New Mexico · Metropolitan Area
Meadow Lake is a small town in New Mexico with a population of 3,959. Residents earn $38,872 per year, which is 48% below the national average.
Based on current data, Meadow Lake receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes, long commute times. Meadow Lake offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
The median household income in Meadow Lake is $38,872, 48% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.5%, indicating a healthy job market. The poverty rate of 20.0% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 39 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
The median home value in Meadow Lake is $83,500, 70% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $783 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.
15.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 69.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.7/10.
Meadow Lake enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F. Winters average 35°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 9.2 inches, including 5.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 37.
| English Only | 45.2% |
| 42% below US avg | |
| Spanish | 54.8% |
| 309% above US avg |
| Median HH Income | $38,872 |
| 48% below US avg | |
| Per Capita Income | $15,237 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $955 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $55,941 |
| Unemployment | 3.5% |
| 3% below US avg | |
| Poverty Rate | 20.0% |
| 61% above US avg | |
| Establishments (County) | 1,532 |
| County GDP | $2,430M |
| Restaurants | 85 |
| Healthcare | 113 |
| Retail | 155 |
| Manufacturing | 34 |
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,068 |
| 12% below US avg | |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.67% |
| Commute Time | 39.4 min |
| Work from Home | 4.5% |
| Census Median | $83,500 |
| 70% below US avg |
| Census Median Rent | $783 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Studio | $828 |
| 1 Bedroom | $927 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,129 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,496 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,758 |
| Owner-Occupied | 78.8% |
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,068 |
| 12% below US avg | |
| Effective Rate | 3.67% |
| Obesity | 39.3% |
| 22% above US avg | |
| Diabetes | 15.6% |
| Heart Disease | 7.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.2% |
| Asthma | 10.0% |
| COPD | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 4.1% |
| Binge Drinking | 13.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 36.2% |
| Depression | 23.2% |
| Mental Distress | 18.7% |
| Physical Distress | 19.0% |
| Insurance Rate | 86.9% |
| Checkup Rate | 65.4% |
| Premature Death | 11,779/100K |
| Food Environment | 5.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 47.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 113 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 12 |
| FEMA Disasters | 273 |
| Annual Average | 56.1°F |
| 4% above US avg | |
| January Average | 35°F (2°C) |
| July Average | 78°F (25°C) |
| Annual Rainfall | 9.2 inches |
| 76% below US avg | |
| Snowfall | 5.1 inches/yr |
| AQI Median | 37.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Area | 11.6 sq mi (30.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 340/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 34.8031°N, 106.5704°W |
| County FIPS | 35061 |
Winner: Republican by 16.4 points
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 15.8% |
| 53% below US avg | |
| High School+ | 69.9% |
| School Test Score | 4.65 |
| RUCC Code 2 | Metro — 250K–1M |
| Population Density | 340/sq mi |
| Total Area | 11.6 sq mi |
| Public Libraries | 5 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 113 |
| Restaurants | 85 |
| Retail Stores | 155 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 12 |
| FEMA Disaster Declarations | 273 |
| Avg Commute | 39.4 min |
| Work from Home | 4.5% |