Median Income
$30,284
60% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
572/100K
51% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
16.9%
50% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
42.4%
32% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
61.7%
398% higher than US avg
How Paraje Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,405
Median Age24.7 yrs
Density252/mi²
Male / Female46% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 2%
Veterans2.2%
Economy
C
Median Income$30,284
Per Capita$14,528
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty61.7%
County GDP$868M
Commute12 min
Housing
Ownership63.1%
Zillow$145,746
Housing Units367
Rent Burden9.0%
Crime
F
Violent572/100K
Property3,174/100K
Health
Obesity42.4%
Uninsured11.8%
Smoking28.1%
Depression26.7%
Heart Disease8.3%
Climate
Avg Temp53°F (12°C)
AQI37 (Good)
Rain10.0 in/yr
Sunny Days330/yr
Elevation5,912 ft (1,802 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+16.9%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score4.24
Community
2024 VoteR 48% / D 50%
Commute12 min
Broadband53.5%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is Paraje a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Paraje receives an overall livability score of 1.9 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, an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Paraje faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Paraje is $30,284, 60% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. The poverty rate of 61.7% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 12 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
16.9% 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 4.2/10.
Climate & Weather
Paraje 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.
Paraje has a population of 1,405 with a density of 252 people per square mile, spread across 5.6 square miles. The median age is 24.7 years, 37% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.9% female and 46.1% male. The city is predominantly Hispanic (96.8%), with 1.6% White. English is the primary language spoken at home by 63.7% of residents, while 36.3% speak Spanish. 2.2% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 20.6% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 82.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
24.7yrs
Median Age
37% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
63.7%
19% below US avg
Spanish
36.3%
171% above US avg
The median household income in Paraje is $30,284, which is 60% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $14,528 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $934, 35% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 61.7% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 449 business establishments, including 46 restaurants. The cost of living index is 92.2, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 12 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 4.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $30,284 |
| 60% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $14,528 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $934 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $41,403 |
| Gini Index | 0.428 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 61.7% |
| 398% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 449 |
| County GDP | $868M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 46 |
| Healthcare | 44 |
| Retail | 57 |
| Manufacturing | 5 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,380 |
| 32% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 92.20 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 12.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 47.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.3% |
| Work from Home | 4.8% |
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. 63.1% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 367 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1970. The average annual property tax is $2,380 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 9.0% 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 | 63.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 63.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 36.9% |
| Housing Units | 367 |
| Median Year Built | 1970 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,380 |
| 32% below US avg |
In Paraje, 42.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 17.4% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 8.3% of residents, above the national average. 37.0% have high blood pressure. 28.1% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 14.3% report binge drinking. 30.4% are physically inactive, above the national average. 26.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 23.6% experience frequent mental distress. 11.8% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,091. The dentist ratio is 1:1,497. 53.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 4.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Paraje vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 42.4% |
| 32% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 17.4% |
| Heart Disease | 8.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 37.0% |
| Asthma | 14.4% |
| COPD | 9.6% |
| Cancer | 5.8% |
| Stroke | 5.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 28.1% |
| 101% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 14.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 30.4% |
| Depression | 26.7% |
| Mental Distress | 23.6% |
| Physical Distress | 20.6% |
| Short Sleep | 46.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 82.6% |
| Uninsured | 11.8% |
| 37% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,091 |
| Dentists | 1:1,497 |
| Mental Health | 1:268 |
| Checkup Rate | 67.3% |
| Dental Visits | 48.4% |
| Premature Death | 16,697/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 4.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 53.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 44 |
Paraje 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 13 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Paraje receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Paraje 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) | 13 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Paraje 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 5,912 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 | 5,912 ft (1,802 m) |
| Area | 5.6 sq mi (14.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 252/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 35.0444°N, 107.4682°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | Cibola County County |
| Nearest Airport | Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ)
49 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
10.0"
74% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
2.09"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 37.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 58.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 94.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 3.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Volcano |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
86 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 |
84 km |
| Nov 8, 1990 |
4 km WSW of Abeytas, New Mexico |
M4.4 |
87 km |
| Jul 12, 2021 |
5 km E of Capulin, New Mexico |
M4.2 |
147 km |
| Jan 31, 1990 |
5 km WSW of Abeytas, New Mexico |
M4.0 |
87 km |
| Feb 27, 1990 |
25 km E of San Antonio, New Mexico |
M3.9 |
146 km |
| May 18, 2023 |
8 km ENE of San Mateo, New Mexico |
M3.8 |
37 km |
| Jul 12, 2021 |
3 km E of Capulin, New Mexico |
M3.7 |
146 km |
| Jul 22, 1990 |
5 km SE of McIntosh, New Mexico |
M3.7 |
135 km |
| Jan 4, 1998 |
5 km NE of Mountainair, New Mexico |
M3.6 |
129 km |
| Feb 21, 1990 |
31 km ENE of San Antonio, New Mexico |
M3.6 |
143 km |
| May 5, 1990 |
6 km WSW of Abeytas, New Mexico |
M3.6 |
85 km |
| Nov 15, 1990 |
4 km WSW of Abeytas, New Mexico |
M3.6 |
86 km |
| Oct 20, 2016 |
3 km NNW of Seboyeta, New Mexico |
M3.5 |
22 km |
| Sep 10, 2024 |
7 km WNW of Paradise Hills, New Mexico |
M3.5 |
66 km |
| Sep 29, 2012 |
4 km WNW of Belen, New Mexico |
M3.5 |
72 km |
| Dec 31, 1997 |
8 km E of Mountainair, New Mexico |
M3.5 |
133 km |
| Dec 31, 1997 |
8 km ENE of Mountainair, New Mexico |
M3.5 |
132 km |
| May 1, 2025 |
14 km NW of Alamillo, New Mexico |
M3.5 |
87 km |
| May 24, 2004 |
8 km W of Abeytas, New Mexico |
M3.5 |
83 km |
| Jul 22, 2013 |
25 km E of San Antonio, New Mexico |
M3.4 |
147 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
31 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2. Total: 1 fatality, 8 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 27, 1975 |
EF2 |
74 km |
0 |
| Oct 10, 1974 |
EF2 |
37 km |
1 |
| Sep 13, 1988 |
EF1 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1966 |
EF1 |
78 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1965 |
EF1 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 2021 |
EF0 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 17, 2021 |
EF0 |
76 km |
0 |
| Aug 15, 2020 |
EF0 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jul 15, 2020 |
EF0 |
91 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2019 |
EF0 |
73 km |
0 |
| Feb 17, 2019 |
EF0 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 2018 |
EF0 |
19 km |
0 |
| Sep 30, 2017 |
EF0 |
27 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 2011 |
EF0 |
90 km |
0 |
| Apr 17, 2005 |
EF0 |
86 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 2005 |
EF0 |
75 km |
0 |
| Aug 30, 2004 |
EF0 |
74 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1991 |
EF0 |
75 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1991 |
EF0 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jul 14, 1990 |
EF0 |
82 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Nearby Volcanoes
3 volcanoes within 200 km.
Closest: Zuni-Bandera (56 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Zuni-Bandera |
Volcanic field |
2,550 m (8,366 ft) |
-1170 |
56 km |
| Red Hill |
Volcanic field |
2,300 m (7,546 ft) |
-9450 |
153 km |
| Carrizozo |
Pyroclastic cone(s) |
1,731 m (5,679 ft) |
-3250 |
199 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: CHERRY (15,105 ac, 2002).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2002 |
CHERRY |
15,105 |
60 km |
| 2018 |
DIENER CANYON |
9,824 |
60 km |
| 2004 |
SEDGWICK |
9,241 |
59 km |
| 2019 |
TRIPLE NICKLE |
7,819 |
32 km |
| 2008 |
LADRONE RX |
4,406 |
76 km |
| 2018 |
BLUE WATER |
3,663 |
61 km |
| 1989 |
COLLAPSE |
3,438 |
60 km |
| 2019 |
REDONDO RX |
3,382 |
68 km |
| 1999 |
LA JARA |
3,249 |
32 km |
| 1989 |
MALPAIS |
2,300 |
60 km |
| 2003 |
SANFRANCISCO |
2,292 |
92 km |
| 2004 |
BROADCAST BLOCK 1 |
2,285 |
73 km |
| 2007 |
DOUBLE EAGLE |
2,281 |
58 km |
| 2011 |
SEVILLETA |
2,094 |
91 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
1,983 |
64 km |
| 1989 |
HOYA |
1,869 |
64 km |
| 2023 |
COPPERTAN RX 23 BLOCK 1 AND 2 |
1,850 |
67 km |
| 2000 |
WALL |
1,751 |
52 km |
| 2021 |
COPPERTAN RX FY21 |
1,694 |
65 km |
| 2012 |
COPPERTON |
1,583 |
65 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
34°F (1°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| February |
37°F (3°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| March |
43°F (6°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
0.4 in |
Driest |
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
1.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
2.1 in |
Wettest |
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| November |
42°F (5°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| December |
33°F (1°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest |
Paraje has a seasonal temperature swing of 40°F / from 33°F in December to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 10.4 inches, with August being the wettest month (2.1") and April the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Paraje. 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 Paraje
What is the population of Paraje?
Paraje has a population of 1,405 residents and is located in New Mexico. The population density is 252 people per square mile, spread across 5.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 24.7 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53.9% female and 46.1% male.
Is Paraje expensive to live in?
Paraje 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 $30,284, 60% below the national average of $75,149.
Is Paraje safe?
The violent crime rate in Paraje 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, Paraje receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Paraje?
Paraje 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 Paraje?
The job market in Paraje is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $934. There are 449 business establishments in the area, including 46 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 12 minutes, and 4.8% of workers work from home.
How are the schools in Paraje?
Schools in Paraje have an average test score of 4.2 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 16.9% of adults in Paraje 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 Paraje?
The obesity rate in Paraje is 42.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 28.1% of adults are smokers. 30.4% are physically inactive. 26.7% of residents report depression. 11.8% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 53.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,091.
What is transportation like in Paraje?
The average commute in Paraje is 12 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 47.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Paraje?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Paraje is 1.6% White, 96.8% Hispanic or Latino, 1% Asian. 63.7% of residents speak only English at home, while 36.3% speak Spanish. 2.2% of the population are military veterans. 20.6% of residents have a disability. 82.6% have health insurance coverage.
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