Cost of Living in White Rock, NM

Population 5,568 · New Mexico · Data vintage 2023

151
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Small, well-paid, and production-driven — White Rock sits at the intersection of rural New Mexico and the state's energy economy. Median household incomes near $150,714 reflect that wage base, while housing costs track the smaller-town baseline. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 1.1% — below most comparable cities in the state.

White Rock is about 45 miles northeast of Rio Rancho, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 68% higher than Rio Rancho's $273,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 151

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

About the Cost of Living in White Rock

The median home value in White Rock is $460,100 — 51% above the national median of $305,000. The median household income of $150,714/year is 102% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 1.1%, 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 66.8°F and lows of 37.2°F. Overall, White Rock has a cost of living index of 151 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 51% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$460,100
51% above avg
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 99.6%
Renter-occupied 0.4%

🛒 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
22.9 min
15% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
10.2%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
77.0%
Carpooled
11.9%
Public transit
0.9%
Work from home
10.2%

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
$150,714
102% above avg
Per Capita Income
$70,095
Unemployment Rate
1.1%
76% below avg
Poverty Rate
1.4%
Labor Force Participation
61.8%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 30.6%
Graduate degree 39.8%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 41.7
Male median age 41.7
Female median age 41.7

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
66.8°F
Avg Low
37.2°F
Annual Precip
10.7"
10° 30° 50° 70° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 445059667687898680685444
Low °F 202328344352585649382720
Precip" 0.450.350.660.530.630.551.821.961.341.220.700.50

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 14 — Good
100%
Good air days/yr
50
Max AQI recorded
121
PM2.5 days
0
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in White Rock, NM?

White Rock has a cost index of 151 (100 = national average). It is 51% above the national average.

What is the average home price in White Rock?

The median home value in White Rock is $460,100 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in White Rock?

The median household income in White Rock is $150,714 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in White Rock, NM?

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

Is White Rock, NM affordable?

White Rock is above average in cost of living, with an index of 151 — about 51% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in White Rock?

White Rock has average high temperatures of 66.8°F and average lows of 37.2°F. Annual precipitation is 10.7". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.