New MexicoPop. 46,314Small cities
Is Farmington a Good Place to Live? Farmington, New Mexico: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Farmington ranks #1101 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #175 of 208 small cities and #13 of 20 in New Mexico. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low living costs (87.7, #51 of 208), and trails on high violent crime (1,045 per 100,000, #167 of 174) and low graduation rates (77%, #170 of 191).
Farmington by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Farmington'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 Farmington?
Farmington's cost of living index is 87.7, 12% below the US level of 100 and #128 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,037/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $289,574, 9% below the typical New Mexico home ($318,241).
| Measure | Farmington | New MexicoNM | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 92.6 · US 100 | 87.7#128 of 1,308 | 92.2 | 92.6 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $305,499 · US $368,697 | $289,574#349 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 | $1,317/mo#178 of 1,115 | — | $1,536/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $261,400 | $233,000#337 of 1,309 | — | $261,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,178/mo | $1,037/mo#250 of 1,309 | — | $1,178/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.5x | 3.4x#338 of 1,309 | — | 3.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.9% | 18.1%#257 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.
Farmington 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. Farmington is in the Farmington, NM metro.
New Mexico housing market →Is Farmington safe?
Farmington recorded 1,045 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 3.2 times the US rate of 328 and 68% above New Mexico's 622. That ranks #1044 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #167 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Farmington Police Department. Property crime runs 2,532 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Farmington | New MexicoNM | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 258 · US 328 | 1,045#1044 of 1,085 | 622 | 258 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,540 · US 1,548 | 2,532#875 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 Farmington?
The median household in Farmington earns $68,784, 17% below the US figure of $83,163 and 1% above New Mexico ($67,816). Unemployment is 4.1% (US 4.3%). 17.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Farmington | New MexicoNM | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $71,675 · US $83,163 | $68,784#839 of 1,312 | $67,816 | $71,675 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7% · US 4.3% | 4.1%#522 of 1,058 | 4.2% | 3.7% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 17.4%#1006 of 1,312 | — | 13% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | -0.2%#794 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 Farmington?
The median resident of Farmington is 38.7 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 26.2% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #929 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 66.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Farmington | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.3 | 38.7 | 37.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 32.5% | 26.2%#929 of 1,312 | 32.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 62.3% | 66.2% | 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 Farmington's schools and health?
Farmington's 18 public schools graduate 77% of students in four years (New Mexico 76.6%), with 15.7 students per teacher and $12,791 spent per pupil. 33.3% of adults are obese and 12% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 35.6% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Farmington | New MexicoNM | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 77%#944 of 1,063 | 76.6% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.9 | 15.7#584 of 1,188 | — | 14.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $13,509 | $12,791#853 of 1,188 | — | $13,509 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 35.6% | 33.3%#638 of 1,311 | — | 35.6% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 12%#794 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.3% | 18.9%#1033 of 1,311 | — | 17.3% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 9.2% | 12.4%#907 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. 10,869 students are enrolled in Farmington's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Farmington?
The average commute in Farmington is 19.5 minutes (New Mexico 24); 0% of workers take transit and 6.1% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Farmington scores 12.7 of 20 (above average walkable), #374 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 74.2°F and winters 33°F, with 7.8 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Farmington | New MexicoNM | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 21.5 min | 19.5 min#304 of 1,312 | 24 min | 21.5 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 6.8%#808 of 1,312 | 7% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75.7% | 83.9% | 73.8% | 75.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 0% | 0.5% | 0.5% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 2.8% | 2% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.2% | 0.5% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 10% | 6.1% | 10.3% | 10% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 12.7#374 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 | 43 | 19.2 | 0.7 |
| Feb | 49.5 | 23.5 | 0.7 |
| Mar | 59.9 | 29.6 | 0.6 |
| Apr | 67.4 | 35.3 | 0.6 |
| May | 77.2 | 43.6 | 0.5 |
| Jun | 89.3 | 52.5 | 0.2 |
| Jul | 93.3 | 60.9 | 0.6 |
| Aug | 89.7 | 59.5 | 0.8 |
| Sep | 82.1 | 50.5 | 1.1 |
| Oct | 68.8 | 37.8 | 0.8 |
| Nov | 54.6 | 27.1 | 0.7 |
| Dec | 43.1 | 19.4 | 0.6 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Farmington Four Corners Rgnl A.
| Measure | Farmington | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 56.3°F | 53.2°F | 56.3°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.3°F | 74.2°F | 76.3°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.7°F | 33°F | 36.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.2 in | 7.8 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 Farmington Four Corners Rgnl A.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Farmington?
San Juan County's air had a median air quality index of 47, and 68% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts San Juan County's biggest natural hazard losses in inland flooding, earthquake, and wildfire, with expected yearly losses of 0.15% of building value, lower than 51% of US counties.
| Measure | Farmington | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 41 | 47#731 of 1,138 | 41 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 1 | 0#1 of 1,138 | 1 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.15%#663 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 San Juan County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, San Juan County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | 0.13% | 84% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0051% | 67% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.0011% | 58% 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 Farmington compare with similar-size cities?
Farmington is one of 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track and ranks #175 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 46,314.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Farmington, NMPop. 46,314 | #1101 | 47.9 | $68,784 | $1,037/mo | 1,045 | 19.5 min |
| Wentzville, MOPop. 47,061 | #155 | 66.0 | $112,394 | $1,345/mo | 139 | 27.8 min |
| Olive Branch, MSPop. 47,019 | #385 | 60.3 | $100,606 | $1,829/mo | 175 | 24.5 min |
| Monroe, LAPop. 47,004 | #1305 | 35.9 | $40,505 | $886/mo | 1,647 | 18.2 min |
| Urbandale, IAPop. 46,595 | #61 | 69.9 | $112,795 | $1,211/mo | 122 | 18.9 min |
| Salina, KSPop. 46,307 | #493 | 58.2 | $61,783 | $959/mo | 449 | 14.8 min |
| Hackensack, NJPop. 46,057 | #293 | 62.2 | $84,277 | $1,911/mo | 235 | 28.9 min |
| Potomac, MDPop. 45,902 | #19 | 72.9 | $236,675 | $2,887/mo | no data | 29.7 min |
| Huntington, WVPop. 45,787 | #1221 | 44.2 | $45,100 | $912/mo | 670 | 19 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 Farmington compare with the rest of New Mexico?
Farmington ranks #13 of the 20 New Mexico cities we track, with a score of 47.9 against New Mexico's statewide 30.6. Its households earn 1% above the New Mexico median. Violent crime is 68% above the statewide rate. Homes are 9% 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 Farmington's score calculated?
Farmington scores 47.9 out of 100, #1101 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 Farmington. Similar-size median 52.9.
49.4 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Farmington's police agency. Similar-size median 78.4.
25.2 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Farmington. Similar-size median 52.2.
50.5 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Farmington's public schools. Similar-size median 59.4.
44.5 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Farmington's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 76.3.
82.5 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Farmington. Similar-size median 46.7.
38.0 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Farmington. Similar-size median 44.2.
38.8 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Farmington. Similar-size median 47.3.
41.9 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Farmington's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
61.6 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 54.8.
48.7 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Farmington'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 Farmington 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 Farmington
Is Farmington, NM a good place to live?
Farmington ranks #1101 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #175 of 208 small cities and #13 of 20 in New Mexico. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low living costs (87.7, #51 of 208), and trails on high violent crime (1,045 per 100,000, #167 of 174) and low graduation rates (77%, #170 of 191).
What is the cost of living in Farmington?
Farmington's cost of living index is 87.7, 12% below the US level of 100 and #128 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,037/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $289,574, 9% below the typical New Mexico home ($318,241).
What is the crime rate in Farmington?
Farmington recorded 1,045 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 3.2 times the US rate of 328 and 68% above New Mexico's 622. That ranks #1044 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #167 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Farmington Police Department. Property crime runs 2,532 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Farmington?
The median household in Farmington earns $68,784, 17% below the US figure of $83,163 and 1% above New Mexico ($67,816). Unemployment is 4.1% (US 4.3%). 17.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Farmington?
Median rent in Farmington is $1,037/mo (Census), #250 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,317/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 18.1% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Farmington?
The typical home value in Farmington is $289,574, up 7.1% in a year, against $318,241 for New Mexico and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $233,000.
How are the public schools in Farmington?
Farmington's 18 public schools graduate 77% of students in four years (New Mexico 76.6%), with 15.7 students per teacher and $12,791 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Farmington?
The average commute is 19.5 minutes, #304 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 24 minutes across New Mexico. 6.8% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Farmington?
Farmington averages 53.2°F over the year, 74.2°F in summer and 33°F in winter, with 7.8 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Farmington walkable?
Farmington scores 12.7 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #374 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 Farmington at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts San Juan County's biggest natural hazard losses in inland flooding, earthquake, and wildfire, with expected yearly losses of 0.15% of building value, lower than 51% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Farmington?
San Juan County's air had a median air quality index of 47, and 68% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Farmington?
Farmington has 46,314 residents. The median resident of Farmington is 38.7 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 26.2% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #929 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 66.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Farmington compare with the rest of New Mexico?
Farmington ranks #13 of the 20 New Mexico cities we track, with a score of 47.9 against New Mexico's statewide 30.6. Its households earn 1% above the New Mexico median. Violent crime is 68% above the statewide rate. Homes are 9% below the typical New Mexico home.
What cities are similar in size to Farmington?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Farmington's population of 46,314 are Wentzville, MO (#155 overall), Olive Branch, MS (#385 overall), Monroe, LA (#1305 overall), Urbandale, IA (#61 overall), and Salina, KS (#493 overall). Farmington is #1101.