The story of this market
The typical home in ZIP 87051 sells for about $549,000, or $248 per square foot.
Prices are up +2.4% from a year ago, so sellers still have some momentum. Homes take about 42 days to sell. HUD's fair market rent for a two-bedroom is $2,150 a month.
ZIP 87051 — San Rafael
The housing market in 87051 is characterized by low inventory and high price points relative to the broader Albuquerque metro area, driven by the unique mountain lifestyle. Sales volume is low, reflecting the niche nature of the area, and market conditions remain stable with minimal price volatility. Specific figures for active listings and price cuts are not published at the ZIP level and are omitted.
This ZIP is best suited for nature-oriented buyers, retirees, and those seeking mountain living who are willing to trade proximity to urban amenities for space, views, and a quiet, rural character.
Median prices moved up 2.4% year over year.
Homes spend a median of 42 days on market with 6.2 months of supply — a balanced-paced market.
18% of listings have cut prices · homes sell at 97.5% of asking — demand is running ahead of supply.
no recorded foreclosure-ledger notices (0.0 per 10,000 residents) · unemployment 3.2% · poverty 6.5% — a stable, low-distress profile.
Researched annual trajectory for this ZIP, from published historical series
Solid: researched ten-year history · dotted: 1 / 3 / 5-year projection extended from the historical 6.4%/yr trend — a deterministic estimate, not a published forecast or guarantee.
Median annual property tax paid on this ZIP's residential parcels
Solid: researched ten-year history · dotted: 1 / 3 / 5-year projection extended from the historical 6.4%/yr trend — a deterministic estimate, not a published forecast or guarantee.
versus the prior ACS vintage
ZCTA 87051
The area is characterized by high wildfire risk due to its mountain forest setting, requiring residents to maintain defensible space and often resulting in higher property insurance premiums.
Growth is limited by geography and zoning, with development primarily focused on custom residential builds rather than large-scale commercial or infrastructure projects.
Property taxes are assessed by the county based on the property's taxable value, with rates influenced by local school district and special district levies.
Residents typically rely on private vehicles for a 25-40 minute commute into the Albuquerque employment core via NM-14 and I-40.
The area offers immediate access to the Sandia Peak Ski Area, Sandia Peak Tramway, and extensive hiking trails, with limited local shopping and dining options.
The rental market is limited and primarily consists of single-family homes, with low inventory and high demand for mountain-lifestyle properties.
The local economy is driven by tourism, recreation, and service-based businesses supporting the mountain community, with most residents commuting to Albuquerque for primary employment.
Parcels are subject to standard county property tax levies and local school district funding requirements.
Property insurance premiums are elevated due to significant wildfire risk in the Sandia Mountain foothills.
Data retrieved from US Census Bureau ZCTA 87051 profile.
Public schools whose reported address is in this area (NCES). Not attendance boundaries — schools that serve residents may sit outside it. Check the district's address locator for assignment.
- La Ventana Natural Arch4.812.3 mi
- Sandstone Bluffs4.96.8 mi
- Route 66 Drive-Thru Neon Sign4.77.6 mi
- New Mexico Mining Museum4.77.6 mi
- Surf Shack Pizza4.47.5 mi
- Sky City Cultural Center & Haak'u Museum4.617.6 mi
- New Mexico Mining Museum4.77.6 mi
- El Malpais National Monument Visitor Center4.85.3 mi
- La Ventana Natural Arch4.812.3 mi
- El Malpais National Conservation Area4.712.3 mi
- La Ventana Natural Arch Trailhead4.812 mi
- Riverwalk Park4.47.6 mi
- Coyote Del Malpais4.17.6 mi
- Smith's4.28.3 mi
Theme parks, venues, golf, airports, museums, water and shopping across the area from Google Maps, ranked by popularity within the radius shown.
Major regional ski destination located within the ZIP.
Iconic aerial tramway providing access to the Sandia Mountains.
Unique folk art museum and local landmark.
Key-figure check: no independent anchor retained yet — first-researched cycles establish the anchor baseline this pass.