New MexicoPop. 37,120Small cities
Is South Valley a Good Place to Live? South Valley, New Mexico: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
South Valley ranks #1229 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #195 of 208 small cities and #15 of 20 in New Mexico. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on long commutes (25.6 min, #162 of 208).
South Valley by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with South Valley's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
No crime figure is shown for South Valley: no police agency reports to the FBI for it alone. See Is South Valley safe?
What is the cost of living in South Valley?
South Valley'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 $954/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The median owner-occupied home is valued at $224,300.
| Measure | South Valley | New MexicoNM | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 92.6 · US 100 | 95.5#459 of 1,308 | 92.2 | 92.6 | 100 |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $261,400 | $224,300#307 of 1,309 | — | $261,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,178/mo | $954/mo#159 of 1,309 | — | $1,178/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.5x | 3.9x#548 of 1,309 | — | 3.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.9% | 19.7%#417 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.
Is South Valley safe?
No police agency reports crime to the FBI for South Valley alone, which is typical of places policed by a county sheriff, so we don't publish a South Valley crime rate or rank it on safety. New Mexico as a whole records 622 violent crimes per 100,000 residents against 328 nationally.
What do people earn in South Valley?
The median household in South Valley earns $58,224, 30% below the US figure of $83,163 and 14% below New Mexico ($67,816). 18.5% of residents live below the poverty line.
| Measure | South Valley | New MexicoNM | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $71,675 · US $83,163 | $58,224#1082 of 1,312 | $67,816 | $71,675 | $83,163 |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 18.5%#1061 of 1,312 | — | 13% | — |
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 South Valley?
The median resident of South Valley is 41.7 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 15.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1266 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 74.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | South Valley | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.3 | 41.7 | 37.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 32.5% | 15.1%#1266 of 1,312 | 32.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 62.3% | 74.4% | 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 South Valley's schools and health?
We have too few school records for South Valley to describe its public schools. 37% of adults are obese and 15.4% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 35.6% and 11.5%.
| Measure | South Valley | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 35.6% | 37%#947 of 1,311 | 35.6% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 15.4%#1186 of 1,311 | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.3% | 16.3%#477 of 1,311 | 17.3% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 9.2% | 23.3%#1252 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). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
What are the commute and weather like in South Valley?
The average commute in South Valley is 25.6 minutes (New Mexico 24); 0.1% of workers take transit and 8.3% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index South Valley scores 11.1 of 20 (above average walkable), #574 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 77.3°F and winters 38.7°F, with 8.8 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | South Valley | New MexicoNM | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 21.5 min | 25.6 min#821 of 1,312 | 24 min | 21.5 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 5%#570 of 1,312 | 7% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75.7% | 76% | 73.8% | 75.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 0.1% | 0.5% | 0.5% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 1.1% | 2% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.2% | 0.5% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 10% | 8.3% | 10.3% | 10% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 11.1#574 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 | 48.4 | 26.4 | 0.4 |
| Feb | 54.1 | 29.8 | 0.4 |
| Mar | 62.8 | 36.2 | 0.5 |
| Apr | 70.3 | 43.2 | 0.5 |
| May | 79.9 | 52.4 | 0.4 |
| Jun | 90.4 | 61.9 | 0.6 |
| Jul | 91.2 | 66.5 | 1.6 |
| Aug | 88.8 | 64.9 | 1.3 |
| Sep | 82.5 | 58.1 | 1.2 |
| Oct | 70.6 | 46.1 | 0.9 |
| Nov | 57.3 | 34.1 | 0.6 |
| Dec | 47.3 | 26.6 | 0.5 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Albuquerque International Airport.
| Measure | South Valley | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 56.3°F | 57.9°F | 56.3°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.3°F | 77.3°F | 76.3°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.7°F | 38.7°F | 36.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.2 in | 8.8 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 Albuquerque International Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in South Valley?
Bernalillo County's air had a median air quality index of 58, and 27% of measured days were rated good; 21 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Bernalillo County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, wildfire, and hail, with expected yearly losses of 0.1% of building value, lower than 84% of US counties.
| Measure | South Valley | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 41 | 58#1009 of 1,138 | 41 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 1 | 21#975 of 1,138 | 1 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.1%#254 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 Bernalillo County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Bernalillo County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.019% | 85% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.0027% | 71% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0016% | 44% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.069% | 34% 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 South Valley compare with similar-size cities?
South Valley is one of 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track and ranks #195 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 37,120.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Valley, NMPop. 37,120 | #1229 | 43.7 | $58,224 | $954/mo | no data | 25.6 min |
| Kaneohe, HIPop. 37,355 | #284 | 62.4 | $125,613 | $2,269/mo | no data | 27.6 min |
| Greenfield, WIPop. 37,345 | #268 | 62.8 | $70,459 | $1,170/mo | 105 | 22.2 min |
| Leavenworth, KSPop. 37,195 | #820 | 53.0 | $72,987 | $1,229/mo | 455 | 19.6 min |
| Richmond, KYPop. 37,111 | #678 | 55.5 | $50,870 | $917/mo | 243 | 23 min |
| Winchester, NVPop. 37,081 | #1285 | 39.0 | $50,120 | $1,220/mo | no data | 26 min |
| Manchester, CTPop. 36,759 | #531 | 57.6 | $74,267 | $1,384/mo | county/metro | 22.8 min |
| Muskogee, OKPop. 36,758 | #1279 | 39.6 | $50,213 | $858/mo | 846 | 19.3 min |
| Benton, ARPop. 36,595 | #594 | 56.8 | $72,876 | $1,072/mo | 445 | 24.2 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 South Valley compare with the rest of New Mexico?
South Valley ranks #15 of the 20 New Mexico cities we track, with a score of 43.7 against New Mexico's statewide 30.6. Its households earn 14% below the New Mexico median.
| 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 South Valley's score calculated?
South Valley scores 43.7 out of 100, #1229 of 1,312 (grade D, which follows rank). It is scored on the 7 of 11 categories with local data; safety, education, growth, 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 · 24% of score
Median household income and unemployment in South Valley. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 52.9.
20.2 - HealthCity data · 19% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in South Valley. Similar-size median 52.2.
43.9 - AffordabilityCity data · 16% of score
South Valley's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 76.3.
79.4 - Household financesCity data · 13% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in South Valley. Similar-size median 46.7.
31.4 - TransportationCity data · 11% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in South Valley. Similar-size median 47.3.
41.8 - WalkabilityCity data · 11% of score
The EPA's walkability index across South Valley's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
53.2 - EnvironmentCounty data · 6% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 54.8.
53.8 - SafetyNot scored
No FBI figures from a police agency serving South Valley alone.
— - EducationNot scored
Too few school records for South Valley.
— - GrowthNot scored
The Census does not estimate yearly population for South Valley.
— - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: South Valley'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 South Valley 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 South Valley
Is South Valley, NM a good place to live?
South Valley ranks #1229 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #195 of 208 small cities and #15 of 20 in New Mexico. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on long commutes (25.6 min, #162 of 208).
What is the cost of living in South Valley?
South Valley'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 $954/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The median owner-occupied home is valued at $224,300.
Is South Valley safe?
No police agency reports crime to the FBI for South Valley alone, which is typical of places policed by a county sheriff, so we don't publish a South Valley crime rate or rank it on safety. New Mexico as a whole records 622 violent crimes per 100,000 residents against 328 nationally.
What is the median household income in South Valley?
The median household in South Valley earns $58,224, 30% below the US figure of $83,163 and 14% below New Mexico ($67,816). 18.5% of residents live below the poverty line.
How much is rent in South Valley?
Median rent in South Valley is $954/mo (Census), #159 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent takes 19.7% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in South Valley?
The Census median value of owner-occupied homes in South Valley is $224,300, #307 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest).
How are the public schools in South Valley?
We have too few school records for South Valley to describe its public schools.
How long is the commute in South Valley?
The average commute is 25.6 minutes, #821 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 24 minutes across New Mexico. 5% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in South Valley?
South Valley averages 57.9°F over the year, 77.3°F in summer and 38.7°F in winter, with 8.8 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is South Valley walkable?
South Valley scores 11.1 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #574 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 South Valley at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Bernalillo County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, wildfire, and hail, with expected yearly losses of 0.1% of building value, lower than 84% of US counties.
How is the air quality in South Valley?
Bernalillo County's air had a median air quality index of 58, and 27% of measured days were rated good; 21 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in South Valley?
South Valley has 37,120 residents. The median resident of South Valley is 41.7 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 15.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1266 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 74.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does South Valley compare with the rest of New Mexico?
South Valley ranks #15 of the 20 New Mexico cities we track, with a score of 43.7 against New Mexico's statewide 30.6. Its households earn 14% below the New Mexico median.
What cities are similar in size to South Valley?
The tracked cities in other states closest to South Valley's population of 37,120 are Kaneohe, HI (#284 overall), Greenfield, WI (#268 overall), Leavenworth, KS (#820 overall), Richmond, KY (#678 overall), and Winchester, NV (#1285 overall). South Valley is #1229.