The Tompiro language was likely related to Piro,[5] as well as to Tiwa, which is still spoken at present-day Pueblos of Isleta and Sandia west of Abó.

The region where they lived is more than 6,000 feet (1,800 meters) in elevation, near the upper climatic limit for corn cultivation.

Tompiro settlements were made viable by their proximity to salt deposits in the Salinas and to the bison herds of the Great Plains.

The Tompiros were important traders and middlemen between the Plains Indians and the Pueblos of the Rio Grande Valley for salt and bison skins and meat.

They s also hunted small and large game in the region, especially deer, pronghorn, and rabbits and gathered wild foods, including pinyon (piñón) pine nuts.