New MexicoPop. 18,618Towns
Is Los Lunas a Good Place to Live? Los Lunas, New Mexico: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Los Lunas ranks #1041 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #183 of 234 towns and #7 of 20 in New Mexico. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+3.1%, #7 of 151), and trails on low graduation rates (78.4%, #136 of 153) and high violent crime (491 per 100,000, #125 of 146).
Los Lunas by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Los Lunas'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 Los Lunas?
Los Lunas's cost of living index is 95.5, 5% below the US level of 100 and #459 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,110/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $331,123, 4% above the typical New Mexico home ($318,241).
| Measure | Los Lunas | New MexicoNM | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 94.3 · US 100 | 95.5#459 of 1,308 | 92.2 | 94.3 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $325,401 · US $368,697 | $331,123#468 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 | $2,071/mo#743 of 1,115 | — | $1,583/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $280,200 | $262,900#425 of 1,309 | — | $280,200 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,138/mo | $1,110/mo#345 of 1,309 | — | $1,138/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7x | 4.2x#631 of 1,309 | — | 3.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.3% | 21.4%#605 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 Lunas 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 Lunas is in the Albuquerque, NM metro.
New Mexico housing market →Is Los Lunas safe?
Los Lunas recorded 491 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 50% above the US rate of 328 and 21% below New Mexico's 622. That ranks #830 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #125 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Los Lunas Police Department. Property crime runs 1,988 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Los Lunas | New MexicoNM | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 220 · US 328 | 491#830 of 1,085 | 622 | 220 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,379 · US 1,548 | 1,988#707 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 Los Lunas?
The median household in Los Lunas earns $62,330, 25% below the US figure of $83,163 and 8% below New Mexico ($67,816). 18.2% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 3.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Los Lunas | New MexicoNM | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,239 · US $83,163 | $62,330#993 of 1,312 | $67,816 | $73,239 | $83,163 |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.4% | 18.2%#1041 of 1,312 | — | 11.4% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size 0% · US +0.5% | +3.1%#48 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 Los Lunas?
The median resident of Los Lunas is 38.3 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 25.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #941 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 76% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Los Lunas | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 38.6 | 38.3 | 38.6 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 29.2% | 25.9%#941 of 1,312 | 29.2% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.1% | 76% | 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 Lunas's schools and health?
Los Lunas's 7 public schools graduate 78.4% of students in four years (New Mexico 76.6%), with 17 students per teacher and $13,920 spent per pupil. 34.5% of adults are obese and 13.2% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 34.5% and 10.7%.
| Measure | Los Lunas | New MexicoNM | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 87% | 78.4%#915 of 1,063 | 76.6% | 87% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.1 | 17#734 of 1,188 | — | 14.1 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,825 | $13,920#718 of 1,188 | — | $14,825 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 34.5% | 34.5%#734 of 1,311 | — | 34.5% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.7% | 13.2%#979 of 1,311 | — | 10.7% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.8% | 15.9%#390 of 1,311 | — | 16.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 8.6% | 16.8%#1136 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. 4,789 students are enrolled in Los Lunas's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Los Lunas?
The average commute in Los Lunas is 25.8 minutes (New Mexico 24); 1.2% of workers take transit and 9.2% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Los Lunas scores 11.2 of 20 (above average walkable), #563 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 75.7°F and winters 36.9°F, with 9.2 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Los Lunas | New MexicoNM | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 20.4 min | 25.8 min#837 of 1,312 | 24 min | 20.4 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.8% | 4.8%#540 of 1,312 | 7% | 4.8% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75% | 76.1% | 73.8% | 75% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 1.2% | 0.5% | 0.3% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2% | 0.7% | 2% | 2% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0% | 0% | 0.5% | 0% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 9.5% | 9.2% | 10.3% | 9.5% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 11.2#563 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 | 51.4 | 19 | 0.5 |
| Feb | 57.7 | 23.4 | 0.4 |
| Mar | 65.7 | 30.1 | 0.5 |
| Apr | 73.1 | 37.2 | 0.6 |
| May | 81.7 | 46.4 | 0.5 |
| Jun | 91.8 | 55.5 | 0.5 |
| Jul | 93.3 | 62.2 | 1.6 |
| Aug | 91.1 | 60.3 | 1.5 |
| Sep | 85 | 51.7 | 1.2 |
| Oct | 74.3 | 38.4 | 0.9 |
| Nov | 60.9 | 26.6 | 0.6 |
| Dec | 50.2 | 19.7 | 0.5 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Los Lunas 3 Ssw.
| Measure | Los Lunas | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 56.1°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 69.6°F | 75.7°F | 69.6°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 26.8°F | 36.9°F | 26.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.5 in | 9.2 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 Lunas 3 Ssw.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Los Lunas?
Valencia County's air had a median air quality index of 44, and 75% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Valencia County's biggest natural hazard losses in inland flooding, earthquake, and wildfire, with expected yearly losses of 0.24% of building value, higher than 82% of US counties.
| Measure | Los Lunas | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 38 | 44#571 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% | 0.24%#1030 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 Valencia County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Valencia County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | 0.19% | 95% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.022% | 86% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.0045% | 77% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0014% | 42% 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 Lunas compare with similar-size cities?
Los Lunas is one of 234 places under 25,000 people we track and ranks #183 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 18,618.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Lunas, NMPop. 18,618 | #1041 | 49.2 | $62,330 | $1,110/mo | 491 | 25.8 min |
| Sheridan, WYPop. 19,285 | #679 | 55.5 | $62,867 | $936/mo | 110 | 12.8 min |
| Augusta, MEPop. 19,077 | #721 | 54.7 | $47,979 | $919/mo | 218 | 18.7 min |
| Ammon, IDPop. 19,064 | #868 | 52.2 | $86,121 | $1,372/mo | no data | 21.9 min |
| Badger, AKPop. 18,677 | #886 | 52.0 | $97,183 | $1,629/mo | no data | 22.5 min |
| Weirton, WVPop. 18,647 | #982 | 50.4 | $59,575 | $746/mo | 83 | 22.5 min |
| Westerly, RIPop. 18,411 | #55 | 70.6 | $95,207 | $1,260/mo | 26 | 22.9 min |
| Wahiawa, HIPop. 17,996 | #905 | 51.7 | $87,143 | $1,546/mo | no data | 31.7 min |
| Spanish Springs, NVPop. 17,980 | #438 | 59.3 | $127,658 | $1,963/mo | no data | 33 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 Lunas compare with the rest of New Mexico?
Los Lunas ranks #7 of the 20 New Mexico cities we track, with a score of 49.2 against New Mexico's statewide 30.6. Its households earn 8% below the New Mexico median. Violent crime is 21% below the statewide rate. Homes are 4% 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 Lunas's score calculated?
Los Lunas scores 49.2 out of 100, #1041 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, some inputs missing · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Los Lunas. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 41.9.
23.8 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Los Lunas's police agency. Similar-size median 81.4.
61.3 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Los Lunas. Similar-size median 56.5.
52.5 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Los Lunas's public schools. Similar-size median 62.6.
45.3 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Los Lunas's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 74.8.
75.8 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Los Lunas. Similar-size median 50.8.
33.7 - GrowthCity data, some inputs missing · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Los Lunas. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 35.2.
72.9 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Los Lunas. Similar-size median 48.3.
42.9 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Los Lunas's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
53.7 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 59.2.
35.1 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Los Lunas'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 Lunas 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 Lunas
Is Los Lunas, NM a good place to live?
Los Lunas ranks #1041 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #183 of 234 towns and #7 of 20 in New Mexico. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+3.1%, #7 of 151), and trails on low graduation rates (78.4%, #136 of 153) and high violent crime (491 per 100,000, #125 of 146).
What is the cost of living in Los Lunas?
Los Lunas's cost of living index is 95.5, 5% below the US level of 100 and #459 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,110/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $331,123, 4% above the typical New Mexico home ($318,241).
What is the crime rate in Los Lunas?
Los Lunas recorded 491 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 50% above the US rate of 328 and 21% below New Mexico's 622. That ranks #830 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #125 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Los Lunas Police Department. Property crime runs 1,988 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Los Lunas?
The median household in Los Lunas earns $62,330, 25% below the US figure of $83,163 and 8% below New Mexico ($67,816). 18.2% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 3.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Los Lunas?
Median rent in Los Lunas is $1,110/mo (Census), #345 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,071/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 21.4% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Los Lunas?
The typical home value in Los Lunas is $331,123, up 3% in a year, against $318,241 for New Mexico and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $262,900.
How are the public schools in Los Lunas?
Los Lunas's 7 public schools graduate 78.4% of students in four years (New Mexico 76.6%), with 17 students per teacher and $13,920 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Los Lunas?
The average commute is 25.8 minutes, #837 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 24 minutes across New Mexico. 4.8% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Los Lunas?
Los Lunas averages 56.1°F over the year, 75.7°F in summer and 36.9°F in winter, with 9.2 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Los Lunas walkable?
Los Lunas scores 11.2 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #563 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 Lunas at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Valencia County's biggest natural hazard losses in inland flooding, earthquake, and wildfire, with expected yearly losses of 0.24% of building value, higher than 82% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Los Lunas?
Valencia County's air had a median air quality index of 44, and 75% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Los Lunas?
Los Lunas has 18,618 residents. The median resident of Los Lunas is 38.3 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 25.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #941 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 76% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Los Lunas compare with the rest of New Mexico?
Los Lunas ranks #7 of the 20 New Mexico cities we track, with a score of 49.2 against New Mexico's statewide 30.6. Its households earn 8% below the New Mexico median. Violent crime is 21% below the statewide rate. Homes are 4% above the typical New Mexico home.
What cities are similar in size to Los Lunas?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Los Lunas's population of 18,618 are Sheridan, WY (#679 overall), Augusta, ME (#721 overall), Ammon, ID (#868 overall), Badger, AK (#886 overall), and Weirton, WV (#982 overall). Los Lunas is #1041.