Median Income
$239,141
218% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
572/100K
51% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
42.0%
31% higher than US avg
Unemployment
13.6%
278% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Mesita Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population823
Median Age19.4 yrs
Density110/mi²
Male / Female61% / 39%
Largest GroupWhite 1%
Veterans15.7%
Economy
B+
Median Income$239,141
Per Capita$26,882
Unemployment13.6%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$2,430M
Commute14 min
Housing
Ownership38.5%
Zillow$145,746
Housing Units242
Rent Burden29.6%
Crime
F
Violent572/100K
Property3,174/100K
Health
Obesity42.0%
Uninsured12.1%
Smoking27.5%
Depression27.4%
Heart Disease8.2%
Climate
Avg Temp53°F (12°C)
AQI37 (Good)
Rain10.0 in/yr
Sunny Days330/yr
Elevation5,657 ft (1,724 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+0.0%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score4.71
Community
2024 VoteR 57% / D 41%
Commute14 min
Broadband52.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries5
Is Mesita a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Mesita receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, above-average unemployment, a high uninsured rate. Mesita offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Mesita is $239,141, which is significantly higher than the national average / 218% above $75,149. This places Mesita among higher-income communities. At 13.6%, unemployment is notably high. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 572 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,174 per 100,000, 62% 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
Mesita experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 53°F. Winters average 34°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 330 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 10.0 inches, including 15.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 37.
Mesita has a population of 823 with a density of 110 people per square mile, spread across 10.7 square miles. The median age is 19.4 years, 50% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 39% female and 61% male. The city is predominantly Hispanic (98.5%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 37% of residents, while 63% speak Spanish. 15.7% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 16.6% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 83.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
19.4yrs
Median Age
50% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
37.0%
53% below US avg
Spanish
63.0%
370% above US avg
The median household income in Mesita is $239,141, which is 218% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $26,882 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $955, 33% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 13.6% (above the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower 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. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $239,141 |
| 218% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $26,882 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $955 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $55,941 |
| Gini Index | 0.453 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 13.6% |
| 278% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below 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
| Commute Time | 13.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 73.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $145,746. Fair market rent ranges from $927 for a one-bedroom to $1,129 for a two-bedroom apartment. 38.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 242 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1982. 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 | 38.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 38.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 61.5% |
| Housing Units | 242 |
| Median Year Built | 1982 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,068 |
| 12% below US avg |
In Mesita, 42.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 16.9% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 8.2% of residents, above the national average. 36.3% have high blood pressure. 27.5% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 13.6% report binge drinking. 30.6% are physically inactive, above the national average. 27.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 24.1% experience frequent mental distress. 12.1% 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: Mesita vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 42.0% |
| 31% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 16.9% |
| Heart Disease | 8.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 36.3% |
| Asthma | 14.6% |
| COPD | 9.6% |
| Cancer | 5.8% |
| Stroke | 5.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 27.5% |
| 96% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 13.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 30.6% |
| Depression | 27.4% |
| Mental Distress | 24.1% |
| Physical Distress | 20.7% |
| Short Sleep | 46.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 83.1% |
| Uninsured | 12.1% |
| 41% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,356 |
| Dentists | 1:3,003 |
| Mental Health | 1:437 |
| Checkup Rate | 67.3% |
| Dental Visits | 50.5% |
| Premature Death | 11,779/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 5.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 47.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 113 |
Mesita has a violent crime rate of 572 per 100,000 residents, 51% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,174 per 100,000, 62% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 12 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 273 federally declared disasters. Overall, Mesita receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Mesita vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 572.1/100K |
| 51% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,173.6/100K |
| 62% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 12 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 273 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Mesita experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winters average 34°F in January while summers reach 74°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 10.0 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 15.0 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 37. The city sits at an elevation of 5,657 feet, a high-altitude location.
Temperature
34°F Jan (1°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 52.7°F |
| 2% below US avg |
| January Average | 34°F (1°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 330 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 5,657 ft (1,724 m) |
| Area | 10.7 sq mi (27.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 110/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 35.0058°N, 107.3163°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | Valencia County County |
| Nearest Airport | Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ)
40 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
10.0"
74% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
2.05"
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
89 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.5. Most recent: M2.6 on May 8, 2025.
| Jan 29, 1990 |
6 km W of Abeytas, New Mexico |
M4.5 |
72 km |
| Nov 8, 1990 |
4 km WSW of Abeytas, New Mexico |
M4.4 |
75 km |
| Jul 12, 2021 |
5 km E of Capulin, New Mexico |
M4.2 |
145 km |
| Jan 31, 1990 |
5 km WSW of Abeytas, New Mexico |
M4.0 |
75 km |
| Feb 27, 1990 |
25 km E of San Antonio, New Mexico |
M3.9 |
135 km |
| May 18, 2023 |
8 km ENE of San Mateo, New Mexico |
M3.8 |
46 km |
| Jul 12, 2021 |
3 km E of Capulin, New Mexico |
M3.7 |
145 km |
| Jul 22, 1990 |
5 km SE of McIntosh, New Mexico |
M3.7 |
121 km |
| Jan 4, 1998 |
5 km NE of Mountainair, New Mexico |
M3.6 |
114 km |
| Feb 21, 1990 |
31 km ENE of San Antonio, New Mexico |
M3.6 |
131 km |
| May 5, 1990 |
6 km WSW of Abeytas, New Mexico |
M3.6 |
74 km |
| Nov 15, 1990 |
4 km WSW of Abeytas, New Mexico |
M3.6 |
74 km |
| Oct 20, 2016 |
3 km NNW of Seboyeta, New Mexico |
M3.5 |
27 km |
| Sep 10, 2024 |
7 km WNW of Paradise Hills, New Mexico |
M3.5 |
55 km |
| Sep 29, 2012 |
4 km WNW of Belen, New Mexico |
M3.5 |
58 km |
| Dec 31, 1997 |
8 km E of Mountainair, New Mexico |
M3.5 |
119 km |
| Dec 31, 1997 |
8 km ENE of Mountainair, New Mexico |
M3.5 |
118 km |
| May 1, 2025 |
14 km NW of Alamillo, New Mexico |
M3.5 |
78 km |
| May 24, 2004 |
8 km W of Abeytas, New Mexico |
M3.5 |
71 km |
| Jul 22, 2013 |
25 km E of San Antonio, New Mexico |
M3.4 |
137 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
35 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2. Total: 1 fatality, 8 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 27, 1975 |
EF2 |
60 km |
0 |
| Oct 10, 1974 |
EF2 |
26 km |
1 |
| Sep 13, 1988 |
EF1 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1966 |
EF1 |
63 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1965 |
EF1 |
70 km |
0 |
| Aug 2, 1950 |
EF1 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 2021 |
EF0 |
75 km |
0 |
| May 17, 2021 |
EF0 |
62 km |
0 |
| Aug 15, 2020 |
EF0 |
57 km |
0 |
| Jul 15, 2020 |
EF0 |
78 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2019 |
EF0 |
85 km |
0 |
| Feb 17, 2019 |
EF0 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 2018 |
EF0 |
30 km |
0 |
| Sep 30, 2017 |
EF0 |
13 km |
0 |
| Jul 6, 2017 |
EF0 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jul 17, 2016 |
EF0 |
98 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 2011 |
EF0 |
76 km |
0 |
| Apr 17, 2005 |
EF0 |
76 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 2005 |
EF0 |
61 km |
0 |
| Aug 30, 2004 |
EF0 |
60 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Nearby Volcanoes
3 volcanoes within 200 km.
Closest: Zuni-Bandera (66 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Zuni-Bandera |
Volcanic field |
2,550 m (8,366 ft) |
-1170 |
66 km |
| Red Hill |
Volcanic field |
2,300 m (7,546 ft) |
-9450 |
162 km |
| Carrizozo |
Pyroclastic cone(s) |
1,731 m (5,679 ft) |
-3250 |
186 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: DOG HEAD (19,816 ac, 2016).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2016 |
DOG HEAD |
19,816 |
94 km |
| 2002 |
CHERRY |
15,105 |
72 km |
| 2008 |
TRIGO |
13,855 |
92 km |
| 2018 |
DIENER CANYON |
9,824 |
74 km |
| 2004 |
SEDGWICK |
9,241 |
73 km |
| 2009 |
BLACK BUTTE |
8,124 |
90 km |
| 2019 |
TRIPLE NICKLE |
7,819 |
41 km |
| 2007 |
OJO PEAK |
6,118 |
95 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
5,083 |
94 km |
| 2008 |
BIG SPRING |
5,050 |
92 km |
| 2017 |
NMSER FY17 RX #1 |
4,817 |
93 km |
| 2008 |
LADRONE RX |
4,406 |
67 km |
| 2002 |
MIDDLE TANK |
4,279 |
93 km |
| 2019 |
NMSER-FY18-RX-NORTH DIAMOND |
4,261 |
93 km |
| 2018 |
VENADO |
4,007 |
98 km |
| 2018 |
BLUE WATER |
3,663 |
75 km |
| 1989 |
COLLAPSE |
3,438 |
71 km |
| 2019 |
REDONDO RX |
3,382 |
83 km |
| 1999 |
LA JARA |
3,249 |
44 km |
| 1989 |
MALPAIS |
2,300 |
72 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
34°F (1°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
38°F (3°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| March |
44°F (7°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| April |
51°F (10°C) |
0.5 in |
Driest |
| May |
60°F (15°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
1.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
2.1 in |
Wettest |
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| November |
42°F (6°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| December |
34°F (1°C) |
0.5 in |
|
Mesita has a seasonal temperature swing of 40°F / from 34°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 10.4 inches, with August being the wettest month (2.1") and April the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Mesita. 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 Mesita
What is the population of Mesita?
Mesita has a population of 823 residents and is located in New Mexico. The population density is 110 people per square mile, spread across 10.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 19.4 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 39% female and 61% male.
Is Mesita expensive to live in?
Mesita 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 $239,141, 218% above the national average of $75,149.
Is Mesita safe?
The violent crime rate in Mesita is 572 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,174 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Mesita receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Mesita?
Mesita has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 34°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 330 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 10.0 inches, with 15.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 37.
How is the job market in Mesita?
The job market in Mesita faces challenges, with unemployment at 13.6% / significantly above 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. The average commute time is 14 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How are the schools in Mesita?
Schools in Mesita 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 Mesita 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 Mesita?
The obesity rate in Mesita is 42.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 27.5% of adults are smokers. 30.6% are physically inactive. 27.4% of residents report depression. 12.1% 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 is transportation like in Mesita?
The average commute in Mesita is 14 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 73.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Mesita?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Mesita is 1% White, 98.5% Hispanic or Latino. 37% of residents speak only English at home, while 63% speak Spanish. 15.7% of the population are military veterans. 16.6% of residents have a disability. 83.1% have health insurance coverage.
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