La Jara City Demographics

La Jara, a small census-designated place in Sandoval County, New Mexico, had a population of 199 as of the 2020 Census. The median age is about 36 years. Approximately 55% of residents are female and 45% male. The community is predominantly Hispanic or Latino, making up about 77% of the population, while White residents (non-Hispanic) account for around 17%. Other racial and ethnic groups, including Native Americans and people of mixed race, comprise the remaining population percentages.

Education in La Jara City

La Jara is a small community in Sandoval County, NM, with limited educational facilities—there are no public schools directly within La Jara. Students attend schools in nearby Cuba, including Cuba High School, which serves grades 9-12 with an enrollment of about 120 students and a graduation rate of 70%. The area’s adult educational attainment is low: only about 10% have a bachelor’s degree or higher. School safety is rated average, with no major incidents reported in recent years. Educational programs are limited, focusing mainly on standard curriculum with few advanced placement or vocational options.

La Jara City Housing

La Jara, a small community in Sandoval County, NM, features primarily single-family homes with a homeownership rate near 80%. Median property values are around $95,000, with rental prices averaging $600 per month. Housing inventory is limited, and market trends show stable to slightly appreciating values over recent years. Neighborhoods are rural, with spacious lots and minimal commercial development. Annual property taxes are low, averaging about 0.7% of property value, equating to approximately $665 per year for a median-priced home. Rentals are scarce, reflecting the community’s strong preference for homeownership.

Transportation in La Jara City

Transportation in La Jara, Sandoval County, NM, is primarily automobile-dependent, with over 95% of commuters driving to work, and fewer than 1% using public transit due to limited service. The average one-way commute time is approximately 34 minutes, exceeding the national average. Most households own two vehicles, reflecting high vehicle ownership rates. Transportation infrastructure consists mainly of local and state highways, including proximity to US Route 550. Major employment hubs are outside La Jara, with many residents commuting to larger towns such as Cuba and Rio Rancho for work. Public transportation options are minimal or nonexistent.

La Jara City Healthcare

La Jara, a small community in Sandoval County, NM, lacks hospitals; residents rely on clinics in nearby Cuba or the Jemez Valley Health Center, both within 20-30 miles. Healthcare access is limited—over 18% of Sandoval County residents are uninsured (US Census, 2022). The population is predominantly Hispanic and Native American. Common health issues include diabetes, obesity, and hypertension. Primary care is provided by regional clinics and visiting practitioners. According to the NM DOH, provider-to-patient ratios remain low, with less than one family physician per 3,000 residents in the area.

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