La Cienega, NM
Population 3,780 · New Mexico
About La Cienega, NM
La Cienega is a small town located in New Mexico with a population of 3,780 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $68,676 per year, which is 9% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 38 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in La Cienega features a median home value of $417,900, which is 71% above the national median of $244,900. This places La Cienega in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,137, 2% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,314 total housing units, 77% are owner-occupied (960 units) and 23% are renter-occupied (282 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in La Cienega shows an unemployment rate of 4.3%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 7.0%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in La Cienega have an average one-way commute time of 24.6 minutes.
Education & Demographics
23.5% of La Cienega residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 44.8% White, 5.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, and 33.6% Asian residents, with 22.6% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in La Cienega, NM
Compared to national averages, La Cienega has a median household income of $68,676 (9% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $417,900, which is 71% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,137 is 2% below the US average of $1,163. Within New Mexico, La Cienega's income is 2% above the state average of $67,435, and home values are 79% above the state median of $233,762.
Why Live in La Cienega, NM?
La Cienega offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,137/month, and a low poverty rate of 7.0%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 24.6 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($68,676) that falls below the national average, and a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $417,900. However, La Cienega’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
La Cienega has a population of 3,780 with a median age of 38 years. Compare La Cienega with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New Mexico.
Similar Cities Near La Cienega
Cities in New Mexico with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Meadow Lake | 3,959 | $38,872 | $83,500 | Compare |
| Bosque Farms | 4,042 | $63,889 | $261,900 | Compare |
| Holloman AFB | 4,052 | $51,205 | $0 | Compare |
| Kirtland AFB | 3,421 | $79,301 | $0 | Compare |
| Peralta | 3,385 | $67,703 | $275,000 | Compare |
| Placitas CDP (Sandoval County), New Mexico | 4,375 | $110,268 | $520,200 | Compare |
| Vado | 3,185 | $29,844 | $108,300 | Compare |
| Crouch Mesa | 4,419 | $56,676 | $76,800 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in New Mexico
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare La Cienega With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about La Cienega
What is the population of La Cienega, NM?
The population of La Cienega, NM is 3,780 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in New Mexico.
What is the median household income in La Cienega?
The median household income in La Cienega, NM is $68,676 per year, which is 9% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in La Cienega?
The median home value in La Cienega, NM is $417,900, which is 71% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in La Cienega?
The median monthly rent in La Cienega, NM is $1,137, which is 2% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in La Cienega?
The unemployment rate in La Cienega, NM is 4.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is La Cienega, NM a good place to live?
La Cienega offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 3,780 and a median age of 38, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is La Cienega, NM?
23.5% of residents in La Cienega aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in La Cienega?
Key cost-of-living indicators for La Cienega, NM: median home value is $417,900 (71% above national), median rent is $1,137/month, and median household income is $68,676. The home-value-to-income ratio is 6.1x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in La Cienega?
The poverty rate in La Cienega, NM is 7.0%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is La Cienega, NM?
La Cienega's population is 44.8% White, 5.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, 33.6% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 22.6% of residents are foreign-born.