Cost of Living in Raton, NM

Population 6,013 · New Mexico · Data vintage 2023

51
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Raton is a smaller New Mexico community of around 6000 residents, where median household incomes of $52,007 and housing costs ($148,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape. Around 21% of residents live below the federal poverty line, a rate that tends to correlate with the income and housing figures above.

Raton lies roughly 95 miles south of the nearest major metro, Pueblo — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 36% lower than Pueblo's $231,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 49
Rent 56

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Raton

The median home value in Raton is $148,200 — 51% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $734/month, 44% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $52,007/year is 30% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 1.3%, below the national average of 4.8%. New Mexico's top state income tax rate is 5.9% and the combined sales tax is 7.7%. The climate averages highs of 66.3°F and lows of 33.2°F. Overall, Raton has a cost of living index of 51 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 49% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$148,200
51% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$485,036
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$734/mo
44% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
16.8x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
0.8%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$678
1 BR
$790
2 BR
$933
3 BR
$1,307
4 BR
$1,549
Owner-occupied 68.3%
Renter-occupied 31.7%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$734
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,348/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
18.3 min
32% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
2.6%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
80.9%
Carpooled
13.3%
Walked
2.1%
Work from home
2.6%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax 5.9%
Total Sales Tax 7.7%
State rate 5.0%
Avg local rate 2.7%
Property Tax 0.8%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$52,007
30% below avg
Per Capita Income
$28,643
Unemployment Rate
1.3%
73% below avg
Poverty Rate
20.7%
Labor Force Participation
49.8%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 10.2%
Graduate degree 8.6%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 44.8
Male median age 40.7
Female median age 48.2

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
66.3°F
Avg Low
33.2°F
Annual Precip
13.7"
10° 30° 50° 70° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 475058657484878578685546
Low °F 141823314049545345342214
Precip" 0.370.320.811.031.061.672.622.321.790.920.460.36

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

87%
4-Year Graduation Rate
14.7:1
Student-teacher ratio
3
Public schools
938
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Raton, NM?

Raton has a cost index of 51 (100 = national average). It is 49% below the national average.

What is average rent in Raton, NM?

The median gross rent in Raton is $734 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Raton?

The median home value in Raton is $148,200 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Raton?

The median household income in Raton is $52,007 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Raton, NM?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Raton is 7.7%. The New Mexico state income tax top rate is 5.9%.

Is Raton, NM affordable?

Yes, Raton is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 51 — about 49% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Raton?

Raton has average high temperatures of 66.3°F and average lows of 33.2°F. Annual precipitation is 13.7". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Raton at a Glance

Population
6,013
Median Income
$52,007
Home Value
$148,200
Median Rent
$734/mo
Unemployment
1.3%
Avg High Temp
66.3°F
Sales Tax
7.7%
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🗺️ County data for New Mexico

Explore county-level cost of living data

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