Median Income
$74,167
1% lower than US avg
Home Value
$13,900
95% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
165/100K
57% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
24.3%
28% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$913
21% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.6%
14% higher than US avg
Unemployment
9.3%
158% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
28.3%
128% higher than US avg
How Red Mesa Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population470
Median Age39.1 yrs
Density37/mi²
Male / Female53% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 4%
Veterans4.3%
Economy
C
Median Income$74,167
Per Capita$24,640
Unemployment9.3%
Poverty28.3%
County GDP$823M
Commute19 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$13,900
Rent$913
Ownership10.4%
Zillow$394,556
Housing Units221
Rent Burden12.9%
Crime
F
Violent165/100K
Property2,451/100K
Health
Obesity36.6%
Uninsured14.9%
Smoking25.4%
Depression21.9%
Heart Disease7.6%
Climate
Avg Temp57°F (14°C)
AQI45 (Good)
Sunny Days318/yr
Elevation5,383 ft (1,641 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+24.3%
High School+76.9%
Graduate+14.1%
School Score4.62
Community
2024 VoteR 57% / D 41%
Commute19 min
Broadband67.2%
Libraries5
Is Red Mesa a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Red Mesa receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate. Red Mesa has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Red Mesa is $74,167, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. At 9.3%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 28.3% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Red Mesa is $13,900, 95% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $913 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 0.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Red Mesa is below the national average at 165 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,451 per 100,000, 25% above the national average.
Education
24.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 76.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Red Mesa enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F. Winters average 34°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. With 318 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 45.
Red Mesa has a population of 470 with a density of 37 people per square mile, spread across 12.9 square miles. The median age is 39.1 years, 1% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47% female and 53% male. The city is predominantly Hispanic (79.6%), with 4.3% White, 1.3% Black, 73.8% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 39.7% of residents, while 60.3% speak Spanish. 4.3% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 13.8% of residents have a disability. 83.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
39.1yrs
Median Age
1% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
39.7%
49% below US avg
Spanish
60.3%
350% above US avg
The median household income in Red Mesa is $74,167, which is 1% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $24,640 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $956, 33% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 9.3% (above the 3.6% US average). 28.3% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 386 business establishments, including 51 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100.7, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 9.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $74,167 |
| 1% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $24,640 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $956 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $54,640 |
| Gini Index | 0.506 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 9.3% |
| 158% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 28.3% |
| 128% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 386 |
| County GDP | $823M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 51 |
| Healthcare | 31 |
| Retail | 41 |
| Manufacturing | 7 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,809 |
| 20% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.70 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 20.21% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 18.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 63.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 9.6% |
The median home value in Red Mesa is $13,900, 95% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $394,556, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $913 (21% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $1,151 for a one-bedroom to $1,419 for a two-bedroom apartment. 10.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 221 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 2000. The average annual property tax is $2,809 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 12.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 0.2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $13,900 |
| 95% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $394,556 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $913 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 12.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,053 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,151 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,419 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,889 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,158 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 10.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 10.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 89.6% |
| Housing Units | 221 |
| Median Year Built | 2000 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,809 |
| 20% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 20.21% |
In Red Mesa, 36.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 16.3% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.6% of residents, above the national average. 32.9% have high blood pressure. 25.4% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 12.1% report binge drinking. 30.4% are physically inactive, above the national average. 21.9% report depression. 24.1% experience frequent mental distress. 14.9% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,610. The dentist ratio is 1:845. 34.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 4.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Red Mesa vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.6% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 16.3% |
| Heart Disease | 7.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.9% |
| Asthma | 15.9% |
| COPD | 11.2% |
| Cancer | 6.2% |
| Stroke | 5.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 25.4% |
| 81% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 12.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 30.4% |
| Depression | 21.9% |
| Mental Distress | 24.1% |
| Physical Distress | 21.0% |
| Short Sleep | 44.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 83.0% |
| Uninsured | 14.9% |
| 73% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,610 |
| Dentists | 1:845 |
| Mental Health | 1:552 |
| Checkup Rate | 70.4% |
| Dental Visits | 44.4% |
| Premature Death | 14,025/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 4.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 34.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 31 |
Red Mesa has a violent crime rate of 165 per 100,000 residents, 57% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,451 per 100,000, 25% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 10 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Red Mesa receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Red Mesa vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 165.2/100K |
| 57% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,451.1/100K |
| 25% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 10 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Red Mesa enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F (14°C). Winters average 34°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. The area gets 318 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 45. The city sits at an elevation of 5,383 feet, a high-altitude location.
Temperature
34°F Jan (1°C)
81°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 57.2°F |
| 6% above US avg |
| January Average | 34°F (1°C) |
| July Average | 81°F (27°C) |
| Sunny Days | 318 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 5,383 ft (1,641 m) |
| Area | 12.9 sq mi (33.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 37/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 36.9711°N, 109.3698°W |
| Timezone | America/Phoenix |
| County | San Juan County County |
| Nearest Airport | Four Corners Regional (FMN)
65 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Wettest Month (Oct)
1.14"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 45.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 26.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 91.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 1.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively High |
| Volcano |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Relatively High |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
52 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.8. Most recent: M2.6 on Aug 26, 2024.
| Mar 1, 2016 |
34 km N of Halls Crossing, Utah |
M3.8 |
143 km |
| Apr 22, 2017 |
4 km SSW of Bluff, Utah |
M3.7 |
35 km |
| Jun 6, 2008 |
10 km NE of Bluff, Utah |
M3.6 |
44 km |
| Aug 2, 1991 |
59 km WNW of Blanding, Utah |
M3.4 |
114 km |
| Jun 25, 1991 |
10 km W of Oljato-Monument Valley, Utah |
M3.4 |
89 km |
| Jul 13, 2009 |
3 km SE of Navajo Mountain, Utah |
M3.3 |
124 km |
| Feb 24, 1993 |
16 km SSE of Monticello, Utah |
M3.1 |
84 km |
| May 13, 1993 |
19 km SSE of Monticello, Utah |
M3.1 |
82 km |
| Jul 4, 2021 |
24 km SW of Lake Valley, New Mexico |
M3.1 |
144 km |
| Mar 31, 2009 |
32 km NE of Halls Crossing, Utah |
M3.0 |
120 km |
| Jul 15, 1992 |
26 km NNW of Mexican Hat, Utah |
M3.0 |
70 km |
| May 20, 1994 |
0 km SSE of Oljato-Monument Valley, Utah |
M3.0 |
78 km |
| Apr 14, 2009 |
33 km NE of Halls Crossing, Utah |
M2.9 |
120 km |
| Oct 14, 1993 |
39 km SW of Spanish Valley, Utah |
M2.9 |
148 km |
| Mar 18, 2017 |
27 km NE of Halls Crossing, Utah |
M2.9 |
120 km |
| Nov 25, 1991 |
57 km SW of Spanish Valley, Utah |
M2.9 |
144 km |
| Oct 18, 2016 |
35 km NNE of Halls Crossing, Utah |
M2.9 |
133 km |
| Sep 13, 1996 |
10 km NW of Kayenta, Arizona |
M2.9 |
89 km |
| Aug 7, 2005 |
29 km E of La Sal, Utah |
M2.9 |
149 km |
| Sep 10, 2012 |
23 km SSE of La Sal, Utah |
M2.8 |
132 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
9 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 25, 1985 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| Sep 5, 1970 |
EF1 |
63 km |
0 |
| Sep 13, 2022 |
EF0 |
45 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 2015 |
EF0 |
35 km |
0 |
| Sep 10, 2013 |
EF0 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 2011 |
EF0 |
65 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 2010 |
EF0 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 25, 1996 |
EF0 |
83 km |
0 |
| Apr 29, 1957 |
EF0 |
43 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BIRCHER (23,317 ac, 2000).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2000 |
BIRCHER |
23,317 |
90 km |
| 1986 |
WESTTOE |
5,397 |
37 km |
| 1986 |
HOGAN |
5,298 |
46 km |
| 2000 |
PONY |
5,224 |
76 km |
| 1996 |
CHAPIN 5 |
4,832 |
85 km |
| 2002 |
CANYONS COMPLEX (HAMMOND) |
3,859 |
85 km |
| 2002 |
CARRIZO 1 |
3,701 |
29 km |
| 2005 |
HOOK LAKE |
3,609 |
96 km |
| 1984 |
FERNANDO |
3,419 |
47 km |
| 2019 |
PEAVINE CANYON |
3,265 |
92 km |
| 2004 |
TURKEY SPRING |
3,017 |
98 km |
| 1987 |
AZTECTHREE |
2,857 |
47 km |
| 1989 |
LONG MESA |
2,660 |
80 km |
| 2002 |
LONG MESA |
2,599 |
82 km |
| 2009 |
BRADFIELD |
2,549 |
98 km |
| 1998 |
HOVENWEEP |
2,456 |
50 km |
| 2005 |
TRAIL EAST |
2,369 |
98 km |
| 2006 |
CHIPPEAN RIDGE |
2,349 |
99 km |
| 2003 |
WOODENSHOE |
2,342 |
95 km |
| 2002 |
NIZHONI |
2,313 |
92 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
34°F (1°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| February |
36°F (2°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| March |
43°F (6°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| April |
51°F (10°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| May |
60°F (16°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
0.3 in |
Driest |
| July |
81°F (27°C) |
0.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
76°F (24°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| September |
67°F (20°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| October |
55°F (13°C) |
1.1 in |
Wettest |
| November |
42°F (5°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| December |
32°F (0°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest |
Red Mesa has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 32°F in December to 81°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 9.7 inches, with October being the wettest month (1.1") and June the driest (0.3").
Average costs for common services in Red Mesa. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$252 ($151–$403) |
| Specialist Visit |
$352 ($201–$554) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$201 ($101–$352) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,215 ($806–$5,035) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$131 ($76–$201) |
| Dental Filling |
$252 ($151–$403) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$45 ($25–$76) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$76 ($50–$121) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$302 ($151–$504) |
| Tire Rotation |
$40 ($20–$76) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$604 ($403–$1,007) |
| Battery Replacement |
$201 ($101–$352) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$101 ($60–$151) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$91 ($50–$141) |
| HVAC Repair |
$403 ($151–$806) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,049 ($4,028–$12,084) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,007 ($403–$2,014) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,063 ($5,539–$15,105) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,511 ($504–$3,525) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,105 ($5,035–$30,210) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,035 ($2,014–$10,070) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,511 ($806–$3,021) |
| Will Preparation |
$504 ($201–$1,007) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,518 ($1,007–$5,035) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Women's Haircut |
$55 ($30–$101) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$151 ($76–$252) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Pedicure |
$40 ($25–$65) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$81 ($50–$131) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.13 ($3.02–$5.54) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.52 ($2.52–$5.04) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.83 ($2.52–$5.54) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.53 ($3.02–$6.55) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.54 ($4.03–$7.55) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.01 ($0.60–$1.81) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$141 ($81–$252) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$151) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$121) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$101) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$65 ($30–$101) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$86 ($50–$151) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$201 ($76–$504) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,014 ($1,208–$3,525) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$131) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($8.06–$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$101 ($30–$252) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15–$76) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,208 ($604–$2,518) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,007 ($504–$2,014) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$403 ($201–$705) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$50 ($25–$101) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,007 ($403–$2,518) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,588 ($5,035–$30,210) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$60 ($30–$101) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$101 ($50–$201) |
| Dog Grooming |
$60 ($30–$101) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$40 ($20–$76) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$302 ($151–$504) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$201 ($101–$403) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $990 |
| Toddler | $811 |
| Preschool | $734 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $737 |
| Toddler | $676 |
| Preschool | $646 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Red Mesa
What is the population of Red Mesa?
Red Mesa has a population of 470 residents and is located in Arizona. The population density is 37 people per square mile, spread across 12.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 39.1 years. The population is 47% female and 53% male.
Is Red Mesa expensive to live in?
Red Mesa has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100.7 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $74,167, 1% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $13,900 (95% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $913 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 0.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Red Mesa safe?
Red Mesa is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 165 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,451 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Red Mesa receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Red Mesa?
Red Mesa enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F (14°C). Winter temperatures average 34°F in January, while summers reach an average of 81°F in July. The area receives 318 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 45.
How is the job market in Red Mesa?
The job market in Red Mesa faces challenges, with unemployment at 9.3% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $956. There are 386 business establishments in the area, including 51 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 19 minutes, and 9.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Red Mesa?
The median home value in Red Mesa is $13,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $394,556. For renters, the median monthly rent is $913. Fair market rent is $1,151 for a 1-bedroom and $1,419 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 10.4%. The average annual property tax is $2,809.
How are the schools in Red Mesa?
Schools in Red Mesa have an average test score of 4.6 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 24.3% of adults in Red Mesa hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 76.9% have completed high school. 14.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Red Mesa?
The obesity rate in Red Mesa is 36.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 25.4% of adults are smokers. 30.4% are physically inactive. 21.9% of residents report depression. 14.9% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 34.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,610.
What is transportation like in Red Mesa?
The average commute in Red Mesa is 19 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 63.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 9.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Red Mesa?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Red Mesa is 4.3% White, 1.3% Black or African American, 79.6% Hispanic or Latino, 73.8% Asian. 39.7% of residents speak only English at home, while 60.3% speak Spanish. 4.3% of the population are military veterans. 13.8% of residents have a disability. 83.0% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
