New MexicoPop. 17,463Towns
Is Sunland Park a Good Place to Live? Sunland Park, New Mexico: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Sunland Park ranks #1058 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #186 of 234 towns and #10 of 20 in New Mexico. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+1%, #31 of 151), and trails on long commutes (31.9 min, #223 of 234) and high poverty (22.4%, #211 of 234).
Sunland Park by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Sunland Park'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 Sunland Park?
Sunland Park'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 $920/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $226,688, 29% below the typical New Mexico home ($318,241).
| Measure | Sunland Park | New MexicoNM | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 94.3 · US 100 | 90.2#211 of 1,308 | 92.2 | 94.3 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $325,401 · US $368,697 | $226,688#191 of 1,187 | $318,241 | $325,401 | $368,697 |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $280,200 | $215,200#280 of 1,309 | — | $280,200 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,138/mo | $920/mo#115 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% | 17.6%#203 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.
Sunland Park 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. Sunland Park is in the Las Cruces, NM metro.
New Mexico housing market →Is Sunland Park safe?
Sunland Park recorded 280 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 15% below the US rate of 328 and 55% below New Mexico's 622. That ranks #524 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #92 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Sunland Park Police Department. Property crime runs 604 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Sunland Park | New MexicoNM | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 220 · US 328 | 280#524 of 1,085 | 622 | 220 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,379 · US 1,548 | 604#54 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 Sunland Park?
The median household in Sunland Park earns $62,814, 24% below the US figure of $83,163 and 7% below New Mexico ($67,816). 22.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Sunland Park | New MexicoNM | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,239 · US $83,163 | $62,814#981 of 1,312 | $67,816 | $73,239 | $83,163 |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.4% | 22.4%#1176 of 1,312 | — | 11.4% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size 0% · US +0.5% | +1%#233 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 Sunland Park?
The median resident of Sunland Park is 30.9 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 21.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1108 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 79.5% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Sunland Park | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 38.6 | 30.9 | 38.6 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 29.2% | 21.8%#1108 of 1,312 | 29.2% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.1% | 79.5% | 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 Sunland Park's schools and health?
Sunland Park's 3 public schools graduate 82% of students in four years (New Mexico 76.6%), with 13.5 students per teacher and $18,250 spent per pupil. 41.5% of adults are obese and 17.2% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 34.5% and 10.7%.
| Measure | Sunland Park | New MexicoNM | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 87% | 82%#809 of 1,063 | 76.6% | 87% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.1 | 13.5#223 of 1,188 | — | 14.1 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,825 | $18,250#325 of 1,188 | — | $14,825 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 34.5% | 41.5%#1185 of 1,311 | — | 34.5% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.7% | 17.2%#1269 of 1,311 | — | 10.7% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.8% | 16.9%#618 of 1,311 | — | 16.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 8.6% | 28.8%#1295 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. 1,200 students are enrolled in Sunland Park's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Sunland Park?
The average commute in Sunland Park is 31.9 minutes (New Mexico 24); 0.4% of workers take transit and 4.9% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Sunland Park scores 10.6 of 20 (above average walkable), #633 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 80.9°F and winters 44.9°F, with 10.1 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Sunland Park | New MexicoNM | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 20.4 min | 31.9 min#1198 of 1,312 | 24 min | 20.4 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.8% | 11.9%#1144 of 1,312 | 7% | 4.8% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75% | 73.9% | 73.8% | 75% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.4% | 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% | 4.9% | 10.3% | 9.5% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 10.6#633 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 | 57.7 | 29.6 | 0.5 |
| Feb | 63 | 32.6 | 0.5 |
| Mar | 71.1 | 39.3 | 0.3 |
| Apr | 78.6 | 46.6 | 0.2 |
| May | 87 | 55.6 | 0.4 |
| Jun | 95.9 | 65 | 0.8 |
| Jul | 94.7 | 68.7 | 2.3 |
| Aug | 93.1 | 67.9 | 1.7 |
| Sep | 87.5 | 62.1 | 1.5 |
| Oct | 78.5 | 50 | 0.8 |
| Nov | 66.3 | 37.2 | 0.5 |
| Dec | 56.5 | 29.8 | 0.7 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Santa Teresa Airport.
| Measure | Sunland Park | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 63.1°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 69.6°F | 80.9°F | 69.6°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 26.8°F | 44.9°F | 26.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.5 in | 10.1 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 Santa Teresa Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Sunland Park?
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 | Sunland Park | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 38 | 61#1011 of 1,138 | 38 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 1 | 48#1060 of 1,138 | 1 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.15%#695 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 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 Sunland Park compare with similar-size cities?
Sunland Park is one of 234 places under 25,000 people we track and ranks #186 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 17,463.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunland Park, NMPop. 17,463 | #1058 | 48.8 | $62,814 | $920/mo | 280 | 31.9 min |
| Westerly, RIPop. 18,411 | #55 | 70.6 | $95,207 | $1,260/mo | 26 | 22.9 min |
| Spanish Springs, NVPop. 17,980 | #438 | 59.3 | $127,658 | $1,963/mo | no data | 33 min |
| Brunswick, MEPop. 17,652 | #88 | 68.8 | $70,722 | $1,465/mo | 48 | 22.8 min |
| Laconia, NHPop. 17,085 | #404 | 60.0 | $73,218 | $1,224/mo | 184 | 17 min |
| Ocean Pointe, HIPop. 17,085 | #146 | 66.4 | $149,767 | $3,424/mo | no data | 36.9 min |
| Beckley, WVPop. 16,818 | #1308 | 34.1 | $45,826 | $869/mo | 716 | 16.5 min |
| La Vista, NEPop. 16,563 | #382 | 60.4 | $81,961 | $1,317/mo | 67 | 20.2 min |
| Mountain Home, IDPop. 16,493 | #1093 | 48.0 | $63,125 | $1,155/mo | 193 | 23 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 Sunland Park compare with the rest of New Mexico?
Sunland Park ranks #10 of the 20 New Mexico cities we track, with a score of 48.8 against New Mexico's statewide 30.6. Its households earn 7% below the New Mexico median. Violent crime is 55% below the statewide rate. Homes are 29% 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 Sunland Park's score calculated?
Sunland Park scores 48.8 out of 100, #1058 of 1,312 (grade D, 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 Sunland Park. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 41.9.
24.2 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Sunland Park's police agency. Similar-size median 81.4.
84.7 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Sunland Park. Similar-size median 56.5.
33.1 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Sunland Park's public schools. Similar-size median 62.6.
63.7 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Sunland Park's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 74.8.
83.2 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Sunland Park. Similar-size median 50.8.
26.2 - GrowthCity data, some inputs missing · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Sunland Park. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 35.2.
42.9 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Sunland Park. Similar-size median 48.3.
30.7 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Sunland Park's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
50.5 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 59.2.
32.9 - 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: Sunland Park'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 Sunland Park 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 Sunland Park
Is Sunland Park, NM a good place to live?
Sunland Park ranks #1058 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #186 of 234 towns and #10 of 20 in New Mexico. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+1%, #31 of 151), and trails on long commutes (31.9 min, #223 of 234) and high poverty (22.4%, #211 of 234).
What is the cost of living in Sunland Park?
Sunland Park'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 $920/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $226,688, 29% below the typical New Mexico home ($318,241).
What is the crime rate in Sunland Park?
Sunland Park recorded 280 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 15% below the US rate of 328 and 55% below New Mexico's 622. That ranks #524 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #92 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Sunland Park Police Department. Property crime runs 604 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Sunland Park?
The median household in Sunland Park earns $62,814, 24% below the US figure of $83,163 and 7% below New Mexico ($67,816). 22.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Sunland Park?
Median rent in Sunland Park is $920/mo (Census), #115 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent takes 17.6% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Sunland Park?
The typical home value in Sunland Park is $226,688, up 1.1% in a year, against $318,241 for New Mexico and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $215,200.
How are the public schools in Sunland Park?
Sunland Park's 3 public schools graduate 82% of students in four years (New Mexico 76.6%), with 13.5 students per teacher and $18,250 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Sunland Park?
The average commute is 31.9 minutes, #1198 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 24 minutes across New Mexico. 11.9% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Sunland Park?
Sunland Park averages 63.1°F over the year, 80.9°F in summer and 44.9°F in winter, with 10.1 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Sunland Park walkable?
Sunland Park scores 10.6 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #633 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 Sunland Park 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 Sunland Park?
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 Sunland Park?
Sunland Park has 17,463 residents. The median resident of Sunland Park is 30.9 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 21.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1108 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 79.5% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Sunland Park compare with the rest of New Mexico?
Sunland Park ranks #10 of the 20 New Mexico cities we track, with a score of 48.8 against New Mexico's statewide 30.6. Its households earn 7% below the New Mexico median. Violent crime is 55% below the statewide rate. Homes are 29% below the typical New Mexico home.
What cities are similar in size to Sunland Park?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Sunland Park's population of 17,463 are Westerly, RI (#55 overall), Spanish Springs, NV (#438 overall), Brunswick, ME (#88 overall), Laconia, NH (#404 overall), and Ocean Pointe, HI (#146 overall). Sunland Park is #1058.