Raton, NM
Population 6,013 · New Mexico
About Raton, NM
Raton is a small town located in New Mexico with a population of 6,013 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $52,007 per year, which is 31% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 44.8 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 Raton features a median home value of $148,200, which is 39% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Raton in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $734, 37% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 3,331 total housing units, 68% are owner-occupied (1,876 units) and 32% are renter-occupied (872 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Raton shows an unemployment rate of 1.3%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 20.7%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Raton have an average one-way commute time of 16.9 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
18.8% of Raton 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 27.1% White, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.8% Black or African American, and 27.1% Asian residents, with 2.1% of the population being foreign-born.
How Raton Ranks in New Mexico
Cost of Living in Raton, NM
Compared to national averages, Raton has a median household income of $52,007 (31% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $148,200, which is 39% below the national median. Monthly rent at $734 is 37% below the US average of $1,163. Within New Mexico, Raton's income is 23% below the state average of $67,435, and home values are 37% below the state median of $233,762.
Why Live in Raton, NM?
Raton offers affordable housing with a median home value of $148,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $734/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.3%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 16.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($52,007) that falls below the national average. However, Raton’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Raton has a population of 6,013 with a median age of 44.8 years. Compare Raton with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New Mexico.
Similar Cities Near Raton
Cities in New Mexico with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Truth or Consequences | 6,026 | $29,142 | $107,500 | Compare |
| Santa Teresa | 5,973 | $60,759 | $216,600 | Compare |
| North Hobbs | 6,099 | $89,279 | $233,200 | Compare |
| Edgewood | 6,122 | $81,227 | $278,100 | Compare |
| Zuni Pueblo | 6,132 | $43,021 | $79,200 | Compare |
| Los Ranchos de Albuquerque | 5,869 | $70,801 | $442,100 | Compare |
| Aztec | 6,177 | $42,699 | $164,700 | Compare |
| Eldorado at Santa Fe | 5,746 | $96,692 | $542,800 | 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 Raton With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Raton
What is the population of Raton, NM?
The population of Raton, NM is 6,013 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 Raton?
The median household income in Raton, NM is $52,007 per year, which is 31% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Raton?
The median home value in Raton, NM is $148,200, which is 39% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Raton?
The median monthly rent in Raton, NM is $734, which is 37% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Raton?
The unemployment rate in Raton, NM is 1.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Raton, NM a good place to live?
Raton offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 6,013 and a median age of 44.8, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Raton, NM?
18.8% of residents in Raton 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 Raton?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Raton, NM: median home value is $148,200 (39% below national), median rent is $734/month, and median household income is $52,007. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.8x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Raton?
The poverty rate in Raton, NM is 20.7%, 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 Raton, NM?
Raton's population is 27.1% White, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.8% Black or African American, 27.1% Asian, and 0.3% two or more races. 2.1% of residents are foreign-born.