Home Value
$243,800
14% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
295/100K
22% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
35.1%
4% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.8%
12% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
14.3%
15% higher than US avg
How Twin Forks Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population304
Median Age58.8 yrs
Density74/mi²
Male / Female36% / 64%
Largest GroupWhite 90%
Veterans8.7%
Economy
Per Capita$32,240
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty14.3%
County GDP$3,795M
Housing
Home Value$243,800
Ownership58.5%
Zillow$299,604
Housing Units351
Rent Burden27.9%
Crime
F
Violent295/100K
Property3,069/100K
Health
Obesity35.8%
Uninsured9.9%
Smoking13.5%
Depression26.1%
Heart Disease6.1%
Climate
Avg Temp46°F (8°C)
AQI37 (Good)
Rain28.5 in/yr
Sunny Days328/yr
Elevation8,353 ft (2,546 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+35.1%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+7.6%
School Score5.18
Community
2024 VoteR 62% / D 35%
Broadband97.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries4
Is Twin Forks a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Twin Forks 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, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Twin Forks has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. 14.3% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Twin Forks is $243,800, 14% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Twin Forks is below the national average at 295 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,069 per 100,000, 57% above the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 35.1% 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 5.2/10.
Climate & Weather
Twin Forks experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 46°F. Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 60°F in July. With 328 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 28.5 inches, including 66.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 37.
Twin Forks has a population of 304 with a density of 74 people per square mile, spread across 4.1 square miles. The median age is 58.8 years, 51% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 63.8% female and 36.2% male. The city is predominantly White (90.1%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 8.7% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 58.6% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
58.8yrs
Median Age
51% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Twin Forks vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Twin Forks vs U.S. Average
Per capita income is $32,240 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $962, 33% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 14.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 1,328 business establishments, including 110 restaurants. The cost of living index is 92.2, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. 28.6% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Twin Forks vs U.S.
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $32,240 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $962 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $49,136 |
| Gini Index | 0.435 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 14.3% |
| 15% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,328 |
| County GDP | $3,795M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 110 |
| Healthcare | 112 |
| Retail | 166 |
| Manufacturing | 27 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,608 |
| 25% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 92.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.07% |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 71.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 28.6% |
The median home value in Twin Forks is $243,800, 14% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $299,604, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $927 for a one-bedroom to $1,129 for a two-bedroom apartment. 58.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 351 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1983. The average annual property tax is $2,608 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 27.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Home Values
| Census Median | $243,800 |
| 14% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $299,604 |
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 | 58.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 58.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 41.5% |
| Housing Units | 351 |
| Median Year Built | 1983 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,608 |
| 25% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.07% |
In Twin Forks, 35.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.7% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.1% of residents. 30.8% have high blood pressure. 13.5% are current smokers. 17.0% report binge drinking. 18.9% are physically inactive, below the national average. 26.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.2% experience frequent mental distress. 9.9% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,211. The dentist ratio is 1:1,966. 48.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Twin Forks vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.8% |
| 12% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.7% |
| Heart Disease | 6.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.8% |
| Asthma | 10.2% |
| COPD | 6.0% |
| Cancer | 7.0% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.5% |
| 4% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 18.9% |
| Depression | 26.1% |
| Mental Distress | 17.2% |
| Physical Distress | 13.2% |
| Short Sleep | 32.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 9.9% |
| 15% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,211 |
| Dentists | 1:1,966 |
| Mental Health | 1:341 |
| Checkup Rate | 68.5% |
| Dental Visits | 67.1% |
| Premature Death | 11,128/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 48.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 112 |
Twin Forks has a violent crime rate of 295 per 100,000 residents, 22% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,069 per 100,000, 57% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 9 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 273 federally declared disasters. Overall, Twin Forks receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Twin Forks vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 294.8/100K |
| 22% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,068.5/100K |
| 57% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 9 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 273 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Twin Forks experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 60°F in July. The area gets 328 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 28.5 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 66.8 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 8,353 feet, a high-altitude location.
Temperature
31°F Jan (-1°C)
60°F Jul (16°C)
| Annual Average | 45.7°F |
| 15% below US avg |
| January Average | 31°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 60°F (16°C) |
| Sunny Days | 328 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 8,353 ft (2,546 m) |
| Area | 4.1 sq mi (10.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 74/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 32.9385°N, 105.6464°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | Otero County County |
| Nearest Airport | Alamogordo-White Sands Regional (ALM) 21 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
28.5"
25% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
4.49"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 37.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 84.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 63.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 4.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively High |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Volcano |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
94 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.1. Most recent: M2.6 on Aug 30, 2025.
| Mar 28, 2010 |
25 km W of Carlsbad, New Mexico |
M4.1 |
121 km |
| Mar 14, 1999 |
26 km SSE of Hope, New Mexico |
M4.0 |
103 km |
| Feb 23, 2024 |
15 km S of Atoka, New Mexico |
M4.0 |
120 km |
| May 31, 2010 |
33 km SSE of Hope, New Mexico |
M4.0 |
108 km |
| May 23, 2004 |
31 km SSW of Atoka, New Mexico |
M4.0 |
111 km |
| Feb 27, 1990 |
25 km E of San Antonio, New Mexico |
M3.9 |
143 km |
| May 30, 1999 |
26 km SSE of Hope, New Mexico |
M3.9 |
100 km |
| Jun 22, 2004 |
32 km SW of Atoka, New Mexico |
M3.7 |
109 km |
| Jun 21, 2003 |
15 km SW of Atoka, New Mexico |
M3.6 |
111 km |
| Feb 21, 1990 |
31 km ENE of San Antonio, New Mexico |
M3.6 |
146 km |
| Mar 17, 1999 |
25 km SSE of Hope, New Mexico |
M3.5 |
99 km |
| Mar 20, 2025 |
37 km W of Carlsbad, New Mexico |
M3.5 |
109 km |
| Feb 24, 2024 |
6 km S of Atoka, New Mexico |
M3.5 |
120 km |
| Apr 12, 2025 |
19 km NNW of Whites City, New Mexico |
M3.5 |
131 km |
| Jun 20, 1991 |
47 km SE of San Antonito, New Mexico |
M3.5 |
108 km |
| May 29, 2024 |
13 km S of Atoka, New Mexico |
M3.4 |
120 km |
| Jul 22, 1996 |
11 km WSW of Corona, New Mexico |
M3.4 |
141 km |
| Sep 17, 2002 |
27 km SSE of Hope, New Mexico |
M3.4 |
103 km |
| Apr 18, 2023 |
23 km W of Carlsbad, New Mexico |
M3.4 |
125 km |
| Aug 26, 2004 |
23 km SSW of Atoka, New Mexico |
M3.4 |
114 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
46 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2. Total: 1 injury.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 27, 1982 |
EF2 |
31 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 2019 |
EF1 |
28 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 2014 |
EF1 |
88 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 2004 |
EF1 |
98 km |
0 |
| Apr 4, 1991 |
EF1 |
38 km |
0 |
| Jul 22, 1989 |
EF1 |
33 km |
0 |
| Jun 10, 1989 |
EF1 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 16, 1987 |
EF1 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 1972 |
EF1 |
54 km |
0 |
| Sep 17, 1971 |
EF1 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 1959 |
EF1 |
57 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 1959 |
EF1 |
33 km |
0 |
| May 28, 2021 |
EF0 |
99 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 2020 |
EF0 |
32 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 2019 |
EF0 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 2019 |
EF0 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2019 |
EF0 |
76 km |
0 |
| May 23, 2018 |
EF0 |
45 km |
0 |
| May 9, 2017 |
EF0 |
85 km |
0 |
| Sep 15, 2016 |
EF0 |
54 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Nearby Volcanoes
1 volcano within 200 km.
Closest: Carrizozo (97 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Carrizozo |
Pyroclastic cone(s) |
1,731 m (5,679 ft) |
-3250 |
97 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: DONALDSON (103,326 ac, 2011).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2011 |
DONALDSON |
103,326 |
49 km |
| 2004 |
PEPPIN |
60,546 |
80 km |
| 2008 |
ROCKY |
48,019 |
90 km |
| 2012 |
LITTLE BEAR |
37,935 |
57 km |
| 2011 |
MAYHILL |
33,563 |
23 km |
| 2009 |
FOUR MILE |
27,609 |
63 km |
| 1993 |
ESCONDIDO |
25,700 |
91 km |
| 2008 |
BONNEY |
22,162 |
61 km |
| 2011 |
BATON ROUGE COMPLEX |
21,641 |
68 km |
| 2011 |
CROOKED CREEK |
19,206 |
61 km |
| 2011 |
ACREY |
18,720 |
95 km |
| 2009 |
PICACHO |
16,411 |
56 km |
| 2002 |
NUMBER 52 |
16,067 |
45 km |
| 1994 |
YELLOWWELL |
16,010 |
38 km |
| 2019 |
PINE LODGE |
15,141 |
86 km |
| 2000 |
SCOTTABLE |
15,017 |
20 km |
| 2009 |
OROGRANDE |
14,853 |
82 km |
| 2002 |
PENASCO |
14,343 |
11 km |
| 2009 |
VISTA |
14,294 |
100 km |
| 2000 |
HAY MEADOW |
13,553 |
63 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
31°F (-1°C) |
1.1 in |
Coldest |
| February |
37°F (3°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| March |
42°F (6°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| April |
49°F (9°C) |
0.6 in |
Driest |
| May |
56°F (13°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| June |
64°F (18°C) |
1.9 in |
Warmest |
| July |
60°F (16°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| August |
64°F (18°C) |
4.5 in |
Wettest |
| September |
59°F (15°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| November |
42°F (5°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| December |
36°F (2°C) |
1.4 in |
|
Twin Forks has a seasonal temperature swing of 34°F / from 31°F in January to 64°F in June. Total annual precipitation is 22.3 inches, with August being the wettest month (4.5") and April the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Twin Forks. 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 Twin Forks
What is the population of Twin Forks?
Twin Forks has a population of 304 residents and is located in New Mexico. The population density is 74 people per square mile, spread across 4.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 58.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 63.8% female and 36.2% male.
Is Twin Forks expensive to live in?
Twin Forks is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 92.2 / below the baseline of 100. The median home value is $243,800 (14% below the U.S. median).
Is Twin Forks safe?
Twin Forks is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 295 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,069 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Twin Forks receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Twin Forks?
Twin Forks has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 31°F in January, while summers reach an average of 60°F in July. The area receives 328 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 28.5 inches, with 66.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 37.
How is the job market in Twin Forks?
The job market in Twin Forks is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $962. There are 1,328 business establishments in the area, including 110 restaurants and food service locations.
How much does housing cost in Twin Forks?
The median home value in Twin Forks is $243,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $299,604. The homeownership rate is 58.5%. The average annual property tax is $2,608.
How are the schools in Twin Forks?
Schools in Twin Forks score 5.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 35.1% of adults in Twin Forks hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 7.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Twin Forks?
The obesity rate in Twin Forks is 35.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.5% of adults are smokers. 18.9% are physically inactive. 26.1% of residents report depression. 9.9% lack health insurance. 48.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,211.
What are the demographics of Twin Forks?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Twin Forks is 90.1% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 8.7% of the population are military veterans. 58.6% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.