Median Income
$65,966
12% lower than US avg
Home Value
$120,300
57% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
572/100K
51% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
15.7%
53% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
33.9%
6% higher than US avg
Unemployment
7.7%
114% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
11.4%
8% lower than US avg
How San Rafael Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population620
Median Age59.7 yrs
Density39/mi²
Male / Female41% / 59%
Largest GroupWhite 68%
Veterans26.1%
Economy
B
Median Income$65,966
Per Capita$24,524
Unemployment7.7%
Poverty11.4%
County GDP$868M
Housing
A+
Home Value$120,300
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$145,746
Housing Units617
Rent Burden25.3%
Crime
F
Violent572/100K
Property3,174/100K
Health
Obesity33.9%
Uninsured17.0%
Smoking11.0%
Depression21.1%
Heart Disease5.2%
Climate
Avg Temp52°F (11°C)
AQI37 (Good)
Rain9.7 in/yr
Sunny Days330/yr
Elevation6,806 ft (2,074 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+15.7%
High School+67.6%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score4.24
Community
2024 VoteR 48% / D 50%
Broadband100.0%
EV Stations3
Libraries3
Is San Rafael a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, San Rafael receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine, strong internet connectivity. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, above-average unemployment, a high uninsured rate. San Rafael has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in San Rafael is $65,966, 12% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 7.7% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. 11.4% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in San Rafael is $120,300, 57% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
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
15.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 67.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.2/10.
Climate & Weather
San Rafael experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 52°F. Winters average 32°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 9.7 inches, including 7.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 37.
San Rafael has a population of 620 with a density of 39 people per square mile, spread across 10.3 square miles. The median age is 59.7 years, 53% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 58.7% female and 41.3% male. The city is predominantly White (68.2%), with 12.4% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 65.9% of residents, while 34.1% speak Spanish. 26.1% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 22.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 88.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
59.7yrs
Median Age
53% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
San Rafael vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
65.9%
16% below US avg
Spanish
34.1%
154% above US avg
Social Characteristics
San Rafael vs U.S. Average
The median household income in San Rafael is $65,966, which is 12% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $24,524 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $934, 35% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 7.7% (above the 3.6% US average). 11.4% of residents live below the poverty line. 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. 100.0% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income: San Rafael vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $65,966 |
| 12% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $24,524 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $934 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $41,403 |
| Gini Index | 0.428 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 7.7% |
| 114% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 11.4% |
| 8% below 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) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.98% |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 0.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 100.0% |
The median home value in San Rafael is $120,300, 57% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $145,746, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $927 for a one-bedroom to $1,129 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 617 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1973. The average annual property tax is $2,380 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 25.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $120,300 |
| 57% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $145,746 |
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 | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 617 |
| Median Year Built | 1973 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,380 |
| 32% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.98% |
In San Rafael, 33.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.2% of residents. 27.8% have high blood pressure. 11.0% are current smokers (below the 14.0% national rate). 15.4% report binge drinking. 23.5% are physically inactive. 21.1% report depression. 15.2% experience frequent mental distress. 17.0% 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: San Rafael vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 33.9% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.8% |
| Asthma | 9.2% |
| COPD | 4.5% |
| Cancer | 5.6% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 11.0% |
| 21% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.5% |
| Depression | 21.1% |
| Mental Distress | 15.2% |
| Physical Distress | 13.1% |
| Short Sleep | 39.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 88.7% |
| Uninsured | 17.0% |
| 98% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,091 |
| Dentists | 1:1,497 |
| Mental Health | 1:268 |
| Checkup Rate | 66.3% |
| Dental Visits | 54.3% |
| Premature Death | 16,697/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 4.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 53.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 44 |
San Rafael 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, San Rafael receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: San Rafael 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 |
San Rafael experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 32°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 9.7 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 7.9 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 37. The city sits at an elevation of 6,806 feet, a high-altitude location.
Temperature
32°F Jan (0°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 52.1°F |
| 4% below US avg |
| January Average | 32°F (0°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 330 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 6,806 ft (2,074 m) |
| Area | 10.3 sq mi (26.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 39/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 35.0982°N, 107.9049°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | Cibola County County |
| Nearest Airport | Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ)
73 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
9.7"
75% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
2.44"
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
62 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 |
117 km |
| Nov 8, 1990 |
4 km WSW of Abeytas, New Mexico |
M4.4 |
120 km |
| Jan 31, 1990 |
5 km WSW of Abeytas, New Mexico |
M4.0 |
120 km |
| May 18, 2023 |
8 km ENE of San Mateo, New Mexico |
M3.8 |
43 km |
| May 5, 1990 |
6 km WSW of Abeytas, New Mexico |
M3.6 |
118 km |
| Nov 15, 1990 |
4 km WSW of Abeytas, New Mexico |
M3.6 |
119 km |
| Sep 29, 2012 |
4 km WNW of Belen, New Mexico |
M3.5 |
110 km |
| May 1, 2025 |
14 km NW of Alamillo, New Mexico |
M3.5 |
116 km |
| May 24, 2004 |
8 km W of Abeytas, New Mexico |
M3.5 |
116 km |
| Oct 20, 2016 |
3 km NNW of Seboyeta, New Mexico |
M3.5 |
48 km |
| Sep 10, 2024 |
7 km WNW of Paradise Hills, New Mexico |
M3.5 |
103 km |
| Sep 23, 2009 |
29 km W of Alamo, New Mexico |
M3.4 |
71 km |
| May 23, 2007 |
4 km WNW of Socorro, New Mexico |
M3.4 |
145 km |
| Jul 31, 1990 |
4 km WSW of Abeytas, New Mexico |
M3.3 |
119 km |
| Sep 10, 2024 |
8 km WSW of Paradise Hills, New Mexico |
M3.2 |
102 km |
| May 19, 2011 |
40 km SSE of Datil, New Mexico |
M3.2 |
144 km |
| Sep 16, 2015 |
9 km SE of La Joya, New Mexico |
M3.2 |
137 km |
| Apr 6, 2011 |
17 km WNW of La Joya, New Mexico |
M3.2 |
112 km |
| Jul 21, 1990 |
4 km WSW of Abeytas, New Mexico |
M3.2 |
120 km |
| Jul 4, 2021 |
24 km SW of Lake Valley, New Mexico |
M3.1 |
105 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
7 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2. Total: 1 fatality, 8 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Oct 10, 1974 |
EF2 |
76 km |
1 |
| May 30, 2019 |
EF0 |
56 km |
0 |
| Feb 17, 2019 |
EF0 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 2018 |
EF0 |
31 km |
0 |
| Sep 30, 2017 |
EF0 |
67 km |
0 |
| Aug 5, 1980 |
EF0 |
99 km |
0 |
| Oct 20, 1957 |
EF0 |
69 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Nearby Volcanoes
2 volcanoes within 200 km.
Closest: Zuni-Bandera (34 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Zuni-Bandera |
Volcanic field |
2,550 m (8,366 ft) |
-1170 |
34 km |
| Red Hill |
Volcanic field |
2,300 m (7,546 ft) |
-9450 |
127 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 |
32 km |
| 2018 |
DIENER CANYON |
9,824 |
20 km |
| 2004 |
SEDGWICK |
9,241 |
20 km |
| 2019 |
TRIPLE NICKLE |
7,819 |
42 km |
| 2018 |
BLUE WATER |
3,663 |
23 km |
| 1989 |
COLLAPSE |
3,438 |
36 km |
| 2019 |
REDONDO RX |
3,382 |
28 km |
| 1999 |
LA JARA |
3,249 |
32 km |
| 1989 |
MALPAIS |
2,300 |
34 km |
| 2004 |
BROADCAST BLOCK 1 |
2,285 |
41 km |
| 2007 |
DOUBLE EAGLE |
2,281 |
96 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
1,983 |
25 km |
| 1989 |
HOYA |
1,869 |
33 km |
| 2023 |
COPPERTAN RX 23 BLOCK 1 AND 2 |
1,850 |
27 km |
| 2000 |
WALL |
1,751 |
27 km |
| 2021 |
COPPERTAN RX FY21 |
1,694 |
25 km |
| 2012 |
COPPERTON |
1,583 |
25 km |
| 2014 |
2 MERTZ RX |
1,426 |
52 km |
| 2006 |
FOREST UNIT |
1,408 |
63 km |
| 2014 |
WHISKEY |
1,176 |
21 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
32°F (0°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| February |
34°F (1°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
40°F (4°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| May |
55°F (13°C) |
0.5 in |
Driest |
| June |
64°F (18°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
2.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
67°F (19°C) |
2.4 in |
Wettest |
| September |
60°F (16°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| November |
38°F (4°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| December |
31°F (-1°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest |
San Rafael has a seasonal temperature swing of 43°F / from 31°F in December to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 11.9 inches, with August being the wettest month (2.4") and May the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in San Rafael. 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 San Rafael
What is the population of San Rafael?
San Rafael has a population of 620 residents and is located in New Mexico. The population density is 39 people per square mile, spread across 10.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 59.7 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 58.7% female and 41.3% male.
Is San Rafael expensive to live in?
San Rafael 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 $65,966, 12% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $120,300 (57% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is San Rafael safe?
The violent crime rate in San Rafael 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, San Rafael receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in San Rafael?
San Rafael has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 32°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 9.7 inches, with 7.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 37.
How is the job market in San Rafael?
The unemployment rate in San Rafael is 7.7%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $934. There are 449 business establishments in the area, including 46 restaurants and food service locations.
How much does housing cost in San Rafael?
The median home value in San Rafael is $120,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $145,746. The homeownership rate is 100.0%. The average annual property tax is $2,380.
How are the schools in San Rafael?
Schools in San Rafael have an average test score of 4.2 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 15.7% of adults in San Rafael hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 67.6% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is San Rafael?
The obesity rate in San Rafael is 33.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 11.0% of adults are smokers. 23.5% are physically inactive. 21.1% of residents report depression. 17.0% 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 are the demographics of San Rafael?
The racial and ethnic makeup of San Rafael is 68.2% White, 12.4% Hispanic or Latino. 65.9% of residents speak only English at home, while 34.1% speak Spanish. 26.1% of the population are military veterans. 22.0% of residents have a disability. 88.7% have health insurance coverage.
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