Median Income
$27,446
63% lower than US avg
Home Value
$106,600
62% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
3.3%
90% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$725
38% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.3%
13% higher than US avg
Unemployment
16.4%
356% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
30.9%
149% higher than US avg
How Moriarty Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,074
Median Age31.8 yrs
Density299/mi²
Male / Female46% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 57%
Veterans3.9%
Economy
F
Median Income$27,446
Per Capita$15,716
Unemployment16.4%
Poverty30.9%
County GDP$54,831M
Commute32 min
Housing
A
Home Value$106,600
Rent$725
Ownership58.9%
Zillow$234,198
Housing Units898
Rent Burden36.9%
Health
Obesity36.3%
Uninsured4.0%
Smoking21.3%
Depression28.1%
Heart Disease7.6%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI61 (Moderate)
Rain12.7 in/yr
Elevation6,222 ft (1,896 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+3.3%
High School+79.5%
Graduate+1.5%
School Score4.50
Community
2024 VoteR 38% / D 59%
Commute32 min
Broadband70.8%
EV Stations2
Libraries20
Is Moriarty a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Moriarty receives an overall livability score of 2.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include affordable housing, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Moriarty has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Moriarty is $27,446, 63% below the national average of $75,149. At 16.4%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 30.9% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 32 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Moriarty is $106,600, 62% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $725 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.9x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Education
3.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 79.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Moriarty experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 12.7 inches, including 17.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Moderate with a median AQI of 61.
Moriarty has a population of 2,074 with a density of 299 people per square mile, spread across 5.8 square miles. The median age is 31.8 years, 18% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.7% female and 46.3% male. The city is predominantly White (56.5%), with 50.5% Hispanic, 2.6% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 76% of residents, while 28.4% speak Spanish. 3.9% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 31.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 96.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
2,074
Total Population
2023 Census
31.8yrs
Median Age
18% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
76.0%
3% below US avg
Spanish
28.4%
112% above US avg
The median household income in Moriarty is $27,446, which is 63% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $15,716 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,221, 15% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 16.4% (above the 3.6% US average). 30.9% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 22,948 business establishments, including 1,584 restaurants. The cost of living index is 92.2, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 32 minutes. 3.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $27,446 |
| 63% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $15,716 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,221 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $71,971 |
| Gini Index | 0.477 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 16.4% |
| 356% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 30.9% |
| 149% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 22,948 |
| County GDP | $54,831M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 1,584 |
| Healthcare | 2,110 |
| Retail | 1,974 |
| Manufacturing | 547 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,874 |
| 39% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 92.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.57% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 31.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 75.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.0% |
The median home value in Moriarty is $106,600, 62% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $234,198, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $725 (38% 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. 58.9% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 898 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1986. The average annual property tax is $4,874 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 36.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.9x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $106,600 |
| 62% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $234,198 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $725 |
| 38% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 36.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $828 |
| 1 Bedroom | $927 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,129 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,496 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,758 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 58.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 58.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 41.1% |
| Housing Units | 898 |
| Median Year Built | 1986 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,874 |
| 39% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.57% |
In Moriarty, 36.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 14.1% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.6% of residents, above the national average. 34.7% have high blood pressure. 21.3% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 14.3% report binge drinking. 33.2% are physically inactive, above the national average. 28.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.3% experience frequent mental distress. 4.0% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:942. The dentist ratio is 1:1,136. 95.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Moriarty vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.3% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 14.1% |
| Heart Disease | 7.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.7% |
| Asthma | 11.3% |
| COPD | 9.3% |
| Cancer | 6.0% |
| Stroke | 4.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 21.3% |
| 52% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 14.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 33.2% |
| Depression | 28.1% |
| Mental Distress | 21.3% |
| Physical Distress | 19.1% |
| Short Sleep | 36.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.0% |
| Uninsured | 4.0% |
| 53% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:942 |
| Dentists | 1:1,136 |
| Mental Health | 1:176 |
| Checkup Rate | 65.3% |
| Dental Visits | 51.0% |
| Premature Death | 11,524/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 95.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 2,110 |
Moriarty experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 12.7 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 17.9 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Moderate with a median AQI of 61 / residents may notice occasional air quality concerns. 27% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 6,222 feet, a high-altitude location.
Temperature
30°F Jan (-1°C)
71°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 49.9°F |
| 8% below US avg |
| January Average | 30°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (21°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 6,222 ft (1,896 m) |
| Area | 5.8 sq mi (15.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 299/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 35.0034°N, 106.0444°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | Bernalillo County County |
| Nearest Airport | Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) 32 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
12.7"
67% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
2.67"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 61.0 |
| Rating | Moderate |
| Good Days % | 27.3% |
| Unhealthy Days | 30 |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0481 ppm |
| NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide) | 14.8 ppb |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 67.57 ppb |
| CO (Carbon Monoxide) | 0.22 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 6.0 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively High |
| Risk Score | 94.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 43.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 41.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Moderate |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| Flood |
Relatively High |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Very High |
| Lightning |
Very High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Volcano |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
83 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.5. Most recent: M3.5 on May 1, 2025.
| Jan 29, 1990 |
6 km W of Abeytas, New Mexico |
M4.5 |
97 km |
| Nov 8, 1990 |
4 km WSW of Abeytas, New Mexico |
M4.4 |
96 km |
| Jan 31, 1990 |
5 km WSW of Abeytas, New Mexico |
M4.0 |
97 km |
| Feb 27, 1990 |
25 km E of San Antonio, New Mexico |
M3.9 |
127 km |
| May 18, 2023 |
8 km ENE of San Mateo, New Mexico |
M3.8 |
144 km |
| Jul 22, 1990 |
5 km SE of McIntosh, New Mexico |
M3.7 |
19 km |
| Nov 15, 1990 |
4 km WSW of Abeytas, New Mexico |
M3.6 |
96 km |
| May 5, 1990 |
6 km WSW of Abeytas, New Mexico |
M3.6 |
98 km |
| Feb 21, 1990 |
31 km ENE of San Antonio, New Mexico |
M3.6 |
119 km |
| Jan 4, 1998 |
5 km NE of Mountainair, New Mexico |
M3.6 |
52 km |
| Sep 10, 2024 |
7 km WNW of Paradise Hills, New Mexico |
M3.5 |
71 km |
| May 24, 2004 |
8 km W of Abeytas, New Mexico |
M3.5 |
98 km |
| Dec 31, 1997 |
8 km E of Mountainair, New Mexico |
M3.5 |
53 km |
| Oct 17, 2011 |
3 km SE of Cuyamungue, New Mexico |
M3.5 |
95 km |
| Dec 31, 1997 |
8 km ENE of Mountainair, New Mexico |
M3.5 |
51 km |
| May 1, 2025 |
14 km NW of Alamillo, New Mexico |
M3.5 |
114 km |
| Sep 29, 2012 |
4 km WNW of Belen, New Mexico |
M3.5 |
79 km |
| Oct 20, 2016 |
3 km NNW of Seboyeta, New Mexico |
M3.5 |
126 km |
| May 23, 2007 |
4 km WNW of Socorro, New Mexico |
M3.4 |
133 km |
| Jul 22, 2013 |
25 km E of San Antonio, New Mexico |
M3.4 |
129 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
83 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2. Total: 1 fatality, 9 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 27, 1975 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
| Oct 10, 1974 |
EF2 |
94 km |
1 |
| Jun 8, 1989 |
EF1 |
16 km |
0 |
| Sep 13, 1988 |
EF1 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 1982 |
EF1 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 1981 |
EF1 |
72 km |
0 |
| Apr 15, 1971 |
EF1 |
72 km |
0 |
| Dec 26, 1966 |
EF1 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1966 |
EF1 |
71 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1965 |
EF1 |
53 km |
0 |
| Aug 20, 1956 |
EF1 |
23 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 2021 |
EF0 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 2021 |
EF0 |
35 km |
0 |
| May 31, 2021 |
EF0 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 17, 2021 |
EF0 |
85 km |
0 |
| May 17, 2021 |
EF0 |
63 km |
0 |
| May 17, 2021 |
EF0 |
65 km |
0 |
| Aug 15, 2020 |
EF0 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jul 15, 2020 |
EF0 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2019 |
EF0 |
68 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Nearby Volcanoes
2 volcanoes within 200 km.
Closest: Carrizozo (136 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Carrizozo |
Pyroclastic cone(s) |
1,731 m (5,679 ft) |
-3250 |
136 km |
| Zuni-Bandera |
Volcanic field |
2,550 m (8,366 ft) |
-1170 |
180 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: CERRO PELADO (45,620 ac, 2022).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2022 |
CERRO PELADO |
45,620 |
94 km |
| 2000 |
VIVEASH |
22,468 |
88 km |
| 2016 |
DOG HEAD |
19,816 |
29 km |
| 1996 |
DOME |
15,783 |
90 km |
| 2008 |
TRIGO |
13,855 |
47 km |
| 2011 |
PACHECO |
9,790 |
96 km |
| 2009 |
BLACK BUTTE |
8,124 |
93 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
7,351 |
63 km |
| 2011 |
MILAGRO |
7,102 |
83 km |
| 2000 |
VAUGHN |
6,967 |
100 km |
| 2003 |
CAPULIN |
6,155 |
98 km |
| 2007 |
OJO PEAK |
6,118 |
57 km |
| 2013 |
TRES LAGUNAS |
5,832 |
87 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
5,083 |
57 km |
| 2008 |
BIG SPRING |
5,050 |
39 km |
| 2017 |
NMSER FY17 RX #1 |
4,817 |
88 km |
| 2004 |
LOOKOUT |
4,778 |
86 km |
| 1994 |
VEGA |
4,642 |
90 km |
| 2014 |
PINO |
4,415 |
96 km |
| 2002 |
MIDDLE TANK |
4,279 |
88 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
30°F (-1°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
35°F (1°C) |
0.4 in |
Driest |
| March |
41°F (5°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| April |
48°F (9°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| June |
67°F (19°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| July |
71°F (21°C) |
2.7 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
68°F (20°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| October |
51°F (10°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| November |
39°F (4°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| December |
30°F (-1°C) |
0.7 in |
|
Moriarty has a seasonal temperature swing of 41°F / from 30°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 12.7 inches, with July being the wettest month (2.7") and February the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Moriarty. 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 Moriarty
What is the population of Moriarty?
Moriarty has a population of 2,074 residents and is located in New Mexico. The population density is 299 people per square mile, spread across 5.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 31.8 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53.7% female and 46.3% male.
Is Moriarty expensive to live in?
Moriarty 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 $27,446, 63% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $106,600 (62% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $725 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Moriarty?
Moriarty has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 30°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 12.7 inches, with 17.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Moderate with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 61.
How is the job market in Moriarty?
The job market in Moriarty faces challenges, with unemployment at 16.4% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,221. There are 22,948 business establishments in the area, including 1,584 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 32 minutes, and 3.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Moriarty?
The median home value in Moriarty is $106,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $234,198. For renters, the median monthly rent is $725. Fair market rent is $927 for a 1-bedroom and $1,129 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 58.9%. The average annual property tax is $4,874.
How are the schools in Moriarty?
Schools in Moriarty have an average test score of 4.5 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 3.3% of adults in Moriarty hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 79.5% have completed high school. 1.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Moriarty?
The obesity rate in Moriarty is 36.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 21.3% of adults are smokers. 33.2% are physically inactive. 28.1% of residents report depression. 4.0% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 95.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:942.
What is transportation like in Moriarty?
The average commute in Moriarty is 32 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 75.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Moriarty?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Moriarty is 56.5% White, 2.6% Black or African American, 50.5% Hispanic or Latino. 76% of residents speak only English at home, while 28.4% speak Spanish. 3.9% of the population are military veterans. 31.2% of residents have a disability. 96.0% have health insurance coverage.