New Mexico
Mescalero is a small town in New Mexico with a population of 814. Residents earn $28,167 per year, which is 63% below the national average.
Based on current data, Mescalero receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Mescalero has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
The median household income in Mescalero is $28,167, 63% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.5%, indicating a healthy job market. The poverty rate of 33.0% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
The median home value in Mescalero is $48,300, 83% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $282 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. At just 1.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
10.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 70.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.7/10.
Mescalero experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 35°F in January while summers reach 66°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 22.0 inches, including 26.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 37.
| English Only | 55.6% |
| 29% below US avg | |
| Spanish | 44.4% |
| 231% above US avg |
| Median HH Income | $28,167 |
| 63% below US avg | |
| Per Capita Income | $24,282 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $831 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $62,215 |
| Unemployment | 4.5% |
| 25% above US avg | |
| Poverty Rate | 33.0% |
| 166% above US avg | |
| Establishments (County) | 888 |
| County GDP | $894M |
| Restaurants | 106 |
| Healthcare | 48 |
| Retail | 129 |
| Manufacturing | 14 |
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,836 |
| 10% above US avg | |
| Effective Tax Rate | 7.94% |
| Commute Time | 15.9 min |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
| Census Median | $48,300 |
| 83% below US avg |
| Census Median Rent | $282 |
| 76% below US avg |
| Studio | $828 |
| 1 Bedroom | $927 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,129 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,496 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,758 |
| Owner-Occupied | 70.8% |
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,836 |
| 10% above US avg | |
| Effective Rate | 7.94% |
| Obesity | 43.8% |
| 36% above US avg | |
| Diabetes | 16.8% |
| Heart Disease | 8.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 37.7% |
| Asthma | 14.2% |
| COPD | 10.0% |
| Stroke | 5.3% |
| Binge Drinking | 14.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 30.1% |
| Depression | 27.3% |
| Mental Distress | 23.2% |
| Physical Distress | 20.9% |
| Insurance Rate | 79.8% |
| Checkup Rate | 68.5% |
| Premature Death | 12,621/100K |
| Food Environment | 6.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 85.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 48 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| FEMA Disasters | 455 |
| Annual Average | 50.1°F |
| 7% below US avg | |
| January Average | 35°F (2°C) |
| July Average | 66°F (19°C) |
| Annual Rainfall | 22.0 inches |
| 42% below US avg | |
| Snowfall | 26.2 inches/yr |
| AQI Median | 37.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Elevation | 8,051 ft (2,454 m) |
| Area | 17.9 sq mi (46.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 46/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 33.1346°N, 105.7999°W |
| County FIPS | 35027 |
Winner: Republican by 38.5 points
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 10.6% |
| 69% below US avg | |
| High School+ | 70.5% |
| School Test Score | 4.65 |
| RUCC Code 7 | Nonmetro — Urban 2.5K–20K |
| Population Density | 46/sq mi |
| Total Area | 17.9 sq mi |
| EV Charging Stations | 2 |
| Alt Fuel Stations | 2 |
| Public Libraries | 4 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 48 |
| Restaurants | 106 |
| Retail Stores | 129 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| FEMA Disaster Declarations | 455 |
| Avg Commute | 15.9 min |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |