Median Income
$56,307
25% lower than US avg
Home Value
$215,000
24% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
352/100K
7% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
21.4%
36% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
33.2%
3% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.9%
8% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
11.5%
7% lower than US avg
How South River Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,594
Median Age56.5 yrs
Density187/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 73%
Veterans8.6%
Economy
B+
Median Income$56,307
Per Capita$37,892
Unemployment3.9%
Poverty11.5%
County GDP$7,043M
Commute33 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$215,000
Ownership92.4%
Zillow$291,092
Housing Units714
Rent Burden27.9%
Crime
F
Violent352/100K
Property2,358/100K
Health
Obesity33.2%
Uninsured13.8%
Smoking17.5%
Depression24.8%
Heart Disease6.6%
Climate
Avg Temp53°F (12°C)
AQI37 (Good)
Rain10.1 in/yr
Sunny Days330/yr
Elevation5,593 ft (1,705 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+21.4%
High School+89.2%
Graduate+13.9%
School Score4.52
Community
2024 VoteR 65% / D 33%
Commute33 min
Broadband77.7%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is South River a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, South River receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes. South River has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in South River is $56,307, 25% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.9%, indicating a healthy job market. 11.5% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 33 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in South River is $215,000, 24% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. A price-to-income ratio of 3.8x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in South River is below the national average at 352 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,358 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
21.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.5/10.
Climate & Weather
South River experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 53°F. Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. With 330 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 10.1 inches, including 10.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 37.
South River has a population of 1,594 with a density of 187 people per square mile, spread across 8.5 square miles. The median age is 56.5 years, 45% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.8% female and 48.2% male. The city is predominantly White (73.3%), with 10.5% Hispanic, 10.5% Black, 8% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.4% of residents. 8.6% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 18.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 91.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
56.5yrs
Median Age
45% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
South River vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.4%
22% above US avg
Spanish
4.6%
66% below US avg
Social Characteristics
South River vs U.S. Average
The median household income in South River is $56,307, which is 25% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $37,892. The average weekly wage is $1,077, 25% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.9% (above the 3.6% US average). 11.5% of residents live below the poverty line. 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 33 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 4.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: South River vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $56,307 |
| 25% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $37,892 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,077 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $56,852 |
| Gini Index | 0.470 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.9% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 11.5% |
| 7% below 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 | 1.38% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 32.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 94.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.0% |
The median home value in South River is $215,000, 24% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $291,092, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $927 for a one-bedroom to $1,129 for a two-bedroom apartment. 92.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 714 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1987. The average annual property tax is $2,974. 27.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.8x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $215,000 |
| 24% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $291,092 |
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 | 92.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 92.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 7.6% |
| Housing Units | 714 |
| Median Year Built | 1987 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,974 |
| 15% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.38% |
In South River, 33.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.7% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.6% of residents. 29.4% have high blood pressure. 17.5% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 14.5% report binge drinking. 24.2% are physically inactive. 24.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.5% experience frequent mental distress. 13.8% 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: South River vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 33.2% |
| 3% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.7% |
| Heart Disease | 6.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.4% |
| Asthma | 11.1% |
| COPD | 7.7% |
| Cancer | 6.7% |
| Stroke | 3.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.5% |
| 25% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 14.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.2% |
| Depression | 24.8% |
| Mental Distress | 19.5% |
| Physical Distress | 16.0% |
| Short Sleep | 35.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.2% |
| Uninsured | 13.8% |
| 60% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,891 |
| Dentists | 1:933 |
| Mental Health | 1:355 |
| Checkup Rate | 67.1% |
| Dental Visits | 56.7% |
| Premature Death | 18,277/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 5.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 50.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 294 |
South River has a violent crime rate of 352 per 100,000 residents, 7% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,358 per 100,000, 20% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 18 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, South River receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: South River vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 352.2/100K |
| 7% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,358.4/100K |
| 20% 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 |
South River experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 76°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 10.1 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 10.9 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 37. The city sits at an elevation of 5,593 feet, a high-altitude location.
Temperature
32°F Jan (-0°C)
76°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 53.3°F |
| 1% below US avg |
| January Average | 32°F (-0°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 330 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 5,593 ft (1,705 m) |
| Area | 8.5 sq mi (22.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 187/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 36.7859°N, 108.0577°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | San Juan County County |
| Nearest Airport | Four Corners Regional (FMN)
10 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
10.1"
74% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
1.34"
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
25 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M2.9 on Sep 1, 2024.
| Jul 12, 2021 |
5 km E of Capulin, New Mexico |
M4.2 |
133 km |
| Apr 22, 2017 |
4 km SSW of Bluff, Utah |
M3.7 |
144 km |
| Jul 12, 2021 |
3 km E of Capulin, New Mexico |
M3.7 |
130 km |
| Jun 6, 2008 |
10 km NE of Bluff, Utah |
M3.6 |
141 km |
| Mar 10, 2023 |
16 km S of Ophir, Colorado |
M3.6 |
105 km |
| Sep 14, 2009 |
7 km NNW of Canjilon, New Mexico |
M3.5 |
145 km |
| Apr 9, 2021 |
2 km NNE of Capulin, New Mexico |
M3.3 |
127 km |
| May 13, 1993 |
19 km SSE of Monticello, Utah |
M3.1 |
148 km |
| Jul 4, 2021 |
24 km SW of Lake Valley, New Mexico |
M3.1 |
97 km |
| Jul 12, 2021 |
4 km NNE of Capulin, New Mexico |
M3.0 |
127 km |
| Jun 14, 2018 |
0 km NW of Regina, New Mexico |
M3.0 |
118 km |
| Jun 26, 2018 |
3 km ESE of Regina, New Mexico |
M3.0 |
122 km |
| Feb 8, 2021 |
3 km ENE of Capulin, New Mexico |
M2.9 |
130 km |
| Sep 1, 2024 |
7 km ENE of Capulin, New Mexico |
M2.9 |
132 km |
| Jun 18, 2002 |
39 km SW of Creede, Colorado |
M2.9 |
115 km |
| Jun 17, 2022 |
4 km NNW of Regina, New Mexico |
M2.8 |
115 km |
| Jun 10, 2020 |
5 km WNW of Tsaile, Arizona |
M2.8 |
120 km |
| Jan 30, 2023 |
18 km WSW of Pueblo Pintado, New Mexico |
M2.7 |
103 km |
| Jul 12, 2021 |
4 km SE of Capulin, New Mexico |
M2.7 |
132 km |
| Jul 13, 2021 |
4 km NE of Capulin, New Mexico |
M2.7 |
130 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
18 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 25, 1985 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1957 |
EF2 |
19 km |
0 |
| Oct 5, 2004 |
EF1 |
44 km |
0 |
| Aug 5, 1999 |
EF1 |
32 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1997 |
EF1 |
81 km |
0 |
| Sep 5, 1970 |
EF1 |
91 km |
0 |
| Aug 30, 1966 |
EF1 |
41 km |
0 |
| Mar 21, 2020 |
EF0 |
26 km |
0 |
| Jun 10, 2015 |
EF0 |
22 km |
0 |
| Sep 18, 2013 |
EF0 |
20 km |
0 |
| Sep 10, 2013 |
EF0 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 2011 |
EF0 |
75 km |
0 |
| Aug 29, 2002 |
EF0 |
53 km |
0 |
| Oct 23, 2000 |
EF0 |
19 km |
0 |
| Oct 23, 2000 |
EF0 |
19 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1992 |
EF0 |
38 km |
0 |
| Sep 28, 1990 |
EF0 |
14 km |
0 |
| May 28, 1963 |
EF0 |
9 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: MISSIONARY RIDGE (68,919 ac, 2002).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2002 |
MISSIONARY RIDGE |
68,919 |
81 km |
| 2018 |
416 |
55,123 |
80 km |
| 2012 |
LITTLE SAND |
26,240 |
99 km |
| 2000 |
BIRCHER |
23,317 |
58 km |
| 2018 |
PLATEAU |
19,746 |
99 km |
| 1996 |
ARCHULETA |
15,613 |
96 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
13,234 |
39 km |
| 2012 |
WEBER |
10,898 |
60 km |
| 2001 |
SANDOVAL |
6,773 |
75 km |
| 2017 |
EIGHT FOUR TWO |
5,954 |
74 km |
| 1986 |
WESTTOE |
5,397 |
93 km |
| 1986 |
HOGAN |
5,298 |
93 km |
| 2018 |
BURRO |
5,242 |
81 km |
| 2000 |
PONY |
5,224 |
64 km |
| 1996 |
CHAPIN 5 |
4,832 |
64 km |
| 2016 |
GREATER GRACIA RX |
3,960 |
82 km |
| 2002 |
CARRIZO 1 |
3,701 |
94 km |
| 1984 |
FERNANDO |
3,419 |
89 km |
| 2020 |
EAST CANYON |
3,031 |
58 km |
| 1987 |
AZTECTHREE |
2,857 |
78 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
32°F (-0°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| February |
36°F (2°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| March |
43°F (6°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| May |
60°F (15°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| June |
69°F (21°C) |
0.4 in |
Driest |
| July |
76°F (25°C) |
1.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
1.3 in |
Wettest |
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| November |
40°F (4°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| December |
31°F (-1°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest |
South River has a seasonal temperature swing of 46°F / from 31°F in December to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 10.2 inches, with August being the wettest month (1.3") and June the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in South River. 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 South River
What is the population of South River?
South River has a population of 1,594 residents and is located in New Mexico. The population density is 187 people per square mile, spread across 8.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 56.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.8% female and 48.2% male.
Is South River expensive to live in?
South River 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 $56,307, 25% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $215,000 (24% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 3.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is South River safe?
South River is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 352 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,358 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, South River receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in South River?
South River has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 32°F in January, while summers reach an average of 76°F in July. The area receives 330 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 10.1 inches, with 10.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 37.
How is the job market in South River?
South River has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.9%, near the national average 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 33 minutes, and 4.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in South River?
The median home value in South River is $215,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $291,092. The homeownership rate is 92.4%. The average annual property tax is $2,974.
How are the schools in South River?
Schools in South River have an average test score of 4.5 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 21.4% of adults in South River hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.2% have completed high school. 13.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is South River?
The obesity rate in South River is 33.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.5% of adults are smokers. 24.2% are physically inactive. 24.8% of residents report depression. 13.8% 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 South River?
The average commute in South River is 33 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 94.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of South River?
The racial and ethnic makeup of South River is 73.3% White, 10.5% Black or African American, 10.5% Hispanic or Latino, 8% Asian. 95.4% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.6% speak Spanish. 8.6% of the population are military veterans. 18.2% of residents have a disability. 91.2% have health insurance coverage.
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