Living in Chama, New Mexico
Cost of living, income, home prices, rent and demographics of Chama · Census data 2020–2024
Chama has 776 residents with a median age of 64.4. The median household income is $30,694 (52% lower than the New Mexico median), the median home value is $189,100, the median rent is $570/month.
Chama is a small town, so Census survey estimates have wide margins of error. Treat percentages as approximate.
Chama at a glance
- Population
- 776
- Median age
- 64.4State: 39.4
- Median household income
- $30,694State: $64,059
- Median home value
- $189,100State: $248,100
- Median rent
- $570/moState: $1,067
- Homeowners
- 80.3%
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 18.9%
- Average commute
- 8 min
Is Chama a good place to live?
Pros: Home values 24% lower than the state median; an average commute of 8 minutes.
Cons: Median household income 52% lower than the New Mexico median; unemployment of 7.2%; a poverty rate of 20.7%.
The weather is best in June to September.
Cost of living in Chama
Housing is the biggest part of the cost of living. In Chama the median home value is $189,100, 43% lower than the U.S. median. Renters pay a median of $570 per month. Homeowners with a mortgage pay $1,219 a month in housing costs.
Chama median household income
The median household income in Chama is $30,694 and the income per person is $36,375. 20.7% of residents live below the poverty line (New Mexico: 17.8%).
Housing in Chama: homes for sale and rent
- Housing units
- 629
- Owner-occupied
- 80.3%
- Renter-occupied
- 19.7%
- Vacant
- 27.2%Includes seasonal homes
- Median year built
- 1982
- Average household size
- 1.69
Chama demographics
- Population
- 776
- Median age
- 64.4
- Under 18
- 7.5%
- 65 and older
- 43.4%
- Households
- 458
- Foreign-born
- 0%
- Veterans
- 10.4%Adults 18+
Hispanic or Latino can be of any race. Population history of Chama ›
Education in Chama
18.9% of adults 25 and older in Chama have a bachelor's degree or higher (New Mexico: 31%), and 5% have a graduate or professional degree.
Jobs and commute in Chama
- Unemployment rate
- 7.2%State: 6%
- Average commute
- 8 minState: 24 min
- Work from home
- 14.4%
- Drive alone
- 70.9%
- Public transit
- 0%
- Walk to work
- 9.3%
- Homes with broadband
- 65.9%
Chama vs nearby towns
| Town | Population | Median income | Home value | Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chama | 776 | $30,694 | $189,100 | $570 |
| Dulce | 3,218 | $39,773 | $53,300 | $550 |
| Antonito | 579 | $35,083 | $85,700 | $640 |
| Pagosa Springs | 2,090 | $50,785 | $374,600 | $1,172 |
| Lindrith | 111 | $71,359 | $106,600 | — |
| Arboles | 389 | $42,262 | $344,000 | — |
More for people moving to Chama
Chama ZIP code ›Weather and climate ›Living in Chama: FAQ
What is the median household income in Chama, NM?
The median household income in Chama is $30,694, 52% lower than the New Mexico median of $64,059 (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
What is the average home price in Chama?
The median home value in Chama is $189,100, compared with $248,100 in New Mexico.
How much is rent in Chama?
The median gross rent in Chama is $570 per month.
Is Chama, NM a good place to live?
Pluses: home values 24% lower than the state median; an average commute of 8 minutes. Minuses: median household income 52% lower than the New Mexico median; unemployment of 7.2%; a poverty rate of 20.7%.
What is the median age in Chama?
The median age in Chama is 64.4 years (New Mexico: 39.4).
How long is the commute in Chama?
The average commute to work in Chama is 8 minutes; 14.4% of workers work from home.
What is the unemployment rate in Chama?
The unemployment rate in Chama is 7.2% (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
How educated is Chama?
18.9% of adults in Chama have a bachelor's degree or higher.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024 (margins of error apply, especially in small towns). Figures are in 2024 dollars.
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