Is Roswell Safe, Pros and cons of living in Roswell
Roswell, New Mexico, offers a unique blend of small-city charm and a surprising array of amenities, making it an intriguing place to consider for a new home. Situated in the Chaves County, this city is globally recognized for its association with the 1947 UFO incident, which has fostered a distinct tourism industry that contributes to its local economy. Beyond its extraterrestrial fame, Roswell presents a lifestyle that balances a slower pace with access to essential services and a growing community spirit.
The city’s economic landscape is a diverse mix, drawing strength from agriculture, energy production, and manufacturing, alongside its well-established tourism sector. This economic diversity provides a stable foundation for its residents, offering various employment opportunities. Roswell’s unique identity, coupled with its practical offerings, makes it a compelling destination for those seeking a different kind of living experience.
Is it Safe to Live in Roswell?
Roswell’s crime rate presents a complex picture, with statistics indicating a higher-than-average incidence of crime compared to national figures. The overall crime rate is reported as 36.61 per 1,000 residents in a typical year (according to CityRating.com). Violent crime rates in Roswell are notably higher, standing at 848 crimes per 100,000 residents, which places it among cities with higher crime rates in the United States (according to AreaVibes).
However, crime levels can vary significantly by neighborhood within Roswell. While central neighborhoods might present a higher risk, the northeast part of the city is generally considered safer by residents (according to CrimeGrade.org and CityRating.com). The chance of being a victim of crime in Roswell varies, with some estimates suggesting a 1 in 30 risk overall, but it can range from 1 in 16 in central areas to 1 in 35 in the northeast (according to NeighborhoodScout and CrimeGrade.org).
Housing Costs and Market Trends
Roswell’s housing market offers a significant advantage in terms of affordability when compared to national averages. The median home value in Roswell is approximately $173,067, which has seen a slight decrease of 2.0% over the past year (according to Zillow). This median home value is considerably lower than the national median, making homeownership more accessible for many.
Rental prices in Roswell are also notably lower than the national average. The average rent in Roswell is around $1,249 per month (as reported by Zillow). This affordability extends to various housing types, with some listings showing one-bedroom apartments available for as low as $900 per month (according to Zillow). This makes Roswell an attractive option for individuals and families looking to manage their living expenses effectively.
Economic Landscape and Job Market
Roswell’s economy is supported by a diverse range of industries, including agriculture, oil and gas, manufacturing, and tourism. Major employers in the area include institutions like Eastern New Mexico University-Roswell, Leprino Foods, and the Roswell Industrial Air Center (RIAC), which hosts various aviation-related companies (as reported by NMCDM). The city’s unique UFO lore also drives a significant tourism sector, supporting local businesses.
The average salary in Roswell is approximately $67,236 annually, translating to about $32.33 per hour (as reported by ZipRecruiter). While this figure represents the average, salaries can range widely depending on occupation and experience, with the 75th percentile reaching up to $90,250 annually (according to ZipRecruiter). The unemployment rate in Roswell was reported at 5.00% in the most recent data, which is lower than its long-term average (according to YCharts).
Climate and Environment
Roswell experiences a semi-arid climate characterized by hot summers and cold, windy winters with some snowfall. Over the course of a year, temperatures typically range from 28°F to 95°F, rarely dropping below 18°F or exceeding 103°F (as per myPerfectWeather). The hottest months are generally July and August, with average high temperatures reaching into the mid-90s, while December and January are the coldest, with average lows in the low 30s.
Precipitation in Roswell is relatively low, with an average annual rainfall of about 13 inches (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The rainiest period typically occurs from April to November, with August often seeing the most rainfall, averaging around 1.8 inches (according to myPerfectWeather). Snowfall is light, mostly occurring in December, contributing to the dry climate that Roswell is known for.
Education and School System
The public school system in Roswell, NM, serves a significant number of students, with elementary, middle, and high schools available. For the 2026 school year, there are 22 public schools serving approximately 9,381 students (according to Niche). The public schools in Roswell have an average ranking of 5 out of 10, placing them in the bottom 50% of New Mexico public schools (as per Niche).
Student proficiency in math and reading in Roswell’s public schools is reported to be below the state average. Math proficiency is around 22% compared to the New Mexico average of 25%, and reading proficiency is at 32% versus the state’s 34% (according to Niche). Despite these figures, some individual schools within the district receive higher ratings, such as Sidney Gutierrez Middle School and Early College High School, which are noted among the top-ranked public schools in the city (according to Niche).
Demographics and Community Profile
Roswell is home to a population of approximately 47,638 residents, with a median age of 37.1 years (according to World Population Review and Point2Homes). The city’s demographic makeup includes a significant Hispanic or Latino population, representing about 60.7% of the residents (according to Data USA). The racial distribution also includes a substantial White population, making up over 52% of the city’s residents (according to World Population Review).
The gender distribution is nearly balanced, with slightly more females than males. The median household income in Roswell is reported around $51,583, with a poverty rate of approximately 25.99% (according to World Population Review). A large percentage of residents are U.S.-born citizens, with a smaller portion being naturalized citizens or non-citizens (as reported by Point2Homes).