Median Income
$51,290
32% lower than US avg
Home Value
$132,900
53% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
790/100K
108% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
26.4%
22% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$870
25% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.3%
7% higher than US avg
Unemployment
7.8%
117% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
20.2%
63% higher than US avg
How Portales Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population12,023
Median Age27.7 yrs
Density1,497/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 70%
Veterans8.0%
Economy
C
Median Income$51,290
Per Capita$23,988
Unemployment7.8%
Poverty20.2%
County GDP$949M
Commute15 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$132,900
Rent$870
Ownership53.0%
Zillow$138,873
Housing Units5,292
Rent Burden28.0%
Crime
F
Violent790/100K
Property2,973/100K
Health
Obesity34.3%
Uninsured7.4%
Smoking14.3%
Depression23.8%
Heart Disease6.0%
Climate
Avg Temp60°F (16°C)
Rain16.1 in/yr
Elevation4,007 ft (1,221 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+26.4%
High School+87.9%
Graduate+8.1%
School Score4.88
Community
2024 VoteR 71% / D 27%
Commute15 min
Broadband88.1%
EV Stations2
Libraries1
Is Portales a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Portales receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate. Portales has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Portales is $51,290, 32% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 7.8% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 20.2% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Portales is $132,900, 53% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $870 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
With 790 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 2,973 per 100,000, 52% above the national average.
Education
26.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Portales enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 60°F. Winters average 40°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 16.1 inches, including 7.6 inches of snow.
Portales has a population of 12,023 with a density of 1,497 people per square mile, spread across 7.0 square miles. The median age is 27.7 years, 29% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.9% female and 48.1% male. The city is predominantly White (69.8%), with 46.3% Hispanic, 1.5% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 80.4% of residents, while 22% speak Spanish. 8.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 19.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 92.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
12,023
Total Population
2023 Census
27.7yrs
Median Age
29% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
80.4%
2% above US avg
Spanish
22.0%
64% above US avg
The median household income in Portales is $51,290, which is 32% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $23,988 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $870, 39% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 7.8% (above the 3.6% US average). 20.2% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 480 business establishments, including 33 restaurants. The cost of living index is 92.2, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 2.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $51,290 |
| 32% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $23,988 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $870 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $45,437 |
| Gini Index | 0.427 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 7.8% |
| 117% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 20.2% |
| 63% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 480 |
| County GDP | $949M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 33 |
| Healthcare | 40 |
| Retail | 45 |
| Manufacturing | 7 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $1,962 |
| 44% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 92.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.48% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 14.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 76.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 2.2% |
The median home value in Portales is $132,900, 53% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $138,873. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $155,000 with homes selling in an average of 62 days. Homes sell for 0% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $870 (25% 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. 53.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 5,292 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1976. The average annual property tax is $1,962 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 28.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $132,900 |
| 53% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $138,873 |
| Redfin Median Sale | $155,000 |
| Median List Price | $179,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median Sale Price | $155,000 |
| Median List Price | $179,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $109 |
| Homes Sold | 9 |
| Days on Market | 62 days |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 0.0% |
| Price Drops | 17.8% |
| Inventory | 45 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $870 |
| 25% below US avg |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $969 |
| Rent Burden | 28.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $828 |
| 1 Bedroom | $927 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,129 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,496 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,758 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 53.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 53.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 47.0% |
| Housing Units | 5,292 |
| Median Year Built | 1976 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $1,962 |
| 44% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.48% |
In Portales, 34.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.0% of residents. 31.2% have high blood pressure. 14.3% are current smokers. 14.8% report binge drinking. 26.8% are physically inactive. 23.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.7% experience frequent mental distress. 7.4% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,377. The dentist ratio is 1:2,705. 67.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.3 out of 10.
Air Quality (Open-Meteo CAMS - 2026-05-26)
PM2.5
3.8
μg/m³
Fine particulate
PM10
6.8
μg/m³
Coarse particulate
NO₂
0.8
μg/m³
Nitrogen dioxide
SO₂
0.2
μg/m³
Sulphur dioxide
CO
126.0
μg/m³
Carbon monoxide
Health Metrics: Portales vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.3% |
| 7% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.5% |
| Heart Disease | 6.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.2% |
| Asthma | 10.0% |
| COPD | 6.2% |
| Cancer | 6.1% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.3% |
| 2% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 14.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.8% |
| Depression | 23.8% |
| Mental Distress | 17.7% |
| Physical Distress | 15.0% |
| Short Sleep | 36.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.6% |
| Uninsured | 7.4% |
| 14% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,377 |
| Dentists | 1:2,705 |
| Mental Health | 1:330 |
| Checkup Rate | 65.3% |
| Dental Visits | 59.2% |
| Premature Death | 10,941/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 67.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 40 |
Portales has a violent crime rate of 790 per 100,000 residents, 108% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,973 per 100,000, 52% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 13 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Portales receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Portales vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 790.0/100K |
| 108% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,973.2/100K |
| 52% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 13 |
| Traffic Accidents | 7 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.9 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Portales enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 60°F (16°C). Winters average 40°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 16.1 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 7.6 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 4,007 feet.
Temperature
40°F Jan (5°C)
80°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 60.1°F |
| 11% above US avg |
| January Average | 40°F (5°C) |
| July Average | 80°F (27°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 4,007 ft (1,221 m) |
| Area | 7.0 sq mi (18.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,497/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 34.1773°N, 103.3551°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | Roosevelt County County |
| Nearest Airport | Clovis Regional (CVN)
23 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
16.1"
58% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
2.91"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 84.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 52.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 2.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively High |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Volcano |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
9 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.3. Most recent: M3.0 on Apr 1, 2025.
| Mar 19, 1995 |
8 km SSE of Newkirk, New Mexico |
M3.3 |
121 km |
| Jan 6, 2014 |
31 km E of Logan, New Mexico |
M3.3 |
129 km |
| Apr 1, 2025 |
22 km S of Newkirk, New Mexico |
M3.0 |
111 km |
| Jul 14, 1998 |
6 km WSW of Logan, New Mexico |
M3.0 |
130 km |
| Aug 18, 2017 |
13 km SW of Newkirk, New Mexico |
M2.8 |
128 km |
| Jun 7, 2020 |
11 km NE of Adrian, Texas |
M2.8 |
149 km |
| Jun 29, 2020 |
5 km SSW of Newkirk, New Mexico |
M2.7 |
127 km |
| Apr 21, 2024 |
24 km S of Adrian, Texas |
M2.7 |
117 km |
| Apr 30, 2022 |
8 km E of Anton, Texas |
M2.6 |
126 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
329 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 6 fatalities, 131 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 17, 1970 |
EF4 |
71 km |
1 |
| Apr 17, 1970 |
EF4 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1995 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1991 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 16, 1969 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1969 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Oct 17, 1965 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 21, 1963 |
EF3 |
30 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 1961 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Oct 11, 1960 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Apr 12, 1960 |
EF3 |
99 km |
3 |
| May 24, 1957 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| May 23, 2022 |
EF2 |
67 km |
0 |
| May 23, 2022 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 26, 2019 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
| May 26, 2019 |
EF2 |
33 km |
0 |
| Mar 23, 2007 |
EF2 |
70 km |
0 |
| Mar 23, 2007 |
EF2 |
18 km |
2 |
| Jun 27, 1992 |
EF2 |
42 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1992 |
EF2 |
39 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: CATO (53,730 ac, 2009).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2009 |
CATO |
53,730 |
84 km |
| 2011 |
TIRE |
44,942 |
16 km |
| 2018 |
206 |
40,247 |
66 km |
| 2000 |
VALENTINE COMPLEX |
35,678 |
98 km |
| 2000 |
JOHNNY |
34,324 |
96 km |
| 2011 |
WINDY |
24,687 |
65 km |
| 2005 |
RANGE |
24,643 |
32 km |
| 2008 |
FOUR LAKES |
23,770 |
88 km |
| 2011 |
KIZER 5 |
20,859 |
64 km |
| 2018 |
380 |
19,287 |
90 km |
| 2006 |
JET |
13,889 |
50 km |
| 2017 |
1 SOUTH ANTELOPE |
12,107 |
87 km |
| 1989 |
CAPROCK |
11,492 |
80 km |
| 2006 |
TATUM WEST |
10,960 |
99 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
10,085 |
56 km |
| 2011 |
BURNING TENT |
9,473 |
92 km |
| 2006 |
FOUR LAKES |
9,226 |
90 km |
| 1991 |
BIG |
9,184 |
66 km |
| 2011 |
FATHERS DAY |
8,947 |
87 km |
| 2006 |
FM 214 CR 210 |
8,848 |
91 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
40°F (5°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
45°F (7°C) |
0.4 in |
Driest |
| March |
52°F (11°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| April |
60°F (15°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| May |
69°F (20°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| June |
78°F (25°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| July |
80°F (27°C) |
2.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
78°F (26°C) |
2.9 in |
Wettest |
| September |
71°F (22°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| October |
60°F (16°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| November |
48°F (9°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| December |
40°F (5°C) |
0.7 in |
|
Portales has a seasonal temperature swing of 40°F / from 40°F in January to 80°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 16.1 inches, with August being the wettest month (2.9") and February the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Portales. 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 Portales
What is the population of Portales?
Portales has a population of 12,023 residents and is located in New Mexico. The population density is 1,497 people per square mile, spread across 7.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 27.7 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.9% female and 48.1% male.
Is Portales expensive to live in?
Portales 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 $51,290, 32% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $132,900 (53% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $870 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Portales safe?
Public safety is a concern in Portales, with a violent crime rate of 790 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 2,973 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Portales receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Portales?
Portales enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 60°F (16°C). Winter temperatures average 40°F in January, while summers reach an average of 80°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 16.1 inches, with 7.6 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Portales?
The unemployment rate in Portales is 7.8%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $870. There are 480 business establishments in the area, including 33 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 15 minutes, and 2.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Portales?
The median home value in Portales is $132,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $138,873. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $155,000, with homes typically selling within 62 days. For renters, the median monthly rent is $870. Fair market rent is $927 for a 1-bedroom and $1,129 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 53.0%. The average annual property tax is $1,962.
How are the schools in Portales?
Schools in Portales have an average test score of 4.9 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 26.4% of adults in Portales hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.9% have completed high school. 8.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Portales?
The obesity rate in Portales is 34.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.3% of adults are smokers. 26.8% are physically inactive. 23.8% of residents report depression. 7.4% lack health insurance. 67.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,377.
What is transportation like in Portales?
The average commute in Portales is 15 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 76.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Portales?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Portales is 69.8% White, 1.5% Black or African American, 46.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Asian. 80.4% of residents speak only English at home, while 22% speak Spanish. 8.0% of the population are military veterans. 19.0% of residents have a disability. 92.6% have health insurance coverage.