La Luz, NM
Population 1,683 · New Mexico
About La Luz, NM
La Luz is a small town located in New Mexico with a population of 1,683 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $35,324 per year, which is 53% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 41.8 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in La Luz features a median home value of $60,800, which is 75% below the national median of $244,900. This makes La Luz one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $615, 47% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 827 total housing units, 72% are owner-occupied (500 units) and 28% are renter-occupied (193 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in La Luz shows an unemployment rate of 31.7%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 15.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in La Luz have an average one-way commute time of 12.9 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
19.7% of La Luz 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 41.8% White, 2.9% Hispanic or Latino, 2.9% Black or African American, and 4.5% Asian residents, with 2.4% of the population being foreign-born.
How La Luz Ranks in New Mexico
Cost of Living in La Luz, NM
Compared to national averages, La Luz has a median household income of $35,324 (53% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $60,800, which is 75% below the national median. Monthly rent at $615 is 47% below the US average of $1,163. Within New Mexico, La Luz's income is 48% below the state average of $67,435, and home values are 74% below the state median of $233,762.
Why Live in La Luz, NM?
La Luz offers affordable housing with a median home value of $60,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $615/month, and short commute times averaging just 12.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($35,324) that falls below the national average. However, La Luz’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
La Luz has a population of 1,683 with a median age of 41.8 years. Compare La Luz with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New Mexico.
Similar Cities Near La Luz
Cities in New Mexico with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| La Huerta | 1,673 | $83,672 | $421,600 | Compare |
| Hatch | 1,663 | $40,625 | $110,700 | Compare |
| Radium Springs | 1,661 | $50,000 | $132,100 | Compare |
| Rio Rancho Estates | 1,626 | $90,172 | $156,900 | Compare |
| Santa Clara | 1,751 | $46,094 | $120,900 | Compare |
| El Valle de Arroyo Seco | 1,602 | $69,556 | $214,400 | Compare |
| Barton | 1,601 | $83,849 | $336,300 | Compare |
| South River | 1,594 | $56,307 | $215,000 | 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 Luz With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about La Luz
What is the population of La Luz, NM?
The population of La Luz, NM is 1,683 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 Luz?
The median household income in La Luz, NM is $35,324 per year, which is 53% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in La Luz?
The median home value in La Luz, NM is $60,800, which is 75% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in La Luz?
The median monthly rent in La Luz, NM is $615, which is 47% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in La Luz?
The unemployment rate in La Luz, NM is 31.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is La Luz, NM a good place to live?
La Luz offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,683 and a median age of 41.8, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is La Luz, NM?
19.7% of residents in La Luz 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 Luz?
Key cost-of-living indicators for La Luz, NM: median home value is $60,800 (75% below national), median rent is $615/month, and median household income is $35,324. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.7x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in La Luz?
The poverty rate in La Luz, NM is 15.5%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is La Luz, NM?
La Luz's population is 41.8% White, 2.9% Hispanic or Latino, 2.9% Black or African American, 4.5% Asian, and 0.1% two or more races. 2.4% of residents are foreign-born.