Rio Communities, NM
Population 4,924 · New Mexico
About Rio Communities, NM
Rio Communities is a small town located in New Mexico with a population of 4,924 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $46,223 per year, which is 38% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 49 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 Rio Communities features a median home value of $200,000, which is 18% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Rio Communities in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $870, 25% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,999 total housing units, 81% are owner-occupied (1,508 units) and 19% are renter-occupied (348 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Rio Communities shows an unemployment rate of 14.3%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 15.1%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Rio Communities have an average one-way commute time of 24.4 minutes.
Education & Demographics
20.1% of Rio Communities 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 30.8% White, 2.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 18.2% Asian residents, with 9.6% of the population being foreign-born.
How Rio Communities Ranks in New Mexico
Cost of Living in Rio Communities, NM
Compared to national averages, Rio Communities has a median household income of $46,223 (38% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $200,000, which is 18% below the national median. Monthly rent at $870 is 25% below the US average of $1,163. Within New Mexico, Rio Communities's income is 31% below the state average of $67,435, and home values are 14% below the state median of $233,762.
Why Live in Rio Communities, NM?
Rio Communities offers affordable housing with a median home value of $200,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $870/month, and short commute times averaging just 24.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($46,223) that falls below the national average. However, Rio Communities’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Rio Communities has a population of 4,924 with a median age of 49 years. Compare Rio Communities with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New Mexico.
Similar Cities Near Rio Communities
Cities in New Mexico with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| El Cerro Mission | 5,101 | $49,719 | $101,000 | Compare |
| Paradise Hills | 4,662 | $74,403 | $241,300 | Compare |
| Tucumcari | 5,197 | $39,915 | $56,400 | Compare |
| Los Chaves | 4,641 | $81,320 | $240,500 | Compare |
| Lee Acres | 4,463 | $50,846 | $182,200 | Compare |
| Crouch Mesa | 4,419 | $56,676 | $76,800 | Compare |
| Placitas CDP (Sandoval County), New Mexico | 4,375 | $110,268 | $520,200 | Compare |
| White Rock | 5,568 | $150,714 | $460,100 | 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 Rio Communities With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Rio Communities
What is the population of Rio Communities, NM?
The population of Rio Communities, NM is 4,924 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 Rio Communities?
The median household income in Rio Communities, NM is $46,223 per year, which is 38% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Rio Communities?
The median home value in Rio Communities, NM is $200,000, which is 18% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Rio Communities?
The median monthly rent in Rio Communities, NM is $870, which is 25% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Rio Communities?
The unemployment rate in Rio Communities, NM is 14.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Rio Communities, NM a good place to live?
Rio Communities offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 4,924 and a median age of 49, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Rio Communities, NM?
20.1% of residents in Rio Communities 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 Rio Communities?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Rio Communities, NM: median home value is $200,000 (18% below national), median rent is $870/month, and median household income is $46,223. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.3x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Rio Communities?
The poverty rate in Rio Communities, NM is 15.1%, 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 Rio Communities, NM?
Rio Communities's population is 30.8% White, 2.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 18.2% Asian, and 3.6% two or more races. 9.6% of residents are foreign-born.