Santa Rosa, NM
Population 2,447 · New Mexico
About Santa Rosa, NM
Santa Rosa is a small town located in New Mexico with a population of 2,447 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $41,995 per year, which is 44% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 38.6 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Santa Rosa features a median home value of $101,800, which is 58% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Santa Rosa one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $538, 54% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,038 total housing units, 73% are owner-occupied (507 units) and 27% are renter-occupied (188 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Santa Rosa shows an unemployment rate of 4.5%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 19.1%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Santa Rosa have an average one-way commute time of 14.8 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
15.4% of Santa Rosa 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 48.2% White, 11.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 27.7% Asian residents, with 7.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Santa Rosa Ranks in New Mexico
Cost of Living in Santa Rosa, NM
Compared to national averages, Santa Rosa has a median household income of $41,995 (44% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $101,800, which is 58% below the national median. Monthly rent at $538 is 54% below the US average of $1,163. Within New Mexico, Santa Rosa's income is 38% below the state average of $67,435, and home values are 56% below the state median of $233,762.
Why Live in Santa Rosa, NM?
Santa Rosa offers affordable housing with a median home value of $101,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $538/month, and short commute times averaging just 14.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($41,995) that falls below the national average. However, Santa Rosa’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Santa Rosa has a population of 2,447 with a median age of 38.6 years. Compare Santa Rosa with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New Mexico.
Similar Cities Near Santa Rosa
Cities in New Mexico with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milan | 2,473 | $37,551 | $71,300 | Compare |
| West Hammond | 2,519 | $49,795 | $185,800 | Compare |
| Bayard | 2,370 | $33,269 | $118,100 | Compare |
| Center Point | 2,366 | $49,714 | $206,300 | Compare |
| La Mesilla | 2,531 | $74,385 | $266,900 | Compare |
| Ranchos de Taos | 2,348 | $51,380 | $0 | Compare |
| Tularosa | 2,584 | $45,147 | $117,600 | Compare |
| Pojoaque | 2,274 | $68,188 | $154,300 | 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 Santa Rosa With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Santa Rosa
What is the population of Santa Rosa, NM?
The population of Santa Rosa, NM is 2,447 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 Santa Rosa?
The median household income in Santa Rosa, NM is $41,995 per year, which is 44% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Santa Rosa?
The median home value in Santa Rosa, NM is $101,800, which is 58% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Santa Rosa?
The median monthly rent in Santa Rosa, NM is $538, which is 54% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Santa Rosa?
The unemployment rate in Santa Rosa, NM is 4.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Santa Rosa, NM a good place to live?
Santa Rosa offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 2,447 and a median age of 38.6, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Santa Rosa, NM?
15.4% of residents in Santa Rosa 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 Santa Rosa?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Santa Rosa, NM: median home value is $101,800 (58% below national), median rent is $538/month, and median household income is $41,995. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Santa Rosa?
The poverty rate in Santa Rosa, NM is 19.1%, 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 Santa Rosa, NM?
Santa Rosa's population is 48.2% White, 11.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 27.7% Asian, and 1.9% two or more races. 7.0% of residents are foreign-born.