Tortugas, NM
Population 642 · New Mexico
About Tortugas, NM
Tortugas is a small community located in New Mexico with a population of 642 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $29,096 per year, which is 61% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 55.2 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 Tortugas features a median home value of $0, which is 100% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Tortugas one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $0, 100% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 323 total housing units, 87% are owner-occupied (281 units) and 13% are renter-occupied (42 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Tortugas shows an unemployment rate of 0.0%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 30.4%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Tortugas have an average one-way commute time of 0 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
0.0% of Tortugas 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 92.5% White, 9.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 1.9% Asian residents, with 5.3% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Tortugas, NM
Compared to national averages, Tortugas has a median household income of $29,096 (61% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $0, which is 100% below the national median. Monthly rent at $0 is 100% below the US average of $1,163. Within New Mexico, Tortugas's income is 57% below the state average of $67,435, and home values are 100% below the state median of $233,762.
Why Live in Tortugas, NM?
Tortugas offers affordable housing with a median home value of $0, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $0/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.0%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 0 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($29,096) that falls below the national average. However, Tortugas’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Tortugas has a population of 642 with a median age of 55.2 years. Compare Tortugas with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New Mexico.
Similar Cities Near Tortugas
Cities in New Mexico with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Livingston Wheeler | 643 | $0 | $164,300 | Compare |
| Prewitt | 645 | $22,966 | $30,300 | Compare |
| Tierra Amarilla | 637 | $0 | $0 | Compare |
| Acomita Lake | 649 | $81,797 | $0 | Compare |
| Rio Lucio | 625 | $43,750 | $184,200 | Compare |
| San Rafael | 620 | $65,966 | $120,300 | Compare |
| Tyrone | 664 | $46,250 | $176,100 | Compare |
| Happy Valley | 616 | $0 | $144,400 | 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 Tortugas With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Tortugas
What is the population of Tortugas, NM?
The population of Tortugas, NM is 642 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 Tortugas?
The median household income in Tortugas, NM is $29,096 per year, which is 61% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Tortugas?
The median home value in Tortugas, NM is $0, which is 100% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Tortugas?
The median monthly rent in Tortugas, NM is $0, which is 100% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Tortugas?
The unemployment rate in Tortugas, NM is 0.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Tortugas, NM a good place to live?
Tortugas offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 642 and a median age of 55.2, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Tortugas, NM?
0.0% of residents in Tortugas 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 Tortugas?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Tortugas, NM: median home value is $0 (100% below national), median rent is $0/month, and median household income is $29,096. The home-value-to-income ratio is 0.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Tortugas?
The poverty rate in Tortugas, NM is 30.4%, 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 Tortugas, NM?
Tortugas's population is 92.5% White, 9.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 1.9% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 5.3% of residents are foreign-born.