New MexicoPop. 108,515Mid-size cities
Is Rio Rancho a Good Place to Live? Rio Rancho, New Mexico: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Rio Rancho ranks #423 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #60 of 256 mid-size cities and #2 of 20 in New Mexico. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+1.8%, #22 of 241) and low poverty (7.4%, #33 of 256), and trails on long commutes (29.7 min, #199 of 256).
Rio Rancho by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Rio Rancho'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 Rio Rancho?
Rio Rancho's cost of living index is 95.5, 5% below the US level of 100 and #459 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,514/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $361,320, 14% above the typical New Mexico home ($318,241).
| Measure | Rio Rancho | New MexicoNM | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 95.5#459 of 1,308 | 92.2 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $361,320#539 of 1,187 | $318,241 | $439,863 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,871/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,915/mo#664 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $310,200#562 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $1,514/mo#731 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 3.5x#381 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 20.3%#487 of 1,309 | — | 23.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 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.
Rio Rancho 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. Rio Rancho is in the Albuquerque, NM metro.
New Mexico housing market →Is Rio Rancho safe?
Rio Rancho recorded 322 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2% below the US rate of 328 and 48% below New Mexico's 622. That ranks #592 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #109 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Rio Rancho Police Department. Property crime runs 988 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Rio Rancho | New MexicoNM | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 328 | 322#592 of 1,085 | 622 | 352 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 1,548 | 988#212 of 1,085 | 2,240 | 1,730 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 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 Rio Rancho?
The median household in Rio Rancho earns $89,596, 8% above the US figure of $83,163 and 32% above New Mexico ($67,816). Unemployment is 4% (US 4.3%). 7.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1.8% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Rio Rancho | New MexicoNM | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $83,163 | $89,596#465 of 1,312 | $67,816 | $80,112 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 4%#474 of 1,058 | 4.2% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 7.4%#274 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.5% | +1.8%#117 of 1,132 | -0.1% | +0.3% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). New Mexico is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Rio Rancho?
The median resident of Rio Rancho is 39.5 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 34% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #646 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 82.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Rio Rancho | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 39.5 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 34%#646 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 82.2% | 56.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Rio Rancho's schools and health?
Rio Rancho's 20 public schools graduate 87.8% of students in four years (New Mexico 76.6%), with 21 students per teacher and $13,244 spent per pupil. 31.9% of adults are obese and 10.6% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Rio Rancho | New MexicoNM | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 87.8%#562 of 1,063 | 76.6% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 21#977 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $13,244#803 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 31.9%#535 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 10.6%#524 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 15.4%#313 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 11.5%#827 of 1,311 | — | 11.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). New Mexico is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 16,710 students are enrolled in Rio Rancho's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Rio Rancho?
The average commute in Rio Rancho is 29.7 minutes (New Mexico 24); 0.5% of workers take transit and 15.5% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Rio Rancho scores 8.4 of 20 (below average walkable), #956 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 77.8°F and winters 38.5°F, with 9.5 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Rio Rancho | New MexicoNM | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 29.7 min#1087 of 1,312 | 24 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 9.7%#1042 of 1,312 | 7% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 72.1% | 73.8% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.5% | 0.5% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 1% | 2% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.4% | 0.5% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 15.5% | 10.3% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 8.4#956 of 1,312 | — | 11.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 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 | 49.9 | 23.7 | 0.5 |
| Feb | 55.8 | 27.8 | 0.5 |
| Mar | 66.4 | 33.6 | 0.4 |
| Apr | 72.8 | 41 | 0.5 |
| May | 80.8 | 48.9 | 0.6 |
| Jun | 93.1 | 59.2 | 0.6 |
| Jul | 95.5 | 64.1 | 1.2 |
| Aug | 92.1 | 62.7 | 1.7 |
| Sep | 85.8 | 55.8 | 1.2 |
| Oct | 73.8 | 43.8 | 1.3 |
| Nov | 60.5 | 31.4 | 0.5 |
| Dec | 49.7 | 24.2 | 0.6 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Rio Rancho #2.
| Measure | Rio Rancho | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 58°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 77.8°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 38.5°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 9.5 in | 36.8 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Rio Rancho #2.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Rio Rancho?
Sandoval County's air had a median air quality index of 44, and 74% 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 Sandoval County's biggest natural hazard losses in wildfire, earthquake, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.11% of building value, lower than 78% of US counties.
| Measure | Rio Rancho | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 44#571 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 0#1 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.11%#340 of 1,312 | 0.16% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Sandoval County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Sandoval County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Wildfire | 0.0083% | 83% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.011% | 80% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.081% | 49% 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 Rio Rancho compare with similar-size cities?
Rio Rancho is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #60 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 108,515.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rio Rancho, NMPop. 108,515 | #423 | 59.6 | $89,596 | $1,514/mo | 322 | 29.7 min |
| San Buenaventura (Ventura), CAPop. 109,857 | #591 | 56.8 | $103,069 | $2,198/mo | 351 | 24.1 min |
| Tyler, TXPop. 109,215 | #769 | 53.8 | $67,486 | $1,252/mo | 366 | 20 min |
| San Tan Valley, AZPop. 109,189 | #1176 | 45.8 | $96,713 | $2,085/mo | no data | 36.4 min |
| Concord, NCPop. 108,719 | #354 | 60.8 | $86,921 | $1,451/mo | 117 | 26.9 min |
| Davie, FLPop. 108,346 | #906 | 51.6 | $87,250 | $2,066/mo | part year | 28.8 min |
| Hillsboro, ORPop. 108,231 | #349 | 60.9 | $106,409 | $1,978/mo | 288 | 22.9 min |
| Centennial, COPop. 108,201 | #165 | 65.5 | $131,928 | $2,148/mo | 192 | 25.9 min |
| Dearborn, MIPop. 107,423 | #706 | 54.8 | $65,324 | $1,327/mo | 249 | 21.7 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 Rio Rancho compare with the rest of New Mexico?
Rio Rancho ranks #2 of the 20 New Mexico cities we track, with a score of 59.6 against New Mexico's statewide 30.6. Its households earn 32% above the New Mexico median. Violent crime is 48% below the statewide rate. Homes are 14% above 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 Rio Rancho's score calculated?
Rio Rancho scores 59.6 out of 100, #423 of 1,312 (grade B+, 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 Rio Rancho. Similar-size median 52.9.
59.0 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Rio Rancho's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
79.3 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Rio Rancho. Similar-size median 53.8.
62.1 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Rio Rancho's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
45.8 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Rio Rancho's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
69.0 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Rio Rancho. Similar-size median 51.2.
65.6 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Rio Rancho. Similar-size median 42.1.
59.2 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Rio Rancho. Similar-size median 50.1.
44.1 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Rio Rancho's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
38.9 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
64.9 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
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Bar: Rio Rancho's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Rio Rancho 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 Rio Rancho
Is Rio Rancho, NM a good place to live?
Rio Rancho ranks #423 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #60 of 256 mid-size cities and #2 of 20 in New Mexico. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+1.8%, #22 of 241) and low poverty (7.4%, #33 of 256), and trails on long commutes (29.7 min, #199 of 256).
What is the cost of living in Rio Rancho?
Rio Rancho's cost of living index is 95.5, 5% below the US level of 100 and #459 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,514/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $361,320, 14% above the typical New Mexico home ($318,241).
What is the crime rate in Rio Rancho?
Rio Rancho recorded 322 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2% below the US rate of 328 and 48% below New Mexico's 622. That ranks #592 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #109 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Rio Rancho Police Department. Property crime runs 988 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Rio Rancho?
The median household in Rio Rancho earns $89,596, 8% above the US figure of $83,163 and 32% above New Mexico ($67,816). Unemployment is 4% (US 4.3%). 7.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1.8% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Rio Rancho?
Median rent in Rio Rancho is $1,514/mo (Census), #731 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,915/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 20.3% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Rio Rancho?
The typical home value in Rio Rancho is $361,320, 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 $310,200.
How are the public schools in Rio Rancho?
Rio Rancho's 20 public schools graduate 87.8% of students in four years (New Mexico 76.6%), with 21 students per teacher and $13,244 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Rio Rancho?
The average commute is 29.7 minutes, #1087 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 24 minutes across New Mexico. 9.7% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Rio Rancho?
Rio Rancho averages 58°F over the year, 77.8°F in summer and 38.5°F in winter, with 9.5 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Rio Rancho walkable?
Rio Rancho scores 8.4 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #956 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 Rio Rancho at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Sandoval County's biggest natural hazard losses in wildfire, earthquake, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.11% of building value, lower than 78% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Rio Rancho?
Sandoval County's air had a median air quality index of 44, and 74% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Rio Rancho?
Rio Rancho has 108,515 residents. The median resident of Rio Rancho is 39.5 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 34% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #646 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 82.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Rio Rancho compare with the rest of New Mexico?
Rio Rancho ranks #2 of the 20 New Mexico cities we track, with a score of 59.6 against New Mexico's statewide 30.6. Its households earn 32% above the New Mexico median. Violent crime is 48% below the statewide rate. Homes are 14% above the typical New Mexico home.
What cities are similar in size to Rio Rancho?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Rio Rancho's population of 108,515 are San Buenaventura (Ventura), CA (#591 overall), Tyler, TX (#769 overall), San Tan Valley, AZ (#1176 overall), Concord, NC (#354 overall), and Davie, FL (#906 overall). Rio Rancho is #423.