Median Income
$29,096
61% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
53/100K
86% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.7%
30% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
28.4%
129% higher than US avg
How Tortugas Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population642
Median Age55.2 yrs
Density3,210/mi²
Male / Female39% / 61%
Largest GroupWhite 46%
Veterans2.2%
Economy
C+
Median Income$29,096
Per Capita$19,688
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty28.4%
County GDP$11,315M
Housing
Ownership87.0%
Zillow$286,242
Housing Units361
Rent Burden33.5%
Crime
F
Violent53/100K
Property844/100K
Health
Obesity41.7%
Uninsured27.8%
Smoking15.9%
Depression21.5%
Heart Disease6.9%
Climate
Avg Temp63°F (17°C)
AQI37 (Good)
Rain9.1 in/yr
Sunny Days330/yr
Elevation3,904 ft (1,190 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+0.0%
High School+67.6%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score4.67
Community
2024 VoteR 44% / D 54%
Broadband72.5%
EV Stations40
Libraries6
Is Tortugas a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Tortugas receives an overall livability score of 2.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes. Tortugas has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Tortugas is $29,096, 61% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. The poverty rate of 28.4% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population.
Safety & Crime
Tortugas is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 53 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 844 per 100,000, 57% below the national average.
Education
0.0% 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 4.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Tortugas enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 63°F. Winters average 44°F in January while summers reach 82°F in July. With 330 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 9.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 37.
Tortugas has a population of 642 with a density of 3,210 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age is 55.2 years, 42% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 61.1% female and 38.9% male. The city is predominantly White (45.5%), with 9.2% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 39.5% of residents, while 60.5% speak Spanish. 2.2% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 22.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 96.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
55.2yrs
Median Age
42% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
39.5%
50% below US avg
Spanish
60.5%
351% above US avg
The median household income in Tortugas is $29,096, which is 61% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $19,688 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $961, 33% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 28.4% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 5,817 business establishments, including 357 restaurants. The cost of living index is 92.2, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. 5.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $29,096 |
| 61% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $19,688 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $961 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $55,105 |
| Gini Index | 0.481 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 28.4% |
| 129% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 5,817 |
| County GDP | $11,315M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 357 |
| Healthcare | 615 |
| Retail | 511 |
| Manufacturing | 122 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,640 |
| 4% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 92.20 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 95.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $286,242. Fair market rent ranges from $927 for a one-bedroom to $1,129 for a two-bedroom apartment. 87.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 361 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1962. The average annual property tax is $3,640. 33.5% 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 | 87.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 87.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 13.0% |
| Housing Units | 361 |
| Median Year Built | 1962 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,640 |
| 4% above US avg |
In Tortugas, 41.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 16.8% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.9% of residents, above the national average. 34.3% have high blood pressure. 15.9% are current smokers. 14.2% report binge drinking. 35.8% are physically inactive, above the national average. 21.5% report depression. 17.1% experience frequent mental distress. 27.8% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,617. The dentist ratio is 1:1,667. 73.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Tortugas vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.7% |
| 30% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 16.8% |
| Heart Disease | 6.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.3% |
| Asthma | 9.3% |
| COPD | 6.2% |
| Cancer | 4.5% |
| Stroke | 3.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.9% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 14.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 35.8% |
| Depression | 21.5% |
| Mental Distress | 17.1% |
| Physical Distress | 18.4% |
| Short Sleep | 37.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.5% |
| Uninsured | 27.8% |
| 223% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,617 |
| Dentists | 1:1,667 |
| Mental Health | 1:267 |
| Checkup Rate | 67.8% |
| Dental Visits | 47.3% |
| Premature Death | 9,397/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 73.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 615 |
Tortugas has a violent crime rate of 53 per 100,000 residents, 86% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 844 per 100,000, 57% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 26 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Tortugas receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Tortugas vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 52.8/100K |
| 86% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 844.3/100K |
| 57% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 26 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Tortugas enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 63°F (17°C). Winters average 44°F in January while summers reach 82°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 9.1 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 37. The city sits at an elevation of 3,904 feet.
Temperature
44°F Jan (7°C)
82°F Jul (28°C)
| Annual Average | 63.2°F |
| 17% above US avg |
| January Average | 44°F (7°C) |
| July Average | 82°F (28°C) |
| Sunny Days | 330 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 3,904 ft (1,190 m) |
| Area | 0.2 sq mi (0.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 3,210/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 32.2697°N, 106.7546°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | Doña Ana County County |
| Nearest Airport | Las Cruces International (LRU)
10 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
9.1"
76% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
2.28"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 37.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0466 ppm |
| NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide) | 13.6 ppb |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 6.8 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively High |
| Risk Score | 96.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 67.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 4.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Moderate |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively High |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Very High |
| Lightning |
Very High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Volcano |
No Rating |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
16 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.9. Most recent: M2.8 on Jan 3, 2025.
| Feb 8, 2015 |
36 km E of Pecan Park, New Mexico |
M3.9 |
50 km |
| Mar 29, 2024 |
51 km E of Ascención, Mexico |
M3.4 |
148 km |
| Feb 1, 2015 |
34 km ESE of Pecan Park, New Mexico |
M3.1 |
53 km |
| Feb 7, 2015 |
35 km E of Pecan Park, New Mexico |
M3.1 |
52 km |
| Feb 1, 2015 |
38 km E of Pecan Park, New Mexico |
M3.1 |
48 km |
| Feb 8, 2015 |
36 km E of Pecan Park, New Mexico |
M3.0 |
50 km |
| Feb 8, 2015 |
35 km W of Fairacres, New Mexico |
M3.0 |
44 km |
| Jan 27, 2013 |
13 km SW of Sunshine, New Mexico |
M2.9 |
106 km |
| Feb 8, 2015 |
35 km ESE of Ventura, New Mexico |
M2.9 |
55 km |
| Apr 5, 2012 |
10 km NE of Fabens, Texas |
M2.9 |
100 km |
| Sep 6, 1991 |
8 km NNW of Mimbres, New Mexico |
M2.8 |
140 km |
| Feb 15, 2015 |
34 km ESE of Pecan Park, New Mexico |
M2.8 |
55 km |
| Jan 3, 2025 |
50 km NW of Tularosa, New Mexico |
M2.8 |
132 km |
| Feb 8, 2015 |
38 km ESE of Pecan Park, New Mexico |
M2.6 |
50 km |
| Jun 5, 2009 |
3 km SE of Praxedis G. Guerrero, Mexico |
M2.6 |
126 km |
| Mar 6, 2012 |
9 km E of Fort Bliss, Texas |
M2.5 |
66 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
32 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF1.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Oct 9, 2006 |
EF1 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1992 |
EF1 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1992 |
EF1 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1992 |
EF1 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jul 28, 1989 |
EF1 |
47 km |
0 |
| Jul 22, 1989 |
EF1 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jul 31, 1979 |
EF1 |
33 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 1972 |
EF1 |
75 km |
0 |
| Aug 9, 1971 |
EF1 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jul 29, 1959 |
EF1 |
26 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 2020 |
EF0 |
97 km |
0 |
| Apr 22, 2019 |
EF0 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 2011 |
EF0 |
45 km |
0 |
| May 2, 2007 |
EF0 |
59 km |
0 |
| May 2, 2007 |
EF0 |
32 km |
0 |
| Apr 29, 2007 |
EF0 |
44 km |
0 |
| Oct 15, 2006 |
EF0 |
85 km |
0 |
| Sep 13, 2006 |
EF0 |
9 km |
0 |
| Aug 2, 2002 |
EF0 |
33 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 2001 |
EF0 |
6 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Nearby Volcanoes
1 volcano within 200 km.
Closest: Carrizozo (185 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Carrizozo |
Pyroclastic cone(s) |
1,731 m (5,679 ft) |
-3250 |
185 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: ESCONDIDO (25,700 ac, 1993).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1993 |
ESCONDIDO |
25,700 |
84 km |
| 2009 |
OROGRANDE |
14,853 |
65 km |
| 1994 |
HAT |
14,842 |
79 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
14,645 |
24 km |
| 2000 |
HAY MEADOW |
13,553 |
98 km |
| 2011 |
ABRAMS |
12,786 |
23 km |
| 2001 |
BENNETT MT |
10,249 |
42 km |
| 1993 |
UVAS |
8,541 |
52 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
7,496 |
31 km |
| 1992 |
UNNAMED |
7,001 |
86 km |
| 2010 |
LONG CANYON |
6,656 |
20 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
6,605 |
79 km |
| 1993 |
UNNAMED |
6,482 |
47 km |
| 2011 |
CENTENNIAL |
6,269 |
86 km |
| 1993 |
MARTIN |
5,290 |
79 km |
| 2018 |
ORGAN |
4,880 |
30 km |
| 2022 |
POTRILLO |
4,293 |
49 km |
| 2000 |
DOUBLE TK |
3,820 |
89 km |
| 1994 |
GOODSIGHT |
3,450 |
68 km |
| 1990 |
SOLADA |
3,419 |
26 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
44°F (7°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| February |
48°F (9°C) |
0.3 in |
|
| March |
53°F (12°C) |
0.2 in |
|
| April |
60°F (16°C) |
0.2 in |
Driest |
| May |
69°F (20°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| June |
78°F (25°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| July |
82°F (28°C) |
1.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
78°F (26°C) |
2.3 in |
Wettest |
| September |
72°F (22°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| October |
62°F (17°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| November |
50°F (10°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| December |
43°F (6°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest |
Tortugas has a seasonal temperature swing of 40°F / from 43°F in December to 82°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 9.8 inches, with August being the wettest month (2.3") and April the driest (0.2").
Average costs for common services in Tortugas. 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 Tortugas
What is the population of Tortugas?
Tortugas has a population of 642 residents and is located in New Mexico. The population density is 3,210 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 55.2 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 61.1% female and 38.9% male.
Is Tortugas expensive to live in?
Tortugas 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 $29,096, 61% below the national average of $75,149.
Is Tortugas safe?
Tortugas is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 53 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 844 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Tortugas receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Tortugas?
Tortugas enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 63°F (17°C). Winter temperatures average 44°F in January, while summers reach an average of 82°F in July. The area receives 330 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 9.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 37.
How is the job market in Tortugas?
The job market in Tortugas is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $961. There are 5,817 business establishments in the area, including 357 restaurants and food service locations.
How are the schools in Tortugas?
Schools in Tortugas have an average test score of 4.7 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 0.0% of adults in Tortugas 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 Tortugas?
The obesity rate in Tortugas is 41.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.9% of adults are smokers. 35.8% are physically inactive. 21.5% of residents report depression. 27.8% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 73.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,617.
What are the demographics of Tortugas?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Tortugas is 45.5% White, 9.2% Hispanic or Latino. 39.5% of residents speak only English at home, while 60.5% speak Spanish. 2.2% of the population are military veterans. 22.5% of residents have a disability. 96.5% have health insurance coverage.
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