Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
34.6%
3% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
23.9%
26% lower than US avg
Unemployment
29.6%
722% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Taos Ski Valley Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population39
Median Age37.8 yrs
Density14/mi²
Male / Female64% / 36%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans27.0%
Economy
Per Capita$33,910
Unemployment29.6%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$1,521M
Housing
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$560,733
Housing Units301
Rent Burden30.9%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property7,246/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault0/100K
Burglary1,449/100K
Health
Obesity23.9%
Uninsured5.4%
Smoking10.2%
Depression27.3%
Heart Disease4.8%
Climate
Avg Temp39°F (4°C)
AQI37 (Good)
Rain22.0 in/yr
Sunny Days323/yr
Elevation10,826 ft (3,300 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+34.6%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score4.34
Community
2024 VoteR 25% / D 72%
Broadband17.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries4
Is Taos Ski Valley a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Taos Ski Valley receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment. Taos Ski Valley offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
At 29.6%, unemployment is notably high. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%.
Safety & Crime
Taos Ski Valley is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 7,246 per 100,000, 270% above the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 34.6% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 100.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Taos Ski Valley has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 39°F. Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 58°F in July. With 323 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 22.0 inches, including 156.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 37.
Taos Ski Valley has a population of 39 with a density of 14 people per square mile, spread across 2.3 square miles. The median age is 37.8 years, 3% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 35.9% female and 64.1% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 54.7% of residents, while 45.3% speak Spanish. 27.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 1.6% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
37.8yrs
Median Age
3% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Taos Ski Valley vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
54.7%
30% below US avg
Spanish
45.3%
238% above US avg
Social Characteristics
Taos Ski Valley vs U.S. Average
Per capita income is $33,910 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $873, 39% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 29.6% (above the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. 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. 50.0% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Taos Ski Valley vs U.S.
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $33,910 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $873 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $56,455 |
| Gini Index | 0.508 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 29.6% |
| 722% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% 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) |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 44.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 50.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $560,733. 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 301 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1978. The average annual property tax is $3,363. 30.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
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 | 301 |
| Median Year Built | 1978 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,363 |
| 4% below US avg |
In Taos Ski Valley, 23.9% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 7.2% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.8% of residents, below the national average. 25.9% have high blood pressure. 10.2% are current smokers (below the 14.0% national rate). 18.6% report binge drinking. 14.4% are physically inactive, below the national average. 27.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 16.8% experience frequent mental distress. 5.4% of residents lack health insurance (below 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: Taos Ski Valley vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 23.9% |
| 26% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 7.2% |
| Heart Disease | 4.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 25.9% |
| Asthma | 10.5% |
| COPD | 4.5% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 10.2% |
| 27% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 14.4% |
| Depression | 27.3% |
| Mental Distress | 16.8% |
| Physical Distress | 10.9% |
| Short Sleep | 30.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 5.4% |
| 37% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,154 |
| Dentists | 1:2,034 |
| Mental Health | 1:115 |
| Checkup Rate | 66.5% |
| Dental Visits | 69.0% |
| Premature Death | 12,930/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 79.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 105 |
Taos Ski Valley has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 0.0 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 7,246 per 100,000, 270% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 5,797, burglary at 1,449, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 7 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Taos Ski Valley receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Taos Ski Valley vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 0.0/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 7,246.4/100K |
| 270% above US avg |
| Burglary | 1,449.3/100K |
| Theft | 5,797.1/100K |
| 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 | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Taos Ski Valley has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 39°F (4°C). Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 58°F in July. The area gets 323 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 22.0 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 156.7 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 10,826 feet, a high-altitude location.
Temperature
21°F Jan (-6°C)
58°F Jul (15°C)
| Annual Average | 39.1°F |
| 28% below US avg |
| January Average | 21°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 58°F (15°C) |
| Sunny Days | 323 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 10,826 ft (3,300 m) |
| Area | 2.3 sq mi (6.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 14/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 36.5900°N, 105.4369°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | Taos County County |
| Nearest Airport | Taos Regional (TSM) 16 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
22.0"
42% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
4.17"
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
361 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 |
84 km |
| Aug 10, 2005 |
20 km S of Weston, Colorado |
M5.0 |
67 km |
| Aug 22, 2011 |
9 km SSW of Starkville, Colorado |
M4.7 |
93 km |
| Sep 5, 2001 |
0 km SE of Cokedale, Colorado |
M4.5 |
95 km |
| Jan 3, 2007 |
8 km SSW of Weston, Colorado |
M4.4 |
72 km |
| Mar 22, 2004 |
30 km S of Weston, Colorado |
M4.4 |
60 km |
| Aug 1, 2004 |
31 km S of Stonewall Gap, Colorado |
M4.3 |
43 km |
| Mar 10, 2023 |
6 km NNE of Segundo, Colorado |
M4.3 |
90 km |
| Jul 12, 2021 |
5 km E of Capulin, New Mexico |
M4.2 |
124 km |
| Jul 29, 2009 |
32 km NNE of Cimarron, New Mexico |
M4.1 |
59 km |
| Jun 19, 2023 |
Colorado |
M4.1 |
117 km |
| Aug 10, 2005 |
20 km SSW of Segundo, Colorado |
M4.1 |
68 km |
| Aug 23, 2011 |
7 km S of Valdez, Colorado |
M4.0 |
84 km |
| Sep 4, 2001 |
2 km W of Cokedale, Colorado |
M4.0 |
93 km |
| Sep 13, 2011 |
20 km S of Sequndo, Colorado |
M4.0 |
73 km |
| Aug 26, 2023 |
19 km SSW of Weston, Colorado |
M4.0 |
62 km |
| Feb 6, 2016 |
Colorado |
M4.0 |
70 km |
| Sep 16, 2011 |
26 km S of Sequndo, Colorado |
M3.9 |
70 km |
| Aug 23, 2016 |
18 km SSW of Weston, CO |
M3.9 |
62 km |
| Mar 10, 2023 |
5 km N of Sequndo, Colorado |
M3.9 |
90 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
42 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 1 fatality, 48 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 29, 1964 |
EF3 |
77 km |
1 |
| Jul 31, 1955 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jul 25, 1996 |
EF2 |
47 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 1953 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| Aug 17, 1992 |
EF1 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jun 10, 1983 |
EF1 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1980 |
EF1 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 1977 |
EF1 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jul 21, 1973 |
EF1 |
70 km |
0 |
| Dec 26, 1966 |
EF1 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1965 |
EF1 |
100 km |
0 |
| Oct 1, 2023 |
EF0 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 2021 |
EF0 |
73 km |
0 |
| May 31, 2021 |
EF0 |
87 km |
0 |
| May 28, 2021 |
EF0 |
78 km |
0 |
| May 28, 2021 |
EF0 |
78 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 2018 |
EF0 |
40 km |
0 |
| Aug 9, 2018 |
EF0 |
15 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 2014 |
EF0 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 2014 |
EF0 |
93 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 |
82 km |
| 2002 |
PONIL COMPLEX |
89,084 |
36 km |
| 2022 |
COOKS PEAK |
61,195 |
54 km |
| 2018 |
UTE PARK |
30,177 |
37 km |
| 2006 |
CASA |
27,452 |
53 km |
| 2002 |
SPRING |
24,044 |
62 km |
| 2000 |
VIVEASH |
22,468 |
99 km |
| 2006 |
OJO FELIZ |
17,767 |
61 km |
| 2006 |
RIVERA MESA |
16,412 |
58 km |
| 1993 |
OJO |
14,887 |
66 km |
| 2002 |
CERRO PELON |
13,015 |
65 km |
| 2002 |
BORREGO |
12,877 |
74 km |
| 2020 |
LUNA |
10,849 |
41 km |
| 2011 |
PACHECO |
9,790 |
89 km |
| 2013 |
JAROSO |
9,529 |
80 km |
| 2006 |
LEVI |
9,491 |
85 km |
| 2018 |
EMILY |
8,342 |
83 km |
| 1996 |
HONDO |
8,258 |
15 km |
| 2000 |
DIAMOND |
7,866 |
88 km |
| 2017 |
BONITA |
7,754 |
64 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
21°F (-6°C) |
1.6 in |
Driest |
| February |
21°F (-6°C) |
1.9 in |
Coldest |
| March |
24°F (-4°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| April |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| May |
39°F (4°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| June |
48°F (9°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| July |
58°F (15°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
52°F (11°C) |
4.2 in |
Wettest |
| September |
47°F (8°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| October |
38°F (3°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| November |
28°F (-3°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| December |
21°F (-6°C) |
1.9 in |
|
Taos Ski Valley has a seasonal temperature swing of 38°F / from 21°F in February to 58°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 28.3 inches, with August being the wettest month (4.2") and January the driest (1.6").
Average costs for common services in Taos Ski Valley. 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 Taos Ski Valley
What is the population of Taos Ski Valley?
Taos Ski Valley has a population of 39 residents and is located in New Mexico. The population density is 14 people per square mile, spread across 2.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 37.8 years. The population is 35.9% female and 64.1% male.
Is Taos Ski Valley expensive to live in?
Taos Ski Valley is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 92.2 / below the baseline of 100.
Is Taos Ski Valley safe?
Taos Ski Valley is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 7,246 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Taos Ski Valley receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Taos Ski Valley?
Taos Ski Valley has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 39°F (4°C). Winter temperatures average 21°F in January, while summers reach an average of 58°F in July. The area receives 323 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 22.0 inches, with 156.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 37.
How is the job market in Taos Ski Valley?
The job market in Taos Ski Valley faces challenges, with unemployment at 29.6% / significantly above 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.
How are the schools in Taos Ski Valley?
Schools in Taos Ski Valley have an average test score of 4.3 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 34.6% of adults in Taos Ski Valley hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Taos Ski Valley?
The obesity rate in Taos Ski Valley is 23.9% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 10.2% of adults are smokers. 14.4% are physically inactive. 27.3% of residents report depression. 5.4% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 79.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,154.
What are the demographics of Taos Ski Valley?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Taos Ski Valley is 100% White. 54.7% of residents speak only English at home, while 45.3% speak Spanish. 27.0% of the population are military veterans. 1.6% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.