Mountainair was incorporated in 1903. The city is known as the "The Gateway to Ancient Cities" because it has three sites that belong to the Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument within as easy drive in three different directions. The National Parks visitor center for the Salinas Pueblo Missions is located in Mountainair. The town hosts the annual Sunflower Festival in late August.

Mountainair is located at the intersection of US Highway 60 and NM Highway 55, 43 miles southeast of Belen. The elevation of the town is 6,495 feet above sea level, and it sits adjacent to the Manzano Mountains.

The total enrollment of Mountainair Public Schools averages 195 K-12 students.