Agua Fria, NM
Population 2,842 · New Mexico
About Agua Fria, NM
Agua Fria is a small town located in New Mexico with a population of 2,842 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $47,438 per year, which is 37% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 43.3 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Agua Fria features a median home value of $264,900, which is 8% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Agua Fria in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,143, 2% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,427 total housing units, 45% are owner-occupied (610 units) and 55% are renter-occupied (748 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Agua Fria shows an unemployment rate of 3.8%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 24.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Agua Fria have an average one-way commute time of 26.3 minutes.
Education & Demographics
13.1% of Agua Fria residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 53.9% White, 2.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.8% Black or African American, and 23.5% Asian residents, with 21.3% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Agua Fria, NM
Compared to national averages, Agua Fria has a median household income of $47,438 (37% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $264,900, which is 8% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,143 is 2% below the US average of $1,163. Within New Mexico, Agua Fria's income is 30% below the state average of $67,435, and home values are 13% above the state median of $233,762.
Why Live in Agua Fria, NM?
Agua Fria offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,143/month.
Potential considerations include median household income ($47,438) that falls below the national average. However, Agua Fria’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Agua Fria has a population of 2,842 with a median age of 43.3 years. Compare Agua Fria with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New Mexico.
Similar Cities Near Agua Fria
Cities in New Mexico with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cannon AFB | 2,876 | $67,132 | $0 | Compare |
| Dulce | 2,782 | $41,886 | $58,100 | Compare |
| Crownpoint | 2,924 | $35,926 | $49,900 | Compare |
| Chimayo | 2,726 | $52,305 | $214,000 | Compare |
| University Park | 2,699 | $25,433 | $0 | Compare |
| Eunice | 2,989 | $49,795 | $164,900 | Compare |
| Clayton | 2,680 | $40,192 | $111,500 | Compare |
| Ruidoso Downs | 2,629 | $31,413 | $55,400 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in New Mexico
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Agua Fria With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Agua Fria
What is the population of Agua Fria, NM?
The population of Agua Fria, NM is 2,842 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in New Mexico.
What is the median household income in Agua Fria?
The median household income in Agua Fria, NM is $47,438 per year, which is 37% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Agua Fria?
The median home value in Agua Fria, NM is $264,900, which is 8% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Agua Fria?
The median monthly rent in Agua Fria, NM is $1,143, which is 2% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Agua Fria?
The unemployment rate in Agua Fria, NM is 3.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Agua Fria, NM a good place to live?
Agua Fria offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 2,842 and a median age of 43.3, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Agua Fria, NM?
13.1% of residents in Agua Fria aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Agua Fria?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Agua Fria, NM: median home value is $264,900 (8% above national), median rent is $1,143/month, and median household income is $47,438. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.6x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Agua Fria?
The poverty rate in Agua Fria, NM is 24.5%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Agua Fria, NM?
Agua Fria's population is 53.9% White, 2.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.8% Black or African American, 23.5% Asian, and 0.4% two or more races. 21.3% of residents are foreign-born.