2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Rio Rancho, NM vs Elephant Butte, NM

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Highlights
Are people in Elephant Butte older or younger than people in Rio Rancho?
- The Median Age in Elephant Butte is 29.9 years older than in Rio Rancho.

Are housing costs cheaper in Elephant Butte or Rio Rancho?
- Elephant Butte housing costs are 39.6% less expensive than Rio Rancho housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Elephant Butte or Rio Rancho?
- The average commute for residents of Elephant Butte is 11.7 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Rio Rancho.

Things to do in Rio Rancho?
Rio Rancho is a wonderful city located in New Mexico. It's known for its vast open spaces, exciting culture, and vibrant nightlife. Visitors can explore the local area by taking advantage of outdoor activities like visiting Old San Ysidro Church or playing a game of disc golf at the Riverwalk Disc Golf Park. Culture buffs can visit places like the New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science and Petroglyph National Monument to gain insight into local culture. After exploring, sample delicious food from restaurants like Rio Rancho Pizzeria or Ichiban Japanese Cuisine & Sushi Bar. With so much to offer, Rio Rancho is an amazing place to visit for an unforgettable experience!

Things to do in Elephant Butte?
Living in Elephant Butte, NM is a unique experience. Located on the south end of New Mexico's Rio Grande River Valley, it is a peaceful desert town with plenty of outdoor activities and attractions. The area offers stunning desert scenery, great fishing opportunities, hiking trails, and plenty of water sports. The people are friendly and the cost of living is quite affordable. Whether you're looking for a leisurely weekend away from it all or an adventurous outdoor escape, Elephant Butte has something for everyone. Enjoy the solitude of a peaceful desert town combined with an array of activities that make this area such a special place to visit!

 Rio Rancho, NMElephant Butte, NMUnited States
 Population  Unlock1,580329,725,481
 Median Income$70,615  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock68.638.4
 Avg. Home Price$310,800  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock9.4%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time28.38  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Rio Rancho    21 Reviews

I have lived in the area for the past three years with my husband. Although vastly better than Albuquerque, this is not a safe area. We have had overt and petty crime on  More

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The pros: -Fairly good year-round weather. Sunny days outnumber cloudy days, there are days when the temps fall below freezing and the sun will still be shining. It's  More

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Over 5 years ago

Affordable housing, low crime (compared to Albuquerque), awesome weather with all 4 seasons, beautiful environment and some pretty awesome people. I love Rio Rancho,  More

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Reviews for Elephant Butte    1 Reviews

Over 18 years ago

Hot, dry summers, cool winters - housing here is more occupied than what appears on the site. Neighborhoods are middle class and then the unoccupied housing are weekend  More

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