Living in Thoreau, New Mexico
Cost of living, income, home prices, rent and demographics of Thoreau · Census data 2020–2024
Thoreau has 1,973 residents with a median age of 34.8. The median household income is $45,469 (29% lower than the New Mexico median), the median home value is $95,200, the median rent is $483/month.
Thoreau at a glance
- Population
- 1,973
- Median age
- 34.8State: 39.4
- Median household income
- $45,469State: $64,059
- Median home value
- $95,200State: $248,100
- Median rent
- $483/moState: $1,067
- Homeowners
- 80.2%
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 4.2%
- Average commute
- 47 min
Is Thoreau a good place to live?
Pros: Home values 62% lower than the state median.
Cons: Median household income 29% lower than the New Mexico median; an average commute of 47 minutes; unemployment of 10.8%; a poverty rate of 27.5%.
The weather is best in May–June and September–October.
Cost of living in Thoreau
Housing is the biggest part of the cost of living. In Thoreau the median home value is $95,200, 71% lower than the U.S. median. Renters pay a median of $483 per month, which is 42.8% of household income. Homeowners with a mortgage pay $1,538 a month in housing costs.
Thoreau median household income
The median household income in Thoreau is $45,469 and the income per person is $19,920. 27.5% of residents live below the poverty line (New Mexico: 17.8%).
Housing in Thoreau: homes for sale and rent
- Housing units
- 782
- Owner-occupied
- 80.2%
- Renter-occupied
- 19.8%
- Vacant
- 19.8%Includes seasonal homes
- Median year built
- 1989
- Average household size
- 3.15
Thoreau demographics
- Population
- 1,973
- Median age
- 34.8
- Under 18
- 24.3%
- 65 and older
- 18.3%
- Households
- 627
- Foreign-born
- 2.1%
- Veterans
- 5.1%Adults 18+
Hispanic or Latino can be of any race. Population history of Thoreau ›
Education in Thoreau
4.2% of adults 25 and older in Thoreau have a bachelor's degree or higher (New Mexico: 31%), and 1.2% have a graduate or professional degree.
Jobs and commute in Thoreau
- Unemployment rate
- 10.8%State: 6%
- Average commute
- 47 minState: 24 min
- Work from home
- 14.6%
- Drive alone
- 78.9%
- Public transit
- 0%
- Walk to work
- 1.7%
- Homes with broadband
- 56.1%
Thoreau vs nearby towns
| Town | Population | Median income | Home value | Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thoreau | 1,973 | $45,469 | $95,200 | $483 |
| Bluewater | 275 | $122,750 | $337,900 | — |
| Continental Divide | 231 | $61,284 | — | — |
| Prewitt | 1,027 | $19,074 | — | — |
| Las Tusas | 999 | $58,627 | $161,200 | — |
| Jamestown | 439 | $145,172 | $157,800 | — |
| Borrego Pass | 129 | $33,333 | $85,000 | — |
| Iyanbito | 1,233 | $52,500 | $49,300 | $642 |
| Fort Wingate | 726 | $250,001 | — | $1,101 |
More for people moving to Thoreau
Thoreau ZIP code ›Weather and climate ›Living in Thoreau: FAQ
What is the median household income in Thoreau, NM?
The median household income in Thoreau is $45,469, 29% 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 Thoreau?
The median home value in Thoreau is $95,200, compared with $248,100 in New Mexico.
How much is rent in Thoreau?
The median gross rent in Thoreau is $483 per month, about 42.8% of household income.
Is Thoreau, NM a good place to live?
Pluses: home values 62% lower than the state median. Minuses: median household income 29% lower than the New Mexico median; an average commute of 47 minutes; unemployment of 10.8%; a poverty rate of 27.5%.
What is the median age in Thoreau?
The median age in Thoreau is 34.8 years (New Mexico: 39.4).
How long is the commute in Thoreau?
The average commute to work in Thoreau is 47 minutes; 14.6% of workers work from home.
What is the unemployment rate in Thoreau?
The unemployment rate in Thoreau is 10.8% (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
How educated is Thoreau?
4.2% of adults in Thoreau 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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