La Mesilla, NM
Population 2,531 · New Mexico
About La Mesilla, NM
La Mesilla is a small town located in New Mexico with a population of 2,531 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $74,385 per year, which is 1% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 43.5 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in La Mesilla features a median home value of $266,900, which is 9% above the national median of $244,900. This positions La Mesilla in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,015, 13% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,038 total housing units, 89% are owner-occupied (814 units) and 11% are renter-occupied (104 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in La Mesilla shows an unemployment rate of 2.5%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 8.9%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in La Mesilla have an average one-way commute time of 32 minutes.
Education & Demographics
35.8% of La Mesilla residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 19.5% White, 7.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 44.1% Asian residents, with 1.7% of the population being foreign-born.
How La Mesilla Ranks in New Mexico
Cost of Living in La Mesilla, NM
Compared to national averages, La Mesilla has a median household income of $74,385 (1% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $266,900, which is 9% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,015 is 13% below the US average of $1,163. Within New Mexico, La Mesilla's income is 10% above the state average of $67,435, and home values are 14% above the state median of $233,762.
Why Live in La Mesilla, NM?
La Mesilla offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,015/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.5%, and a well-educated community where 35.8% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 8.9%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($74,385) that falls below the national average. However, La Mesilla’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
La Mesilla has a population of 2,531 with a median age of 43.5 years. Compare La Mesilla with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New Mexico.
Similar Cities Near La Mesilla
Cities in New Mexico with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Hammond | 2,519 | $49,795 | $185,800 | Compare |
| Tularosa | 2,584 | $45,147 | $117,600 | Compare |
| Milan | 2,473 | $37,551 | $71,300 | Compare |
| Santa Rosa | 2,447 | $41,995 | $101,800 | Compare |
| Ruidoso Downs | 2,629 | $31,413 | $55,400 | Compare |
| Clayton | 2,680 | $40,192 | $111,500 | Compare |
| Bayard | 2,370 | $33,269 | $118,100 | Compare |
| Center Point | 2,366 | $49,714 | $206,300 | 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 Mesilla With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about La Mesilla
What is the population of La Mesilla, NM?
The population of La Mesilla, NM is 2,531 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 Mesilla?
The median household income in La Mesilla, NM is $74,385 per year, which is 1% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in La Mesilla?
The median home value in La Mesilla, NM is $266,900, which is 9% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in La Mesilla?
The median monthly rent in La Mesilla, NM is $1,015, which is 13% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in La Mesilla?
The unemployment rate in La Mesilla, NM is 2.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is La Mesilla, NM a good place to live?
La Mesilla offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 2,531 and a median age of 43.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is La Mesilla, NM?
35.8% of residents in La Mesilla aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in La Mesilla?
Key cost-of-living indicators for La Mesilla, NM: median home value is $266,900 (9% above national), median rent is $1,015/month, and median household income is $74,385. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.6x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in La Mesilla?
The poverty rate in La Mesilla, NM is 8.9%, 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 Mesilla, NM?
La Mesilla's population is 19.5% White, 7.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 44.1% Asian, and 0.2% two or more races. 1.7% of residents are foreign-born.