Bachelor's+
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.7%
21% higher than US avg
Unemployment
13.5%
275% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
34.2%
176% higher than US avg
How Tierra Amarilla Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population637
Median Age28.4 yrs
Density237/mi²
Male / Female54% / 46%
Largest GroupWhite 56%
Veterans0.6%
Economy
Per Capita$21,724
Unemployment13.5%
Poverty34.2%
County GDP$1,379M
Commute37 min
Housing
Ownership61.4%
Zillow$319,182
Housing Units192
Rent Burden21.5%
Health
Obesity38.7%
Uninsured0.0%
Smoking11.7%
Depression18.3%
Heart Disease5.7%
Climate
Avg Temp43°F (6°C)
AQI45 (Good)
Rain16.6 in/yr
Elevation7,473 ft (2,278 m)
Education
A
Bachelor's+0.0%
High School+83.2%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score3.69
Community
2024 VoteR 39% / D 59%
Commute37 min
Broadband100.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries10
Is Tierra Amarilla a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Tierra Amarilla receives an overall livability score of 4.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include high health insurance coverage, strong internet connectivity. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, long commute times. Tierra Amarilla stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
At 13.5%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 34.2% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 37 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Education
0.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 83.2% have completed high school. School test scores average 3.7/10, below typical benchmarks.
Climate & Weather
Tierra Amarilla has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F. Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 65°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 16.6 inches, including 75.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 45.
Tierra Amarilla has a population of 637 with a density of 237 people per square mile, spread across 2.7 square miles. The median age is 28.4 years, 27% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 45.7% female and 54.3% male. The city is predominantly Hispanic (93.1%), with 55.7% White. English is the primary language spoken at home by 75.5% of residents, while 44.4% speak Spanish. 0.6% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 0.0% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
637
Total Population
2023 Census
28.4yrs
Median Age
27% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Tierra Amarilla vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
75.5%
4% below US avg
Spanish
44.4%
231% above US avg
Social Characteristics
Tierra Amarilla vs U.S. Average
Per capita income is $21,724 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $941, 34% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 13.5% (above the 3.6% US average). 34.2% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 859 business establishments, including 65 restaurants. The cost of living index is 92.2, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 37 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Tierra Amarilla vs U.S.
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $21,724 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $941 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $52,599 |
| Gini Index | 0.467 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 13.5% |
| 275% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 34.2% |
| 176% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 859 |
| County GDP | $1,379M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 65 |
| Healthcare | 72 |
| Retail | 81 |
| Manufacturing | 19 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,640 |
| 25% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 92.20 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 37.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 100.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $319,182. Fair market rent ranges from $927 for a one-bedroom to $1,129 for a two-bedroom apartment. 61.4% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 192 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1975. The average annual property tax is $2,640 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 21.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
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 | 61.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 61.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 38.6% |
| Housing Units | 192 |
| Median Year Built | 1975 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,640 |
| 25% below US avg |
In Tierra Amarilla, 38.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.8% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.7% of residents. 29.4% have high blood pressure. 11.7% are current smokers. 15.4% report binge drinking. 26.6% are physically inactive. 18.3% report depression. 14.8% experience frequent mental distress. 0.0% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,009. The dentist ratio is 1:1,335. 49.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Tierra Amarilla vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.7% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.8% |
| Heart Disease | 5.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.4% |
| Asthma | 8.3% |
| COPD | 4.4% |
| Cancer | 4.9% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 11.7% |
| 16% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.6% |
| Depression | 18.3% |
| Mental Distress | 14.8% |
| Physical Distress | 14.3% |
| Short Sleep | 33.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,009 |
| Dentists | 1:1,335 |
| Mental Health | 1:183 |
| Checkup Rate | 65.4% |
| Dental Visits | 62.7% |
| Premature Death | 21,299/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 49.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 72 |
Tierra Amarilla has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 65°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 16.6 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 75.1 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 45. 70% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 7,473 feet, a high-altitude location.
Temperature
23°F Jan (-5°C)
65°F Jul (18°C)
| Annual Average | 43.4°F |
| 20% below US avg |
| January Average | 23°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 65°F (18°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 7,473 ft (2,278 m) |
| Area | 2.7 sq mi (7.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 237/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 36.7059°N, 106.5651°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | Rio Arriba County County |
| Nearest Airport | Taos Regional (TSM)
53 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
16.6"
56% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
2.19"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 45.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Good Days % | 70.2% |
| Unhealthy Days | 3 |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 80.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 91.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 9.4 / 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 Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
| Volcano |
No Rating |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
117 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.3. Most recent: M2.9 on Sep 1, 2024.
| Aug 1, 2004 |
31 km S of Stonewall Gap, Colorado |
M4.3 |
131 km |
| Jul 12, 2021 |
5 km E of Capulin, New Mexico |
M4.2 |
56 km |
| Feb 6, 2016 |
Colorado |
M4.0 |
149 km |
| Aug 26, 2023 |
19 km SSW of Weston, Colorado |
M4.0 |
148 km |
| Aug 23, 2016 |
18 km SSW of Weston, CO |
M3.9 |
148 km |
| Sep 13, 2003 |
33 km S of Weston, Colorado |
M3.8 |
148 km |
| May 19, 2019 |
15 km SSE of Stonewall Gap, Colorado |
M3.8 |
144 km |
| Jun 4, 2008 |
8 km ENE of Canjilon, New Mexico |
M3.7 |
29 km |
| Nov 20, 2009 |
29 km S of Stonewall Gap, Colorado |
M3.7 |
142 km |
| Sep 10, 2017 |
14 km SW of Weston, Colorado |
M3.7 |
148 km |
| Jul 12, 2021 |
3 km E of Capulin, New Mexico |
M3.7 |
56 km |
| Apr 28, 2003 |
32 km SSW of Weston, Colorado |
M3.6 |
147 km |
| Feb 22, 2015 |
5 km E of Stonewall Gap, Colorado |
M3.6 |
149 km |
| Feb 13, 2011 |
16 km SSW of Weston, Colorado |
M3.6 |
149 km |
| Feb 22, 2015 |
12 km SW of Weston, Colorado |
M3.6 |
149 km |
| Sep 8, 2017 |
17 km SSW of Weston, Colorado |
M3.6 |
147 km |
| Dec 4, 2012 |
13 km SW of Weston, Colorado |
M3.5 |
149 km |
| Sep 14, 2009 |
7 km NNW of Canjilon, New Mexico |
M3.5 |
20 km |
| Mar 30, 2004 |
12 km SW of Weston, Colorado |
M3.5 |
150 km |
| Oct 17, 2011 |
3 km SE of Cuyamungue, New Mexico |
M3.5 |
109 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
18 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 17, 1953 |
EF2 |
60 km |
0 |
| Sep 29, 2014 |
EF1 |
31 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 1983 |
EF1 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1982 |
EF1 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1980 |
EF1 |
97 km |
0 |
| Aug 30, 1966 |
EF1 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 31, 2021 |
EF0 |
77 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 2018 |
EF0 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 2009 |
EF0 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jul 9, 2006 |
EF0 |
88 km |
0 |
| Apr 17, 2005 |
EF0 |
74 km |
0 |
| Apr 15, 2005 |
EF0 |
74 km |
0 |
| May 25, 1999 |
EF0 |
88 km |
0 |
| Apr 25, 1999 |
EF0 |
73 km |
0 |
| Sep 29, 1998 |
EF0 |
15 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 1995 |
EF0 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jul 15, 1994 |
EF0 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jul 20, 1990 |
EF0 |
52 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: LAS CONCHAS (150,874 ac, 2011).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2011 |
LAS CONCHAS |
150,874 |
94 km |
| 2000 |
CERRO GRANDE |
44,279 |
91 km |
| 2013 |
THOMPSON RIDGE |
21,077 |
91 km |
| 2013 |
WEST FORK COMPLEX |
18,775 |
96 km |
| 1996 |
ARCHULETA |
15,613 |
51 km |
| 2010 |
SOUTH FORK |
12,585 |
72 km |
| 1996 |
HONDO |
8,258 |
87 km |
| 2017 |
BONITA |
7,754 |
40 km |
| 2017 |
HONDITO |
6,949 |
50 km |
| 2001 |
SANDOVAL |
6,773 |
78 km |
| 2017 |
EIGHT FOUR TWO |
5,954 |
94 km |
| 1998 |
OSO |
5,297 |
79 km |
| 2022 |
MIDNIGHT |
5,293 |
44 km |
| 2023 |
ALAMOSA RX UNIT 1 FY24 |
4,616 |
48 km |
| 2002 |
LAKES |
4,306 |
93 km |
| 2002 |
MONTOYA |
4,116 |
31 km |
| 2005 |
PINE CANYON |
4,092 |
47 km |
| 2014 |
DIEGO |
3,983 |
72 km |
| 2016 |
GREATER GRACIA RX |
3,960 |
74 km |
| 2006 |
BEAR PAW |
3,277 |
62 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.2 in |
Coldest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| March |
35°F (2°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| April |
42°F (5°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| May |
50°F (10°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| June |
59°F (15°C) |
0.7 in |
Driest |
| July |
65°F (18°C) |
1.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
63°F (17°C) |
2.2 in |
Wettest |
| September |
56°F (13°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| October |
45°F (7°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| November |
34°F (1°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| December |
24°F (-5°C) |
1.3 in |
|
Tierra Amarilla has a seasonal temperature swing of 42°F / from 23°F in January to 65°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 16.6 inches, with August being the wettest month (2.2") and June the driest (0.7").
Average costs for common services in Tierra Amarilla. 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 Tierra Amarilla
What is the population of Tierra Amarilla?
Tierra Amarilla has a population of 637 residents and is located in New Mexico. The population density is 237 people per square mile, spread across 2.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 28.4 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 45.7% female and 54.3% male.
Is Tierra Amarilla expensive to live in?
Tierra Amarilla is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 92.2 / below the baseline of 100.
What is the weather like in Tierra Amarilla?
Tierra Amarilla has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 23°F in January, while summers reach an average of 65°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 16.6 inches, with 75.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 45.
How is the job market in Tierra Amarilla?
The job market in Tierra Amarilla faces challenges, with unemployment at 13.5% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $941. There are 859 business establishments in the area, including 65 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 37 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How are the schools in Tierra Amarilla?
Schools in Tierra Amarilla have an average test score of 3.7 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 0.0% of adults in Tierra Amarilla hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 83.2% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Tierra Amarilla?
The obesity rate in Tierra Amarilla is 38.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 11.7% of adults are smokers. 26.6% are physically inactive. 18.3% of residents report depression. 0.0% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 49.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,009.
What is transportation like in Tierra Amarilla?
The average commute in Tierra Amarilla is 37 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 100% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Tierra Amarilla?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Tierra Amarilla is 55.7% White, 93.1% Hispanic or Latino. 75.5% of residents speak only English at home, while 44.4% speak Spanish. 0.6% of the population are military veterans. 0.0% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.