Median Income
$60,278
20% lower than US avg
Home Value
$167,700
41% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
665/100K
75% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
10.9%
68% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,602
38% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
30.8%
4% lower than US avg
Unemployment
5.1%
42% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
12.5%
1% higher than US avg
How Waterflow Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,215
Median Age39.2 yrs
Density150/mi²
Male / Female46% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 42%
Veterans2.5%
Economy
B
Median Income$60,278
Per Capita$26,287
Unemployment5.1%
Poverty12.5%
County GDP$7,043M
Commute23 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$167,700
Rent$1,602
Ownership60.5%
Zillow$237,274
Housing Units544
Rent Burden23.8%
Crime
F
Violent665/100K
Property3,358/100K
Health
Obesity30.8%
Uninsured8.3%
Smoking15.9%
Depression22.7%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp51°F (11°C)
AQI37 (Good)
Rain7.3 in/yr
Sunny Days330/yr
Elevation5,061 ft (1,543 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+10.9%
High School+80.7%
Graduate+2.1%
School Score4.52
Community
2024 VoteR 65% / D 33%
Commute23 min
Broadband82.0%
EV Stations12
Libraries3
Is Waterflow a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Waterflow receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, above-average unemployment. Waterflow has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Waterflow is $60,278, 20% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.1% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. 12.5% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Waterflow is $167,700, 41% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,602 per month, significantly above the national average of $1,163. At just 2.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
With 665 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,358 per 100,000, 71% above the national average.
Education
10.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 80.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Waterflow experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. With 330 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 7.3 inches, including 7.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 37.
Waterflow has a population of 1,215 with a density of 150 people per square mile, spread across 8.1 square miles. The median age is 39.2 years, 1% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 54.3% female and 45.7% male. The city is predominantly Hispanic (44.5%), with 41.9% White, 40.7% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 64.2% of residents, while 35.8% speak Spanish. 2.5% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 12.0% of residents have a disability. 91.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
39.2yrs
Median Age
1% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Waterflow vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
64.2%
18% below US avg
Spanish
35.8%
167% above US avg
Social Characteristics
Waterflow vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Waterflow is $60,278, which is 20% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $26,287 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,077, 25% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 5.1% (above the 3.6% US average). 12.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 3,087 business establishments, including 230 restaurants. The cost of living index is 92.2, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 14.8% of workers work from home.
Income: Waterflow vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $60,278 |
| 20% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $26,287 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,077 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $56,852 |
| Gini Index | 0.470 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.1% |
| 42% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 12.5% |
| 1% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 3,087 |
| County GDP | $7,043M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 230 |
| Healthcare | 294 |
| Retail | 417 |
| Manufacturing | 66 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,974 |
| 15% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 92.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.77% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 23.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 76.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 14.8% |
The median home value in Waterflow is $167,700, 41% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $237,274, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,602 (38% above the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $927 for a one-bedroom to $1,129 for a two-bedroom apartment. 60.5% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 544 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1979. The average annual property tax is $2,974. 23.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $167,700 |
| 41% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $237,274 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,602 |
| 38% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 23.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $828 |
| 1 Bedroom | $927 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,129 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,496 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,758 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 60.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 60.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 39.5% |
| Housing Units | 544 |
| Median Year Built | 1979 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,974 |
| 15% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.77% |
In Waterflow, 30.8% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 9.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 27.2% have high blood pressure. 15.9% are current smokers. 15.6% report binge drinking. 18.3% are physically inactive, below the national average. 22.7% report depression. 18.6% experience frequent mental distress. 8.3% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,891. The dentist ratio is 1:933. 50.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 5.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Waterflow vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 30.8% |
| 4% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.2% |
| Asthma | 12.1% |
| COPD | 5.6% |
| Cancer | 6.5% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.9% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 18.3% |
| Depression | 22.7% |
| Mental Distress | 18.6% |
| Physical Distress | 14.3% |
| Short Sleep | 36.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.8% |
| Uninsured | 8.3% |
| 3% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,891 |
| Dentists | 1:933 |
| Mental Health | 1:355 |
| Checkup Rate | 68.3% |
| Dental Visits | 61.8% |
| Premature Death | 18,277/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 5.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 50.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 294 |
Waterflow has a violent crime rate of 665 per 100,000 residents, 75% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,358 per 100,000, 71% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 18 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Waterflow receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Waterflow vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 664.6/100K |
| 75% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,358.4/100K |
| 71% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 18 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Waterflow experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 75°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 7.3 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 7.8 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 37. The city sits at an elevation of 5,061 feet, a high-altitude location.
Temperature
30°F Jan (-1°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 51.4°F |
| 5% below US avg |
| January Average | 30°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 330 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 5,061 ft (1,543 m) |
| Area | 8.1 sq mi (21.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 150/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 36.7554°N, 108.4695°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | San Juan County County |
| Nearest Airport | Four Corners Regional (FMN) 13 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
7.3"
81% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
1.26"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 37.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0416 ppm |
| NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide) | 8.5 ppb |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 1.25 ppb |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 88.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 91.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 5.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
16 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.7. Most recent: M2.6 on Aug 26, 2024.
| Apr 22, 2017 |
4 km SSW of Bluff, Utah |
M3.7 |
112 km |
| Jun 6, 2008 |
10 km NE of Bluff, Utah |
M3.6 |
111 km |
| Mar 10, 2023 |
16 km S of Ophir, Colorado |
M3.6 |
120 km |
| Feb 24, 1993 |
16 km SSE of Monticello, Utah |
M3.1 |
131 km |
| May 13, 1993 |
19 km SSE of Monticello, Utah |
M3.1 |
127 km |
| Jul 4, 2021 |
24 km SW of Lake Valley, New Mexico |
M3.1 |
89 km |
| Jun 14, 2018 |
0 km NW of Regina, New Mexico |
M3.0 |
149 km |
| Jun 18, 2002 |
39 km SW of Creede, Colorado |
M2.9 |
143 km |
| Jun 10, 2020 |
5 km WNW of Tsaile, Arizona |
M2.8 |
87 km |
| Jun 17, 2022 |
4 km NNW of Regina, New Mexico |
M2.8 |
146 km |
| Jan 30, 2023 |
18 km WSW of Pueblo Pintado, New Mexico |
M2.7 |
113 km |
| Sep 23, 1995 |
4 km E of Teec Nos Pos, Arizona |
M2.7 |
54 km |
| Mar 6, 2023 |
17 km ENE of Chilchinbito, Arizona |
M2.6 |
128 km |
| Aug 26, 2024 |
8 km S of Rough Rock, Arizona |
M2.6 |
135 km |
| Jul 16, 2022 |
11 km NW of Many Farms, Arizona |
M2.5 |
116 km |
| Aug 25, 2024 |
13 km NNE of Round Rock, Arizona |
M2.5 |
85 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
17 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 25, 1985 |
EF2 |
67 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1957 |
EF2 |
24 km |
0 |
| Oct 5, 2004 |
EF1 |
68 km |
0 |
| Aug 5, 1999 |
EF1 |
46 km |
0 |
| Sep 5, 1970 |
EF1 |
71 km |
0 |
| Aug 30, 1966 |
EF1 |
78 km |
0 |
| Mar 21, 2020 |
EF0 |
22 km |
0 |
| Jun 10, 2015 |
EF0 |
40 km |
0 |
| Sep 18, 2013 |
EF0 |
26 km |
0 |
| Sep 10, 2013 |
EF0 |
19 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 2011 |
EF0 |
56 km |
0 |
| Aug 29, 2002 |
EF0 |
72 km |
0 |
| Oct 23, 2000 |
EF0 |
32 km |
0 |
| Oct 23, 2000 |
EF0 |
32 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1992 |
EF0 |
65 km |
0 |
| Sep 28, 1990 |
EF0 |
24 km |
0 |
| May 28, 1963 |
EF0 |
42 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: 416 (55,123 ac, 2018).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2018 |
416 |
55,123 |
96 km |
| 2000 |
BIRCHER |
23,317 |
53 km |
| 2018 |
PLATEAU |
19,746 |
95 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
13,234 |
60 km |
| 2014 |
ASSAYII LAKE |
13,176 |
87 km |
| 2012 |
WEBER |
10,898 |
63 km |
| 1986 |
WESTTOE |
5,397 |
64 km |
| 1986 |
HOGAN |
5,298 |
68 km |
| 2018 |
BURRO |
5,242 |
91 km |
| 2000 |
PONY |
5,224 |
50 km |
| 1996 |
CHAPIN 5 |
4,832 |
55 km |
| 2005 |
LITTLE WATER1 |
4,342 |
93 km |
| 2002 |
CARRIZO 1 |
3,701 |
57 km |
| 2005 |
HOOK LAKE |
3,609 |
78 km |
| 1984 |
FERNANDO |
3,419 |
63 km |
| 2020 |
EAST CANYON |
3,031 |
64 km |
| 2004 |
TURKEY SPRING |
3,017 |
98 km |
| 2004 |
SANDSPRING |
2,935 |
87 km |
| 1987 |
AZTECTHREE |
2,857 |
50 km |
| 1989 |
LONG MESA |
2,660 |
55 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
30°F (-1°C) |
0.7 in |
Coldest |
| February |
37°F (3°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| March |
44°F (7°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| April |
51°F (11°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| May |
60°F (16°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
0.3 in |
Driest |
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
1.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
74°F (23°C) |
1.3 in |
Wettest |
| September |
66°F (19°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| November |
41°F (5°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| December |
32°F (-0°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Waterflow has a seasonal temperature swing of 45°F / from 30°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 9.0 inches, with August being the wettest month (1.3") and June the driest (0.3").
Average costs for common services in Waterflow. 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 Waterflow
What is the population of Waterflow?
Waterflow has a population of 1,215 residents and is located in New Mexico. The population density is 150 people per square mile, spread across 8.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 39.2 years. The population is 54.3% female and 45.7% male.
Is Waterflow expensive to live in?
Waterflow 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 $60,278, 20% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $167,700 (41% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,602 per month, above the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Waterflow safe?
Public safety is a concern in Waterflow, with a violent crime rate of 665 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,358 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Waterflow receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Waterflow?
Waterflow has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 30°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°F in July. The area receives 330 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 7.3 inches, with 7.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 37.
How is the job market in Waterflow?
The unemployment rate in Waterflow is 5.1%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,077. There are 3,087 business establishments in the area, including 230 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 23 minutes, and 14.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Waterflow?
The median home value in Waterflow is $167,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $237,274. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,602. Fair market rent is $927 for a 1-bedroom and $1,129 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 60.5%. The average annual property tax is $2,974.
How are the schools in Waterflow?
Schools in Waterflow have an average test score of 4.5 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 10.9% of adults in Waterflow hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 80.7% have completed high school. 2.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Waterflow?
The obesity rate in Waterflow is 30.8% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 15.9% of adults are smokers. 18.3% are physically inactive. 22.7% of residents report depression. 8.3% lack health insurance. 50.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,891.
What is transportation like in Waterflow?
The average commute in Waterflow is 23 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 76% of workers drive alone to work, and 14.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Waterflow?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Waterflow is 41.9% White, 44.5% Hispanic or Latino, 40.7% Asian. 64.2% of residents speak only English at home, while 35.8% speak Spanish. 2.5% of the population are military veterans. 12.0% of residents have a disability. 91.8% have health insurance coverage.