New MexicoPop. 13,317Towns
Is Los Alamos a Good Place to Live? Los Alamos, New Mexico: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Los Alamos ranks #8 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #4 of 234 towns and #1 of 20 in New Mexico. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high household income ($141,018, #5 of 234) and low living costs (85.9, #9 of 230), and trails on expensive homes ($501,800, #206 of 231).
Los Alamos by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Los Alamos's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
No crime figure is shown for Los Alamos: its police agency reported only part of the year. See Is Los Alamos safe?
What is the cost of living in Los Alamos?
Los Alamos'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 $1,359/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $581,096, 83% above the typical New Mexico home ($318,241).
| Measure | Los Alamos | 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 | $581,096#923 of 1,187 | $318,241 | $325,401 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,583/mo · US $1,948/mo | $2,541/mo#923 of 1,115 | — | $1,583/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $280,200 | $501,800#988 of 1,309 | — | $280,200 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,138/mo | $1,359/mo#595 of 1,309 | — | $1,138/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7x | 3.6x#435 of 1,309 | — | 3.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.3% | 11.6%#6 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.
Los Alamos 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. Los Alamos is in the Los Alamos, NM metro.
New Mexico housing market →Is Los Alamos safe?
The FBI figures we hold for Los Alamos are far below New Mexico's rates for a city of 13,317, which usually means the police agency reported only part of the year, so we don't publish them or rank Los Alamos on safety. New Mexico as a whole records 622 violent crimes per 100,000 residents against 328 nationally.
What do people earn in Los Alamos?
The median household in Los Alamos earns $141,018, 70% above the US figure of $83,163 and 2.1 times New Mexico ($67,816). 4.1% of residents live below the poverty line.
| Measure | Los Alamos | New MexicoNM | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,239 · US $83,163 | $141,018#63 of 1,312 | $67,816 | $73,239 | $83,163 |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.4% | 4.1%#54 of 1,312 | — | 11.4% | — |
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 Los Alamos?
The median resident of Los Alamos is 38.8 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 69.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #49 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 66.5% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Los Alamos | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 38.6 | 38.8 | 38.6 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 29.2% | 69.8%#49 of 1,312 | 29.2% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.1% | 66.5% | 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 Los Alamos's schools and health?
Los Alamos's 6 public schools graduate 93% of students in four years (New Mexico 76.6%), with 13.1 students per teacher and $14,624 spent per pupil. 25.5% of adults are obese and 8% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 34.5% and 10.7%.
| Measure | Los Alamos | New MexicoNM | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 87% | 93%#172 of 1,063 | 76.6% | 87% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.1 | 13.1#178 of 1,188 | — | 14.1 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,825 | $14,624#632 of 1,188 | — | $14,825 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 34.5% | 25.5%#159 of 1,311 | — | 34.5% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.7% | 8%#105 of 1,311 | — | 10.7% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.8% | 12.6%#40 of 1,311 | — | 16.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 8.6% | 5.7%#126 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. 3,069 students are enrolled in Los Alamos's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Los Alamos?
The average commute in Los Alamos is 12.4 minutes (New Mexico 24); 1.4% of workers take transit and 16.8% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Los Alamos scores 7.4 of 20 (below average walkable), #1184 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 68°F and winters 31.7°F, with 17.5 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Los Alamos | New MexicoNM | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 20.4 min | 12.4 min#20 of 1,312 | 24 min | 20.4 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.8% | 0.5%#9 of 1,312 | 7% | 4.8% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75% | 70.5% | 73.8% | 75% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 1.4% | 0.5% | 0.3% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2% | 3.2% | 2% | 2% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0% | 1.2% | 0.5% | 0% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 9.5% | 16.8% | 10.3% | 9.5% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 7.4#1184 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 | 40.3 | 20.5 | 0.9 |
| Feb | 44.5 | 23.6 | 0.7 |
| Mar | 53.4 | 29.6 | 1 |
| Apr | 61 | 35.4 | 0.9 |
| May | 70.2 | 44.2 | 1.2 |
| Jun | 80.9 | 53.5 | 1.2 |
| Jul | 82.5 | 56.7 | 2.9 |
| Aug | 79.5 | 55.1 | 3.2 |
| Sep | 74 | 49.1 | 2 |
| Oct | 62.7 | 38.4 | 1.6 |
| Nov | 50.1 | 28.2 | 1 |
| Dec | 40.3 | 20.6 | 0.9 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Los Alamos.
| Measure | Los Alamos | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 49.8°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 69.6°F | 68°F | 69.6°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 26.8°F | 31.7°F | 26.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.5 in | 17.5 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 Los Alamos.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Los Alamos?
Los Alamos County's air had a median air quality index of 13, and 100% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Los Alamos County's biggest natural hazard losses in wildfire, earthquake, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.1% of building value, lower than 86% of US counties.
| Measure | Los Alamos | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 38 | 13#19 of 1,138 | 38 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 1 | 0#1 of 1,138 | 1 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.1%#224 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 Los Alamos County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Los Alamos County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Wildfire | 0.023% | 91% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0083% | 76% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.058% | 19% 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 Los Alamos compare with similar-size cities?
Los Alamos is one of 234 places under 25,000 people we track and ranks #4 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 13,317.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Alamos, NMPop. 13,317 | #8 | 75.8 | $141,018 | $1,359/mo | part year | 12.4 min |
| Ewa Beach, HIPop. 14,376 | #308 | 62.0 | $124,323 | $2,522/mo | no data | 38 min |
| South Sioux City, NEPop. 13,907 | #750 | 54.2 | $68,223 | $1,127/mo | 166 | 12.2 min |
| South Charleston, WVPop. 13,457 | #1255 | 42.1 | $63,884 | $844/mo | 446 | 19.3 min |
| Hockessin, DEPop. 13,439 | #30 | 72.1 | $171,204 | $3,501/mo | no data | 23.2 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 |
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 Los Alamos compare with the rest of New Mexico?
Los Alamos ranks #1 of the 20 New Mexico cities we track, with a score of 75.8 against New Mexico's statewide 30.6. Its households earn 2.1 times the New Mexico median. Homes are 83% above 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 Los Alamos's score calculated?
Los Alamos scores 75.8 out of 100, #8 of 1,312 (grade A+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 8 of 11 categories with local data; safety, growth, and outdoor access are 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 · 20% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Los Alamos. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 41.9.
92.2 - HealthCity data · 16% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Los Alamos. Similar-size median 56.5.
81.5 - EducationCity data · 16% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Los Alamos's public schools. Similar-size median 62.6.
69.3 - AffordabilityCity data · 13% of score
Los Alamos's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 74.8.
68.2 - Household financesCity data · 11% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Los Alamos. Similar-size median 50.8.
94.1 - TransportationCity data · 9% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Los Alamos. Similar-size median 48.3.
64.2 - WalkabilityCity data · 9% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Los Alamos's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
33.7 - EnvironmentCounty data · 5% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 59.2.
92.9 - SafetyNot scored
Los Alamos's police agency has no full year of FBI reports to score.
— - GrowthNot scored
The Census does not estimate yearly population for Los Alamos.
— - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Los Alamos'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 Los Alamos 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 Los Alamos
Is Los Alamos, NM a good place to live?
Los Alamos ranks #8 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #4 of 234 towns and #1 of 20 in New Mexico. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high household income ($141,018, #5 of 234) and low living costs (85.9, #9 of 230), and trails on expensive homes ($501,800, #206 of 231).
What is the cost of living in Los Alamos?
Los Alamos'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 $1,359/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $581,096, 83% above the typical New Mexico home ($318,241).
Is Los Alamos safe?
The FBI figures we hold for Los Alamos are far below New Mexico's rates for a city of 13,317, which usually means the police agency reported only part of the year, so we don't publish them or rank Los Alamos on safety. New Mexico as a whole records 622 violent crimes per 100,000 residents against 328 nationally.
What is the median household income in Los Alamos?
The median household in Los Alamos earns $141,018, 70% above the US figure of $83,163 and 2.1 times New Mexico ($67,816). 4.1% of residents live below the poverty line.
How much is rent in Los Alamos?
Median rent in Los Alamos is $1,359/mo (Census), #595 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,541/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 11.6% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Los Alamos?
The typical home value in Los Alamos is $581,096, down 0.9% in a year, against $318,241 for New Mexico and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $501,800.
How are the public schools in Los Alamos?
Los Alamos's 6 public schools graduate 93% of students in four years (New Mexico 76.6%), with 13.1 students per teacher and $14,624 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Los Alamos?
The average commute is 12.4 minutes, #20 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 24 minutes across New Mexico. 0.5% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Los Alamos?
Los Alamos averages 49.8°F over the year, 68°F in summer and 31.7°F in winter, with 17.5 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Los Alamos walkable?
Los Alamos scores 7.4 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1184 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 Los Alamos at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Los Alamos County's biggest natural hazard losses in wildfire, earthquake, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.1% of building value, lower than 86% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Los Alamos?
Los Alamos County's air had a median air quality index of 13, and 100% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Los Alamos?
Los Alamos has 13,317 residents. The median resident of Los Alamos is 38.8 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 69.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #49 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 66.5% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Los Alamos compare with the rest of New Mexico?
Los Alamos ranks #1 of the 20 New Mexico cities we track, with a score of 75.8 against New Mexico's statewide 30.6. Its households earn 2.1 times the New Mexico median. Homes are 83% above the typical New Mexico home.
What cities are similar in size to Los Alamos?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Los Alamos's population of 13,317 are Ewa Beach, HI (#308 overall), South Sioux City, NE (#750 overall), South Charleston, WV (#1255 overall), Hockessin, DE (#30 overall), and Claremont, NH (#561 overall). Los Alamos is #8.