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Is Gallup a Good Place to Live? Gallup, New Mexico: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Gallup ranks #1301 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #230 of 234 towns and #19 of 20 in New Mexico. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low living costs (85.9, #9 of 230) and affordable homes ($165,200, #38 of 231), and trails on a shrinking population (-1.4%, #151 of 151) and high violent crime (1,291 per 100,000, #145 of 146).
Gallup by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Gallup'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 Gallup?
Gallup'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 $927/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $221,673, 30% below the typical New Mexico home ($318,241).
| Measure | Gallup | 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 | $221,673#175 of 1,187 | $318,241 | $325,401 | $368,697 |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $280,200 | $165,200#120 of 1,309 | — | $280,200 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,138/mo | $927/mo#128 of 1,309 | — | $1,138/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7x | 2.8x#109 of 1,309 | — | 3.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.3% | 19.1%#344 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.
Gallup 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. Gallup is in the Gallup, NM metro.
New Mexico housing market →Is Gallup safe?
Gallup recorded 1,291 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 3.9 times the US rate of 328 and 2.1 times New Mexico's 622. That ranks #1068 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #145 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Gallup Police Department. Property crime runs 4,287 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Gallup | New MexicoNM | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 220 · US 328 | 1,291#1068 of 1,085 | 622 | 220 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,379 · US 1,548 | 4,287#1059 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 Gallup?
The median household in Gallup earns $58,303, 30% below the US figure of $83,163 and 14% below New Mexico ($67,816). 26.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 1.4% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Gallup | New MexicoNM | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,239 · US $83,163 | $58,303#1081 of 1,312 | $67,816 | $73,239 | $83,163 |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.4% | 26.8%#1265 of 1,312 | — | 11.4% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size 0% · US +0.5% | -1.4%#1120 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 Gallup?
The median resident of Gallup is 34.4 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 23.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1044 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 52.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Gallup | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 38.6 | 34.4 | 38.6 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 29.2% | 23.5%#1044 of 1,312 | 29.2% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.1% | 52.1% | 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 Gallup's schools and health?
Gallup's 15 public schools graduate 79% of students in four years (New Mexico 76.6%), with 19.7 students per teacher and $18,438 spent per pupil. 37.6% of adults are obese and 15.5% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 34.5% and 10.7%.
| Measure | Gallup | New MexicoNM | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 87% | 79%#900 of 1,063 | 76.6% | 87% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.1 | 19.7#931 of 1,188 | — | 14.1 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,825 | $18,438#308 of 1,188 | — | $14,825 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 34.5% | 37.6%#986 of 1,311 | — | 34.5% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.7% | 15.5%#1191 of 1,311 | — | 10.7% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.8% | 20%#1167 of 1,311 | — | 16.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 8.6% | 15.3%#1094 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. 7,574 students are enrolled in Gallup's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Gallup?
The average commute in Gallup is 20.5 minutes (New Mexico 24); 2.2% of workers take transit and 5.4% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Gallup scores 9.1 of 20 (below average walkable), #812 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 69°F and winters 31.2°F, with 10.7 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Gallup | New MexicoNM | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 20.4 min | 20.5 min#383 of 1,312 | 24 min | 20.4 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.8% | 5.9%#697 of 1,312 | 7% | 4.8% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75% | 84.3% | 73.8% | 75% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 2.2% | 0.5% | 0.3% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2% | 1% | 2% | 2% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0% | 0% | 0.5% | 0% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 9.5% | 5.4% | 10.3% | 9.5% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 9.1#812 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 | 45.4 | 14.2 | 0.8 |
| Feb | 49.9 | 18.9 | 0.7 |
| Mar | 58.5 | 22.7 | 0.6 |
| Apr | 65.7 | 28.3 | 0.5 |
| May | 75 | 36.3 | 0.6 |
| Jun | 86.2 | 45.1 | 0.4 |
| Jul | 88.8 | 54.5 | 1.6 |
| Aug | 86.1 | 53.3 | 1.9 |
| Sep | 79.9 | 44.4 | 1.3 |
| Oct | 68.5 | 31 | 0.9 |
| Nov | 55.8 | 20.2 | 0.7 |
| Dec | 45.2 | 13.9 | 0.7 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Gallup Muni Airport.
| Measure | Gallup | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 49.5°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 69.6°F | 69°F | 69.6°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 26.8°F | 31.2°F | 26.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.5 in | 10.7 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 Gallup Muni Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Gallup?
The EPA has no air-quality monitor in Gallup's county, so we have no air reading for it. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts McKinley County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, wildfire, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.11% of building value, lower than 81% of US counties.
| Measure | Gallup | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.11%#286 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 McKinley County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, McKinley County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.0053% | 67% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.0016% | 64% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.089% | 59% 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 Gallup compare with similar-size cities?
Gallup is one of 234 places under 25,000 people we track and ranks #230 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 21,023.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gallup, NMPop. 21,023 | #1301 | 36.6 | $58,303 | $927/mo | 1,291 | 20.5 min |
| Derry, NHPop. 21,339 | #381 | 60.4 | $91,673 | $1,549/mo | county/metro | 29.3 min |
| Ashland, KYPop. 21,295 | #957 | 50.8 | $52,715 | $872/mo | 244 | 20.9 min |
| Mililani Mauka, HIPop. 21,278 | #119 | 67.8 | $138,942 | $2,350/mo | no data | 29 min |
| Saco, MEPop. 20,819 | #160 | 65.8 | $92,241 | $1,249/mo | 33 | 23.8 min |
| South Burlington, VTPop. 20,756 | #66 | 69.6 | $106,667 | $1,787/mo | 231 | 17.7 min |
| Elko, NVPop. 20,696 | #1056 | 48.8 | $79,036 | $1,267/mo | 378 | 26.6 min |
| Vicksburg, MSPop. 20,589 | #1269 | 40.6 | $45,781 | $820/mo | 681 | 17.5 min |
| Knik-Fairview, AKPop. 19,972 | #1057 | 48.8 | $96,437 | $1,588/mo | no data | 38.2 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 Gallup compare with the rest of New Mexico?
Gallup ranks #19 of the 20 New Mexico cities we track, with a score of 36.6 against New Mexico's statewide 30.6. Its households earn 14% below the New Mexico median. Violent crime is 2.1 times 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 Gallup's score calculated?
Gallup scores 36.6 out of 100, #1301 of 1,312 (grade F, 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 Gallup. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 41.9.
20.3 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Gallup's police agency. Similar-size median 81.4.
12.5 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Gallup. Similar-size median 56.5.
35.5 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Gallup's public schools. Similar-size median 62.6.
48.5 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Gallup's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 74.8.
87.8 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Gallup. Similar-size median 50.8.
16.1 - GrowthCity data, some inputs missing · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Gallup. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 35.2.
8.6 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Gallup. Similar-size median 48.3.
41.1 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Gallup's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
42.6 - 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 59.2.
81.2 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Gallup'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 Gallup 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 Gallup
Is Gallup, NM a good place to live?
Gallup ranks #1301 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #230 of 234 towns and #19 of 20 in New Mexico. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low living costs (85.9, #9 of 230) and affordable homes ($165,200, #38 of 231), and trails on a shrinking population (-1.4%, #151 of 151) and high violent crime (1,291 per 100,000, #145 of 146).
What is the cost of living in Gallup?
Gallup'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 $927/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $221,673, 30% below the typical New Mexico home ($318,241).
What is the crime rate in Gallup?
Gallup recorded 1,291 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 3.9 times the US rate of 328 and 2.1 times New Mexico's 622. That ranks #1068 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #145 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Gallup Police Department. Property crime runs 4,287 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Gallup?
The median household in Gallup earns $58,303, 30% below the US figure of $83,163 and 14% below New Mexico ($67,816). 26.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 1.4% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Gallup?
Median rent in Gallup is $927/mo (Census), #128 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent takes 19.1% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Gallup?
The typical home value in Gallup is $221,673, down 1.9% in a year, against $318,241 for New Mexico and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $165,200.
How are the public schools in Gallup?
Gallup's 15 public schools graduate 79% of students in four years (New Mexico 76.6%), with 19.7 students per teacher and $18,438 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Gallup?
The average commute is 20.5 minutes, #383 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 24 minutes across New Mexico. 5.9% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Gallup?
Gallup averages 49.5°F over the year, 69°F in summer and 31.2°F in winter, with 10.7 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Gallup walkable?
Gallup scores 9.1 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #812 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 Gallup at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts McKinley County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, wildfire, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.11% of building value, lower than 81% of US counties.
Who lives in Gallup?
Gallup has 21,023 residents. The median resident of Gallup is 34.4 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 23.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1044 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 52.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Gallup compare with the rest of New Mexico?
Gallup ranks #19 of the 20 New Mexico cities we track, with a score of 36.6 against New Mexico's statewide 30.6. Its households earn 14% below the New Mexico median. Violent crime is 2.1 times the statewide rate. Homes are 30% below the typical New Mexico home.
What cities are similar in size to Gallup?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Gallup's population of 21,023 are Derry, NH (#381 overall), Ashland, KY (#957 overall), Mililani Mauka, HI (#119 overall), Saco, ME (#160 overall), and South Burlington, VT (#66 overall). Gallup is #1301.