New MexicoPop. 47,638Small cities
Is Roswell a Good Place to Live? Roswell, New Mexico: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Roswell ranks #1211 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #188 of 208 small cities and #14 of 20 in New Mexico. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low rents ($876/mo, #20 of 208) and affordable homes ($152,600, #22 of 208), and trails on low graduation rates (72%, #181 of 191) and a shrinking population (-0.7%, #171 of 182).
Roswell by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Roswell'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 Roswell?
Roswell'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 $876/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $176,603, 45% below the typical New Mexico home ($318,241).
| Measure | Roswell | New MexicoNM | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 92.6 · US 100 | 85.9#43 of 1,308 | 92.2 | 92.6 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $305,499 · US $368,697 | $176,603#76 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 | $1,302/mo#166 of 1,115 | — | $1,536/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $261,400 | $152,600#86 of 1,309 | — | $261,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,178/mo | $876/mo#70 of 1,309 | — | $1,178/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.5x | 3x#182 of 1,309 | — | 3.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.9% | 20.4%#500 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.
Roswell 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. Roswell is in the Roswell, NM metro.
New Mexico housing market →Is Roswell safe?
Roswell recorded 662 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2 times the US rate of 328 and 6% above New Mexico's 622. That ranks #945 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #156 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Roswell Police Department. Property crime runs 2,364 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Roswell | New MexicoNM | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 258 · US 328 | 662#945 of 1,085 | 622 | 258 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,540 · US 1,548 | 2,364#821 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 Roswell?
The median household in Roswell earns $51,583, 38% below the US figure of $83,163 and 24% below New Mexico ($67,816). Unemployment is 4.3% (US 4.3%). 26% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.7% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Roswell | New MexicoNM | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $71,675 · US $83,163 | $51,583#1210 of 1,312 | $67,816 | $71,675 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7% · US 4.3% | 4.3%#615 of 1,058 | 4.2% | 3.7% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 26%#1256 of 1,312 | — | 13% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | -0.7%#1029 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 Roswell?
The median resident of Roswell is 37.1 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 18.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1198 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 68.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Roswell | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.3 | 37.1 | 37.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 32.5% | 18.6%#1198 of 1,312 | 32.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 62.3% | 68.6% | 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 Roswell's schools and health?
Roswell's 17 public schools graduate 72% of students in four years (New Mexico 76.6%), with 15.8 students per teacher and $14,716 spent per pupil. 39.9% of adults are obese and 14.4% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 35.6% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Roswell | New MexicoNM | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 72%#1013 of 1,063 | 76.6% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.9 | 15.8#601 of 1,188 | — | 14.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $13,509 | $14,716#620 of 1,188 | — | $13,509 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 35.6% | 39.9%#1110 of 1,311 | — | 35.6% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 14.4%#1117 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.3% | 17.6%#775 of 1,311 | — | 17.3% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 9.2% | 20.6%#1228 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. 7,729 students are enrolled in Roswell's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Roswell?
The average commute in Roswell is 18.2 minutes (New Mexico 24); 0.2% of workers take transit and 5% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Roswell scores 9.2 of 20 (below average walkable), #791 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 78.4°F and winters 40.8°F, with 11.6 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Roswell | New MexicoNM | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 21.5 min | 18.2 min#204 of 1,312 | 24 min | 21.5 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 5.5%#652 of 1,312 | 7% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75.7% | 81.8% | 73.8% | 75.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 0.2% | 0.5% | 0.5% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 1.3% | 2% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.8% | 0.5% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 10% | 5% | 10.3% | 10% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 9.2#791 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 | 55.9 | 22.6 | 0.4 |
| Feb | 60.7 | 26.9 | 0.4 |
| Mar | 69.4 | 34 | 0.6 |
| Apr | 76.4 | 40.7 | 0.7 |
| May | 84.5 | 50.2 | 1 |
| Jun | 93.6 | 60.9 | 0.7 |
| Jul | 93.9 | 65.6 | 2 |
| Aug | 91.7 | 64.5 | 1.6 |
| Sep | 84.4 | 56.5 | 1.6 |
| Oct | 75.9 | 43.9 | 1.5 |
| Nov | 63.5 | 31.1 | 0.6 |
| Dec | 55.6 | 23.1 | 0.6 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Roswell Climat.
| Measure | Roswell | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 56.3°F | 59.4°F | 56.3°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.3°F | 78.4°F | 76.3°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.7°F | 40.8°F | 36.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.2 in | 11.6 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 Roswell Climat.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Roswell?
Chaves County's air had a median air quality index of 29, and 92% of measured days were rated good; 2 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Chaves County's biggest natural hazard losses in inland flooding, wildfire, and ice storm, with expected yearly losses of 0.32% of building value, higher than 90% of US counties.
| Measure | Roswell | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 41 | 29#58 of 1,138 | 41 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 1 | 2#481 of 1,138 | 1 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.32%#1130 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 Chaves County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Chaves County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | 0.27% | 98% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.011% | 85% of counties |
| Ice storm | 0.0031% | 82% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0018% | 46% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0014% | 40% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0011% | 18% 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 Roswell compare with similar-size cities?
Roswell is one of 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track and ranks #188 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 47,638.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roswell, NMPop. 47,638 | #1211 | 44.6 | $51,583 | $876/mo | 662 | 18.2 min |
| Goose Creek, SCPop. 48,078 | #559 | 57.2 | $88,178 | $1,690/mo | 247 | 26.7 min |
| Niagara Falls, NYPop. 47,987 | #1126 | 47.4 | $49,101 | $823/mo | 478 | 19.1 min |
| Middletown, CTPop. 47,958 | #228 | 63.8 | $79,438 | $1,446/mo | 67 | 23.3 min |
| Minot, NDPop. 47,791 | #301 | 62.1 | $73,219 | $973/mo | 295 | 19.7 min |
| Charleston, WVPop. 47,421 | #1064 | 48.6 | $65,812 | $908/mo | 596 | 16.9 min |
| Pahrump, NVPop. 47,347 | #1286 | 38.9 | $62,109 | $1,304/mo | no data | 29.8 min |
| East Providence, RIPop. 47,281 | #260 | 63.0 | $75,912 | $1,288/mo | 74 | 22.6 min |
| Wentzville, MOPop. 47,061 | #155 | 66.0 | $112,394 | $1,345/mo | 139 | 27.8 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 Roswell compare with the rest of New Mexico?
Roswell ranks #14 of the 20 New Mexico cities we track, with a score of 44.6 against New Mexico's statewide 30.6. Its households earn 24% below the New Mexico median. Violent crime is 6% above the statewide rate. Homes are 45% 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 Roswell's score calculated?
Roswell scores 44.6 out of 100, #1211 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 Roswell. Similar-size median 52.9.
40.7 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Roswell's police agency. Similar-size median 78.4.
47.8 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Roswell. Similar-size median 52.2.
39.5 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Roswell's public schools. Similar-size median 59.4.
42.6 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Roswell's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 76.3.
88.9 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Roswell. Similar-size median 46.7.
14.6 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Roswell. Similar-size median 44.2.
33.1 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Roswell. Similar-size median 47.3.
42.8 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Roswell's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
43.2 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 54.8.
46.0 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Roswell'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 Roswell 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 Roswell
Is Roswell, NM a good place to live?
Roswell ranks #1211 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #188 of 208 small cities and #14 of 20 in New Mexico. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low rents ($876/mo, #20 of 208) and affordable homes ($152,600, #22 of 208), and trails on low graduation rates (72%, #181 of 191) and a shrinking population (-0.7%, #171 of 182).
What is the cost of living in Roswell?
Roswell'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 $876/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $176,603, 45% below the typical New Mexico home ($318,241).
What is the crime rate in Roswell?
Roswell recorded 662 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2 times the US rate of 328 and 6% above New Mexico's 622. That ranks #945 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #156 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Roswell Police Department. Property crime runs 2,364 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Roswell?
The median household in Roswell earns $51,583, 38% below the US figure of $83,163 and 24% below New Mexico ($67,816). Unemployment is 4.3% (US 4.3%). 26% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.7% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Roswell?
Median rent in Roswell is $876/mo (Census), #70 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,302/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 20.4% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Roswell?
The typical home value in Roswell is $176,603, up 1.1% in a year, against $318,241 for New Mexico and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $152,600.
How are the public schools in Roswell?
Roswell's 17 public schools graduate 72% of students in four years (New Mexico 76.6%), with 15.8 students per teacher and $14,716 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Roswell?
The average commute is 18.2 minutes, #204 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 24 minutes across New Mexico. 5.5% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Roswell?
Roswell averages 59.4°F over the year, 78.4°F in summer and 40.8°F in winter, with 11.6 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Roswell walkable?
Roswell scores 9.2 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #791 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 Roswell at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Chaves County's biggest natural hazard losses in inland flooding, wildfire, and ice storm, with expected yearly losses of 0.32% of building value, higher than 90% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Roswell?
Chaves County's air had a median air quality index of 29, and 92% of measured days were rated good; 2 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Roswell?
Roswell has 47,638 residents. The median resident of Roswell is 37.1 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 18.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1198 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 68.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Roswell compare with the rest of New Mexico?
Roswell ranks #14 of the 20 New Mexico cities we track, with a score of 44.6 against New Mexico's statewide 30.6. Its households earn 24% below the New Mexico median. Violent crime is 6% above the statewide rate. Homes are 45% below the typical New Mexico home.
What cities are similar in size to Roswell?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Roswell's population of 47,638 are Goose Creek, SC (#559 overall), Niagara Falls, NY (#1126 overall), Middletown, CT (#228 overall), Minot, ND (#301 overall), and Charleston, WV (#1064 overall). Roswell is #1211.