Jal, NM
Population 2,069 · New Mexico
About Jal, NM
Jal is a small town located in New Mexico with a population of 2,069 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $60,703 per year, which is 19% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 43.7 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 Jal features a median home value of $105,400, which is 57% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Jal one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $1,155, 1% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 947 total housing units, 70% are owner-occupied (556 units) and 30% are renter-occupied (233 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Jal shows an unemployment rate of 18.0%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 21.8%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Jal have an average one-way commute time of 19.1 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
19.0% of Jal 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 53.6% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 4.9% Asian residents, with 16.8% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Jal, NM
Compared to national averages, Jal has a median household income of $60,703 (19% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $105,400, which is 57% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,155 is 1% below the US average of $1,163. Within New Mexico, Jal's income is 10% below the state average of $67,435, and home values are 55% below the state median of $233,762.
Why Live in Jal, NM?
Jal offers affordable housing with a median home value of $105,400, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,155/month, and short commute times averaging just 19.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($60,703) that falls below the national average. However, Jal’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Jal has a population of 2,069 with a median age of 43.7 years. Compare Jal with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New Mexico.
Similar Cities Near Jal
Cities in New Mexico with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moriarty | 2,074 | $27,446 | $106,600 | Compare |
| Nambe | 2,045 | $45,341 | $259,700 | Compare |
| Arroyo Seco | 2,107 | $69,917 | $525,500 | Compare |
| Questa | 2,112 | $41,071 | $225,300 | Compare |
| Angustura | 2,024 | $52,948 | $191,300 | Compare |
| Navajo | 2,133 | $28,917 | $52,100 | Compare |
| Lordsburg | 2,139 | $33,899 | $86,100 | Compare |
| Picacho Hills | 1,995 | $124,250 | $438,600 | 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 Jal With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Jal
What is the population of Jal, NM?
The population of Jal, NM is 2,069 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 Jal?
The median household income in Jal, NM is $60,703 per year, which is 19% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Jal?
The median home value in Jal, NM is $105,400, which is 57% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Jal?
The median monthly rent in Jal, NM is $1,155, which is 1% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Jal?
The unemployment rate in Jal, NM is 18.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Jal, NM a good place to live?
Jal offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 2,069 and a median age of 43.7, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Jal, NM?
19.0% of residents in Jal 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 Jal?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Jal, NM: median home value is $105,400 (57% below national), median rent is $1,155/month, and median household income is $60,703. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.7x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Jal?
The poverty rate in Jal, NM is 21.8%, 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 Jal, NM?
Jal's population is 53.6% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 4.9% Asian, and 1.2% two or more races. 16.8% of residents are foreign-born.