Home Value
$265,900
6% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
673/100K
77% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.8%
12% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
13.0%
5% higher than US avg
How Monument Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population437
Median Age26.4 yrs
Density83/mi²
Male / Female43% / 57%
Largest GroupWhite 12%
Veterans2.7%
Economy
Per Capita$25,113
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty13.0%
County GDP$12,858M
Housing
Home Value$265,900
Ownership48.4%
Zillow$209,664
Housing Units76
Rent Burden26.3%
Crime
F
Violent673/100K
Property4,329/100K
Health
Obesity35.8%
Uninsured19.3%
Smoking15.8%
Depression22.8%
Heart Disease5.8%
Climate
Avg Temp63°F (17°C)
AQI37 (Good)
Rain14.8 in/yr
Sunny Days330/yr
Elevation3,599 ft (1,097 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+0.0%
High School+39.2%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score4.17
Community
2024 VoteR 80% / D 19%
Broadband61.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries6
Is Monument a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Monument receives an overall livability score of 1.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of D. Key strengths include low unemployment, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, a high uninsured rate. Monument faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.
Economy & Jobs
The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. 13.0% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Monument is $265,900, roughly aligned with the national median of $281,900.
Safety & Crime
With 673 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 4,329 per 100,000, 121% above the national average.
Education
0.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 39.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.2/10.
Climate & Weather
Monument enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 63°F. Winters average 44°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. With 330 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 14.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 37.
Monument has a population of 437 with a density of 83 people per square mile, spread across 5.3 square miles. The median age is 26.4 years, 32% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 57.2% female and 42.8% male. The city is predominantly White (12.1%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 72.1% of residents, while 27.9% speak Spanish. 2.7% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 57.4% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 89.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
26.4yrs
Median Age
32% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
72.1%
8% below US avg
Spanish
27.9%
108% above US avg
Per capita income is $25,113 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,333. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 13.0% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 2,195 business establishments, including 165 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
| |
| Per Capita Income | $25,113 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,333 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $67,076 |
| Gini Index | 0.473 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 13.0% |
| 5% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,195 |
| County GDP | $12,858M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 165 |
| Healthcare | 115 |
| Retail | 229 |
| Manufacturing | 30 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,426 |
| 31% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 92.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 0.91% |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 84.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Monument is $265,900, 6% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $209,664, lower than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $927 for a one-bedroom to $1,129 for a two-bedroom apartment. 48.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 76 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1949. The average annual property tax is $2,426 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 26.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Home Values
| Census Median | $265,900 |
| 6% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $209,664 |
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 | 48.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 48.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 51.6% |
| Housing Units | 76 |
| Median Year Built | 1949 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,426 |
| 31% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 0.91% |
In Monument, 35.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.8% of residents. 31.7% have high blood pressure. 15.8% are current smokers. 17.0% report binge drinking. 27.8% are physically inactive. 22.8% report depression. 18.2% experience frequent mental distress. 19.3% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,318. The dentist ratio is 1:2,898. 87.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Monument vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.8% |
| 12% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.6% |
| Heart Disease | 5.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.7% |
| Asthma | 10.1% |
| COPD | 6.6% |
| Cancer | 6.1% |
| Stroke | 3.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.8% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.8% |
| Depression | 22.8% |
| Mental Distress | 18.2% |
| Physical Distress | 15.2% |
| Short Sleep | 33.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 89.9% |
| Uninsured | 19.3% |
| 124% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,318 |
| Dentists | 1:2,898 |
| Mental Health | 1:767 |
| Checkup Rate | 64.5% |
| Dental Visits | 56.8% |
| Premature Death | 12,673/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 87.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 115 |
Monument has a violent crime rate of 673 per 100,000 residents, 77% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,329 per 100,000, 121% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 17 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Monument receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Monument vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 673.1/100K |
| 77% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,328.9/100K |
| 121% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 17 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Monument enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 63°F (17°C). Winters average 44°F in January while summers reach 80°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 14.8 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 1.4 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 37. The city sits at an elevation of 3,599 feet.
Temperature
44°F Jan (7°C)
80°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 63.0°F |
| 17% above US avg |
| January Average | 44°F (7°C) |
| July Average | 80°F (27°C) |
| Sunny Days | 330 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 3,599 ft (1,097 m) |
| Area | 5.3 sq mi (13.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 83/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 32.6242°N, 103.2776°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | Lea County County |
| Nearest Airport | Lea County Regional (HOB) 6 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
14.8"
61% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
2.52"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 37.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0485 ppm |
| NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide) | 9.1 ppb |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 6.3 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 86.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 66.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 1.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively High |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1,758 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.1. Most recent: M2.6 on Aug 30, 2025.
| Sep 17, 2024 |
2024 North of Tarzan, Texas Earthquake |
M5.1 |
117 km |
| Feb 15, 2025 |
53 km NW of Toyah, Texas |
M5.0 |
137 km |
| Mar 26, 2020 |
41 km W of Mentone, Texas |
M5.0 |
124 km |
| Feb 28, 2025 |
26 km SW of Ackerly, Texas |
M4.8 |
130 km |
| Jan 2, 1992 |
12 km SSE of Eunice, New Mexico |
M4.6 |
36 km |
| Mar 17, 2021 |
57 km S of Whites City, New Mexico |
M4.5 |
148 km |
| Sep 1, 2022 |
38 km WSW of Mentone, Texas |
M4.4 |
130 km |
| Apr 10, 2024 |
21 km N of Stanton, Texas |
M4.4 |
141 km |
| Jun 25, 2021 |
56 km S of Whites City, New Mexico |
M4.4 |
148 km |
| Mar 5, 2022 |
57 km S of Whites City, New Mexico |
M4.3 |
145 km |
| Jul 28, 2021 |
54 km NW of Toyah, Texas |
M4.3 |
146 km |
| Jun 1, 2022 |
western Texas |
M4.3 |
132 km |
| Jul 23, 2024 |
55 km S of Whites City, New Mexico |
M4.2 |
150 km |
| Jan 9, 2025 |
56 km S of Whites City, New Mexico |
M4.2 |
147 km |
| Feb 13, 2022 |
55 km S of Whites City, New Mexico |
M4.2 |
148 km |
| Mar 2, 2025 |
51 km S of Whites City, New Mexico |
M4.2 |
138 km |
| Jul 28, 2022 |
55 km S of Whites City, New Mexico |
M4.2 |
148 km |
| Feb 22, 2023 |
western Texas |
M4.2 |
148 km |
| Mar 28, 2010 |
25 km W of Carlsbad, New Mexico |
M4.1 |
117 km |
| May 28, 2024 |
55 km NW of Toyah, Texas |
M4.1 |
136 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
228 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 73 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 19, 1969 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| May 17, 1954 |
EF3 |
39 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 2019 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| Nov 16, 2015 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
| Mar 23, 2007 |
EF2 |
59 km |
0 |
| Apr 10, 1997 |
EF2 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1992 |
EF2 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1991 |
EF2 |
7 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1991 |
EF2 |
12 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1991 |
EF2 |
7 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1991 |
EF2 |
14 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1991 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1982 |
EF2 |
16 km |
0 |
| May 12, 1982 |
EF2 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1972 |
EF2 |
53 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1962 |
EF2 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1961 |
EF2 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jul 24, 1960 |
EF2 |
40 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1957 |
EF2 |
75 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1955 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: FRYING PAN RANCH (106,253 ac, 2011).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2011 |
FRYING PAN RANCH |
106,253 |
55 km |
| 2006 |
MCDONALD |
92,790 |
59 km |
| 2011 |
ENTERPRISE |
77,368 |
54 km |
| 2011 |
TOM |
64,786 |
97 km |
| 2000 |
VALENTINE COMPLEX |
35,678 |
75 km |
| 2000 |
GRANDE COMPLEX |
34,597 |
52 km |
| 2008 |
STILES COMPLEX |
27,841 |
25 km |
| 2011 |
DERICK FIRE |
27,780 |
97 km |
| 2011 |
MARTIN 2 |
26,841 |
32 km |
| 2009 |
238 |
24,831 |
17 km |
| 2008 |
FOUR LAKES |
23,770 |
86 km |
| 1988 |
FORT |
20,320 |
56 km |
| 2018 |
380 |
19,287 |
84 km |
| 2006 |
BUCKEYE I |
19,027 |
13 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
16,027 |
40 km |
| 1988 |
TATUM |
15,149 |
74 km |
| 2011 |
JACKIE |
14,622 |
71 km |
| 1993 |
JALTWO |
13,332 |
43 km |
| 1989 |
ONEIL |
11,984 |
49 km |
| 1989 |
WATTS |
11,602 |
43 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
44°F (7°C) |
0.3 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
47°F (8°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| March |
54°F (12°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| April |
62°F (17°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| May |
71°F (22°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| June |
78°F (26°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| July |
80°F (27°C) |
2.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
79°F (26°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| September |
73°F (23°C) |
2.5 in |
Wettest |
| October |
63°F (17°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| November |
51°F (11°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| December |
44°F (7°C) |
0.6 in |
|
Monument has a seasonal temperature swing of 36°F / from 44°F in January to 80°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 15.3 inches, with September being the wettest month (2.5") and January the driest (0.3").
Average costs for common services in Monument. 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 Monument
What is the population of Monument?
Monument has a population of 437 residents and is located in New Mexico. The population density is 83 people per square mile, spread across 5.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 26.4 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 57.2% female and 42.8% male.
Is Monument expensive to live in?
Monument is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 92.2 / below the baseline of 100. The median home value is $265,900 (6% below the U.S. median).
Is Monument safe?
Public safety is a concern in Monument, with a violent crime rate of 673 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 4,329 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Monument receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Monument?
Monument enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 63°F (17°C). Winter temperatures average 44°F in January, while summers reach an average of 80°F in July. The area receives 330 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 14.8 inches, with 1.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 37.
How is the job market in Monument?
The job market in Monument is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,333. There are 2,195 business establishments in the area, including 165 restaurants and food service locations.
How much does housing cost in Monument?
The median home value in Monument is $265,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $209,664. The homeownership rate is 48.4%. The average annual property tax is $2,426.
How are the schools in Monument?
Schools in Monument have an average test score of 4.2 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 0.0% of adults in Monument hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 39.2% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Monument?
The obesity rate in Monument is 35.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.8% of adults are smokers. 27.8% are physically inactive. 22.8% of residents report depression. 19.3% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 87.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,318.
What are the demographics of Monument?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Monument is 12.1% White. 72.1% of residents speak only English at home, while 27.9% speak Spanish. 2.7% of the population are military veterans. 57.4% of residents have a disability. 89.9% have health insurance coverage.