Lake Valley, NM
Population 87 · New Mexico
About Lake Valley, NM
Lake Valley is a small community located in New Mexico with a population of 87 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $80,739 per year, which is 7% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 58.3 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 Lake Valley features a median home value of $225,000, which is 8% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Lake Valley in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $0, 100% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 69 total housing units, 29% are owner-occupied (10 units) and 71% are renter-occupied (25 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 Lake Valley shows an unemployment rate of 15.4%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 9.2%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Lake Valley have an average one-way commute time of 0 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
64.2% of Lake Valley residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 0.0% White, 44.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Lake Valley Ranks in New Mexico
Cost of Living in Lake Valley, NM
Compared to national averages, Lake Valley has a median household income of $80,739 (7% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $225,000, which is 8% below the national median. Monthly rent at $0 is 100% below the US average of $1,163. Within New Mexico, Lake Valley's income is 20% above the state average of $67,435, and home values are 4% below the state median of $233,762.
Why Live in Lake Valley, NM?
Lake Valley offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $80,739, well above the national average, and affordable housing with a median home value of $225,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $0/month. Additionally, the city features a well-educated community where 64.2% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 9.2%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 0 minutes.
Lake Valley has a population of 87 with a median age of 58.3 years. Compare Lake Valley with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New Mexico.
Similar Cities Near Lake Valley
Cities in New Mexico with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caballo | 87 | $0 | $0 | Compare |
| Tse Bonito | 86 | $0 | $17,900 | Compare |
| Anzac Village | 89 | $107,321 | $0 | Compare |
| Buckhorn | 85 | $0 | $0 | Compare |
| Purty Rock | 85 | $0 | $0 | Compare |
| Weed | 90 | $0 | $0 | Compare |
| Cañones | 91 | $98,750 | $525,000 | Compare |
| Ojo Caliente | 91 | $0 | $0 | 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 Lake Valley With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Lake Valley
What is the population of Lake Valley, NM?
The population of Lake Valley, NM is 87 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 Lake Valley?
The median household income in Lake Valley, NM is $80,739 per year, which is 7% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Lake Valley?
The median home value in Lake Valley, NM is $225,000, which is 8% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Lake Valley?
The median monthly rent in Lake Valley, NM is $0, which is 100% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Lake Valley?
The unemployment rate in Lake Valley, NM is 15.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Lake Valley, NM a good place to live?
Lake Valley offers above-average incomes, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 87 and a median age of 58.3, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Lake Valley, NM?
64.2% of residents in Lake Valley aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Lake Valley?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Lake Valley, NM: median home value is $225,000 (8% below national), median rent is $0/month, and median household income is $80,739. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.8x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Lake Valley?
The poverty rate in Lake Valley, NM is 9.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Lake Valley, NM?
Lake Valley's population is 0.0% White, 44.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.