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Las Cruces, NM

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Las Cruces, NM

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Demographics

Majority HispanicSimpson's Diversity Index: 53
Population112,612
Foreign Born5.2%
Population Density1,464people per mi²
Median Age32.7 yrs
Demographics Trajectory
GrowingSince 2010, this city's population has grown with relatively minor shifts in racial composition.
Current Race / Ethnicity Breakdown
Population Trends

Quality of Life

Overall Quality Of Life
B+
Good

Above-average quality of iife. The area offers a reasonable cost of living, decent mobility, and a mix of neighborhood amenities.

Quality of Life blends cost of living, nearby amenities, socioeconomic signals, and neighborhood character. City-level scores represent the whole municipality; individual neighborhoods can differ.

Cost of Living

80/100

20% below national average

A+

The Real Cost of Living in Las Cruces, New Mexico

TierIndividualFamily (4)
Survival $15k$28k
Comfortable $42k$62k
Luxury $100k+$154k+
Elite (Top 5%) $119k+$185k+
Affordability Ratio

89%

The Hood Index™

A metric tracking the socioeconomic signals of the area.

A
Hood Index scan area
Luxury Lean82%
RisksNeutralGrowth
Premium
40
Positive
40
Poor
14
Negative
9

Groceries

5 within 10 miles

1.2mi

Gas

0 within 10 miles

Hospital

3 within 20 miles

1.4mi

Airport

LAS — Las Cruces International

8.5mi

Post Office

USPS — Las Cruces, NM

0.2mi

Critical Amenities

Golf4Nearest 3.1 mi
Camping20Nearest 5.1 mi
Marina0 
Winery0 
Ice Rink0 
Gun Range6Nearest 0.9 mi

Affluence Level

Overall Affluence Grade
D+
Soft

A below-average socioeconomic profile. Incomes, home values, and educational attainment trail the U.S., with higher poverty and unemployment.

Median HHI
$55k+8.2%
27% below US avg
Est. Avg Net Worth
$258k
61% below US avg
College Educated
37.3%
7% above US avg
WFH
9.9%
31% below US avg
Homeownership
55.6%
15% below US avg
Median Home
$217k
23% below US avg

Crime

Overall Crime Grade
D
Elevated

Higher crime rates than 74% of comparable U.S. locations.

Crime Rate
41.5
Incidents per 1,000 residents
5yr Trend
−20.7%
Overall crime change since 2020

Violent Crime

5yr−18.2%
Homicide
0.12 / 1k Residents42% above state avg
Robbery
0.44 / 1k Residents12% below state avg
Aggravated Assault
4.01 / 1k Residents18% below state avg

Property Crime

5yr−23.2%
Burglary
5.25 / 1k Residents37% above state avg
Larceny-Theft
25.53 / 1k Residents74% above state avg
Motor Vehicle Theft
5.67 / 1k Residents82% above state avg
Source: FBI Crime Data · 2025

Political Climate

Cook PVI: EVENSwing

District shown is the primary district for this city’s centroid. Cities may span multiple districts.

Presidential Voting Trends for Las Cruces, New Mexico
Dem Rep
40%50%60%2000200420082012201620202024

Personal Sovereignty

Personal Sovereignty measures your capacity for self-reliance and independence with minimal government friction. Higher scores mean fewer barriers between you and the way you want to live... but it assumes you have the space you need and good neighbors.

Overall Sovereignty Grade
B+
Self-Reliant

Viable for self-reliance. Generally workable, though some barriers may limit total independence.

State Policy

Tax Burden
C
Weak10.2% of income
Property Rights
D
WeakIJ Grade D
Firearm Rights
B-
GoodFPC Grade B-
Homeschooling
C+
WeakModerate regulation

Energy independence: Net exporter (250% of energy produced in-state)

Personal Liberty

Raw Milk
A+
Fully OpenRetail sales legal
Gambling Laws
B
Broadly OpenTribal · Poker · Sportsbetting
Marijuana Laws
A+
Fully LegalRecreational

Homesteading

Growing Season255 days330 frost-free
Annual Rainfall9.8"
Elevation3,907 ft

Strategic Assessment

Strategic Assessment grades tactical survivability using Joel Skousen's Strategic Relocation framework. Major population centers, blast zones, natural disasters, and border exposure all drive risk — lower exposure means a more defensible position in a crisis.

Learn more about Strategic Relocation ($)
Overall Strategic Grade
C-
Exposed

Meaningful friction. Expect exposure to either population pressure, blast zones, or natural disaster risk. Consider buying a retreat property.

Strategic Pillars

City Proximity
C
Weak42 mi to nearest major city
Pop. Density
C-
Weak1,464/sq mi
Fallout Danger
B
Fair8 within ~30 mi
Natural Disaster
F
PoorInland Flooding
Border / Coast
B+
Goodborder 37 mi · coast 196 mi
FEMA Expected Loss$163.6M/yrfor the county

* Values derived from national, state, county, city and local statistics and may differ in a specific area. Last updated: 2026-04-19T11:34:06.000Z

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