Median Income
$41,071
45% lower than US avg
Home Value
$225,300
20% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
171/100K
55% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
17.0%
50% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
28.7%
11% lower than US avg
Unemployment
0.3%
92% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
10.9%
12% lower than US avg
How Questa Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,112
Median Age52.7 yrs
Density298/mi²
Male / Female57% / 43%
Largest GroupWhite 70%
Veterans11.0%
Economy
B+
Median Income$41,071
Per Capita$28,445
Unemployment0.3%
Poverty10.9%
County GDP$1,521M
Commute28 min
Housing
B+
Home Value$225,300
Ownership82.6%
Zillow$408,265
Housing Units1,128
Rent Burden28.4%
Crime
F
Violent171/100K
Property570/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault0/100K
Burglary0/100K
Health
Obesity28.7%
Uninsured18.1%
Smoking9.6%
Depression19.9%
Heart Disease4.9%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
AQI37 (Good)
Rain13.4 in/yr
Sunny Days330/yr
Elevation7,617 ft (2,322 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+17.0%
High School+95.9%
Graduate+5.0%
School Score4.34
Community
2024 VoteR 25% / D 72%
Commute28 min
Broadband70.5%
EV Stations1
Libraries4
Is Questa a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Questa receives an overall livability score of 2.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes. Questa has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Questa is $41,071, 45% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.3%. 10.9% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Questa is $225,300, 20% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. The price-to-income ratio of 5.5x means housing costs are stretched relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Questa is below the national average at 171 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 570 per 100,000, 71% below the national average.
Education
17.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Questa has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F. Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 66°F in July. With 330 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 13.4 inches, including 61.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 37.
Questa has a population of 2,112 with a density of 298 people per square mile, spread across 5.1 square miles. The median age is 52.7 years, 35% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 42.9% female and 57.1% male. The city is predominantly White (70.4%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 39.6% of residents, while 60.4% speak Spanish. 11.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 25.4% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 88.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
52.7yrs
Median Age
35% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
39.6%
50% below US avg
Spanish
60.4%
351% above US avg
The median household income in Questa is $41,071, which is 45% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $28,445 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $873, 39% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 10.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 1,449 business establishments, including 151 restaurants. The cost of living index is 92.2, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes. 20.9% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $41,071 |
| 45% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $28,445 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $873 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $56,455 |
| Gini Index | 0.508 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.3% |
| 92% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 10.9% |
| 12% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,449 |
| County GDP | $1,521M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 151 |
| Healthcare | 105 |
| Retail | 194 |
| Manufacturing | 33 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,363 |
| 4% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 92.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.49% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 28.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 69.8% |
| Public Transit | 1.2% |
| Work from Home | 20.9% |
The median home value in Questa is $225,300, 20% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $408,265, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $927 for a one-bedroom to $1,129 for a two-bedroom apartment. 82.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,128 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1980. The average annual property tax is $3,363. 28.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 5.5x, above the traditionally affordable threshold of 3-4x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $225,300 |
| 20% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $408,265 |
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 | 82.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 82.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 17.4% |
| Housing Units | 1,128 |
| Median Year Built | 1980 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,363 |
| 4% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.49% |
In Questa, 28.7% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 11.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 4.9% of residents, below the national average. 27.3% have high blood pressure. 9.6% are current smokers (below the 14.0% national rate). 15.9% report binge drinking. 24.5% are physically inactive. 19.9% report depression. 14.7% experience frequent mental distress. 18.1% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,154. The dentist ratio is 1:2,034. 79.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Questa vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 28.7% |
| 11% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.4% |
| Heart Disease | 4.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.3% |
| Asthma | 8.6% |
| COPD | 3.6% |
| Cancer | 4.9% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 9.6% |
| 31% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.5% |
| Depression | 19.9% |
| Mental Distress | 14.7% |
| Physical Distress | 12.9% |
| Short Sleep | 30.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 88.0% |
| Uninsured | 18.1% |
| 110% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,154 |
| Dentists | 1:2,034 |
| Mental Health | 1:115 |
| Checkup Rate | 64.8% |
| Dental Visits | 66.4% |
| Premature Death | 12,930/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 79.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 105 |
Questa has a violent crime rate of 171 per 100,000 residents, 55% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 0.0 per 100,000, robbery at 114.1, rape at 57.1. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 570 per 100,000, 71% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 570, burglary at 0, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 7 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Questa receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Questa vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 171.1/100K |
| 55% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 57.1/100K |
| Robbery | 114.1/100K |
| Assault | 0.0/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 570.5/100K |
| 71% below US avg |
| Burglary | 0.0/100K |
| Theft | 570.5/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 7 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Questa has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 66°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 13.4 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 61.5 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 37. The city sits at an elevation of 7,617 feet, a high-altitude location.
Temperature
22°F Jan (-5°C)
66°F Jul (19°C)
| Annual Average | 45.1°F |
| 16% below US avg |
| January Average | 22°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 66°F (19°C) |
| Sunny Days | 330 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 7,617 ft (2,322 m) |
| Area | 5.1 sq mi (13.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 298/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 36.7124°N, 105.5992°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | Taos County County |
| Nearest Airport | Taos Regional (TSM)
18 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
13.4"
65% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
2.68"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 37.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 4.1 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 74.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 89.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 36.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
| Volcano |
No Rating |
| Avalanche |
Relatively High |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
360 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.3. Most recent: M3.4 on Jun 28, 2025.
| Aug 23, 2011 |
6 km S of Valdez, Colorado |
M5.3 |
89 km |
| Aug 10, 2005 |
20 km S of Weston, Colorado |
M5.0 |
73 km |
| Aug 22, 2011 |
9 km SSW of Starkville, Colorado |
M4.7 |
100 km |
| Sep 5, 2001 |
0 km SE of Cokedale, Colorado |
M4.5 |
100 km |
| Jan 3, 2007 |
8 km SSW of Weston, Colorado |
M4.4 |
74 km |
| Mar 22, 2004 |
30 km S of Weston, Colorado |
M4.4 |
69 km |
| Aug 1, 2004 |
31 km S of Stonewall Gap, Colorado |
M4.3 |
48 km |
| Mar 10, 2023 |
6 km NNE of Segundo, Colorado |
M4.3 |
93 km |
| Jul 12, 2021 |
5 km E of Capulin, New Mexico |
M4.2 |
116 km |
| Jul 29, 2009 |
32 km NNE of Cimarron, New Mexico |
M4.1 |
69 km |
| Aug 10, 2005 |
20 km SSW of Segundo, Colorado |
M4.1 |
74 km |
| Jun 19, 2023 |
Colorado |
M4.1 |
120 km |
| Sep 13, 2011 |
20 km S of Sequndo, Colorado |
M4.0 |
80 km |
| Aug 26, 2023 |
19 km SSW of Weston, Colorado |
M4.0 |
66 km |
| Sep 4, 2001 |
2 km W of Cokedale, Colorado |
M4.0 |
97 km |
| Feb 6, 2016 |
Colorado |
M4.0 |
71 km |
| Aug 23, 2011 |
7 km S of Valdez, Colorado |
M4.0 |
89 km |
| Mar 10, 2023 |
5 km N of Sequndo, Colorado |
M3.9 |
93 km |
| Sep 16, 2011 |
26 km S of Sequndo, Colorado |
M3.9 |
79 km |
| Aug 23, 2016 |
18 km SSW of Weston, CO |
M3.9 |
66 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
46 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 1 fatality, 48 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 29, 1964 |
EF3 |
93 km |
1 |
| Jul 31, 1955 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jul 25, 1996 |
EF2 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jul 10, 1955 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 1953 |
EF2 |
62 km |
0 |
| Mar 19, 1995 |
EF1 |
84 km |
0 |
| May 25, 1993 |
EF1 |
99 km |
0 |
| Aug 17, 1992 |
EF1 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 1983 |
EF1 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1982 |
EF1 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1980 |
EF1 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 1977 |
EF1 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jul 21, 1973 |
EF1 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 1956 |
EF1 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 2021 |
EF0 |
91 km |
0 |
| May 31, 2021 |
EF0 |
67 km |
0 |
| May 28, 2021 |
EF0 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 28, 2021 |
EF0 |
95 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 2018 |
EF0 |
22 km |
0 |
| Aug 9, 2018 |
EF0 |
35 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: HERMITS PEAK (352,046 ac, 2022).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2022 |
HERMITS PEAK |
352,046 |
97 km |
| 2002 |
PONIL COMPLEX |
89,084 |
49 km |
| 2022 |
COOKS PEAK |
61,195 |
74 km |
| 2018 |
UTE PARK |
30,177 |
55 km |
| 2006 |
CASA |
27,452 |
72 km |
| 2002 |
SPRING |
24,044 |
64 km |
| 2006 |
OJO FELIZ |
17,767 |
80 km |
| 2006 |
RIVERA MESA |
16,412 |
78 km |
| 1993 |
OJO |
14,887 |
85 km |
| 2002 |
CERRO PELON |
13,015 |
85 km |
| 2002 |
BORREGO |
12,877 |
82 km |
| 2020 |
LUNA |
10,849 |
58 km |
| 2011 |
PACHECO |
9,790 |
98 km |
| 2013 |
JAROSO |
9,529 |
91 km |
| 1996 |
HONDO |
8,258 |
8 km |
| 2017 |
BONITA |
7,754 |
51 km |
| 2017 |
HONDITO |
6,949 |
39 km |
| 2003 |
CAPULIN |
6,155 |
96 km |
| 2021 |
HART CANYON RX FY22 |
5,781 |
49 km |
| 2018 |
LOOP ROAD RX |
5,688 |
38 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
22°F (-5°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
25°F (-4°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| March |
32°F (0°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| April |
39°F (4°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| May |
48°F (9°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| June |
57°F (14°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| July |
66°F (19°C) |
2.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
61°F (16°C) |
2.7 in |
Wettest |
| September |
56°F (13°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| October |
46°F (8°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| November |
33°F (1°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| December |
24°F (-5°C) |
0.9 in |
|
Questa has a seasonal temperature swing of 44°F / from 22°F in January to 66°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 16.9 inches, with August being the wettest month (2.7") and January the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in Questa. 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 Questa
What is the population of Questa?
Questa has a population of 2,112 residents and is located in New Mexico. The population density is 298 people per square mile, spread across 5.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 52.7 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 42.9% female and 57.1% male.
Is Questa expensive to live in?
Questa 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 $41,071, 45% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $225,300 (20% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 5.5x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.
Is Questa safe?
Questa is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 171 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 570 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Questa receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Questa?
Questa has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 22°F in January, while summers reach an average of 66°F in July. The area receives 330 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 13.4 inches, with 61.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 37.
How is the job market in Questa?
The job market in Questa is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.3% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $873. There are 1,449 business establishments in the area, including 151 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 28 minutes, and 20.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Questa?
The median home value in Questa is $225,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $408,265. The homeownership rate is 82.6%. The average annual property tax is $3,363.
How are the schools in Questa?
Schools in Questa have an average test score of 4.3 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 17.0% of adults in Questa hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.9% have completed high school. 5.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Questa?
The obesity rate in Questa is 28.7% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 9.6% of adults are smokers. 24.5% are physically inactive. 19.9% of residents report depression. 18.1% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 79.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,154.
What is transportation like in Questa?
The average commute in Questa is 28 minutes. 69.8% of workers drive alone to work, 1.2% use public transit, and 20.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Questa?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Questa is 70.4% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Asian. 39.6% of residents speak only English at home, while 60.4% speak Spanish. 11.0% of the population are military veterans. 25.4% of residents have a disability. 88.0% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
