New MexicoPop. 37,942Small cities
Is Clovis a Good Place to Live? Clovis, New Mexico: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Clovis ranks #1027 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #160 of 208 small cities and #5 of 20 in New Mexico. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (16.4 min, #27 of 208) and low living costs (85.9, #28 of 208), and trails on low graduation rates (70%, #189 of 191) and a shrinking population (-1.6%, #180 of 182).
Clovis by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Clovis'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 Clovis?
Clovis'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 $988/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $164,546, 48% below the typical New Mexico home ($318,241).
| Measure | Clovis | 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 | $164,546#61 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 | $1,271/mo#140 of 1,115 | — | $1,536/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $261,400 | $169,400#136 of 1,309 | — | $261,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,178/mo | $988/mo#202 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% | 21.6%#632 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.
Clovis 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. Clovis is in the Clovis, NM metro.
New Mexico housing market →Is Clovis safe?
Clovis recorded 378 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 15% above the US rate of 328 and 39% below New Mexico's 622. That ranks #690 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #118 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Clovis Police Department. Property crime runs 1,562 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Clovis | New MexicoNM | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 258 · US 328 | 378#690 of 1,085 | 622 | 258 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,540 · US 1,548 | 1,562#508 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 Clovis?
The median household in Clovis earns $54,820, 34% below the US figure of $83,163 and 19% below New Mexico ($67,816). Unemployment is 3.5% (US 4.3%). 21.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 1.6% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Clovis | New MexicoNM | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $71,675 · US $83,163 | $54,820#1157 of 1,312 | $67,816 | $71,675 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7% · US 4.3% | 3.5%#249 of 1,058 | 4.2% | 3.7% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 21.7%#1169 of 1,312 | — | 13% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | -1.6%#1127 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 Clovis?
The median resident of Clovis is 31.9 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 23.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1035 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 62.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Clovis | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.3 | 31.9 | 37.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 32.5% | 23.6%#1035 of 1,312 | 32.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 62.3% | 62.1% | 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 Clovis's schools and health?
Clovis's 18 public schools graduate 70% of students in four years (New Mexico 76.6%), with 15.1 students per teacher and $13,451 spent per pupil. 40.4% of adults are obese and 13% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 35.6% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Clovis | New MexicoNM | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 70%#1034 of 1,063 | 76.6% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.9 | 15.1#478 of 1,188 | — | 14.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $13,509 | $13,451#772 of 1,188 | — | $13,509 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 35.6% | 40.4%#1140 of 1,311 | — | 35.6% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 13%#950 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.3% | 18.7%#992 of 1,311 | — | 17.3% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 9.2% | 19.1%#1199 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. 7,528 students are enrolled in Clovis's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Clovis?
The average commute in Clovis is 16.4 minutes (New Mexico 24); 0.2% of workers take transit and 4% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Clovis scores 8.8 of 20 (below average walkable), #866 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 77.4°F and winters 40.9°F, with 20.1 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Clovis | New MexicoNM | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 21.5 min | 16.4 min#109 of 1,312 | 24 min | 21.5 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 3.8%#342 of 1,312 | 7% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75.7% | 82.3% | 73.8% | 75.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 0.2% | 0.5% | 0.5% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 0.6% | 2% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.6% | 0.5% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 10% | 4% | 10.3% | 10% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 8.8#866 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 | 52.7 | 26 | 0.7 |
| Feb | 57.3 | 28.9 | 0.4 |
| Mar | 65.1 | 35.2 | 1 |
| Apr | 72.7 | 42.1 | 0.8 |
| May | 81.7 | 51.9 | 2 |
| Jun | 91.1 | 61.6 | 2.4 |
| Jul | 92.2 | 65.4 | 3 |
| Aug | 90.8 | 63.5 | 3.8 |
| Sep | 83.5 | 56.8 | 2 |
| Oct | 73.3 | 44.8 | 2.5 |
| Nov | 61.4 | 33.6 | 0.7 |
| Dec | 53.2 | 27.1 | 0.7 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Clovis.
| Measure | Clovis | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 56.3°F | 58.8°F | 56.3°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.3°F | 77.4°F | 76.3°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.7°F | 40.9°F | 36.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.2 in | 20.1 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 Clovis.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Clovis?
The EPA has no air-quality monitor in Clovis's county, so we have no air reading for it. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Curry County's biggest natural hazard losses in wildfire, winter weather, and hail, with expected yearly losses of 0.11% of building value, lower than 80% of US counties.
| Measure | Clovis | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.11%#316 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 Curry County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Curry County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Wildfire | 0.03% | 93% of counties |
| Winter weather | 0.0016% | 88% of counties |
| Hail | 0.006% | 74% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0022% | 53% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0093% | 52% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.049% | 11% 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 Clovis compare with similar-size cities?
Clovis 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 37,942.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clovis, NMPop. 37,942 | #1027 | 49.6 | $54,820 | $988/mo | 378 | 16.4 min |
| Phenix City, ALPop. 38,499 | #1193 | 45.3 | $50,053 | $967/mo | 708 | 22.1 min |
| Lewiston, MEPop. 38,324 | #748 | 54.2 | $55,393 | $986/mo | 240 | 21 min |
| Hot Springs, ARPop. 37,920 | #1157 | 46.5 | $47,760 | $914/mo | 500 | 16.9 min |
| Hilton Head Island, SCPop. 37,911 | #647 | 55.9 | $94,657 | $1,479/mo | no data | 18.5 min |
| Bartlesville, OKPop. 37,878 | #998 | 50.1 | $58,869 | $916/mo | 352 | 17.5 min |
| Tupelo, MSPop. 37,791 | #677 | 55.5 | $66,257 | $976/mo | 310 | 18 min |
| Oregon City, ORPop. 37,755 | #519 | 57.8 | $97,829 | $1,708/mo | 265 | 26.5 min |
| Kaneohe, HIPop. 37,355 | #284 | 62.4 | $125,613 | $2,269/mo | no data | 27.6 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 Clovis compare with the rest of New Mexico?
Clovis ranks #5 of the 20 New Mexico cities we track, with a score of 49.6 against New Mexico's statewide 30.6. Its households earn 19% below the New Mexico median. Violent crime is 39% below the statewide rate. Homes are 48% 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 Clovis's score calculated?
Clovis scores 49.6 out of 100, #1027 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 Clovis. Similar-size median 52.9.
46.9 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Clovis's police agency. Similar-size median 78.4.
71.6 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Clovis. Similar-size median 52.2.
39.4 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Clovis's public schools. Similar-size median 59.4.
39.7 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Clovis's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 76.3.
86.9 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Clovis. Similar-size median 46.7.
24.0 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Clovis. Similar-size median 44.2.
26.9 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Clovis. Similar-size median 47.3.
42.6 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Clovis's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
41.1 - 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.
79.5 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Clovis'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 Clovis 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 Clovis
Is Clovis, NM a good place to live?
Clovis ranks #1027 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #160 of 208 small cities and #5 of 20 in New Mexico. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (16.4 min, #27 of 208) and low living costs (85.9, #28 of 208), and trails on low graduation rates (70%, #189 of 191) and a shrinking population (-1.6%, #180 of 182).
What is the cost of living in Clovis?
Clovis'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 $988/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $164,546, 48% below the typical New Mexico home ($318,241).
What is the crime rate in Clovis?
Clovis recorded 378 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 15% above the US rate of 328 and 39% below New Mexico's 622. That ranks #690 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #118 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Clovis Police Department. Property crime runs 1,562 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Clovis?
The median household in Clovis earns $54,820, 34% below the US figure of $83,163 and 19% below New Mexico ($67,816). Unemployment is 3.5% (US 4.3%). 21.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 1.6% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Clovis?
Median rent in Clovis is $988/mo (Census), #202 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,271/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 21.6% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Clovis?
The typical home value in Clovis is $164,546, up 1% in a year, against $318,241 for New Mexico and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $169,400.
How are the public schools in Clovis?
Clovis's 18 public schools graduate 70% of students in four years (New Mexico 76.6%), with 15.1 students per teacher and $13,451 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Clovis?
The average commute is 16.4 minutes, #109 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 24 minutes across New Mexico. 3.8% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Clovis?
Clovis averages 58.8°F over the year, 77.4°F in summer and 40.9°F in winter, with 20.1 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Clovis walkable?
Clovis scores 8.8 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #866 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 Clovis at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Curry County's biggest natural hazard losses in wildfire, winter weather, and hail, with expected yearly losses of 0.11% of building value, lower than 80% of US counties.
Who lives in Clovis?
Clovis has 37,942 residents. The median resident of Clovis is 31.9 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 23.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1035 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 62.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Clovis compare with the rest of New Mexico?
Clovis ranks #5 of the 20 New Mexico cities we track, with a score of 49.6 against New Mexico's statewide 30.6. Its households earn 19% below the New Mexico median. Violent crime is 39% below the statewide rate. Homes are 48% below the typical New Mexico home.
What cities are similar in size to Clovis?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Clovis's population of 37,942 are Phenix City, AL (#1193 overall), Lewiston, ME (#748 overall), Hot Springs, AR (#1157 overall), Hilton Head Island, SC (#647 overall), and Bartlesville, OK (#998 overall). Clovis is #1027.