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Is Las Vegas a Good Place to Live? Las Vegas, New Mexico: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Las Vegas ranks #1293 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #228 of 234 towns and #17 of 20 in New Mexico. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low living costs (85.9, #9 of 230) and low rents ($792/mo, #19 of 231), and trails on high poverty (32%, #233 of 234) and low household income ($45,125, #229 of 234).
Las Vegas by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Las Vegas'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 Vegas?
Las Vegas'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 $792/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $238,186, 25% below the typical New Mexico home ($318,241).
| Measure | Las Vegas | New MexicoNM | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 94.3 · US 100 | 85.9#43 of 1,308 | 92.2 | 94.3 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $325,401 · US $368,697 | $238,186#217 of 1,187 | $318,241 | $325,401 | $368,697 |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $280,200 | $155,300#93 of 1,309 | — | $280,200 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,138/mo | $792/mo#23 of 1,309 | — | $1,138/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7x | 3.4x#338 of 1,309 | — | 3.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.3% | 21.1%#573 of 1,309 | — | 19.3% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people 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 Vegas 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 Vegas is in the Las Vegas, NM metro.
New Mexico housing market →Is Las Vegas safe?
Las Vegas recorded 786 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2.4 times the US rate of 328 and 26% above New Mexico's 622. That ranks #1003 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #140 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Las Vegas Police Department. Property crime runs 1,691 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Las Vegas | New MexicoNM | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 220 · US 328 | 786#1003 of 1,085 | 622 | 220 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,379 · US 1,548 | 1,691#572 of 1,085 | 2,240 | 1,379 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people 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 Vegas?
The median household in Las Vegas earns $45,125, 46% below the US figure of $83,163 and 33% below New Mexico ($67,816). 32% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 1.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Las Vegas | New MexicoNM | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,239 · US $83,163 | $45,125#1284 of 1,312 | $67,816 | $73,239 | $83,163 |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.4% | 32%#1301 of 1,312 | — | 11.4% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size 0% · US +0.5% | -1.2%#1103 of 1,132 | -0.1% | 0% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people 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 Vegas?
The median resident of Las Vegas is 43.1 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 28.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #861 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 57% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Las Vegas | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 38.6 | 43.1 | 38.6 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 29.2% | 28.3%#861 of 1,312 | 29.2% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.1% | 57% | 65.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Las Vegas's schools and health?
Las Vegas's 11 public schools graduate 77% of students in four years (New Mexico 76.6%), with 14.6 students per teacher and $18,063 spent per pupil. 37.6% of adults are obese and 16.3% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 34.5% and 10.7%.
| Measure | Las Vegas | New MexicoNM | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 87% | 77%#944 of 1,063 | 76.6% | 87% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.1 | 14.6#390 of 1,188 | — | 14.1 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,825 | $18,063#338 of 1,188 | — | $14,825 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 34.5% | 37.6%#986 of 1,311 | — | 34.5% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.7% | 16.3%#1239 of 1,311 | — | 10.7% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.8% | 15.4%#313 of 1,311 | — | 16.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 8.6% | 20.4%#1225 of 1,311 | — | 8.6% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). New Mexico is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 2,519 students are enrolled in Las Vegas's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Las Vegas?
The average commute in Las Vegas is 16.8 minutes (New Mexico 24); 0.1% of workers take transit and 9.3% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Las Vegas scores 9.1 of 20 (below average walkable), #812 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 67.2°F and winters 33.8°F, with 15.7 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Las Vegas | New MexicoNM | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 20.4 min | 16.8 min#126 of 1,312 | 24 min | 20.4 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.8% | 9.1%#1001 of 1,312 | 7% | 4.8% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75% | 73.2% | 73.8% | 75% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.1% | 0.5% | 0.3% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2% | 2.8% | 2% | 2% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0% | 0.7% | 0.5% | 0% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 9.5% | 9.3% | 10.3% | 9.5% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 9.1#812 of 1,312 | — | 8.8 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people 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 | 46.7 | 19.5 | 0.4 |
| Feb | 49.4 | 21.5 | 0.3 |
| Mar | 56.3 | 26.5 | 0.6 |
| Apr | 63.1 | 32.4 | 0.7 |
| May | 72 | 41.1 | 1.3 |
| Jun | 82 | 49.7 | 1.6 |
| Jul | 83.5 | 54.1 | 3.2 |
| Aug | 81.3 | 52.8 | 3.1 |
| Sep | 76 | 46.4 | 2.2 |
| Oct | 65.9 | 36 | 1.4 |
| Nov | 55.1 | 26 | 0.5 |
| Dec | 46.4 | 19.6 | 0.4 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Las Vegas Muni Airport.
| Measure | Las Vegas | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 50.1°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 69.6°F | 67.2°F | 69.6°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 26.8°F | 33.8°F | 26.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.5 in | 15.7 in | 36.5 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Las Vegas Muni Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Las Vegas?
The EPA has no air-quality monitor in Las Vegas's county, so we have no air reading for it. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts San Miguel County's biggest natural hazard losses in wildfire, inland flooding, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.27% of building value, higher than 86% of US counties.
| Measure | Las Vegas | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.27%#1074 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for San Miguel County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, San Miguel County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Wildfire | 0.068% | 97% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.17% | 93% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0019% | 40% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0011% | 18% 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 Vegas compare with similar-size cities?
Las Vegas is one of 234 places under 25,000 people we track and ranks #228 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 13,000.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Las Vegas, NMPop. 13,000 | #1293 | 38.0 | $45,125 | $792/mo | 786 | 16.8 min |
| South Charleston, WVPop. 13,457 | #1255 | 42.1 | $63,884 | $844/mo | 446 | 19.3 min |
| Smyrna, DEPop. 13,165 | #1118 | 47.6 | $67,048 | $1,534/mo | 544 | 33.4 min |
| Claremont, NHPop. 13,078 | #561 | 57.2 | $59,096 | $1,146/mo | 183 | 24.3 min |
| Jerome, IDPop. 12,930 | #983 | 50.4 | $66,894 | $947/mo | 356 | 22 min |
| Spearfish, SDPop. 12,930 | #693 | 55.1 | $65,688 | $963/mo | 232 | 16.3 min |
| Valley Falls, RIPop. 12,657 | #515 | 57.9 | $92,901 | $1,362/mo | no data | 23.3 min |
| Beatrice, NEPop. 12,225 | #916 | 51.5 | $57,264 | $758/mo | 73 | 15.6 min |
| College, AKPop. 11,924 | #823 | 52.9 | $83,895 | $1,454/mo | no data | 16 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 Vegas compare with the rest of New Mexico?
Las Vegas ranks #17 of the 20 New Mexico cities we track, with a score of 38 against New Mexico's statewide 30.6. Its households earn 33% below the New Mexico median. Violent crime is 26% above the statewide rate. Homes are 25% 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 Vegas's score calculated?
Las Vegas scores 38 out of 100, #1293 of 1,312 (grade F, 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, some inputs missing · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Las Vegas. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 41.9.
8.8 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Las Vegas's police agency. Similar-size median 81.4.
44.9 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Las Vegas. Similar-size median 56.5.
43.1 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Las Vegas's public schools. Similar-size median 62.6.
56.0 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Las Vegas's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 74.8.
89.8 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Las Vegas. Similar-size median 50.8.
4.4 - GrowthCity data, some inputs missing · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Las Vegas. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 35.2.
11.4 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Las Vegas. Similar-size median 48.3.
49.3 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Las Vegas's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
42.6 - EnvironmentCity data, some inputs missing · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 59.2.
14.2 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
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Bar: Las Vegas's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 234 places under 25,000 people we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Las Vegas 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 Vegas
Is Las Vegas, NM a good place to live?
Las Vegas ranks #1293 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #228 of 234 towns and #17 of 20 in New Mexico. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low living costs (85.9, #9 of 230) and low rents ($792/mo, #19 of 231), and trails on high poverty (32%, #233 of 234) and low household income ($45,125, #229 of 234).
What is the cost of living in Las Vegas?
Las Vegas'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 $792/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $238,186, 25% below the typical New Mexico home ($318,241).
What is the crime rate in Las Vegas?
Las Vegas recorded 786 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2.4 times the US rate of 328 and 26% above New Mexico's 622. That ranks #1003 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #140 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Las Vegas Police Department. Property crime runs 1,691 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Las Vegas?
The median household in Las Vegas earns $45,125, 46% below the US figure of $83,163 and 33% below New Mexico ($67,816). 32% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 1.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Las Vegas?
Median rent in Las Vegas is $792/mo (Census), #23 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent takes 21.1% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Las Vegas?
The typical home value in Las Vegas is $238,186, up 9.9% in a year, against $318,241 for New Mexico and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $155,300.
How are the public schools in Las Vegas?
Las Vegas's 11 public schools graduate 77% of students in four years (New Mexico 76.6%), with 14.6 students per teacher and $18,063 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Las Vegas?
The average commute is 16.8 minutes, #126 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 24 minutes across New Mexico. 9.1% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Las Vegas?
Las Vegas averages 50.1°F over the year, 67.2°F in summer and 33.8°F in winter, with 15.7 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Las Vegas walkable?
Las Vegas scores 9.1 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #812 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 Vegas at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts San Miguel County's biggest natural hazard losses in wildfire, inland flooding, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.27% of building value, higher than 86% of US counties.
Who lives in Las Vegas?
Las Vegas has 13,000 residents. The median resident of Las Vegas is 43.1 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 28.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #861 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 57% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Las Vegas compare with the rest of New Mexico?
Las Vegas ranks #17 of the 20 New Mexico cities we track, with a score of 38 against New Mexico's statewide 30.6. Its households earn 33% below the New Mexico median. Violent crime is 26% above the statewide rate. Homes are 25% below the typical New Mexico home.
What cities are similar in size to Las Vegas?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Las Vegas's population of 13,000 are South Charleston, WV (#1255 overall), Smyrna, DE (#1118 overall), Claremont, NH (#561 overall), Jerome, ID (#983 overall), and Spearfish, SD (#693 overall). Las Vegas is #1293.