Roswell, NM: The 2026 Relocation Deep Dive

Roswell: The Data Profile (2026)

Roswell presents a distinct economic anomaly in the 2026 landscape. With a population of 47,823, it qualifies as a micro-metropolitan area, offering a low-density living environment. The primary statistical friction point is the significant income disparity: the median household income sits at $50,294, which is -32.6% lower than the US median of $74,580.

However, this lower income is offset by a unique demographic composition. The percentage of college-educated residents is 19.6%, significantly trailing the national average of 33.1%. This suggests a labor market driven less by high-income tech sectors and more by essential services, healthcare, and local government. The statistical target demographic is the "Remote Cost-Cutter"—individuals earning national-average salaries via remote work who leverage Roswell’s housing parity to maximize disposable income.

Cost of Living Analysis

While Roswell’s aggregate Cost of Living Index mirrors the US average at 100.0, the granular data reveals specific advantages. Electricity costs are a standout metric, averaging 14.2 cents/kWh, undercutting the US average of 16.0 cents/kWh by 11.3%. This creates a distinct advantage for homeowners managing utility overheads.

Table 1: Cost of Living Breakdown (Monthly Budgets)

Disposable Income Analysis:
Because the housing index is exactly 100.0 (national average) while income is -32.6% below average, a median earner ($50,294) faces tighter monthly constraints than the national median earner. However, a remote worker earning the national median ($74,580) effectively gains a "salary arbitrage" of roughly $24,286 annually in purchasing power parity, significantly boosting savings potential.

Housing Market Deep Dive

The housing market in Roswell is defined by stability and parity. Unlike overheated metros where price-per-square-foot exceeds $400, Roswell remains accessible. The market is currently split evenly between renting and owning, driven by a mix of long-term residents and transient military/medical personnel.

Table 2: Housing Market Data (Buying vs Renting Analysis)

Buy vs. Rent Recommendation:
The data heavily favors buying. With a median home price of $225,000, the monthly mortgage payment is often comparable to the $1,400 rent for a 3BR home. Given the 0.0% deviation in the Housing Index, equity building is the superior financial move here. Renting serves as a viable short-term strategy for those testing the market, but the low Price/SqFt of $145 makes purchasing a high-yield long-term asset.

Economic & Job Market Outlook

The economic outlook is heavily influenced by the post-2024 Return-to-Office (RTO) mandates. However, Roswell’s economic isolation acts as a buffer. With a local unemployment rate of 4.2% (slightly above the US average of 4.0%), the local job market is tight but stable.

Commute & RTO Impact:
Because Roswell is a small city (47,823 pop), the average commute time is negligible, typically under 15 minutes. For hybrid workers, this lack of congestion is a premium asset. The "RTO penalty"—the cost of commuting into a major hub—is non-existent here. Local industry relies on the Roswell International Air Center, healthcare systems, and agriculture, providing baseline stability despite the lower median income.

Quality of Life Audit

The Quality of Life data presents a complex picture. While the aggregate Health Score is a respectable 76.6/100, specific risk factors are elevated. The obesity rate stands at 39.9% (vs US 31.9%) and the diabetes rate is 14.4% (vs US 10.9%). These are critical metrics for prospective residents to consider regarding lifestyle and community health culture.

Table 3: Quality of Life Metrics

Safety & Environment:

• Safety: Violent crime rates in Roswell hover around 350 per 100k residents, which is higher than the national median but typical for the region. Property crime is the more prevalent concern, necessitating standard security precautions.
• Air Quality: Roswell scores highly here. With an AQI of 45 and PM2.5 levels at 6.8 µg/m³, the air is significantly cleaner than in industrial hubs.
• Schools: The education system is a challenge, with graduation rates and test scores generally trailing state and national averages due to funding constraints and the 19.6% college-educated demographic ceiling.
• Weather: Currently, the city enjoys sunny conditions with a high of 60°F and a low of 28°F. The climate is arid with over 350 days of sunshine annually, a major draw for outdoor enthusiasts despite the high summer temperatures.

The Verdict

Pros:

• Housing Value: Median home price of $225,000 offers massive equity potential.
• Remote Arbitrage: National salary earners gain $24,000+ in purchasing power.
• Air Quality: AQI of 45 and PM2.5 of 6.8 µg/m³ are excellent.
• Commute: Sub-15 minute commutes eliminate traffic stress.

Cons:

• Health Profile: High rates of obesity (39.9%) and diabetes (14.4%) indicate a challenging environment for health-conscious individuals.
• Income Ceiling: Local median income of $50,294 limits economic mobility for those relying on local employment.
• Education: College education rate of 19.6% is well below the national average.

Final Recommendation:
Roswell is a Buy for remote workers earning $75,000+ annually. The low cost of living combined with housing parity creates a wealth-generation engine. It is a Pass for local job seekers or families prioritizing high-tier public education systems.

FAQs

1. What salary is needed to live comfortably in Roswell?
For a single person, a salary of $55,000 provides a comfortable lifestyle with savings. For a family, $85,000 is recommended to account for healthcare and childcare costs which remain at national parity despite lower housing costs.

2. How does Roswell's value compare to larger cities?
Roswell offers a -33.8% discount on median home prices compared to the US average. While income is lower, the lack of premium on groceries or transport makes it financially efficient for remote workers.

3. Are the safety statistics concerning?
Violent crime is approx 350 per 100k, which is elevated. However, this is often localized. Standard urban safety practices apply, but property crime is the more statistically probable risk.

4. Is now the right time to buy (2026)?
Yes. With the Housing Index at 100.0 and interest rates stabilizing, the market is neither overheated nor depressed. The $225,000 median price point suggests a stable floor for appreciation.