New MexicoPop. 31,307Small cities
Is Alamogordo a Good Place to Live? Alamogordo, New Mexico: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Alamogordo ranks #1028 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #160 of 208 small cities and #6 of 20 in New Mexico. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low rents ($902/mo, #27 of 208) and low living costs (85.9, #28 of 208), and trails on low graduation rates (80%, #161 of 191) and a shrinking population (-0.5%, #153 of 182).
Alamogordo by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Alamogordo's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Alamogordo?
Alamogordo's cost of living index is 85.9, 14% below the US level of 100 and #43 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $902/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $223,281, 30% below the typical New Mexico home ($318,241).
| Measure | Alamogordo | New MexicoNM | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 92.6 · US 100 | 85.9#43 of 1,308 | 92.2 | 92.6 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $305,499 · US $368,697 | $223,281#184 of 1,187 | $318,241 | $305,499 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,536/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,560/mo#387 of 1,115 | — | $1,536/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $261,400 | $172,900#150 of 1,309 | — | $261,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,178/mo | $902/mo#91 of 1,309 | — | $1,178/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.5x | 3.1x#230 of 1,309 | — | 3.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.9% | 19.3%#361 of 1,309 | — | 19.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). New Mexico is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Alamogordo housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Alamogordo is in the Alamogordo, NM metro.
New Mexico housing market →Is Alamogordo safe?
Alamogordo recorded 433 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 32% above the US rate of 328 and 30% below New Mexico's 622. That ranks #764 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #127 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Alamogordo Police Department. Property crime runs 1,815 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Alamogordo | New MexicoNM | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 258 · US 328 | 433#764 of 1,085 | 622 | 258 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,540 · US 1,548 | 1,815#632 of 1,085 | 2,240 | 1,540 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). New Mexico is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Alamogordo?
The median household in Alamogordo earns $55,952, 33% below the US figure of $83,163 and 17% below New Mexico ($67,816). Unemployment is 4% (US 4.3%). 16.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.5% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Alamogordo | New MexicoNM | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $71,675 · US $83,163 | $55,952#1128 of 1,312 | $67,816 | $71,675 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7% · US 4.3% | 4%#474 of 1,058 | 4.2% | 3.7% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 16.6%#954 of 1,312 | — | 13% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | -0.5%#952 of 1,132 | -0.1% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). New Mexico is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Alamogordo?
The median resident of Alamogordo is 37.1 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 25.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #956 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 61.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Alamogordo | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.3 | 37.1 | 37.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 32.5% | 25.5%#956 of 1,312 | 32.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 62.3% | 61.6% | 62.3% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Alamogordo's schools and health?
Alamogordo's 10 public schools graduate 80% of students in four years (New Mexico 76.6%), with 15.8 students per teacher and $13,655 spent per pupil. 35.9% of adults are obese and 12.5% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 35.6% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Alamogordo | New MexicoNM | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 80%#880 of 1,063 | 76.6% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.9 | 15.8#601 of 1,188 | — | 14.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $13,509 | $13,655#752 of 1,188 | — | $13,509 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 35.6% | 35.9%#855 of 1,311 | — | 35.6% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 12.5%#867 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.3% | 16.4%#496 of 1,311 | — | 17.3% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 9.2% | 12.9%#944 of 1,311 | — | 9.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). New Mexico is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 4,519 students are enrolled in Alamogordo's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Alamogordo?
The average commute in Alamogordo is 17.9 minutes (New Mexico 24); 0.4% of workers take transit and 7.3% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Alamogordo scores 7.3 of 20 (below average walkable), #1203 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 80.6°F and winters 45.3°F, with 10.6 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Alamogordo | New MexicoNM | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 21.5 min | 17.9 min#186 of 1,312 | 24 min | 21.5 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 4.9%#558 of 1,312 | 7% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75.7% | 80.2% | 73.8% | 75.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 0.4% | 0.5% | 0.5% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 0.7% | 2% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.6% | 0.5% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 10% | 7.3% | 10.3% | 10% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 7.3#1203 of 1,312 | — | 8.8 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). New Mexico is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 54.8 | 33.2 | 0.7 |
| Feb | 60.1 | 37.3 | 0.6 |
| Mar | 67.6 | 42.9 | 0.3 |
| Apr | 75.8 | 50.5 | 0.3 |
| May | 84.8 | 58.6 | 0.5 |
| Jun | 94 | 68.1 | 0.6 |
| Jul | 92.6 | 69.8 | 1.6 |
| Aug | 91.1 | 67.8 | 2 |
| Sep | 85.5 | 62.6 | 1.5 |
| Oct | 75.4 | 51.3 | 1 |
| Nov | 63.6 | 40.6 | 0.6 |
| Dec | 54.1 | 32.6 | 1.1 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Alamogordo.
| Measure | Alamogordo | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 56.3°F | 63.1°F | 56.3°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.3°F | 80.6°F | 76.3°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.7°F | 45.3°F | 36.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.2 in | 10.6 in | 43.2 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Alamogordo.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Alamogordo?
The EPA has no air-quality monitor in Alamogordo's county, so we have no air reading for it. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Otero County's biggest natural hazard losses in wildfire, inland flooding, and ice storm, with expected yearly losses of 0.3% of building value, higher than 88% of US counties.
| Measure | Alamogordo | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.3%#1101 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Otero County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Otero County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Wildfire | 0.078% | 98% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.18% | 95% of counties |
| Ice storm | 0.0019% | 74% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0033% | 60% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0017% | 38% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Alamogordo compare with similar-size cities?
Alamogordo is one of 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track and ranks #160 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 31,307.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alamogordo, NMPop. 31,307 | #1028 | 49.6 | $55,952 | $902/mo | 433 | 17.9 min |
| Naugatuck, CTPop. 31,800 | #223 | 63.9 | $96,324 | $1,369/mo | 56 | 33.3 min |
| Juneau, AKPop. 31,794 | #237 | 63.5 | $101,661 | $1,444/mo | 487 | 15.1 min |
| Bella Vista, ARPop. 31,697 | #156 | 66.0 | $88,055 | $1,395/mo | 167 | 27.9 min |
| Shawnee, OKPop. 31,671 | #1044 | 49.1 | $55,815 | $936/mo | 483 | 20.2 min |
| Summerlin South, NVPop. 31,354 | #332 | 61.3 | $117,035 | $2,509/mo | no data | 23.4 min |
| Northport, ALPop. 31,218 | #576 | 57.0 | $80,913 | $982/mo | 387 | 21.7 min |
| Hopkinsville, KYPop. 30,906 | #1174 | 45.9 | $49,139 | $902/mo | 300 | 21.3 min |
| Fort Mill, SCPop. 30,775 | #44 | 71.0 | $121,823 | $1,503/mo | 30 | 26.3 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Alamogordo compare with the rest of New Mexico?
Alamogordo ranks #6 of the 20 New Mexico cities we track, with a score of 49.6 against New Mexico's statewide 30.6. Its households earn 17% below the New Mexico median. Violent crime is 30% below the statewide rate. Homes are 30% below the typical New Mexico home.
| City | Rank in NM | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Alamos, NMPop. 13,317 | #1 | 75.8 | $141,018 | $1,359/mo | part year |
| Rio Rancho, NMPop. 108,515 | #2 | 59.6 | $89,596 | $1,514/mo | 322 |
| Santa Fe, NMPop. 89,019 | #3 | 57.0 | $73,482 | $1,463/mo | 518 |
| Carlsbad, NMPop. 31,746 | #4 | 50.0 | $72,306 | $1,236/mo | 576 |
| Clovis, NMPop. 37,942 | #5 | 49.6 | $54,820 | $988/mo | 378 |
| Alamogordo, NMPop. 31,307 | #6 | 49.6 | $55,952 | $902/mo | 433 |
| Los Lunas, NMPop. 18,618 | #7 | 49.2 | $62,330 | $1,110/mo | 491 |
| Las Cruces, NMPop. 114,197 | #8 | 49.0 | $55,422 | $974/mo | 496 |
| Albuquerque, NMPop. 562,218 | #9 | 48.8 | $68,317 | $1,145/mo | 1,024 |
| Sunland Park, NMPop. 17,463 | #10 | 48.8 | $62,814 | $920/mo | 280 |
| Artesia, NMPop. 12,576 | #11 | 48.5 | $74,915 | $1,288/mo | 393 |
| Hobbs, NMPop. 40,252 | #12 | 48.4 | $64,021 | $1,112/mo | 709 |
| Farmington, NMPop. 46,314 | #13 | 47.9 | $68,784 | $1,037/mo | 1,045 |
| Roswell, NMPop. 47,638 | #14 | 44.6 | $51,583 | $876/mo | 662 |
| South Valley, NMPop. 37,120 | #15 | 43.7 | $58,224 | $954/mo | no data |
| Portales, NMPop. 11,968 | #16 | 42.5 | $50,555 | $903/mo | 419 |
| Las Vegas, NMPop. 13,000 | #17 | 38.0 | $45,125 | $792/mo | 786 |
| Deming, NMPop. 15,221 | #18 | 36.7 | $34,165 | $586/mo | part year |
| Gallup, NMPop. 21,023 | #19 | 36.6 | $58,303 | $927/mo | 1,291 |
| Chaparral, NMPop. 18,186 | #20 | 36.3 | $46,017 | $853/mo | no data |
All 20 New Mexico cities we track, by overall score. New Mexico statewide: median income $67,816, violent crime 621.6 per 100,000.
How is Alamogordo's score calculated?
Alamogordo scores 49.6 out of 100, #1028 of 1,312 (grade C, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with New Mexico's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Alamogordo. Similar-size median 52.9.
44.4 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Alamogordo's police agency. Similar-size median 78.4.
66.2 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Alamogordo. Similar-size median 52.2.
51.0 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Alamogordo's public schools. Similar-size median 59.4.
48.9 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Alamogordo's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 76.3.
87.8 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Alamogordo. Similar-size median 46.7.
33.9 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Alamogordo. Similar-size median 44.2.
36.2 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Alamogordo. Similar-size median 47.3.
45.3 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Alamogordo's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
33.2 - EnvironmentCity data, some inputs missing · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 54.8.
11.9 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Alamogordo's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Alamogordo has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Alamogordo
Is Alamogordo, NM a good place to live?
Alamogordo ranks #1028 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #160 of 208 small cities and #6 of 20 in New Mexico. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low rents ($902/mo, #27 of 208) and low living costs (85.9, #28 of 208), and trails on low graduation rates (80%, #161 of 191) and a shrinking population (-0.5%, #153 of 182).
What is the cost of living in Alamogordo?
Alamogordo's cost of living index is 85.9, 14% below the US level of 100 and #43 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $902/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $223,281, 30% below the typical New Mexico home ($318,241).
What is the crime rate in Alamogordo?
Alamogordo recorded 433 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 32% above the US rate of 328 and 30% below New Mexico's 622. That ranks #764 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #127 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Alamogordo Police Department. Property crime runs 1,815 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Alamogordo?
The median household in Alamogordo earns $55,952, 33% below the US figure of $83,163 and 17% below New Mexico ($67,816). Unemployment is 4% (US 4.3%). 16.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.5% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Alamogordo?
Median rent in Alamogordo is $902/mo (Census), #91 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,560/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 19.3% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Alamogordo?
The typical home value in Alamogordo is $223,281, down 2.9% in a year, against $318,241 for New Mexico and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $172,900.
How are the public schools in Alamogordo?
Alamogordo's 10 public schools graduate 80% of students in four years (New Mexico 76.6%), with 15.8 students per teacher and $13,655 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Alamogordo?
The average commute is 17.9 minutes, #186 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 24 minutes across New Mexico. 4.9% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Alamogordo?
Alamogordo averages 63.1°F over the year, 80.6°F in summer and 45.3°F in winter, with 10.6 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Alamogordo walkable?
Alamogordo scores 7.3 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1203 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Alamogordo at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Otero County's biggest natural hazard losses in wildfire, inland flooding, and ice storm, with expected yearly losses of 0.3% of building value, higher than 88% of US counties.
Who lives in Alamogordo?
Alamogordo has 31,307 residents. The median resident of Alamogordo is 37.1 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 25.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #956 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 61.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Alamogordo compare with the rest of New Mexico?
Alamogordo ranks #6 of the 20 New Mexico cities we track, with a score of 49.6 against New Mexico's statewide 30.6. Its households earn 17% below the New Mexico median. Violent crime is 30% below the statewide rate. Homes are 30% below the typical New Mexico home.
What cities are similar in size to Alamogordo?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Alamogordo's population of 31,307 are Naugatuck, CT (#223 overall), Juneau, AK (#237 overall), Bella Vista, AR (#156 overall), Shawnee, OK (#1044 overall), and Summerlin South, NV (#332 overall). Alamogordo is #1028.