Vaughn, NM

New Mexico · Metropolitan Area

Vaughn is a small town in New Mexico with a population of 548. Residents earn $26,300 per year, which is 65% below the national average.

2.9 /5.0
C+ Fair
548 Population 98/sq mi density
$26,300 Median Income $11,572 per capita
$45,800 Home Value
$438 Median Rent
52°F Avg Temperature
C+
Overall
2.9 / 5.0
Fair overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
C
Economy
2.3 / 5.0
$26,300 median income, 0.0% unemployment
A+
Affordability
5.0 / 5.0
$45,800 home value, $438/mo rent
F
Education
1.4 / 5.0
4.5% bachelor's degree or higher
Median Income $26,300
65% lower than US avg
Home Value $45,800
84% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+ 4.5%
87% lower than US avg
Median Rent $438
62% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate 37.7%
17% higher than US avg
Unemployment 0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate 43.3%
249% higher than US avg

How Vaughn Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)

People

Population548
Median Age35.3 yrs
Density98/mi²
Male / Female57% / 43%
Largest GroupWhite 31%

Economy

C
Median Income$26,300
Per Capita$11,572
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty43.3%
County GDP$881M
Commute12 min

Housing

A+
Home Value$45,800
Rent$438
OwnershipN/A

Crime

ViolentN/A
PropertyN/A

Health

Obesity37.7%
UninsuredN/A
Depression21.5%
Heart Disease6.0%

Climate

Avg Temp52°F
AQI37 (Good)
Rain13.8 in/yr
Elevation5,969 ft

Education

F
Bachelor's+4.5%
High School+66.1%
School Score4.65

Community

2024 VoteR 68% / D 30%
Commute12 min
EV Stations1
Libraries3

Is Vaughn a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Vaughn receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Vaughn has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.

Economy & Jobs

The median household income in Vaughn is $26,300, 65% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. The poverty rate of 43.3% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 12 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.

Cost of Living & Housing

The median home value in Vaughn is $45,800, 84% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $438 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. At just 1.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.

Education

4.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 66.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.7/10.

Climate & Weather

Vaughn experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 52°F. Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 13.8 inches, including 25.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 37.

Vaughn has a population of 548 with a density of 98 people per square mile. The median age is 35.3 years, 9% younger than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (31.2%), with 3.6% Hispanic.

Population

548
Total Population
98
People / sq mi
35.3yrs
Median Age
9% below US avg
5.6mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 57.3%
Female 42.7%

Race & Ethnicity

Vaughn vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only28.8%
63% below US avg
Spanish71.2%
431% above US avg

Social Characteristics

Vaughn vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Vaughn is $26,300, which is 65% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 43.3% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 12 minutes.

Income: Vaughn vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$26,300
65% below US avg
Per Capita Income$11,572
Avg Weekly Wage$989
IRS Avg AGI$46,497

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment0.0%
100% below US avg
Poverty Rate43.3%
249% above US avg
Establishments (County)368
County GDP$881M

Business (County)

Restaurants21
Healthcare17
Retail42
Manufacturing11

Tax & Cost of Living

Property Tax (IRS)$2,533
28% below US avg
Effective Tax Rate5.53%

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time11.5 min
Work from Home3.7%

Walkability

The median home value in Vaughn is $45,800, 84% below the national average. Monthly rent averages $438 (62% below US avg).

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$45,800
84% below US avg

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$438
62% below US avg

HUD Fair Market Rent

Studio$828
1 Bedroom$927
2 Bedrooms$1,129
3 Bedrooms$1,496
4 Bedrooms$1,758

Ownership & Property

Owner-Occupied65.6%

Property Tax

Avg Tax (IRS)$2,533
28% below US avg
Effective Rate5.53%
In Vaughn, 37.7% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 21.5% report depression. 32.6% are physically inactive.

Health Metrics: Vaughn vs U.S. Average (%)

Chronic Conditions

Obesity37.7%
17% above US avg
Diabetes14.0%
Heart Disease6.0%
High Blood Pressure31.9%
Asthma9.3%
COPD5.5%
Stroke3.4%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Binge Drinking14.3%
Physical Inactivity32.6%
Depression21.5%
Mental Distress16.9%
Physical Distress16.6%

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate85.1%
Checkup Rate65.3%
Premature Death14,503/100K

Food & Exercise

Food Environment5.5/10
Exercise Access8.4%
Healthcare Facilities17

Crime Rates: Vaughn vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)

Violent Crime

Property Crime

Traffic Safety

Fatal Crashes (County/yr)9
FEMA Disasters182

Safety Score

Vaughn has an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. Annual precipitation is 13.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 37.

Temperature

32°F Jan (0°C) 72°F Jul (22°C)
Annual Average51.8°F
4% below US avg
January Average32°F (0°C)
July Average72°F (22°C)

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall13.8 inches
64% below US avg
Snowfall25.7 inches/yr

Air Quality

AQI Median37.0
RatingGood

Geography

Elevation5,969 ft (1,819 m)
Area5.6 sq mi (14.5 km²)
Population Density98/sq mi
Coordinates34.6072°N, 105.2126°W
County FIPS35057
It is classified as Metro — 250K–1M. 4.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher (87% below US avg). In the 2024 election, the county voted Republican by a 38.1-point margin.

2024 Presidential Election (County)

R 68%
D 29.9%

Winner: Republican by 38.1 points

Education

Bachelor's Degree+4.5%
87% below US avg
High School+66.1%
School Test Score4.65
F Education Grade (1.4/5.0)

Urban-Rural Classification

RUCC Code 2Metro — 250K–1M
Population Density98/sq mi
Total Area5.6 sq mi

Infrastructure & Services

EV Charging Stations1
Alt Fuel Stations1
Public Libraries3
Healthcare Facilities17
Restaurants21
Retail Stores42

Safety & Disasters

Fatal Crashes (County/yr)9
FEMA Disaster Declarations182

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute11.5 min
Work from Home3.7%

Nearby Cities

Compare Vaughn with another city: