Rio Rancho is one of New Mexico's newest communities, incorporated as a City in 1981 with 10,131 residents. . The population of the city has continued to grow from 9,985 in 1980 to 81,765 in 2008 making Rio Rancho one of the fastest-growing small cities in the United States. If the current pace of growth continues at an annual 3.5% growth rate, Rio Rancho is anticipated to double its current population in twenty years, and have 100,000 residents by 2020. Rio Rancho is currently the 4th largest city in New Mexico. Rio Rancho, one of the fastest growing communities in the nation, has the "quality of life" features to entice both industry and individuals looking to re-locate. The magnificent view of the Sandia Mountains, the warm summer days and cool evenings, and the mild winter temperatures are just a few of the enticements. Add low land costs, affordable housing, quality education, and a community with positive attitudes and you will understand why Rio Rancho is continuing to boom well into the future. In the early 1960s, the AMREP Corporation purchased 55,000 acres of land on the outskirts of Albuquerque, originally called Rio Rancho Estates. This was the beginning of Rio Rancho. AMREP marketed the area to residents in the Midwest and eastern states. When home building began in 1962, many of the first residents were middle-income retirees. In 1966, the 100th family moved to Rio Rancho and by 1977 the population had grown to 5,000. In 1971, AMREP purchased and platted an additional 35,000 acres. Rio Rancho Estates was now 92,000 acres and larger, geographically, than the city of Albuquerque. By the early 80?s, Rio Rancho was incorporated and its population had reached 10,000. A new financing program, offering low interest home loans, changed Rio Rancho from a retirement community to a community attracting young families. Today, Rio Rancho offers a cultural diversity within its population of 81,765. Government City of Rio Rancho Administrative Office - 891-5002 3900 Southern Blvd / PO Box 15550 Rio Rancho, NM 87174-5550 Rio Rancho has a Mayor/Council form of government with six elected councilors. There are 12 city departments under the supervision of the City Administrator. Climate Average Temp High Low Winter 49 23 Spring 70 40 Summer 91. 62 Fall 71 43 Elevation: 5,290 feet Average Annual Precipitation: 8.5 inches There are four distinct seasons, all characterized by sunny days an average of 360 days a year and low relative humidity. It snows several times every winter, but usually melts quickly (often the same day). Population Year   2004       2000     1995        1993      1984     1980     1970 Pop   60,000   50,041   48,000    38,505    20,000  10,000   1,000 Median age 34 Taxes Personal Income Tax Tax liability is established under a seven-bracket rate table: for married persons filing joint returns, rates progress from 1.7% of taxable income under $8,000 to 8.2% of taxable income in excess of $64,000. Property Tax Rates vary substantially & depend on property type & location. For residential property the tax rate ranges from $8 to $48 per $1,000 of net taxable value after excemptions are taken. This is based on about .8% of assessed value. These property tax rates are for the 1999 tax year. Gross Receipts Tax Rio Rancho 6.1875% Sandoval County 5.750% Forty percent of the state's revenues are from the gross receipts tax. The statewide gross receipts tax of 5% applies to basically all goods and services exchanged, with the exception of prescriptions. Local communities may levy additional increments. Cost of Living Average Home Cost. $120,100.00 Average Rental (2 bdrm per month). $700.00 Median Family Income $35,000.00 Per Capita Income $13,822.00 Real Estate Rio Rancho presents tremendous value in its housing opportunities, which includes a wide variety of home sizes, styles and price ranges. The average cost of a resale three-bedroom home in Rio Rancho is $205,100. Real estate taxes on a $100,000 home are approximately $980.00 a year. Figures as of 2/22/08. Major Employers Rio Rancho is home to many diverse employers, click here to see a list of major employers. Education Rio Rancho Public Schools - (505)-896-0667 500 Laser Road, Rio Rancho, NM 87124 www.rrps.k12.nm.us Total Enrollment. (2004-2005) 11,860 7 Elementary Schools.. grades K - 5 3 Middle Schools grades 6 - 7 1 Mid-School grades 8-9 1 High School .. grades 10- 12 1 Independent High School grades 9- 12 There are approximately 50 private and/or parochial schools in the greaterarea. National American University 891-1111 1601 Rio Rancho Blvd. #200 Rio Rancho, NM 87124 New Mexico Highlands University 891-2046 1700 Grande Ct SE Rio Rancho, NM 87124 University of New Mexico - Extended University 925-8670 2600 American Rd SE #250 Rio Rancho, NM 87124 Library Ester Bone Memorial Public Library 891-5013 950 Pinetree Road Rio Rancho, NM 87124 Post Office 994-2747 900 Pinetree Road Rio Rancho, NM 87124 Churches There are many religious services available in the Rio Rancho area. There are more places of worship in the Albuquerque Metro Area. Churches and Places of Worship in Rio Rancho Senior Services Meadowlark Senior Center 891-5018 4330 Meadowlark Lane Rio Rancho, NM 87124 Employment Services New Mexico Department of Labor - (505)-891-1911 2502 Southern Blvd., Rio Rancho, NM 87124 Travel Accommodations Bed & Breakfasts: Ann House - The Extended Stay Home -892-0535 P O Box 45805, Rio Rancho, NM 87174-5805 email: theannhouse@hotmail.com">theannhouse@hotmail.com www.ywhand.com/annhouse.htm Hacienda Manzanal B & B -922-1662 P O Box 2667, Corrales, NM 87048-2667 email: nmsgregory@spinn.net">nmsgregory@spinn.net www.haciendamanzanal.net Hotels & Motels: Best Western Rio Rancho Inn & Conference Center- 892-1700 1465 Rio Rancho Drive, Rio Rancho, NM 87124 1-800-528-1234 Days Inn - 892-8800 4200 Crestview Drive, Rio Rancho, NM 87124 1-800-329-7466 Extended Stay - 792-1338 2608 The American Rd, Rio Rancho, NM 87124 1-800-398-7829 Extended Stay Deluxe - 892-7900 2221 Rio Rancho Blvd., Rio Rancho, NM 87124 1-888-456-4283 Hilton Garden Inn - 896-1111 1771 Rio Rancho Blvd., Rio Rancho, NM 87124 1-800-HILTONS (445-8667) Ramada Limited - 892-5998 4081 High Resort Blvd. Rio Rancho NM 87124 1-800-272-6232 StageCoach Stop - RV Park - 867-1000 3650 State Highway 528, Rio Rancho, NM 87124 Super 8 - 896-8888 4100 Barbara Loop, Rio Rancho, NM 87124 1-800-800-8000 Health Services Hospital: West Mesa Medical Center - 727-2000 10501 Golf Course Road, Albuquerque, NM 87114 Health Care Facilities: Lovelace Primary Care Center - 896-8600 3801 Southern Blvd., Rio Rancho, NM 87124 Provides primary care, pharmacy, x-ray and laboratory. Presbyterian Medical Group- 462-8800 - Fax 462-8898 - www.phs.org 4100 High Resort Blvd, Rio Rancho, NM 87124 Cardiology TEL: 462-6000 FAX: 462-8101 HOURS: 8AM - 12:00 1:00PM - 4:30(M-F) Dermatology TEL: 462-6000 FAX: 462-8838 HOURS: M-F 8AM - 5PM Family Practice: TEL: 462-6000 HOURS: 8AM - 5PM (M-F) 12PM - 8PM (T-W) OB-Gyn TEL: 462-8870 FAX: 462-8868 HOURS: 8AM - 5PM PEDS TEL: 462-8855 FAX: 462-8526 Answering Service: 260-7041 HOURS: 8AM - 8PM (M - F) 8AM - 12PM (Sat) Urgent Care 462-8888 FAX: 462-8812/8898 HOURS: 8AM - 8PM (7days/week) St. Joseph's Urgent Care - 727-3500 1721 Rio Rancho Blvd., Rio Rancho, NM 87124 Provides family medicine physicians, nurse practitioners, pediatricians, S.E.D. medical laboratories, and community wellness programs Presbyterian Medical Group -462-6000 - Fax 462-6006 - www.phs.org 3715 Southern Blvd., Rio Rancho, NM 87124 (Answer Service 857-3857) HOURS: 8AM - 5PM (M-F) Optometry: TEL: 462-6000 HOURS: 8:30AM-5:30PM(M-F) Podiatry: TEL: 462-6000 HOURS: 8:30AM-5PM (T & Th) Retirement/Assisted Living/Nursing Homes Acantilado Vista Retirement Community - 896-3000 920 Riverview Dr., Rio Rancho, NM 87124 Offers seniors independence, community and convenience in their own private apartments. In house activities and restaurant style meals are provided. Assisted Living Services also available. Harmony House - 450-4304 4102 Malaga Ct, Rio Rancho, NM 87124 Abundant Living 804 Rincon de Romos, Rio Rancho, NM 87124 Licensed Residential Senior Care offering comprehensive assisted living services. Personalized attention and assistance in spacious and friendly, home style enviroment. Providing meals, medication assistance, hygiene and personal care, housekeeping, laundry, supervision, companionship and activities. All-inclusive programs of care. RN owned and operated. Also accepting D & E Waiver and PACE Medicaid programs. For information and tours please contact Margaret Surrock, RN 450-4304 or Fax 892-4342. Rio Rancho Nursing and Rehabilitation Center - 892-6603 4210 Sabana Grande Avenue, Rio Rancho, NM 87124 The 120 bed, Medicare-certified facility offers speech, respiratory, physical, and occupational therapy. It provides 24 hour nursing care, accommodates special diets and has an extensive activities program. Sandia Springs Assisted Living - 892-8400 1000 River View Dr., Rio Rancho, NM 87124 Offers 80 private apartments in its Assisted Living Service Plan and a Special Needs program for Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia, also has cottages for independent seniors on the premises. Economic/Business Development Rio Rancho Chamber of Commerce (505)-892-1533 4001 Southern Blvd SE, Rio Rancho, NM 87124-2069 Rio Rancho Economic Development Corporation (505)-891-4305 1700 Grande Ave. #222, Rio Rancho, NM 87124 Better Business Bureau (505)346-0110 2625 Pennsylvania NE Suite 2050 Albuquerque, NM 87110-3657 Rio Rancho has over 2,361 business licenses currently held. Licenses may be obtained through the City Clerk. The fee for a one-year license is $35.00 City Clerk - (505)-891-5004 3900 Southern Blvd./PO Box 15550, Rio Rancho, NM 87174-5550 Communications Newspapers The Observer (505) 892-8080 (Twice a week) 1594 Sara Road Ste D & E Rio Rancho, NM 87124 Albuquerque Journal (Daily) 7777 Jefferson NE Albuquerque, NM 87109 Rio Rancho Journal (Tuesday thru Saturday) 4001 Southern Blvd SE Rio Rancho, NM 87124 Media There are eleven Broadcast Television stations servicing the Rio Rancho area. Seven more movie channels and forty-three standard channels are available on cable. Twenty-nine FM radio stations and seventeen AM stations broadcast to the metro area. Cable TV Service Cable-One ? 892-5114 1117 Rio Rancho Blvd., Rio Rancho, NM 87124 Transportation Air Service Albuquerque International Airport: 19 miles south of Rio Rancho. Most major airlines fly in and out of the Albuquerque Airport. Double Eagle II ? 30 minutes from Rio Rancho. Owned and operated by the City of Albuquerque. Two hangers and two runways. Rail Freight service is provided by the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railways. Passenger service is provided for the Albuquerque area by AMTRAK. Bus Suntran Bus Lines service the Albuquerque area ONLY. Taxi Service A-1 Taxi Company (892-3444) serves the citizens of Rio Rancho. Interstates Interstate 25  is the major regional north-south artery. I-25 is easily accessible from Rio Rancho, via NM 528 (approximately 7 miles southeast of Rio Rancho), or NM 528 to NM 44, located in Bernalillo, which is about 10 miles northeast of Rio Rancho. Interstate 40 is the main east-west transportation corridor for the nation. I-40 is located 10 miles south of Rio Rancho via Coors Road (NM 448). Calendar of Events 2009 May--Spring Event June - Rio Rancho All-American Soap Box Derby A unique racing opportunity for kids to build and race their own cars with a chance to go to Akron, Ohio for the National Soap Box Derby finals. July - Fourth of July Celebration A full day of family entertainment, food, merchandise, music and the outstanding Fireworks display. July - Rio Rancho Chamber Annual Golf Tournament December - Winter Festival Floats, Mr. & Mrs. Claus & lots of fun with parade route down Southern from Country Club to Highway 528. Clubs and Associations The small town atmosphere of Rio Rancho is evident in its community spirit. Over 60 clubs and associations are actively involved in community, ethnic and cultural affairs.