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Is Artesia a Good Place to Live? Artesia, New Mexico: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Artesia ranks #1073 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #190 of 234 towns and #11 of 20 in New Mexico. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low living costs (85.9, #9 of 230), and trails on low graduation rates (77%, #138 of 153) and high violent crime (393 per 100,000, #115 of 146).
Artesia by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Artesia'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 Artesia?
Artesia'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 $1,288/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $249,252, 22% below the typical New Mexico home ($318,241).
| Measure | Artesia | New MexicoNM | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 94.3 · US 100 | 85.9#43 of 1,308 | 92.2 | 94.3 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $325,401 · US $368,697 | $249,252#247 of 1,187 | $318,241 | $325,401 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,583/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,633/mo#445 of 1,115 | — | $1,583/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $280,200 | $229,400#322 of 1,309 | — | $280,200 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,138/mo | $1,288/mo#514 of 1,309 | — | $1,138/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7x | 3.1x#230 of 1,309 | — | 3.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.3% | 20.6%#523 of 1,309 | — | 19.3% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people 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.
Artesia 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. Artesia is in the Carlsbad-Artesia, NM metro.
New Mexico housing market →Is Artesia safe?
Artesia recorded 393 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 20% above the US rate of 328 and 37% below New Mexico's 622. That ranks #703 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #115 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Artesia Police Department. Property crime runs 2,165 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Artesia | New MexicoNM | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 220 · US 328 | 393#703 of 1,085 | 622 | 220 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,379 · US 1,548 | 2,165#750 of 1,085 | 2,240 | 1,379 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people 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 Artesia?
The median household in Artesia earns $74,915, 10% below the US figure of $83,163 and 10% above New Mexico ($67,816). 15.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.8% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Artesia | New MexicoNM | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,239 · US $83,163 | $74,915#706 of 1,312 | $67,816 | $73,239 | $83,163 |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.4% | 15.7%#902 of 1,312 | — | 11.4% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size 0% · US +0.5% | +0.8%#279 of 1,132 | -0.1% | 0% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). New Mexico is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Artesia?
The median resident of Artesia is 30.7 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 19.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1171 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 64.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Artesia | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 38.6 | 30.7 | 38.6 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 29.2% | 19.9%#1171 of 1,312 | 29.2% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.1% | 64.6% | 65.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Artesia's schools and health?
Artesia's 9 public schools graduate 77% of students in four years (New Mexico 76.6%), with 15.1 students per teacher and $13,325 spent per pupil. 39.9% of adults are obese and 11.6% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 34.5% and 10.7%.
| Measure | Artesia | New MexicoNM | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 87% | 77%#944 of 1,063 | 76.6% | 87% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.1 | 15.1#478 of 1,188 | — | 14.1 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,825 | $13,325#790 of 1,188 | — | $14,825 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 34.5% | 39.9%#1110 of 1,311 | — | 34.5% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.7% | 11.6%#715 of 1,311 | — | 10.7% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.8% | 16.8%#585 of 1,311 | — | 16.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 8.6% | 16.8%#1136 of 1,311 | — | 8.6% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). New Mexico is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 3,704 students are enrolled in Artesia's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Artesia?
The average commute in Artesia is 17.7 minutes (New Mexico 24); 0% of workers take transit and 8.4% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Artesia scores 8.4 of 20 (below average walkable), #956 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 79.4°F and winters 42°F, with 12.1 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Artesia | New MexicoNM | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 20.4 min | 17.7 min#177 of 1,312 | 24 min | 20.4 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.8% | 11%#1111 of 1,312 | 7% | 4.8% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75% | 76.9% | 73.8% | 75% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0% | 0.5% | 0.3% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2% | 1.1% | 2% | 2% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0% | 0% | 0.5% | 0% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 9.5% | 8.4% | 10.3% | 9.5% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 8.4#956 of 1,312 | — | 8.8 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people 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 | 57.5 | 23.3 | 0.5 |
| Feb | 62.8 | 27.4 | 0.4 |
| Mar | 70.5 | 34.5 | 0.4 |
| Apr | 78.5 | 41.6 | 0.5 |
| May | 86.9 | 52.3 | 1.2 |
| Jun | 95.2 | 61.9 | 1.3 |
| Jul | 95.1 | 65.9 | 1.7 |
| Aug | 93.9 | 64.3 | 1.6 |
| Sep | 86.8 | 56.5 | 1.9 |
| Oct | 77.7 | 43.8 | 1.2 |
| Nov | 65.9 | 31.6 | 0.8 |
| Dec | 57.1 | 23.8 | 0.6 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Artesia 6s.
| Measure | Artesia | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 60.6°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 69.6°F | 79.4°F | 69.6°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 26.8°F | 42°F | 26.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.5 in | 12.1 in | 36.5 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Artesia 6s.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Artesia?
Eddy County's air had a median air quality index of 49, and 54% of measured days were rated good; 25 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Eddy County's biggest natural hazard losses in inland flooding, ice storm, and wildfire, with expected yearly losses of 0.31% of building value, higher than 88% of US counties.
| Measure | Artesia | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 38 | 49#814 of 1,138 | 38 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 1 | 25#988 of 1,138 | 1 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.31%#1105 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Eddy County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Eddy County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | 0.25% | 98% of counties |
| Ice storm | 0.0035% | 83% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.0067% | 81% of counties |
| Winter weather | 0.001% | 79% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0033% | 61% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.001% | 32% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0024% | 25% 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 Artesia compare with similar-size cities?
Artesia is one of 234 places under 25,000 people we track and ranks #190 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 12,576.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Artesia, NMPop. 12,576 | #1073 | 48.5 | $74,915 | $1,288/mo | 393 | 17.7 min |
| Jerome, IDPop. 12,930 | #983 | 50.4 | $66,894 | $947/mo | 356 | 22 min |
| Box Elder, SDPop. 12,902 | #837 | 52.7 | $73,008 | $1,491/mo | 312 | 20.1 min |
| Valley Falls, RIPop. 12,657 | #515 | 57.9 | $92,901 | $1,362/mo | no data | 23.3 min |
| Pike Creek Valley, DEPop. 12,431 | #361 | 60.8 | $102,434 | $1,751/mo | no data | 20.7 min |
| Beatrice, NEPop. 12,225 | #916 | 51.5 | $57,264 | $758/mo | 73 | 15.6 min |
| Londonderry, NHPop. 12,225 | #140 | 66.7 | $119,571 | $1,952/mo | county/metro | 27.7 min |
| College, AKPop. 11,924 | #823 | 52.9 | $83,895 | $1,454/mo | no data | 16 min |
| Belgrade, MTPop. 11,872 | #389 | 60.3 | $97,328 | $1,877/mo | 331 | 24.6 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 Artesia compare with the rest of New Mexico?
Artesia ranks #11 of the 20 New Mexico cities we track, with a score of 48.5 against New Mexico's statewide 30.6. Its households earn 10% above the New Mexico median. Violent crime is 37% below the statewide rate. Homes are 22% 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 Artesia's score calculated?
Artesia scores 48.5 out of 100, #1073 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, some inputs missing · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Artesia. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 41.9.
34.7 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Artesia's police agency. Similar-size median 81.4.
66.2 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Artesia. Similar-size median 56.5.
46.7 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Artesia's public schools. Similar-size median 62.6.
46.6 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Artesia's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 74.8.
80.7 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Artesia. Similar-size median 50.8.
43.8 - GrowthCity data, some inputs missing · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Artesia. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 35.2.
40.0 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Artesia. Similar-size median 48.3.
43.4 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Artesia's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
38.9 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 59.2.
26.8 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Artesia's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 234 places under 25,000 people we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Artesia 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 Artesia
Is Artesia, NM a good place to live?
Artesia ranks #1073 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #190 of 234 towns and #11 of 20 in New Mexico. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low living costs (85.9, #9 of 230), and trails on low graduation rates (77%, #138 of 153) and high violent crime (393 per 100,000, #115 of 146).
What is the cost of living in Artesia?
Artesia'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 $1,288/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $249,252, 22% below the typical New Mexico home ($318,241).
What is the crime rate in Artesia?
Artesia recorded 393 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 20% above the US rate of 328 and 37% below New Mexico's 622. That ranks #703 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #115 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Artesia Police Department. Property crime runs 2,165 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Artesia?
The median household in Artesia earns $74,915, 10% below the US figure of $83,163 and 10% above New Mexico ($67,816). 15.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.8% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Artesia?
Median rent in Artesia is $1,288/mo (Census), #514 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,633/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 20.6% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Artesia?
The typical home value in Artesia is $249,252, up 3.5% in a year, against $318,241 for New Mexico and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $229,400.
How are the public schools in Artesia?
Artesia's 9 public schools graduate 77% of students in four years (New Mexico 76.6%), with 15.1 students per teacher and $13,325 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Artesia?
The average commute is 17.7 minutes, #177 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 24 minutes across New Mexico. 11% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Artesia?
Artesia averages 60.6°F over the year, 79.4°F in summer and 42°F in winter, with 12.1 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Artesia walkable?
Artesia scores 8.4 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #956 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 Artesia at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Eddy County's biggest natural hazard losses in inland flooding, ice storm, and wildfire, with expected yearly losses of 0.31% of building value, higher than 88% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Artesia?
Eddy County's air had a median air quality index of 49, and 54% of measured days were rated good; 25 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Artesia?
Artesia has 12,576 residents. The median resident of Artesia is 30.7 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 19.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1171 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 64.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Artesia compare with the rest of New Mexico?
Artesia ranks #11 of the 20 New Mexico cities we track, with a score of 48.5 against New Mexico's statewide 30.6. Its households earn 10% above the New Mexico median. Violent crime is 37% below the statewide rate. Homes are 22% below the typical New Mexico home.
What cities are similar in size to Artesia?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Artesia's population of 12,576 are Jerome, ID (#983 overall), Box Elder, SD (#837 overall), Valley Falls, RI (#515 overall), Pike Creek Valley, DE (#361 overall), and Beatrice, NE (#916 overall). Artesia is #1073.