Median Income
$63,707
15% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
237/100K
38% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
33.3%
1% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.9%
18% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
100.0%
706% higher than US avg
How Velarde Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population248
Median Age47.8 yrs
Density97/mi²
Male / Female79% / 21%
Largest GroupWhite 55%
Veterans26.4%
Economy
B
Median Income$63,707
Per Capita$39,718
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty100.0%
County GDP$1,521M
Commute34 min
Housing
Ownership40.4%
Zillow$316,106
Housing Units196
Rent Burden30.9%
Crime
F
Violent237/100K
Property983/100K
Health
Obesity37.9%
Uninsured20.7%
Smoking11.5%
Depression19.9%
Heart Disease5.3%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (9°C)
AQI37 (Good)
Rain12.7 in/yr
Sunny Days330/yr
Elevation6,352 ft (1,936 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+33.3%
High School+93.0%
Graduate+25.7%
School Score4.34
Community
2024 VoteR 25% / D 72%
Commute34 min
Broadband34.9%
EV Stations1
Libraries4
Is Velarde a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Velarde receives an overall livability score of 2.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate. Velarde has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Velarde is $63,707, 15% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. The poverty rate of 100.0% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 34 minutes.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Velarde is below the national average at 237 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 983 per 100,000, 50% below the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 33.3% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 93.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Velarde experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 27°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. With 330 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 12.7 inches, including 28.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 37.
Velarde has a population of 248 with a density of 97 people per square mile, spread across 2.6 square miles. The median age is 47.8 years, 23% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 21% female and 79% male. The city is predominantly White (55.2%), with 21.4% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 31.1% of residents, while 68.9% speak Spanish. 26.4% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 0.0% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 47.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
47.8yrs
Median Age
23% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
31.1%
60% below US avg
Spanish
68.9%
414% above US avg
The median household income in Velarde is $63,707, which is 15% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $39,718. The average weekly wage is $873, 39% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 100.0% of residents live below the poverty line, higher 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. Workers commute an average of 34 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $63,707 |
| 15% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $39,718 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $873 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $56,455 |
| Gini Index | 0.508 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 100.0% |
| 706% above 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
| Commute Time | 34.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 68.1% |
| Public Transit | 31.9% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $316,106. Homes sell for 94.7% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Fair market rent ranges from $927 for a one-bedroom to $1,129 for a two-bedroom apartment. 40.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 196 total housing units in the city. The average annual property tax is $3,363. 30.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Home Values
| |
| Zillow ZHVI | $316,106 |
| Median List Price | $700,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $700,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $133 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 94.7% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 2 |
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 | 40.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 40.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 59.6% |
| Housing Units | 196 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,363 |
| 4% below US avg |
In Velarde, 37.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.4% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.3% of residents. 28.1% have high blood pressure. 11.5% are current smokers. 14.7% report binge drinking. 27.1% are physically inactive. 19.9% report depression. 15.6% experience frequent mental distress. 20.7% of residents lack health insurance (above 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: Velarde vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.9% |
| 18% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.4% |
| Heart Disease | 5.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.1% |
| Asthma | 9.0% |
| COPD | 4.4% |
| Cancer | 4.8% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 11.5% |
| 18% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 14.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.1% |
| Depression | 19.9% |
| Mental Distress | 15.6% |
| Physical Distress | 14.5% |
| Short Sleep | 35.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 47.7% |
| Uninsured | 20.7% |
| 141% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,154 |
| Dentists | 1:2,034 |
| Mental Health | 1:115 |
| Checkup Rate | 66.0% |
| Dental Visits | 58.8% |
| Premature Death | 12,930/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 79.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 105 |
Velarde has a violent crime rate of 237 per 100,000 residents, 38% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 983 per 100,000, 50% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 7 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Velarde receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Velarde vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 237.3/100K |
| 38% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 982.9/100K |
| 50% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 7 |
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 4.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Velarde experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winters average 27°F in January while summers reach 70°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 12.7 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 28.4 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 37. The city sits at an elevation of 6,352 feet, a high-altitude location.
Temperature
27°F Jan (-3°C)
70°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 48.5°F |
| 10% below US avg |
| January Average | 27°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 70°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 330 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 6,352 ft (1,936 m) |
| Area | 2.6 sq mi (6.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 97/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 36.1593°N, 105.9588°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | Taos County County |
| Nearest Airport | Taos Regional (TSM) 26 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
12.7"
67% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
2.48"
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
266 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.0. Most recent: M3.4 on Jun 28, 2025.
| Aug 10, 2005 |
20 km S of Weston, Colorado |
M5.0 |
133 km |
| Mar 22, 2004 |
30 km S of Weston, Colorado |
M4.4 |
126 km |
| Jan 3, 2007 |
8 km SSW of Weston, Colorado |
M4.4 |
139 km |
| Aug 1, 2004 |
31 km S of Stonewall Gap, Colorado |
M4.3 |
110 km |
| Jul 12, 2021 |
5 km E of Capulin, New Mexico |
M4.2 |
71 km |
| Aug 10, 2005 |
20 km SSW of Segundo, Colorado |
M4.1 |
135 km |
| Jul 29, 2009 |
32 km NNE of Cimarron, New Mexico |
M4.1 |
123 km |
| Feb 6, 2016 |
Colorado |
M4.0 |
137 km |
| Sep 13, 2011 |
20 km S of Sequndo, Colorado |
M4.0 |
139 km |
| Aug 26, 2023 |
19 km SSW of Weston, Colorado |
M4.0 |
129 km |
| Aug 23, 2016 |
18 km SSW of Weston, CO |
M3.9 |
129 km |
| Sep 16, 2011 |
26 km S of Sequndo, Colorado |
M3.9 |
136 km |
| Aug 20, 2015 |
7 km WSW of Weston, Colorado |
M3.9 |
140 km |
| Sep 13, 2003 |
33 km S of Weston, Colorado |
M3.8 |
120 km |
| May 19, 2019 |
15 km SSE of Stonewall Gap, Colorado |
M3.8 |
129 km |
| Jan 18, 2010 |
30 km S of Segundo, Colorado |
M3.8 |
128 km |
| Jul 4, 1995 |
23 km WSW of Springer, New Mexico |
M3.8 |
103 km |
| Mar 20, 2015 |
25 km S of Sequndo, Colorado |
M3.8 |
136 km |
| Jul 12, 2021 |
3 km E of Capulin, New Mexico |
M3.7 |
73 km |
| Nov 20, 2009 |
29 km S of Stonewall Gap, Colorado |
M3.7 |
119 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
33 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF1.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 13, 1982 |
EF1 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jul 21, 1973 |
EF1 |
73 km |
0 |
| Apr 15, 1971 |
EF1 |
57 km |
0 |
| Dec 26, 1966 |
EF1 |
32 km |
0 |
| Oct 1, 2023 |
EF0 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 2021 |
EF0 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 2021 |
EF0 |
71 km |
0 |
| May 17, 2021 |
EF0 |
78 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 2018 |
EF0 |
88 km |
0 |
| Aug 9, 2018 |
EF0 |
73 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2018 |
EF0 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jul 6, 2017 |
EF0 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 9, 2017 |
EF0 |
58 km |
0 |
| Oct 12, 2012 |
EF0 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jul 24, 2012 |
EF0 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 2009 |
EF0 |
51 km |
0 |
| Aug 17, 2008 |
EF0 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 2007 |
EF0 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 2007 |
EF0 |
76 km |
0 |
| May 25, 1999 |
EF0 |
99 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 |
59 km |
| 2011 |
LAS CONCHAS |
150,874 |
53 km |
| 2022 |
COOKS PEAK |
61,195 |
89 km |
| 2022 |
CERRO PELADO |
45,620 |
66 km |
| 2000 |
CERRO GRANDE |
44,279 |
43 km |
| 2018 |
UTE PARK |
30,177 |
93 km |
| 2006 |
CASA |
27,452 |
99 km |
| 2000 |
VIVEASH |
22,468 |
60 km |
| 2013 |
THOMPSON RIDGE |
21,077 |
62 km |
| 2006 |
OJO FELIZ |
17,767 |
75 km |
| 2006 |
RIVERA MESA |
16,412 |
93 km |
| 1996 |
DOME |
15,783 |
58 km |
| 1993 |
OJO |
14,887 |
81 km |
| 2002 |
CERRO PELON |
13,015 |
83 km |
| 2002 |
BORREGO |
12,877 |
24 km |
| 2010 |
SOUTH FORK |
12,585 |
42 km |
| 2020 |
LUNA |
10,849 |
54 km |
| 2011 |
PACHECO |
9,790 |
38 km |
| 2013 |
JAROSO |
9,529 |
38 km |
| 2018 |
EMILY |
8,342 |
98 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
33°F (1°C) |
0.6 in |
Driest |
| March |
40°F (4°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| May |
55°F (13°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| June |
65°F (18°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| July |
70°F (21°C) |
2.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
68°F (20°C) |
2.5 in |
Wettest |
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| October |
51°F (11°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| November |
39°F (4°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| December |
31°F (-1°C) |
0.7 in |
|
Velarde has a seasonal temperature swing of 43°F / from 27°F in January to 70°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 13.2 inches, with August being the wettest month (2.5") and February the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Velarde. 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 Velarde
What is the population of Velarde?
Velarde has a population of 248 residents and is located in New Mexico. The population density is 97 people per square mile, spread across 2.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 47.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 21% female and 79% male.
Is Velarde expensive to live in?
Velarde 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 $63,707, 15% below the national average of $75,149.
Is Velarde safe?
Velarde is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 237 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 983 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Velarde receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Velarde?
Velarde has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 27°F in January, while summers reach an average of 70°F in July. The area receives 330 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 12.7 inches, with 28.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 37.
How is the job market in Velarde?
The job market in Velarde is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below 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. The average commute time is 34 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How are the schools in Velarde?
Schools in Velarde have an average test score of 4.3 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 33.3% of adults in Velarde hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.0% have completed high school. 25.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Velarde?
The obesity rate in Velarde is 37.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 11.5% of adults are smokers. 27.1% are physically inactive. 19.9% of residents report depression. 20.7% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 79.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,154.
What is transportation like in Velarde?
The average commute in Velarde is 34 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 68.1% of workers drive alone to work, 31.9% use public transit, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Velarde?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Velarde is 55.2% White, 21.4% Hispanic or Latino. 31.1% of residents speak only English at home, while 68.9% speak Spanish. 26.4% of the population are military veterans. 0.0% of residents have a disability. 47.7% have health insurance coverage.