New MexicoPop. 114,197Mid-size cities
Is Las Cruces a Good Place to Live? Las Cruces, New Mexico: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Las Cruces ranks #1047 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #199 of 256 mid-size cities and #8 of 20 in New Mexico. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low rents ($974/mo, #8 of 256) and low living costs (90.2, #21 of 256), and trails on low household income ($55,422, #232 of 256) and high poverty (22.6%, #229 of 256).
Las Cruces by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Las Cruces'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 Las Cruces?
Las Cruces's cost of living index is 90.2, 10% below the US level of 100 and #211 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $974/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $290,170, 9% below the typical New Mexico home ($318,241).
| Measure | Las Cruces | New MexicoNM | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 90.2#211 of 1,308 | 92.2 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $290,170#351 of 1,187 | $318,241 | $439,863 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,871/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,446/mo#295 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $231,700#334 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $974/mo#181 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 4.2x#631 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 21.1%#573 of 1,309 | — | 23.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 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.
Las Cruces 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. Las Cruces is in the Las Cruces, NM metro.
New Mexico housing market →Is Las Cruces safe?
Las Cruces recorded 496 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 51% above the US rate of 328 and 20% below New Mexico's 622. That ranks #839 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #165 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Las Cruces Police Department. Property crime runs 3,663 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Las Cruces | New MexicoNM | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 328 | 496#839 of 1,085 | 622 | 352 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 1,548 | 3,663#1027 of 1,085 | 2,240 | 1,730 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 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 Las Cruces?
The median household in Las Cruces earns $55,422, 33% below the US figure of $83,163 and 18% below New Mexico ($67,816). Unemployment is 4.2% (US 4.3%). 22.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.6% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Las Cruces | New MexicoNM | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $83,163 | $55,422#1148 of 1,312 | $67,816 | $80,112 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 4.2%#576 of 1,058 | 4.2% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 22.6%#1181 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.5% | +0.6%#343 of 1,132 | -0.1% | +0.3% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). New Mexico is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Las Cruces?
The median resident of Las Cruces is 33 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 36.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #556 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 55.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Las Cruces | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 33 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 36.7%#556 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 55.9% | 56.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Las Cruces's schools and health?
Las Cruces's 39 public schools graduate 82.1% of students in four years (New Mexico 76.6%), with 15.1 students per teacher and $14,673 spent per pupil. 35.4% of adults are obese and 13% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Las Cruces | New MexicoNM | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 82.1%#807 of 1,063 | 76.6% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 15.1#478 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $14,673#625 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 35.4%#807 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 13%#950 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 15.8%#378 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 17.7%#1171 of 1,311 | — | 11.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). New Mexico is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 22,386 students are enrolled in Las Cruces's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Las Cruces?
The average commute in Las Cruces is 18.9 minutes (New Mexico 24); 0.9% of workers take transit and 10.7% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Las Cruces scores 8.7 of 20 (below average walkable), #895 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 81°F and winters 45.6°F, with 9.1 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Las Cruces | New MexicoNM | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 18.9 min#251 of 1,312 | 24 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 4.6%#506 of 1,312 | 7% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 73.3% | 73.8% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.9% | 0.5% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 1.3% | 2% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 1.2% | 0.5% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 10.7% | 10.3% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 8.7#895 of 1,312 | — | 11.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 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 | 58.9 | 29.6 | 0.5 |
| Feb | 64.1 | 33.5 | 0.4 |
| Mar | 71.3 | 39.2 | 0.3 |
| Apr | 78.5 | 45.7 | 0.2 |
| May | 87.1 | 54.2 | 0.4 |
| Jun | 96.2 | 63.7 | 0.7 |
| Jul | 95.6 | 69.1 | 1.8 |
| Aug | 93.6 | 67.7 | 1.7 |
| Sep | 88.4 | 61.1 | 1.4 |
| Oct | 79.6 | 48.3 | 0.8 |
| Nov | 67.9 | 36.6 | 0.4 |
| Dec | 58.1 | 29.7 | 0.6 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at State Univ.
| Measure | Las Cruces | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 63.2°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 81°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 45.6°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 9.1 in | 36.8 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at State Univ.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Las Cruces?
Doña Ana County's air had a median air quality index of 61, and 27% of measured days were rated good; 48 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Doña Ana County's biggest natural hazard losses in inland flooding, earthquake, and hail, with expected yearly losses of 0.15% of building value, higher than 52% of US counties.
| Measure | Las Cruces | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 61#1011 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 48#1060 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.15%#695 of 1,312 | 0.16% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Doña Ana County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Doña Ana County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | 0.13% | 86% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0041% | 61% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0024% | 54% 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 Las Cruces compare with similar-size cities?
Las Cruces is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #199 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 114,197.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Las Cruces, NMPop. 114,197 | #1047 | 49.0 | $55,422 | $974/mo | 496 | 18.9 min |
| Westminster, COPop. 115,484 | #474 | 58.5 | $100,272 | $1,882/mo | 288 | 27 min |
| Elgin, ILPop. 114,934 | #432 | 59.4 | $90,282 | $1,361/mo | 218 | 28.2 min |
| Waterbury, CTPop. 114,869 | #1059 | 48.7 | $51,886 | $1,225/mo | 295 | 28 min |
| Provo, UTPop. 114,766 | #625 | 56.3 | $64,171 | $1,193/mo | 177 | 18.4 min |
| Carlsbad, CAPop. 114,373 | #336 | 61.2 | $142,748 | $2,808/mo | 212 | 27.1 min |
| Pompano Beach, FLPop. 114,147 | #1030 | 49.5 | $67,195 | $1,724/mo | part year | 27.1 min |
| Beaumont, TXPop. 113,279 | #1291 | 38.0 | $56,997 | $1,121/mo | 948 | 20.3 min |
| Lansing, MIPop. 113,023 | #1201 | 45.0 | $54,382 | $993/mo | 1,337 | 18.9 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 Las Cruces compare with the rest of New Mexico?
Las Cruces ranks #8 of the 20 New Mexico cities we track, with a score of 49 against New Mexico's statewide 30.6. Its households earn 18% below the New Mexico median. Violent crime is 20% below the statewide rate. Homes are 9% 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 Las Cruces's score calculated?
Las Cruces scores 49 out of 100, #1047 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 Las Cruces. Similar-size median 52.9.
43.0 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Las Cruces's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
48.8 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Las Cruces. Similar-size median 53.8.
51.9 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Las Cruces's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
54.2 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Las Cruces's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
81.9 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Las Cruces. Similar-size median 51.2.
22.6 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Las Cruces. Similar-size median 42.1.
46.5 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Las Cruces. Similar-size median 50.1.
51.3 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Las Cruces's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
40.5 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
32.9 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Las Cruces's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Las Cruces 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 Las Cruces
Is Las Cruces, NM a good place to live?
Las Cruces ranks #1047 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #199 of 256 mid-size cities and #8 of 20 in New Mexico. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low rents ($974/mo, #8 of 256) and low living costs (90.2, #21 of 256), and trails on low household income ($55,422, #232 of 256) and high poverty (22.6%, #229 of 256).
What is the cost of living in Las Cruces?
Las Cruces's cost of living index is 90.2, 10% below the US level of 100 and #211 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $974/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $290,170, 9% below the typical New Mexico home ($318,241).
What is the crime rate in Las Cruces?
Las Cruces recorded 496 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 51% above the US rate of 328 and 20% below New Mexico's 622. That ranks #839 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #165 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Las Cruces Police Department. Property crime runs 3,663 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Las Cruces?
The median household in Las Cruces earns $55,422, 33% below the US figure of $83,163 and 18% below New Mexico ($67,816). Unemployment is 4.2% (US 4.3%). 22.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.6% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Las Cruces?
Median rent in Las Cruces is $974/mo (Census), #181 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,446/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 21.1% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Las Cruces?
The typical home value in Las Cruces is $290,170, down 0.7% in a year, against $318,241 for New Mexico and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $231,700.
How are the public schools in Las Cruces?
Las Cruces's 39 public schools graduate 82.1% of students in four years (New Mexico 76.6%), with 15.1 students per teacher and $14,673 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Las Cruces?
The average commute is 18.9 minutes, #251 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 24 minutes across New Mexico. 4.6% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Las Cruces?
Las Cruces averages 63.2°F over the year, 81°F in summer and 45.6°F in winter, with 9.1 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Las Cruces walkable?
Las Cruces scores 8.7 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #895 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 Las Cruces at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Doña Ana County's biggest natural hazard losses in inland flooding, earthquake, and hail, with expected yearly losses of 0.15% of building value, higher than 52% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Las Cruces?
Doña Ana County's air had a median air quality index of 61, and 27% of measured days were rated good; 48 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Las Cruces?
Las Cruces has 114,197 residents. The median resident of Las Cruces is 33 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 36.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #556 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 55.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Las Cruces compare with the rest of New Mexico?
Las Cruces ranks #8 of the 20 New Mexico cities we track, with a score of 49 against New Mexico's statewide 30.6. Its households earn 18% below the New Mexico median. Violent crime is 20% below the statewide rate. Homes are 9% below the typical New Mexico home.
What cities are similar in size to Las Cruces?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Las Cruces's population of 114,197 are Westminster, CO (#474 overall), Elgin, IL (#432 overall), Waterbury, CT (#1059 overall), Provo, UT (#625 overall), and Carlsbad, CA (#336 overall). Las Cruces is #1047.