Rio Rancho

Rio Rancho, New Mexico Overview

Rio Rancho ranks #2 of 20 cities in New Mexico, earning a B+ grade with a composite score of 56.7/100. The city stands out in Safety (70/100) and Affordability (66/100), placing it among the state’s strongest performers across the metrics we track.

Income & Employment in Rio Rancho

Rio Rancho’s median household income of $88,366 is 54% above the New Mexico median of $57,488, and its 3.8% unemployment rate undercuts the state’s 4%. That economic strength is drawing residents — the population grew 1.7% recently.

Safety in Rio Rancho

At 411.8 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, Rio Rancho sits meaningfully below the New Mexico average of 717 — a 74% lower gap. The property crime rate is 1501.9 per 100,000.

Cost of Living in Rio Rancho

The median home value is $273,300. Median monthly rent is $1,481. Renters spend 20.1% of income on rent, well within the 30% affordability guideline.

Health & Wellness in Rio Rancho

The adult obesity rate in Rio Rancho is 31.9% (CDC PLACES). The diabetes prevalence rate is 10.6%. Residents report an average of 15.4 poor mental health days per month, above the typical range. New Mexico ranks #42 nationally for overall health.

Education & Schools in Rio Rancho

Rio Rancho has a high school graduation rate of 87.8%. The student-teacher ratio is 20.9:1. Per-pupil spending is $13,245. The city has 21 public schools serving 16,863 students. School data is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data and EDFacts.

Climate in Rio Rancho

Rio Rancho enjoys a moderate climate with an annual average of 57.6°F. Summers average 71°F. Winters average 41.3°F. Annual precipitation is 19.5 inches.

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