Home Value
$191,400
32% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
352/100K
7% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,110
5% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
32.5%
1% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.1%
69% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
32.5%
162% higher than US avg
How North Light Plant Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population573
Median Age27.3 yrs
Density265/mi²
Male / Female27% / 73%
Largest GroupWhite 31%
Veterans0.0%
Economy
Per Capita$13,557
Unemployment1.1%
Poverty32.5%
County GDP$7,043M
Commute36 min
Housing
Home Value$191,400
Rent$1,110
Ownership67.8%
Zillow$261,763
Housing Units184
Rent Burden26.8%
Crime
F
Violent352/100K
Property2,358/100K
Health
Obesity32.5%
Uninsured13.2%
Smoking16.3%
Depression23.5%
Heart Disease6.4%
Climate
Avg Temp53°F (12°C)
AQI37 (Good)
Rain10.1 in/yr
Sunny Days330/yr
Elevation5,883 ft (1,793 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+0.0%
High School+91.6%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score4.52
Community
2024 VoteR 65% / D 33%
Commute36 min
Broadband83.2%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is North Light Plant a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, North Light Plant receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate, long commute times. North Light Plant has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.1%. The poverty rate of 32.5% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 36 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in North Light Plant is $191,400, 32% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,110 per month.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in North Light Plant is below the national average at 352 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,358 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
0.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.5/10.
Climate & Weather
North Light Plant experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 53°F. Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. With 330 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 10.1 inches, including 10.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 37.
North Light Plant has a population of 573 with a density of 265 people per square mile, spread across 2.2 square miles. The median age is 27.3 years, 30% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 73.1% female and 26.9% male. The city is predominantly White (30.9%), with 9.8% Hispanic, 9.8% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 50.7% of residents, while 49.3% speak Spanish. 0.0% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 2.7% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 83.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
27.3yrs
Median Age
30% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
North Light Plant vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
50.7%
35% below US avg
Spanish
49.3%
268% above US avg
Social Characteristics
North Light Plant vs U.S. Average
Per capita income is $13,557 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,077, 25% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.1% (below the 3.6% US average). 32.5% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 3,087 business establishments, including 230 restaurants. The cost of living index is 92.2, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 36 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 10.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: North Light Plant vs U.S.
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $13,557 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,077 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $56,852 |
| Gini Index | 0.470 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.1% |
| 69% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 32.5% |
| 162% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 3,087 |
| County GDP | $7,043M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 230 |
| Healthcare | 294 |
| Retail | 417 |
| Manufacturing | 66 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,974 |
| 15% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 92.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.55% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 36.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 90.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 10.0% |
The median home value in North Light Plant is $191,400, 32% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $261,763, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,110 (5% 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. 67.8% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 184 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1996. The average annual property tax is $2,974. 26.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Home Values
| Census Median | $191,400 |
| 32% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $261,763 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,110 |
| 5% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 26.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $828 |
| 1 Bedroom | $927 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,129 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,496 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,758 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 67.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 67.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 32.2% |
| Housing Units | 184 |
| Median Year Built | 1996 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,974 |
| 15% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.55% |
In North Light Plant, 32.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.4% of residents. 28.5% have high blood pressure. 16.3% are current smokers. 14.8% report binge drinking. 23.1% are physically inactive. 23.5% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.7% experience frequent mental distress. 13.2% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,891. The dentist ratio is 1:933. 50.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 5.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: North Light Plant vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 32.5% |
| 1% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.5% |
| Heart Disease | 6.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.5% |
| Asthma | 10.7% |
| COPD | 6.8% |
| Cancer | 6.4% |
| Stroke | 3.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.3% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 14.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.1% |
| Depression | 23.5% |
| Mental Distress | 18.7% |
| Physical Distress | 15.2% |
| Short Sleep | 34.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 83.0% |
| Uninsured | 13.2% |
| 53% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,891 |
| Dentists | 1:933 |
| Mental Health | 1:355 |
| Checkup Rate | 67.1% |
| Dental Visits | 59.5% |
| Premature Death | 18,277/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 5.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 50.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 294 |
North Light Plant has a violent crime rate of 352 per 100,000 residents, 7% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,358 per 100,000, 20% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 18 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, North Light Plant receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: North Light Plant vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 352.2/100K |
| 7% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,358.4/100K |
| 20% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 18 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
North Light Plant experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 76°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 10.1 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 10.9 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 37. The city sits at an elevation of 5,883 feet, a high-altitude location.
Temperature
32°F Jan (-0°C)
76°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 53.3°F |
| 1% below US avg |
| January Average | 32°F (-0°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 330 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 5,883 ft (1,793 m) |
| Area | 2.2 sq mi (5.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 265/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 36.8670°N, 108.0331°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | San Juan County County |
| Nearest Airport | Four Corners Regional (FMN)
14 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
10.1"
74% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
1.61"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 37.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0416 ppm |
| NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide) | 8.5 ppb |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 1.25 ppb |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 88.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 91.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 5.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
31 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.4. Most recent: M2.9 on Sep 1, 2024.
| Sep 13, 1994 |
17 km N of Sawpit, Colorado |
M4.4 |
143 km |
| Jul 12, 2021 |
5 km E of Capulin, New Mexico |
M4.2 |
135 km |
| Apr 22, 2017 |
4 km SSW of Bluff, Utah |
M3.7 |
143 km |
| Jul 12, 2021 |
3 km E of Capulin, New Mexico |
M3.7 |
133 km |
| Jun 6, 2008 |
10 km NE of Bluff, Utah |
M3.6 |
139 km |
| Mar 10, 2023 |
16 km S of Ophir, Colorado |
M3.6 |
95 km |
| Sep 14, 2009 |
7 km NNW of Canjilon, New Mexico |
M3.5 |
145 km |
| May 10, 1991 |
24 km SSE of South Fork, Colorado |
M3.4 |
145 km |
| Apr 9, 2021 |
2 km NNE of Capulin, New Mexico |
M3.3 |
130 km |
| Feb 24, 1993 |
16 km SSE of Monticello, Utah |
M3.1 |
147 km |
| May 13, 1993 |
19 km SSE of Monticello, Utah |
M3.1 |
143 km |
| Jul 4, 2021 |
24 km SW of Lake Valley, New Mexico |
M3.1 |
106 km |
| Jun 14, 2018 |
0 km NW of Regina, New Mexico |
M3.0 |
122 km |
| Jun 26, 2018 |
3 km ESE of Regina, New Mexico |
M3.0 |
126 km |
| Jul 12, 2021 |
4 km NNE of Capulin, New Mexico |
M3.0 |
130 km |
| Feb 8, 2021 |
3 km ENE of Capulin, New Mexico |
M2.9 |
133 km |
| Jun 18, 2002 |
39 km SW of Creede, Colorado |
M2.9 |
107 km |
| Sep 1, 2024 |
7 km ENE of Capulin, New Mexico |
M2.9 |
134 km |
| Jun 10, 2020 |
5 km WNW of Tsaile, Arizona |
M2.8 |
126 km |
| Jun 17, 2022 |
4 km NNW of Regina, New Mexico |
M2.8 |
118 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
19 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 25, 1985 |
EF2 |
72 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1957 |
EF2 |
27 km |
0 |
| Oct 5, 2004 |
EF1 |
34 km |
0 |
| Aug 5, 1999 |
EF1 |
24 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1997 |
EF1 |
72 km |
0 |
| Sep 5, 1970 |
EF1 |
87 km |
0 |
| Aug 30, 1966 |
EF1 |
39 km |
0 |
| Mar 21, 2020 |
EF0 |
34 km |
0 |
| Jun 10, 2015 |
EF0 |
31 km |
0 |
| Sep 18, 2013 |
EF0 |
29 km |
0 |
| Sep 10, 2013 |
EF0 |
57 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 2011 |
EF0 |
71 km |
0 |
| Aug 29, 2002 |
EF0 |
43 km |
0 |
| Oct 23, 2000 |
EF0 |
14 km |
0 |
| Oct 23, 2000 |
EF0 |
14 km |
0 |
| Apr 25, 1999 |
EF0 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1992 |
EF0 |
29 km |
0 |
| Sep 28, 1990 |
EF0 |
21 km |
0 |
| May 28, 1963 |
EF0 |
17 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: MISSIONARY RIDGE (68,919 ac, 2002).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2002 |
MISSIONARY RIDGE |
68,919 |
72 km |
| 2018 |
416 |
55,123 |
71 km |
| 2012 |
LITTLE SAND |
26,240 |
91 km |
| 2000 |
BIRCHER |
23,317 |
52 km |
| 2018 |
PLATEAU |
19,746 |
91 km |
| 1996 |
ARCHULETA |
15,613 |
92 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
13,234 |
30 km |
| 2012 |
WEBER |
10,898 |
52 km |
| 2001 |
SANDOVAL |
6,773 |
69 km |
| 2017 |
EIGHT FOUR TWO |
5,954 |
67 km |
| 1986 |
WESTTOE |
5,397 |
92 km |
| 1986 |
HOGAN |
5,298 |
91 km |
| 2018 |
BURRO |
5,242 |
72 km |
| 2000 |
PONY |
5,224 |
59 km |
| 1996 |
CHAPIN 5 |
4,832 |
58 km |
| 2016 |
GREATER GRACIA RX |
3,960 |
76 km |
| 2002 |
CARRIZO 1 |
3,701 |
96 km |
| 1984 |
FERNANDO |
3,419 |
87 km |
| 2020 |
EAST CANYON |
3,031 |
50 km |
| 1987 |
AZTECTHREE |
2,857 |
77 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
32°F (-0°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| February |
35°F (1°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| March |
41°F (5°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| April |
48°F (9°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| May |
58°F (14°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
0.4 in |
Driest |
| July |
76°F (25°C) |
1.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
1.6 in |
Wettest |
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| November |
39°F (4°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| December |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.0 in |
Coldest |
North Light Plant has a seasonal temperature swing of 46°F / from 30°F in December to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 12.6 inches, with August being the wettest month (1.6") and June the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in North Light Plant. 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 North Light Plant
What is the population of North Light Plant?
North Light Plant has a population of 573 residents and is located in New Mexico. The population density is 265 people per square mile, spread across 2.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 27.3 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 73.1% female and 26.9% male.
Is North Light Plant expensive to live in?
North Light Plant 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 $191,400 (32% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,110 per month.
Is North Light Plant safe?
North Light Plant is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 352 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,358 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, North Light Plant receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in North Light Plant?
North Light Plant has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 32°F in January, while summers reach an average of 76°F in July. The area receives 330 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 10.1 inches, with 10.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 37.
How is the job market in North Light Plant?
The job market in North Light Plant is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.1% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,077. There are 3,087 business establishments in the area, including 230 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 36 minutes, and 10.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in North Light Plant?
The median home value in North Light Plant is $191,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $261,763. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,110. Fair market rent is $927 for a 1-bedroom and $1,129 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 67.8%. The average annual property tax is $2,974.
How are the schools in North Light Plant?
Schools in North Light Plant have an average test score of 4.5 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 0.0% of adults in North Light Plant hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.6% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is North Light Plant?
The obesity rate in North Light Plant is 32.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.3% of adults are smokers. 23.1% are physically inactive. 23.5% of residents report depression. 13.2% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 50.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,891.
What is transportation like in North Light Plant?
The average commute in North Light Plant is 36 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 90% of workers drive alone to work, and 10.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of North Light Plant?
The racial and ethnic makeup of North Light Plant is 30.9% White, 9.8% Hispanic or Latino, 9.8% Asian. 50.7% of residents speak only English at home, while 49.3% speak Spanish. 0.0% of the population are military veterans. 2.7% of residents have a disability. 83.0% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
