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PROFILE: CITY of RIO RANCHO
As New Mexico's fastest growing city, Rio Rancho is an exciting and vibrant place to be. Rio Rancho
residents enjoy a moderate four-season climate, affordable housing options, quality educational
system, one of the state's lowest crime rates, a declining New Mexico personal income tax, and a
cost of living index that's actually below the national average.
For New Mexico, this is one of Albuquerque's best kept secrets in affordable real estate with a high standard of living.
Population:
The City of Rio Rancho, New Mexico
Rio Rancho estimates its 2006 population to be 74,000. In the 2000 Census
of Population, Rio Rancho's population was 51,765. The Census Bureau in June of 2006
issued a population update for Rio Rancho of 66,599 for 2005 (July 1, 2005). From 2000
to 2005, based on these figures, the City grew approximately 29 percent, making it the
fastest growing major city in the state.
Housing:
The City of Rio Rancho has attracted award-winning local, regional, and national
homebuilders, which has resulted in a wide range of housing options. The City has
maintained its reputation and marketability of affordable housing while building a name
for itself in high-end real estate.
The number of new residents moving into Rio Rancho is fueling new home building in
the community. Single-family housing permits issued over the last five years continue to
grow rapidly. Permits issued in the first six months of 2006 totals 1,440. Total permits
issued have risen from 916 in 2001, to 3,084 for 2005, or over 200 percent.
Education:
The Rio Rancho Public School (RRPS) system is the state's newest and sixth largest based on
enrollment. The district was founded in 1994 and comprises about 147 square miles making it the
third smallest in size in the state. Total RRPS enrollment for the school year 2005-2006 is 13,611
students with a district growth rate of about 9 percent. The pupil to teacher ratio for elementary
schools is: 14.5 to 1. The pupil to teacher ratio for middle schools is 15.9 to 1. The pupil to
teacher ratio for high school is 16.1 to 1.
RRPS recently acquired 150 acres of property from the New Mexico State Land Office
and $47 million from the New Mexico State Legislature for the construction of a new
high school.
Many post-secondary educational institutions exist within the Albuquerque MSA
including the University of New Mexico (UNM), Central New Mexico Community
College (CNM), New Mexico Highlands University, and the University of Phoenix.
UNM has also announced plans to construct the University of New Mexico West Campus
on the eastern boundary of Rio Rancho's City Centre. |
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