, Colorado |
M5.0 |
52 km |
| Aug 22, 2011 |
9 km SSW of Starkville, Colorado |
M4.7 |
55 km |
| Sep 5, 2001 |
0 km SE of Cokedale, Colorado |
M4.5 |
67 km |
| Mar 22, 2004 |
30 km S of Weston, Colorado |
M4.4 |
44 km |
| Jan 3, 2007 |
8 km SSW of Weston, Colorado |
M4.4 |
66 km |
| Mar 10, 2023 |
6 km NNE of Segundo, Colorado |
M4.3 |
73 km |
| Aug 1, 2004 |
31 km S of Stonewall Gap, Colorado |
M4.3 |
62 km |
| Jun 19, 2023 |
Colorado |
M4.1 |
86 km |
| Aug 10, 2005 |
20 km SSW of Segundo, Colorado |
M4.1 |
52 km |
| Jul 29, 2009 |
32 km NNE of Cimarron, New Mexico |
M4.1 |
39 km |
| Aug 26, 2023 |
19 km SSW of Weston, Colorado |
M4.0 |
59 km |
| Aug 23, 2011 |
7 km S of Valdez, Colorado |
M4.0 |
59 km |
| Sep 13, 2011 |
20 km S of Sequndo, Colorado |
M4.0 |
47 km |
| Feb 6, 2016 |
Colorado |
M4.0 |
71 km |
| Sep 4, 2001 |
2 km W of Cokedale, Colorado |
M4.0 |
68 km |
| Aug 23, 2016 |
18 km SSW of Weston, CO |
M3.9 |
61 km |
| Aug 20, 2015 |
7 km WSW of Weston, Colorado |
M3.9 |
71 km |
| Mar 10, 2023 |
5 km N of Sequndo, Colorado |
M3.9 |
72 km |
| Sep 16, 2011 |
26 km S of Sequndo, Colorado |
M3.9 |
42 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
73 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 1 fatality, 52 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 14, 1977 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| May 29, 1964 |
EF3 |
4 km |
1 |
| Jul 25, 1996 |
EF2 |
34 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 1992 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 17, 1962 |
EF2 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 2014 |
EF1 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 2014 |
EF1 |
79 km |
0 |
| Aug 17, 1992 |
EF1 |
11 km |
0 |
| Jun 10, 1983 |
EF1 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 10, 1983 |
EF1 |
60 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1979 |
EF1 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 1977 |
EF1 |
17 km |
0 |
| Jul 21, 1973 |
EF1 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1965 |
EF1 |
60 km |
0 |
| May 17, 1962 |
EF1 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 2022 |
EF0 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 2021 |
EF0 |
88 km |
0 |
| May 28, 2021 |
EF0 |
8 km |
0 |
| May 28, 2021 |
EF0 |
7 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 2020 |
EF0 |
62 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: PONIL COMPLEX (89,084 ac, 2002).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2002 |
PONIL COMPLEX |
89,084 |
48 km |
| 2022 |
COOKS PEAK |
61,195 |
48 km |
| 2006 |
GLADSTONE |
44,125 |
73 km |
| 2018 |
UTE PARK |
30,177 |
43 km |
| 2011 |
TRACK |
28,893 |
50 km |
| 2006 |
CASA |
27,452 |
35 km |
| 2002 |
SPRING |
24,044 |
65 km |
| 2006 |
OJO FELIZ |
17,767 |
72 km |
| 2005 |
GLADSTONE |
16,794 |
57 km |
| 2006 |
RIVERA MESA |
16,412 |
47 km |
| 1993 |
OJO |
14,887 |
69 km |
| 2002 |
CERRO PELON |
13,015 |
66 km |
| 2020 |
LUNA |
10,849 |
81 km |
| 1996 |
FARLEY |
10,456 |
47 km |
| 2006 |
LEVI |
9,491 |
54 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
8,454 |
57 km |
| 2018 |
EMILY |
8,342 |
70 km |
| 1996 |
HONDO |
8,258 |
95 km |
| 2000 |
DIAMOND |
7,866 |
64 km |
| 2002 |
JAMES AND JOHN |
7,190 |
60 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
30°F (-1°C) |
0.3 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
35°F (1°C) |
0.3 in |
|
| March |
41°F (5°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| April |
48°F (9°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| June |
65°F (19°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| July |
69°F (21°C) |
2.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
68°F (20°C) |
3.0 in |
Wettest |
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| October |
51°F (11°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| November |
39°F (4°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| December |
31°F (-0°C) |
0.3 in |
|
Maxwell has a seasonal temperature swing of 40°F / from 30°F in January to 69°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 14.3 inches, with August being the wettest month (3.0") and January the driest (0.3").
Average costs for common services in Maxwell. 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 Maxwell
What is the population of Maxwell?
Maxwell has a population of 370 residents and is located in New Mexico. The population density is 787 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 31.0 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 55.9% female and 44.1% male.
Is Maxwell expensive to live in?
Maxwell 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 $36,691, 51% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $77,900 (72% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $545 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Maxwell safe?
Maxwell is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 0 per 100,000 (below the national average).
What is the weather like in Maxwell?
Maxwell has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 30°F in January, while summers reach an average of 69°F in July. The area receives 330 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 14.1 inches, with 21.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 37.
How is the job market in Maxwell?
The job market in Maxwell is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $848. There are 550 business establishments in the area, including 70 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 31 minutes, and 13.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Maxwell?
The median home value in Maxwell is $77,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $151,873. For renters, the median monthly rent is $545. Fair market rent is $927 for a 1-bedroom and $1,129 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 63.2%. The average annual property tax is $3,431.
How are the schools in Maxwell?
Schools in Maxwell have an average test score of 4.6 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 10.6% of adults in Maxwell hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.4% have completed high school. 4.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Maxwell?
The obesity rate in Maxwell is 31.8% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 11.7% of adults are smokers. 24.7% are physically inactive. 21.1% of residents report depression. 17.8% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 79.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,474.
What is transportation like in Maxwell?
The average commute in Maxwell is 31 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 66% of workers drive alone to work, and 13.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Maxwell?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Maxwell is 81.1% White, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 1.4% Asian. 82.5% of residents speak only English at home, while 17.5% speak Spanish. 11.2% of the population are military veterans. 27.7% of residents have a disability. 79.3% have health insurance coverage.
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