New MexicoPop. 11,968Towns
Is Portales a Good Place to Live? Portales, New Mexico: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Portales ranks #1249 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #222 of 234 towns and #16 of 20 in New Mexico. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low living costs (85.9, #9 of 230) and affordable homes ($133,400, #15 of 231), and trails on high poverty (28.1%, #229 of 234) and low household income ($50,555, #213 of 234).
Portales by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Portales'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 Portales?
Portales'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 $903/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $138,873, 56% below the typical New Mexico home ($318,241).
| Measure | Portales | 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 | $138,873#28 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 | $1,014/mo#25 of 1,115 | — | $1,583/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $280,200 | $133,400#56 of 1,309 | — | $280,200 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,138/mo | $903/mo#93 of 1,309 | — | $1,138/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7x | 2.6x#65 of 1,309 | — | 3.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.3% | 21.4%#605 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.
Portales 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. Portales is in the Portales, NM metro.
New Mexico housing market →Is Portales safe?
Portales recorded 419 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 28% above the US rate of 328 and 33% below New Mexico's 622. That ranks #745 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #118 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Portales Police Department. Property crime runs 1,230 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Portales | New MexicoNM | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 220 · US 328 | 419#745 of 1,085 | 622 | 220 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,379 · US 1,548 | 1,230#323 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 Portales?
The median household in Portales earns $50,555, 39% below the US figure of $83,163 and 25% below New Mexico ($67,816). 28.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.8% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Portales | New MexicoNM | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,239 · US $83,163 | $50,555#1222 of 1,312 | $67,816 | $73,239 | $83,163 |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.4% | 28.1%#1281 of 1,312 | — | 11.4% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size 0% · US +0.5% | -0.8%#1052 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 Portales?
The median resident of Portales is 27.1 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 25.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #962 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 47.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Portales | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 38.6 | 27.1 | 38.6 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 29.2% | 25.4%#962 of 1,312 | 29.2% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.1% | 47.6% | 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 Portales's schools and health?
We have too few school records for Portales to describe its public schools. 31.7% of adults are obese and 10.2% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 34.5% and 10.7%.
| Measure | Portales | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 34.5% | 31.7%#518 of 1,311 | 34.5% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.7% | 10.2%#440 of 1,311 | 10.7% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.8% | 18.5%#951 of 1,311 | 16.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 8.6% | 15.7%#1110 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). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
What are the commute and weather like in Portales?
The average commute in Portales is 12.3 minutes (New Mexico 24); 0% of workers take transit and 3.7% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Portales scores 9.1 of 20 (below average walkable), #812 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 78.5°F and winters 41.7°F, with 16.1 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Portales | New MexicoNM | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 20.4 min | 12.3 min#18 of 1,312 | 24 min | 20.4 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.8% | 0.2%#4 of 1,312 | 7% | 4.8% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75% | 81.5% | 73.8% | 75% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0% | 0.5% | 0.3% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2% | 5.4% | 2% | 2% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0% | 0% | 0.5% | 0% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 9.5% | 3.7% | 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 | 55 | 25.5 | 0.5 |
| Feb | 60.6 | 28.7 | 0.4 |
| Mar | 68.7 | 35.1 | 0.7 |
| Apr | 76.9 | 42.6 | 0.7 |
| May | 84.8 | 52.6 | 1.5 |
| Jun | 92.9 | 62.3 | 2.1 |
| Jul | 93.3 | 66.3 | 2.3 |
| Aug | 91.3 | 64.9 | 2.9 |
| Sep | 85.2 | 57.4 | 1.9 |
| Oct | 75.8 | 45 | 1.8 |
| Nov | 63.4 | 33.3 | 0.6 |
| Dec | 54.6 | 26 | 0.7 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Portales.
| Measure | Portales | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 60.1°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 69.6°F | 78.5°F | 69.6°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 26.8°F | 41.7°F | 26.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.5 in | 16.1 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 Portales.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Portales?
The EPA has no air-quality monitor in Portales's county, so we have no air reading for it. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Roosevelt County's biggest natural hazard losses in wildfire, inland flooding, and winter weather, with expected yearly losses of 0.52% of building value, higher than 98% of US counties.
| Measure | Portales | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.52%#1306 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 Roosevelt County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Roosevelt County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Wildfire | 0.2% | 99% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.24% | 98% of counties |
| Winter weather | 0.0014% | 85% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0089% | 82% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0047% | 73% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.011% | 60% 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 Portales compare with similar-size cities?
Portales is one of 234 places under 25,000 people we track and ranks #222 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 11,968.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portales, NMPop. 11,968 | #1249 | 42.5 | $50,555 | $903/mo | 419 | 12.3 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 |
| Somersworth, NHPop. 12,111 | #362 | 60.8 | $74,504 | $1,477/mo | 114 | 25.8 min |
| College, AKPop. 11,924 | #823 | 52.9 | $83,895 | $1,454/mo | no data | 16 min |
| Vermillion, SDPop. 11,878 | #1081 | 48.4 | $50,456 | $764/mo | 185 | 16.9 min |
| Belgrade, MTPop. 11,872 | #389 | 60.3 | $97,328 | $1,877/mo | 331 | 24.6 min |
| Evanston, WYPop. 11,800 | #614 | 56.5 | $76,516 | $805/mo | 163 | 17.2 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 Portales compare with the rest of New Mexico?
Portales ranks #16 of the 20 New Mexico cities we track, with a score of 42.5 against New Mexico's statewide 30.6. Its households earn 25% below the New Mexico median. Violent crime is 33% below the statewide rate. Homes are 56% 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 Portales's score calculated?
Portales scores 42.5 out of 100, #1249 of 1,312 (grade F, which follows rank). It is scored on the 9 of 11 categories with local data; education and outdoor access are 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 · 18% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Portales. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 41.9.
13.5 - SafetyCity data · 15% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Portales's police agency. Similar-size median 81.4.
71.4 - HealthCity data · 15% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Portales. Similar-size median 56.5.
57.0 - AffordabilityCity data · 12% of score
Portales's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 74.8.
89.4 - Household financesCity data · 10% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Portales. Similar-size median 50.8.
10.3 - GrowthCity data, some inputs missing · 9% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Portales. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 35.2.
17.1 - TransportationCity data · 9% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Portales. Similar-size median 48.3.
48.8 - WalkabilityCity data · 9% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Portales's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
42.6 - EnvironmentCity data, some inputs missing · 5% 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.
2.1 - EducationNot scored
Too few school records for Portales.
— - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Portales'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 Portales 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 Portales
Is Portales, NM a good place to live?
Portales ranks #1249 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #222 of 234 towns and #16 of 20 in New Mexico. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low living costs (85.9, #9 of 230) and affordable homes ($133,400, #15 of 231), and trails on high poverty (28.1%, #229 of 234) and low household income ($50,555, #213 of 234).
What is the cost of living in Portales?
Portales'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 $903/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $138,873, 56% below the typical New Mexico home ($318,241).
What is the crime rate in Portales?
Portales recorded 419 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 28% above the US rate of 328 and 33% below New Mexico's 622. That ranks #745 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #118 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Portales Police Department. Property crime runs 1,230 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Portales?
The median household in Portales earns $50,555, 39% below the US figure of $83,163 and 25% below New Mexico ($67,816). 28.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.8% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Portales?
Median rent in Portales is $903/mo (Census), #93 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,014/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 21.4% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Portales?
The typical home value in Portales is $138,873, up 0.6% in a year, against $318,241 for New Mexico and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $133,400.
How are the public schools in Portales?
We have too few school records for Portales to describe its public schools.
How long is the commute in Portales?
The average commute is 12.3 minutes, #18 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 24 minutes across New Mexico. 0.2% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Portales?
Portales averages 60.1°F over the year, 78.5°F in summer and 41.7°F in winter, with 16.1 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Portales walkable?
Portales 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 Portales at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Roosevelt County's biggest natural hazard losses in wildfire, inland flooding, and winter weather, with expected yearly losses of 0.52% of building value, higher than 98% of US counties.
Who lives in Portales?
Portales has 11,968 residents. The median resident of Portales is 27.1 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 25.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #962 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 47.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Portales compare with the rest of New Mexico?
Portales ranks #16 of the 20 New Mexico cities we track, with a score of 42.5 against New Mexico's statewide 30.6. Its households earn 25% below the New Mexico median. Violent crime is 33% below the statewide rate. Homes are 56% below the typical New Mexico home.
What cities are similar in size to Portales?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Portales's population of 11,968 are Valley Falls, RI (#515 overall), Pike Creek Valley, DE (#361 overall), Beatrice, NE (#916 overall), Somersworth, NH (#362 overall), and College, AK (#823 overall). Portales is #1249.