Chama, NM
Population 748 · New Mexico
About Chama, NM
Chama is a small community located in New Mexico with a population of 748 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $0 per year, which is 100% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 60.5 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 Chama features a median home value of $194,300, which is 21% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Chama in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $529, 55% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 583 total housing units, 75% are owner-occupied (309 units) and 25% are renter-occupied (101 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Chama shows an unemployment rate of 5.7%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 14.0%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Chama have an average one-way commute time of 10.9 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
17.1% of Chama 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 13.9% White, 2.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 62.3% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Chama Ranks in New Mexico
Cost of Living in Chama, NM
Compared to national averages, Chama has a median household income of $0 (100% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $194,300, which is 21% below the national median. Monthly rent at $529 is 55% below the US average of $1,163. Within New Mexico, Chama's income is 100% below the state average of $67,435, and home values are 17% below the state median of $233,762.
Why Live in Chama, NM?
Chama offers affordable housing with a median home value of $194,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $529/month, and short commute times averaging just 10.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($0) that falls below the national average. However, Chama’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Chama has a population of 748 with a median age of 60.5 years. Compare Chama with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New Mexico.
Similar Cities Near Chama
Cities in New Mexico with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cedar Crest | 746 | $143,750 | $254,200 | Compare |
| Los Luceros | 757 | $0 | $0 | Compare |
| San Jose CDP (Rio Arriba County), New Mexico | 739 | $57,019 | $250,400 | Compare |
| Valle Vista | 759 | $36,481 | $226,900 | Compare |
| Tatum | 736 | $0 | $107,400 | Compare |
| Magdalena | 764 | $0 | $112,900 | Compare |
| El Duende | 730 | $90,859 | $0 | Compare |
| Polvadera | 730 | $0 | $180,000 | 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 Chama With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Chama
What is the population of Chama, NM?
The population of Chama, NM is 748 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in New Mexico.
What is the median household income in Chama?
The median household income in Chama, NM is $0 per year, which is 100% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Chama?
The median home value in Chama, NM is $194,300, which is 21% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Chama?
The median monthly rent in Chama, NM is $529, which is 55% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Chama?
The unemployment rate in Chama, NM is 5.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Chama, NM a good place to live?
Chama offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 748 and a median age of 60.5, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Chama, NM?
17.1% of residents in Chama 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 Chama?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Chama, NM: median home value is $194,300 (21% below national), median rent is $529/month, and median household income is $0. The home-value-to-income ratio is Infinityx, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Chama?
The poverty rate in Chama, NM is 14.0%, 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 Chama, NM?
Chama's population is 13.9% White, 2.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 62.3% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.