Median Income
$53,839
28% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
165/100K
57% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
33.8%
5% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How White Mesa Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population74
Median Age52.8 yrs
Density5/mi²
Male / Female73% / 27%
Largest GroupWhite 16%
Veterans65.0%
Economy
A
Median Income$53,839
Per Capita$35,261
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$823M
Housing
Ownership82.2%
Zillow$324,314
Housing Units59
Rent Burden21.8%
Crime
F
Violent165/100K
Property2,451/100K
Health
Obesity33.8%
Uninsured9.6%
Smoking15.0%
Depression24.8%
Heart Disease6.6%
Climate
Avg Temp54°F (12°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain10.2 in/yr
Sunny Days330/yr
Elevation5,275 ft (1,608 m)
Education
A
Bachelor's+0.0%
High School+78.6%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score4.13
Community
2024 VoteR 57% / D 41%
Broadband45.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries5
Is White Mesa a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, White Mesa receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. White Mesa offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in White Mesa is $53,839, 28% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in White Mesa is below the national average at 165 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,451 per 100,000, 25% above the national average.
Education
0.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 78.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.1/10.
Climate & Weather
White Mesa experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 54°F. Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. With 330 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 10.2 inches, including 12.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
White Mesa has a population of 74 with a density of 5 people per square mile, spread across 15.7 square miles. The median age is 52.8 years, 36% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 27% female and 73% male. The city is predominantly Hispanic (83.8%), with 16.2% White, 13.5% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 65% of residents, while 35% speak Spanish. 65.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 53.3% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 78.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
52.8yrs
Median Age
36% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
White Mesa vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
65.0%
17% below US avg
Spanish
35.0%
161% above US avg
Social Characteristics
White Mesa vs U.S. Average
The median household income in White Mesa is $53,839, which is 28% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $35,261. The average weekly wage is $956, 33% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 386 business establishments, including 51 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.9, roughly in line with the national average. 22.0% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income: White Mesa vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $53,839 |
| 28% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $35,261 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $956 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $54,640 |
| Gini Index | 0.506 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 386 |
| County GDP | $823M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 51 |
| Healthcare | 31 |
| Retail | 41 |
| Manufacturing | 7 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,809 |
| 20% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.90 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 78.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 22.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $324,314. Fair market rent ranges from $1,082 for a one-bedroom to $1,313 for a two-bedroom apartment. 82.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 59 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1980. The average annual property tax is $2,809 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 21.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $981 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,082 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,313 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,746 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,105 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 82.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 82.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 17.8% |
| Housing Units | 59 |
| Median Year Built | 1980 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,809 |
| 20% below US avg |
In White Mesa, 33.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 13.9% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.6% of residents. 33.8% have high blood pressure. 15.0% are current smokers. 10.4% report binge drinking. 21.0% are physically inactive, below the national average. 24.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.4% experience frequent mental distress. 9.6% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,610. The dentist ratio is 1:845. 34.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 4.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: White Mesa vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 33.8% |
| 5% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 13.9% |
| Heart Disease | 6.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.8% |
| Asthma | 14.0% |
| COPD | 6.3% |
| Cancer | 6.7% |
| Stroke | 4.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.0% |
| 7% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 10.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.0% |
| Depression | 24.8% |
| Mental Distress | 20.4% |
| Physical Distress | 16.7% |
| Short Sleep | 39.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 78.3% |
| Uninsured | 9.6% |
| 12% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,610 |
| Dentists | 1:845 |
| Mental Health | 1:552 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.1% |
| Dental Visits | 64.1% |
| Premature Death | 14,025/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 4.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 34.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 31 |
White Mesa has a violent crime rate of 165 per 100,000 residents, 57% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,451 per 100,000, 25% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 10 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, White Mesa receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: White Mesa vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 165.2/100K |
| 57% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,451.1/100K |
| 25% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 10 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
White Mesa experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 78°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 10.2 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 12.2 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 5,275 feet, a high-altitude location.
Temperature
31°F Jan (-1°C)
78°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 53.7°F |
| 1% below US avg |
| January Average | 31°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 78°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 330 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 5,275 ft (1,608 m) |
| Area | 15.7 sq mi (40.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 5/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.4596°N, 109.4600°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | San Juan County County |
| Nearest Airport | Four Corners Regional (FMN) 84 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
10.2"
73% below US avg
Wettest Month (Oct)
1.26"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 26.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 91.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 1.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively High |
| Volcano |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Relatively High |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
79 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.5. Most recent: M2.5 on Mar 20, 2025.
| Mar 4, 2019 |
29 km E of La Sal, Utah |
M4.5 |
103 km |
| May 27, 2000 |
29 km WNW of Naturita, Colorado |
M4.4 |
105 km |
| Jan 24, 2013 |
22 km E of La Sal, Utah |
M3.9 |
105 km |
| Mar 1, 2016 |
34 km N of Halls Crossing, Utah |
M3.8 |
109 km |
| Jul 6, 1999 |
27 km WNW of Naturita, Colorado |
M3.7 |
104 km |
| Apr 22, 2017 |
4 km SSW of Bluff, Utah |
M3.7 |
26 km |
| Jun 3, 1999 |
28 km E of La Sal, Utah |
M3.7 |
103 km |
| Jun 6, 2008 |
10 km NE of Bluff, Utah |
M3.6 |
12 km |
| Mar 10, 2023 |
16 km S of Ophir, Colorado |
M3.6 |
145 km |
| Oct 14, 1993 |
36 km SW of Spanish Valley, Utah |
M3.6 |
98 km |
| Aug 2, 1991 |
59 km WNW of Blanding, Utah |
M3.4 |
69 km |
| Jun 25, 1991 |
10 km W of Oljato-Monument Valley, Utah |
M3.4 |
94 km |
| Jul 13, 2009 |
3 km SE of Navajo Mountain, Utah |
M3.3 |
126 km |
| Dec 15, 1997 |
7 km ENE of La Sal, Utah |
M3.2 |
100 km |
| Feb 24, 1993 |
16 km SSE of Monticello, Utah |
M3.1 |
33 km |
| May 13, 1993 |
19 km SSE of Monticello, Utah |
M3.1 |
32 km |
| Mar 15, 2000 |
Colorado |
M3.1 |
103 km |
| Jun 6, 2002 |
29 km E of La Sal, Utah |
M3.0 |
110 km |
| May 8, 1998 |
15 km E of La Sal, Utah |
M3.0 |
103 km |
| Jul 15, 1992 |
26 km NNW of Mexican Hat, Utah |
M3.0 |
47 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
6 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 25, 1985 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
| Sep 5, 1970 |
EF1 |
58 km |
0 |
| Sep 13, 2022 |
EF0 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 2015 |
EF0 |
51 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 2011 |
EF0 |
72 km |
0 |
| Apr 29, 1957 |
EF0 |
75 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BIRCHER (23,317 ac, 2000).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2000 |
BIRCHER |
23,317 |
97 km |
| 2018 |
PLATEAU |
19,746 |
88 km |
| 2009 |
NARRAGUINNEP |
7,798 |
75 km |
| 2019 |
DOE CANYON |
7,388 |
77 km |
| 1986 |
UNNAMED |
6,205 |
91 km |
| 1986 |
WESTTOE |
5,397 |
53 km |
| 1986 |
HOGAN |
5,298 |
52 km |
| 2000 |
PONY |
5,224 |
85 km |
| 1996 |
CHAPIN 5 |
4,832 |
90 km |
| 2002 |
CANYONS COMPLEX (HAMMOND) |
3,859 |
34 km |
| 2002 |
CARRIZO 1 |
3,701 |
79 km |
| 1996 |
DISAPPOINTMENT |
3,642 |
88 km |
| 1984 |
FERNANDO |
3,419 |
56 km |
| 2019 |
PEAVINE CANYON |
3,265 |
45 km |
| 1987 |
AZTECTHREE |
2,857 |
68 km |
| 1989 |
LONG MESA |
2,660 |
85 km |
| 2002 |
LONG MESA |
2,599 |
91 km |
| 2009 |
BRADFIELD |
2,549 |
75 km |
| 1998 |
HOVENWEEP |
2,456 |
33 km |
| 2006 |
CHIPPEAN RIDGE |
2,349 |
44 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
31°F (-1°C) |
1.0 in |
Coldest |
| February |
36°F (2°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| March |
44°F (7°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| April |
51°F (11°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
0.3 in |
Driest |
| July |
78°F (26°C) |
0.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
76°F (25°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| September |
68°F (20°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| October |
55°F (13°C) |
1.3 in |
Wettest |
| November |
42°F (5°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| December |
32°F (-0°C) |
0.8 in |
|
White Mesa has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 31°F in January to 78°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 10.1 inches, with October being the wettest month (1.3") and June the driest (0.3").
Average costs for common services in White Mesa. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$247 ($148–$396) |
| Specialist Visit |
$346 ($198–$544) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$198 ($99–$346) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,176 ($791–$4,945) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$129 ($74–$198) |
| Dental Filling |
$247 ($148–$396) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$45 ($25–$74) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$74 ($49–$119) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$297 ($148–$495) |
| Tire Rotation |
$40 ($20–$74) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$593 ($396–$989) |
| Battery Replacement |
$198 ($99–$346) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$99 ($59–$148) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$89 ($49–$138) |
| HVAC Repair |
$396 ($148–$791) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,923 ($3,956–$11,868) |
| Roof Repair |
$989 ($396–$1,978) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,901 ($5,440–$14,835) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,484 ($495–$3,462) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,835 ($4,945–$29,670) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,945 ($1,978–$9,890) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,484 ($791–$2,967) |
| Will Preparation |
$495 ($198–$989) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,473 ($989–$4,945) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Women's Haircut |
$54 ($30–$99) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$148 ($74–$247) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Pedicure |
$40 ($25–$64) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$79 ($49–$129) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.05 ($2.97–$5.44) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.46 ($2.47–$4.95) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.76 ($2.47–$5.44) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.45 ($2.97–$6.43) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.44 ($3.96–$7.42) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.99 ($0.59–$1.78) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$138 ($79–$247) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$69 ($30–$148) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$69 ($40–$119) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$69 ($40–$99) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$64 ($30–$99) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$84 ($49–$148) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$198 ($74–$495) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,978 ($1,187–$3,462) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$69 ($30–$129) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($7.91–$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$99 ($30–$247) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15–$74) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,187 ($593–$2,473) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$989 ($495–$1,978) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$396 ($198–$692) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$49 ($25–$99) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$989 ($396–$2,473) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,363 ($4,945–$29,670) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$59 ($30–$99) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$99 ($49–$198) |
| Dog Grooming |
$59 ($30–$99) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$40 ($20–$74) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$297 ($148–$495) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$198 ($99–$396) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $990 |
| Toddler | $811 |
| Preschool | $734 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $737 |
| Toddler | $676 |
| Preschool | $646 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About White Mesa
What is the population of White Mesa?
White Mesa has a population of 74 residents and is located in Utah. The population density is 5 people per square mile, spread across 15.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 52.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 27% female and 73% male.
Is White Mesa expensive to live in?
White Mesa has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 98.9 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $53,839, 28% below the national average of $75,149.
Is White Mesa safe?
White Mesa is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 165 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,451 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, White Mesa receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in White Mesa?
White Mesa has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 31°F in January, while summers reach an average of 78°F in July. The area receives 330 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 10.2 inches, with 12.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in White Mesa?
The job market in White Mesa is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $956. There are 386 business establishments in the area, including 51 restaurants and food service locations.
How are the schools in White Mesa?
Schools in White Mesa have an average test score of 4.1 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 0.0% of adults in White Mesa hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 78.6% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is White Mesa?
The obesity rate in White Mesa is 33.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.0% of adults are smokers. 21.0% are physically inactive. 24.8% of residents report depression. 9.6% lack health insurance. 34.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,610.
What are the demographics of White Mesa?
The racial and ethnic makeup of White Mesa is 16.2% White, 83.8% Hispanic or Latino, 13.5% Asian. 65% of residents speak only English at home, while 35% speak Spanish. 65.0% of the population are military veterans. 53.3% of residents have a disability. 78.3% have health insurance coverage.