New MexicoPop. 562,218Large cities
Is Albuquerque a Good Place to Live? Albuquerque, New Mexico: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Albuquerque ranks #1051 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #28 of 37 large cities and #9 of 20 in New Mexico. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low rents ($1,145/mo, #6 of 37) and short commutes (22.4 min, #6 of 37), and trails on a shrinking population (-0.4%, #35 of 37) and low graduation rates (74.5%, #28 of 30).
Albuquerque by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Albuquerque'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 Albuquerque?
Albuquerque's cost of living index is 95.5, 5% below the US level of 100 and #459 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,145/mo against $1,472/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $345,503, 9% above the typical New Mexico home ($318,241).
| Measure | Albuquerque | New MexicoNM | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 100.3 · US 100 | 95.5#459 of 1,308 | 92.2 | 100.3 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $345,503 · US $368,697 | $345,503#509 of 1,187 | $318,241 | $345,503 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,615/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,455/mo#303 of 1,115 | — | $1,615/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $334,100 | $291,500#506 of 1,309 | — | $334,100 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,472/mo | $1,145/mo#379 of 1,309 | — | $1,472/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.7x | 4.3x#667 of 1,309 | — | 4.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.6% | 20.1%#458 of 1,309 | — | 23.6% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more 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.
Albuquerque 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. Albuquerque is in the Albuquerque, NM metro.
New Mexico housing market →Is Albuquerque safe?
Albuquerque recorded 1,024 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 3.1 times the US rate of 328 and 65% above New Mexico's 622. That ranks #1041 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #31 of 36 large cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Albuquerque Police Department. Property crime runs 4,044 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Albuquerque | New MexicoNM | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 677 · US 328 | 1,024#1041 of 1,085 | 622 | 677 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 2,958 · US 1,548 | 4,044#1049 of 1,085 | 2,240 | 2,958 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more 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 Albuquerque?
The median household in Albuquerque earns $68,317, 18% below the US figure of $83,163 and 1% above New Mexico ($67,816). Unemployment is 3.9% (US 4.3%). 15.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.4% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Albuquerque | New MexicoNM | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,877 · US $83,163 | $68,317#850 of 1,312 | $67,816 | $73,877 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.4% · US 4.3% | 3.9%#434 of 1,058 | 4.2% | 4.4% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 15.8% | 15.5%#887 of 1,312 | — | 15.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | -0.4%#906 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 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). New Mexico is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Albuquerque?
The median resident of Albuquerque is 38.8 years old, against 35.2 in similar-size cities. 39.2% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #482 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 61.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Albuquerque | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 35.2 | 38.8 | 35.2 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 37.1% | 39.2%#482 of 1,312 | 37.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 51% | 61.8% | 51% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Albuquerque's schools and health?
Albuquerque's 159 public schools graduate 74.5% of students in four years (New Mexico 76.6%), with 13.6 students per teacher and $14,989 spent per pupil. 32.9% of adults are obese and 11.3% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 32.9% and 11.9%.
| Measure | Albuquerque | New MexicoNM | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 82% | 74.5%#990 of 1,063 | 76.6% | 82% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.7 | 13.6#234 of 1,188 | — | 16.7 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $17,204 | $14,989#588 of 1,188 | — | $17,204 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 32.9% | 32.9%#604 of 1,311 | — | 32.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.9% | 11.3%#676 of 1,311 | — | 11.9% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.8% | 16.2%#457 of 1,311 | — | 17.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 14.4%#1042 of 1,311 | — | 13% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). New Mexico is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 71,752 students are enrolled in Albuquerque's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Albuquerque?
The average commute in Albuquerque is 22.4 minutes (New Mexico 24); 0.9% of workers take transit and 15% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Albuquerque scores 13 of 20 (above average walkable), #325 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 77.3°F and winters 38.7°F, with 8.8 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Albuquerque | New MexicoNM | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.7 min | 22.4 min#534 of 1,312 | 24 min | 24.7 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.9% | 4.3%#446 of 1,312 | 7% | 4.9% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.8% | 70.7% | 73.8% | 65.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2.1% | 0.9% | 0.5% | 2.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2.1% | 2% | 2% | 2.1% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 0.8% | 0.5% | 0.5% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 17.8% | 15% | 10.3% | 17.8% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 12.6 | 13#325 of 1,312 | — | 12.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more 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 | 48.4 | 26.4 | 0.4 |
| Feb | 54.1 | 29.8 | 0.4 |
| Mar | 62.8 | 36.2 | 0.5 |
| Apr | 70.3 | 43.2 | 0.5 |
| May | 79.9 | 52.4 | 0.4 |
| Jun | 90.4 | 61.9 | 0.6 |
| Jul | 91.2 | 66.5 | 1.6 |
| Aug | 88.8 | 64.9 | 1.3 |
| Sep | 82.5 | 58.1 | 1.2 |
| Oct | 70.6 | 46.1 | 0.9 |
| Nov | 57.3 | 34.1 | 0.6 |
| Dec | 47.3 | 26.6 | 0.5 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Albuquerque International Airport.
| Measure | Albuquerque | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 61.4°F | 57.9°F | 61.4°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 78.4°F | 77.3°F | 78.4°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 44.3°F | 38.7°F | 44.3°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 35.6 in | 8.8 in | 35.6 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Albuquerque International Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Albuquerque?
Bernalillo County's air had a median air quality index of 58, and 27% of measured days were rated good; 21 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Bernalillo County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, wildfire, and hail, with expected yearly losses of 0.1% of building value, lower than 84% of US counties.
| Measure | Albuquerque | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 51 | 58#1009 of 1,138 | 51 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 7 | 21#975 of 1,138 | 7 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.1%#254 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Bernalillo County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Bernalillo County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.019% | 85% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.0027% | 71% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0016% | 44% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.069% | 34% 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 Albuquerque compare with similar-size cities?
Albuquerque is one of 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track and ranks #28 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 562,218.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Albuquerque, NMPop. 562,218 | #1051 | 48.8 | $68,317 | $1,145/mo | 1,024 | 22.4 min |
| Louisville, KYPop. 631,818 | #1000 | 50.0 | $66,849 | $1,120/mo | 674 | 22.5 min |
| Memphis, TNPop. 618,980 | #1297 | 37.4 | $51,736 | $1,181/mo | 1,853 | 21.1 min |
| Baltimore, MDPop. 573,243 | #1088 | 48.0 | $62,177 | $1,331/mo | 1,351 | 29.1 min |
| Milwaukee, WIPop. 566,973 | #1199 | 45.0 | $54,234 | $1,059/mo | 1,145 | 22.4 min |
| Tucson, AZPop. 547,073 | #1001 | 50.0 | $57,073 | $1,145/mo | 368 | 21.9 min |
| Fresno, CAPop. 545,970 | #1184 | 45.5 | $70,991 | $1,421/mo | 720 | 22.4 min |
| Kansas City, MOPop. 510,612 | #985 | 50.3 | $69,166 | $1,238/mo | 1,376 | 21.7 min |
| Atlanta, GAPop. 505,268 | #481 | 58.3 | $85,652 | $1,711/mo | 736 | 26.5 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 Albuquerque compare with the rest of New Mexico?
Albuquerque ranks #9 of the 20 New Mexico cities we track, with a score of 48.8 against New Mexico's statewide 30.6. Its households earn 1% above the New Mexico median. Violent crime is 65% above the statewide rate. Homes are 9% above 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 Albuquerque's score calculated?
Albuquerque scores 48.8 out of 100, #1051 of 1,312 (grade D, 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 Albuquerque. Similar-size median 50.4.
50.4 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Albuquerque's police agency. Similar-size median 44.7.
14.2 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Albuquerque. Similar-size median 52.4.
57.8 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Albuquerque's public schools. Similar-size median 52.5.
50.0 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Albuquerque's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 64.1.
74.2 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Albuquerque. Similar-size median 43.4.
41.3 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Albuquerque. Similar-size median 40.4.
37.5 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Albuquerque. Similar-size median 56.6.
53.6 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Albuquerque's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 61.1.
63.2 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 46.4.
53.8 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Albuquerque's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Albuquerque 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 Albuquerque
Is Albuquerque, NM a good place to live?
Albuquerque ranks #1051 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #28 of 37 large cities and #9 of 20 in New Mexico. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low rents ($1,145/mo, #6 of 37) and short commutes (22.4 min, #6 of 37), and trails on a shrinking population (-0.4%, #35 of 37) and low graduation rates (74.5%, #28 of 30).
What is the cost of living in Albuquerque?
Albuquerque's cost of living index is 95.5, 5% below the US level of 100 and #459 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,145/mo against $1,472/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $345,503, 9% above the typical New Mexico home ($318,241).
What is the crime rate in Albuquerque?
Albuquerque recorded 1,024 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 3.1 times the US rate of 328 and 65% above New Mexico's 622. That ranks #1041 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #31 of 36 large cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Albuquerque Police Department. Property crime runs 4,044 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Albuquerque?
The median household in Albuquerque earns $68,317, 18% below the US figure of $83,163 and 1% above New Mexico ($67,816). Unemployment is 3.9% (US 4.3%). 15.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.4% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Albuquerque?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,145/mo (Census), #379 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,455/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 20.1% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Albuquerque?
The typical home value in Albuquerque is $345,503, up 1.6% in a year, against $318,241 for New Mexico and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $291,500.
How are the public schools in Albuquerque?
Albuquerque's 159 public schools graduate 74.5% of students in four years (New Mexico 76.6%), with 13.6 students per teacher and $14,989 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Albuquerque?
The average commute is 22.4 minutes, #534 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 24 minutes across New Mexico. 4.3% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Albuquerque?
Albuquerque averages 57.9°F over the year, 77.3°F in summer and 38.7°F in winter, with 8.8 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Albuquerque walkable?
Albuquerque scores 13 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #325 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 Albuquerque at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Bernalillo County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, wildfire, and hail, with expected yearly losses of 0.1% of building value, lower than 84% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Albuquerque?
Bernalillo County's air had a median air quality index of 58, and 27% of measured days were rated good; 21 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Albuquerque?
Albuquerque has 562,218 residents. The median resident of Albuquerque is 38.8 years old, against 35.2 in similar-size cities. 39.2% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #482 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 61.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Albuquerque compare with the rest of New Mexico?
Albuquerque ranks #9 of the 20 New Mexico cities we track, with a score of 48.8 against New Mexico's statewide 30.6. Its households earn 1% above the New Mexico median. Violent crime is 65% above the statewide rate. Homes are 9% above the typical New Mexico home.
What cities are similar in size to Albuquerque?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Albuquerque's population of 562,218 are Louisville, KY (#1000 overall), Memphis, TN (#1297 overall), Baltimore, MD (#1088 overall), Milwaukee, WI (#1199 overall), and Tucson, AZ (#1001 overall). Albuquerque is #1051.