New MexicoPop. 31,746Small cities
Is Carlsbad a Good Place to Live? Carlsbad, New Mexico: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Carlsbad ranks #1004 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #154 of 208 small cities and #4 of 20 in New Mexico. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low living costs (85.9, #28 of 208) and fast population growth (+1.2%, #37 of 182), and trails on low graduation rates (71%, #187 of 191) and high violent crime (576 per 100,000, #149 of 174).
Carlsbad by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Carlsbad's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Carlsbad?
Carlsbad's cost of living index is 85.9, 14% below the US level of 100 and #43 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,236/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $256,596, 19% below the typical New Mexico home ($318,241).
| Measure | Carlsbad | New MexicoNM | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 92.6 · US 100 | 85.9#43 of 1,308 | 92.2 | 92.6 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $305,499 · US $368,697 | $256,596#267 of 1,187 | $318,241 | $305,499 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,536/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,658/mo#467 of 1,115 | — | $1,536/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $261,400 | $200,000#229 of 1,309 | — | $261,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,178/mo | $1,236/mo#473 of 1,309 | — | $1,178/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.5x | 2.8x#109 of 1,309 | — | 3.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.9% | 20.5%#514 of 1,309 | — | 19.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). New Mexico is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Carlsbad housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Carlsbad is in the Carlsbad-Artesia, NM metro.
New Mexico housing market →Is Carlsbad safe?
Carlsbad recorded 576 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 76% above the US rate of 328 and 7% below New Mexico's 622. That ranks #898 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #149 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Carlsbad Police Department. Property crime runs 2,721 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Carlsbad | New MexicoNM | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 258 · US 328 | 576#898 of 1,085 | 622 | 258 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,540 · US 1,548 | 2,721#904 of 1,085 | 2,240 | 1,540 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). New Mexico is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Carlsbad?
The median household in Carlsbad earns $72,306, 13% below the US figure of $83,163 and 7% above New Mexico ($67,816). Unemployment is 3.2% (US 4.3%). 13.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Carlsbad | New MexicoNM | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $71,675 · US $83,163 | $72,306#775 of 1,312 | $67,816 | $71,675 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7% · US 4.3% | 3.2%#155 of 1,058 | 4.2% | 3.7% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 13.8%#789 of 1,312 | — | 13% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +1.2%#198 of 1,132 | -0.1% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). New Mexico is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Carlsbad?
The median resident of Carlsbad is 36.7 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 19.2% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1188 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 70.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Carlsbad | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.3 | 36.7 | 37.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 32.5% | 19.2%#1188 of 1,312 | 32.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 62.3% | 70.2% | 62.3% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Carlsbad's schools and health?
Carlsbad's 11 public schools graduate 71% of students in four years (New Mexico 76.6%), with 17.6 students per teacher and $13,304 spent per pupil. 39.5% of adults are obese and 11.4% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 35.6% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Carlsbad | New MexicoNM | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 71%#1031 of 1,063 | 76.6% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.9 | 17.6#798 of 1,188 | — | 14.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $13,509 | $13,304#795 of 1,188 | — | $13,509 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 35.6% | 39.5%#1083 of 1,311 | — | 35.6% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 11.4%#688 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.3% | 17.2%#675 of 1,311 | — | 17.3% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 9.2% | 17.4%#1159 of 1,311 | — | 9.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). New Mexico is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 6,839 students are enrolled in Carlsbad's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Carlsbad?
The average commute in Carlsbad is 22.3 minutes (New Mexico 24); 0.3% of workers take transit and 5.7% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Carlsbad scores 8.9 of 20 (below average walkable), #851 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 81.4°F and winters 45.3°F, with 12 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Carlsbad | New MexicoNM | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 21.5 min | 22.3 min#528 of 1,312 | 24 min | 21.5 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 8.4%#949 of 1,312 | 7% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75.7% | 79.5% | 73.8% | 75.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 0.3% | 0.5% | 0.5% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 1.3% | 2% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.4% | 0.5% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 10% | 5.7% | 10.3% | 10% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 8.9#851 of 1,312 | — | 8.8 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). New Mexico is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 58.3 | 29.5 | 0.4 |
| Feb | 63.2 | 33.7 | 0.4 |
| Mar | 71.2 | 40.1 | 0.5 |
| Apr | 79.7 | 47.6 | 0.5 |
| May | 87.9 | 57.2 | 1.2 |
| Jun | 96.2 | 65.9 | 1.2 |
| Jul | 95.4 | 69.3 | 1.8 |
| Aug | 94 | 68 | 1.7 |
| Sep | 86.8 | 61 | 2.6 |
| Oct | 77.6 | 48.9 | 0.9 |
| Nov | 66.2 | 36.6 | 0.5 |
| Dec | 57.3 | 29.6 | 0.5 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Cavern City Airport.
| Measure | Carlsbad | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 56.3°F | 63.4°F | 56.3°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.3°F | 81.4°F | 76.3°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.7°F | 45.3°F | 36.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.2 in | 12 in | 43.2 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Cavern City Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Carlsbad?
Eddy County's air had a median air quality index of 49, and 54% of measured days were rated good; 25 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Eddy County's biggest natural hazard losses in inland flooding, ice storm, and wildfire, with expected yearly losses of 0.31% of building value, higher than 88% of US counties.
| Measure | Carlsbad | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 41 | 49#814 of 1,138 | 41 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 1 | 25#988 of 1,138 | 1 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.31%#1105 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Eddy County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Eddy County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | 0.25% | 98% of counties |
| Ice storm | 0.0035% | 83% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.0067% | 81% of counties |
| Winter weather | 0.001% | 79% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0033% | 61% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.001% | 32% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0024% | 25% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Carlsbad compare with similar-size cities?
Carlsbad is one of 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track and ranks #154 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 31,746.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carlsbad, NMPop. 31,746 | #1004 | 50.0 | $72,306 | $1,236/mo | 576 | 22.3 min |
| Laramie, WYPop. 32,234 | #341 | 61.1 | $55,613 | $925/mo | 93 | 14 min |
| Nicholasville, KYPop. 32,197 | #503 | 58.0 | $68,503 | $1,147/mo | 197 | 24 min |
| Bangor, MEPop. 31,938 | #698 | 55.0 | $59,942 | $1,055/mo | 242 | 16.6 min |
| Naugatuck, CTPop. 31,800 | #223 | 63.9 | $96,324 | $1,369/mo | 56 | 33.3 min |
| Juneau, AKPop. 31,794 | #237 | 63.5 | $101,661 | $1,444/mo | 487 | 15.1 min |
| Bella Vista, ARPop. 31,697 | #156 | 66.0 | $88,055 | $1,395/mo | 167 | 27.9 min |
| Shawnee, OKPop. 31,671 | #1044 | 49.1 | $55,815 | $936/mo | 483 | 20.2 min |
| Summerlin South, NVPop. 31,354 | #332 | 61.3 | $117,035 | $2,509/mo | no data | 23.4 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Carlsbad compare with the rest of New Mexico?
Carlsbad ranks #4 of the 20 New Mexico cities we track, with a score of 50 against New Mexico's statewide 30.6. Its households earn 7% above the New Mexico median. Violent crime is 7% below the statewide rate. Homes are 19% below the typical New Mexico home.
| City | Rank in NM | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Alamos, NMPop. 13,317 | #1 | 75.8 | $141,018 | $1,359/mo | part year |
| Rio Rancho, NMPop. 108,515 | #2 | 59.6 | $89,596 | $1,514/mo | 322 |
| Santa Fe, NMPop. 89,019 | #3 | 57.0 | $73,482 | $1,463/mo | 518 |
| Carlsbad, NMPop. 31,746 | #4 | 50.0 | $72,306 | $1,236/mo | 576 |
| Clovis, NMPop. 37,942 | #5 | 49.6 | $54,820 | $988/mo | 378 |
| Alamogordo, NMPop. 31,307 | #6 | 49.6 | $55,952 | $902/mo | 433 |
| Los Lunas, NMPop. 18,618 | #7 | 49.2 | $62,330 | $1,110/mo | 491 |
| Las Cruces, NMPop. 114,197 | #8 | 49.0 | $55,422 | $974/mo | 496 |
| Albuquerque, NMPop. 562,218 | #9 | 48.8 | $68,317 | $1,145/mo | 1,024 |
| Sunland Park, NMPop. 17,463 | #10 | 48.8 | $62,814 | $920/mo | 280 |
| Artesia, NMPop. 12,576 | #11 | 48.5 | $74,915 | $1,288/mo | 393 |
| Hobbs, NMPop. 40,252 | #12 | 48.4 | $64,021 | $1,112/mo | 709 |
| Farmington, NMPop. 46,314 | #13 | 47.9 | $68,784 | $1,037/mo | 1,045 |
| Roswell, NMPop. 47,638 | #14 | 44.6 | $51,583 | $876/mo | 662 |
| South Valley, NMPop. 37,120 | #15 | 43.7 | $58,224 | $954/mo | no data |
| Portales, NMPop. 11,968 | #16 | 42.5 | $50,555 | $903/mo | 419 |
| Las Vegas, NMPop. 13,000 | #17 | 38.0 | $45,125 | $792/mo | 786 |
| Deming, NMPop. 15,221 | #18 | 36.7 | $34,165 | $586/mo | part year |
| Gallup, NMPop. 21,023 | #19 | 36.6 | $58,303 | $927/mo | 1,291 |
| Chaparral, NMPop. 18,186 | #20 | 36.3 | $46,017 | $853/mo | no data |
All 20 New Mexico cities we track, by overall score. New Mexico statewide: median income $67,816, violent crime 621.6 per 100,000.
How is Carlsbad's score calculated?
Carlsbad scores 50 out of 100, #1004 of 1,312 (grade C, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with New Mexico's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Carlsbad. Similar-size median 52.9.
56.2 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Carlsbad's police agency. Similar-size median 78.4.
50.6 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Carlsbad. Similar-size median 52.2.
46.8 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Carlsbad's public schools. Similar-size median 59.4.
35.4 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Carlsbad's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 76.3.
82.6 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Carlsbad. Similar-size median 46.7.
46.2 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Carlsbad. Similar-size median 44.2.
56.0 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Carlsbad. Similar-size median 47.3.
39.2 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Carlsbad's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
41.6 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 54.8.
26.8 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Carlsbad's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Carlsbad has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Carlsbad
Is Carlsbad, NM a good place to live?
Carlsbad ranks #1004 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #154 of 208 small cities and #4 of 20 in New Mexico. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low living costs (85.9, #28 of 208) and fast population growth (+1.2%, #37 of 182), and trails on low graduation rates (71%, #187 of 191) and high violent crime (576 per 100,000, #149 of 174).
What is the cost of living in Carlsbad?
Carlsbad's cost of living index is 85.9, 14% below the US level of 100 and #43 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,236/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $256,596, 19% below the typical New Mexico home ($318,241).
What is the crime rate in Carlsbad?
Carlsbad recorded 576 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 76% above the US rate of 328 and 7% below New Mexico's 622. That ranks #898 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #149 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Carlsbad Police Department. Property crime runs 2,721 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Carlsbad?
The median household in Carlsbad earns $72,306, 13% below the US figure of $83,163 and 7% above New Mexico ($67,816). Unemployment is 3.2% (US 4.3%). 13.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Carlsbad?
Median rent in Carlsbad is $1,236/mo (Census), #473 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,658/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 20.5% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Carlsbad?
The typical home value in Carlsbad is $256,596, up 2.2% in a year, against $318,241 for New Mexico and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $200,000.
How are the public schools in Carlsbad?
Carlsbad's 11 public schools graduate 71% of students in four years (New Mexico 76.6%), with 17.6 students per teacher and $13,304 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Carlsbad?
The average commute is 22.3 minutes, #528 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 24 minutes across New Mexico. 8.4% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Carlsbad?
Carlsbad averages 63.4°F over the year, 81.4°F in summer and 45.3°F in winter, with 12 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Carlsbad walkable?
Carlsbad scores 8.9 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #851 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Carlsbad at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Eddy County's biggest natural hazard losses in inland flooding, ice storm, and wildfire, with expected yearly losses of 0.31% of building value, higher than 88% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Carlsbad?
Eddy County's air had a median air quality index of 49, and 54% of measured days were rated good; 25 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Carlsbad?
Carlsbad has 31,746 residents. The median resident of Carlsbad is 36.7 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 19.2% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1188 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 70.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Carlsbad compare with the rest of New Mexico?
Carlsbad ranks #4 of the 20 New Mexico cities we track, with a score of 50 against New Mexico's statewide 30.6. Its households earn 7% above the New Mexico median. Violent crime is 7% below the statewide rate. Homes are 19% below the typical New Mexico home.
What cities are similar in size to Carlsbad?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Carlsbad's population of 31,746 are Laramie, WY (#341 overall), Nicholasville, KY (#503 overall), Bangor, ME (#698 overall), Naugatuck, CT (#223 overall), and Juneau, AK (#237 overall). Carlsbad is #1004.