Median Income
$28,750
62% lower than US avg
Home Value
$97,500
65% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
2,147/100K
465% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
6.2%
82% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$825
29% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.0%
28% higher than US avg
Unemployment
8.7%
142% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
43.1%
248% higher than US avg
How Sheep Springs Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population369
Median Age28.6 yrs
Density72/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 0%
Veterans4.7%
Economy
F
Median Income$28,750
Per Capita$12,243
Unemployment8.7%
Poverty43.1%
County GDP$7,043M
Commute43 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$97,500
Rent$825
Ownership71.6%
Zillow$237,274
Housing Units104
Rent Burden25.7%
Crime
F
Violent2,147/100K
Property10,577/100K
Health
Obesity41.0%
Uninsured14.1%
Smoking32.6%
Depression25.8%
Heart Disease9.5%
Climate
Avg Temp51°F (11°C)
AQI37 (Good)
Sunny Days318/yr
Elevation5,774 ft (1,760 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+6.2%
High School+90.4%
Graduate+0.9%
School Score4.52
Community
2024 VoteR 65% / D 33%
Commute43 min
Broadband81.0%
Libraries3
Is Sheep Springs a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Sheep Springs receives an overall livability score of 2.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate. Sheep Springs has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Sheep Springs is $28,750, 62% below the national average of $75,149. At 8.7%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 43.1% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 43 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Sheep Springs is $97,500, 65% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $825 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.4x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
With 2,147 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 10,577 per 100,000, 440% above the national average.
Education
6.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Sheep Springs experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 73°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 37.
Sheep Springs has a population of 369 with a density of 72 people per square mile, spread across 5.1 square miles. The median age is 28.6 years, 26% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.2% female and 51.8% male. The city is predominantly Hispanic (100%), with 96.5% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 47% of residents, while 53% speak Spanish. 4.7% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 10.8% of residents have a disability. 80.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
28.6yrs
Median Age
26% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Sheep Springs vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
47.0%
40% below US avg
Spanish
53.0%
296% above US avg
Social Characteristics
Sheep Springs vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Sheep Springs is $28,750, which is 62% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $12,243 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,077, 25% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 8.7% (above the 3.6% US average). 43.1% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 3,087 business establishments, including 230 restaurants. The cost of living index is 92.2, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 43 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Sheep Springs vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $28,750 |
| 62% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $12,243 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,077 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $56,852 |
| Gini Index | 0.470 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 8.7% |
| 142% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 43.1% |
| 248% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 3,087 |
| County GDP | $7,043M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 230 |
| Healthcare | 294 |
| Retail | 417 |
| Manufacturing | 66 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,974 |
| 15% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 92.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.05% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 43.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 86.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Sheep Springs is $97,500, 65% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $237,274, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $825 (29% 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. 71.6% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 104 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1984. The average annual property tax is $2,974. 25.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.4x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $97,500 |
| 65% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $237,274 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $825 |
| 29% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 25.7% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $828 |
| 1 Bedroom | $927 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,129 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,496 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,758 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 71.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 71.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 28.4% |
| Housing Units | 104 |
| Median Year Built | 1984 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,974 |
| 15% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.05% |
In Sheep Springs, 41.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 18.5% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 9.5% of residents, above the national average. 37.1% have high blood pressure. 32.6% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 12.4% report binge drinking. 32.9% are physically inactive, above the national average. 25.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 25.1% experience frequent mental distress. 14.1% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,891. The dentist ratio is 1:933. 50.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 5.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Sheep Springs vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.0% |
| 28% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 18.5% |
| Heart Disease | 9.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 37.1% |
| Asthma | 15.1% |
| COPD | 11.8% |
| Cancer | 5.7% |
| Stroke | 6.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 32.6% |
| 133% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 12.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 32.9% |
| Depression | 25.8% |
| Mental Distress | 25.1% |
| Physical Distress | 23.4% |
| Short Sleep | 43.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 80.9% |
| Uninsured | 14.1% |
| 64% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,891 |
| Dentists | 1:933 |
| Mental Health | 1:355 |
| Checkup Rate | 68.0% |
| Dental Visits | 42.2% |
| Premature Death | 18,277/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 5.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 50.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 294 |
Sheep Springs has a violent crime rate of 2,147 per 100,000 residents, 465% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 10,577 per 100,000, 440% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 18 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Sheep Springs receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Sheep Springs vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 2,146.8/100K |
| 465% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 10,577.4/100K |
| 440% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 18 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Sheep Springs experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 73°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 37. The city sits at an elevation of 5,774 feet, a high-altitude location.
Temperature
29°F Jan (-2°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 51.1°F |
| 5% below US avg |
| January Average | 29°F (-2°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 318 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 5,774 ft (1,760 m) |
| Area | 5.1 sq mi (13.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 72/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 36.1592°N, 108.6905°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | San Juan County County |
| Nearest Airport | Four Corners Regional (FMN)
48 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Wettest Month (Aug)
1.81"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 37.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0416 ppm |
| NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide) | 8.5 ppb |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 1.25 ppb |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 88.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 91.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 5.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
12 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.8. Most recent: M2.6 on Aug 26, 2024.
| May 18, 2023 |
8 km ENE of San Mateo, New Mexico |
M3.8 |
135 km |
| Apr 22, 2017 |
4 km SSW of Bluff, Utah |
M3.7 |
144 km |
| Jul 4, 2021 |
24 km SW of Lake Valley, New Mexico |
M3.1 |
36 km |
| Jun 10, 2020 |
5 km WNW of Tsaile, Arizona |
M2.8 |
56 km |
| Aug 10, 2019 |
5 km E of Bluewater Village, New Mexico |
M2.8 |
125 km |
| Jan 30, 2023 |
18 km WSW of Pueblo Pintado, New Mexico |
M2.7 |
84 km |
| Sep 23, 1995 |
4 km E of Teec Nos Pos, Arizona |
M2.7 |
91 km |
| Mar 6, 2023 |
17 km ENE of Chilchinbito, Arizona |
M2.6 |
117 km |
| Aug 26, 2024 |
8 km S of Rough Rock, Arizona |
M2.6 |
108 km |
| May 20, 2024 |
11 km WNW of Ramah, New Mexico |
M2.6 |
112 km |
| Jul 16, 2022 |
11 km NW of Many Farms, Arizona |
M2.5 |
96 km |
| Aug 25, 2024 |
13 km NNE of Round Rock, Arizona |
M2.5 |
82 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
11 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 10, 1957 |
EF2 |
72 km |
0 |
| Mar 21, 2020 |
EF0 |
64 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2019 |
EF0 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 10, 2015 |
EF0 |
73 km |
0 |
| Sep 18, 2013 |
EF0 |
70 km |
0 |
| Sep 10, 2013 |
EF0 |
72 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 2010 |
EF0 |
84 km |
0 |
| Oct 23, 2000 |
EF0 |
96 km |
0 |
| Oct 23, 2000 |
EF0 |
96 km |
0 |
| Sep 28, 1990 |
EF0 |
77 km |
0 |
| May 28, 1963 |
EF0 |
88 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Nearby Volcanoes
1 volcano within 200 km.
Closest: Zuni-Bandera (164 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Zuni-Bandera |
Volcanic field |
2,550 m (8,366 ft) |
-1170 |
164 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.
Wildfire History
16 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: WOOD SPRINGS 2 (13,208 ac, 2020).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2020 |
WOOD SPRINGS 2 |
13,208 |
64 km |
| 2014 |
ASSAYII LAKE |
13,176 |
20 km |
| 2005 |
LITTLE WATER1 |
4,342 |
24 km |
| 2002 |
CARRIZO 1 |
3,701 |
81 km |
| 2005 |
HOOK LAKE |
3,609 |
24 km |
| 2009 |
SAWMILL ROAD RX |
3,411 |
59 km |
| 2004 |
TURKEY SPRING |
3,017 |
46 km |
| 2007 |
OAK RIDGE 3 |
2,959 |
95 km |
| 2004 |
SANDSPRING |
2,935 |
20 km |
| 2010 |
FLUTED ROCK LAKE RX |
2,630 |
53 km |
| 2006 |
KINLICHEE CANYON 1 |
2,283 |
67 km |
| 2005 |
KINLICHEE |
1,949 |
67 km |
| 2011 |
CATTAIL CANYON JACKPOT BURN |
1,801 |
45 km |
| 2006 |
KINLICHEE 2 |
1,738 |
82 km |
| 2001 |
9400 FMZ |
1,312 |
58 km |
| 2005 |
OAK RIDGE |
1,309 |
76 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
29°F (-2°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
33°F (0°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
39°F (4°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| May |
54°F (12°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| June |
64°F (18°C) |
0.4 in |
Driest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
1.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
68°F (20°C) |
1.8 in |
Wettest |
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| October |
51°F (10°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| November |
39°F (4°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| December |
30°F (-1°C) |
0.9 in |
|
Sheep Springs has a seasonal temperature swing of 45°F / from 29°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 11.3 inches, with August being the wettest month (1.8") and June the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Sheep Springs. 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 Sheep Springs
What is the population of Sheep Springs?
Sheep Springs has a population of 369 residents and is located in New Mexico. The population density is 72 people per square mile, spread across 5.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 28.6 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.2% female and 51.8% male.
Is Sheep Springs expensive to live in?
Sheep Springs 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 $28,750, 62% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $97,500 (65% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $825 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Sheep Springs safe?
Public safety is a concern in Sheep Springs, with a violent crime rate of 2,147 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 10,577 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Sheep Springs receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Sheep Springs?
Sheep Springs has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 29°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°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 37.
How is the job market in Sheep Springs?
The job market in Sheep Springs faces challenges, with unemployment at 8.7% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,077. There are 3,087 business establishments in the area, including 230 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 43 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Sheep Springs?
The median home value in Sheep Springs is $97,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $237,274. For renters, the median monthly rent is $825. Fair market rent is $927 for a 1-bedroom and $1,129 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 71.6%. The average annual property tax is $2,974.
How are the schools in Sheep Springs?
Schools in Sheep Springs have an average test score of 4.5 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 6.2% of adults in Sheep Springs hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.4% have completed high school. 0.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Sheep Springs?
The obesity rate in Sheep Springs is 41.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 32.6% of adults are smokers. 32.9% are physically inactive. 25.8% of residents report depression. 14.1% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 50.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,891.
What is transportation like in Sheep Springs?
The average commute in Sheep Springs is 43 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 86.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Sheep Springs?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Sheep Springs is 100% Hispanic or Latino, 96.5% Asian. 47% of residents speak only English at home, while 53% speak Spanish. 4.7% of the population are military veterans. 10.8% of residents have a disability. 80.9% have health insurance coverage.
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