La Plata, NM
Population 2,185 · New Mexico
About La Plata, NM
La Plata is a small town located in New Mexico with a population of 2,185 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $54,801 per year, which is 27% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 45.4 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 Plata features a median home value of $187,000, which is 24% below the national median of $244,900. This positions La Plata in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,000, 14% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 867 total housing units, 83% are owner-occupied (668 units) and 17% are renter-occupied (141 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in La Plata shows an unemployment rate of 2.6%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 23.1%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in La Plata have an average one-way commute time of 27.5 minutes.
Education & Demographics
19.2% of La Plata 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 12.0% White, 8.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 9.0% Asian residents, with 6.3% of the population being foreign-born.
How La Plata Ranks in New Mexico
Cost of Living in La Plata, NM
Compared to national averages, La Plata has a median household income of $54,801 (27% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $187,000, which is 24% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,000 is 14% below the US average of $1,163. Within New Mexico, La Plata's income is 19% below the state average of $67,435, and home values are 20% below the state median of $233,762.
Why Live in La Plata, NM?
La Plata offers affordable housing with a median home value of $187,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,000/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.6%.
Potential considerations include median household income ($54,801) that falls below the national average. However, La Plata’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
La Plata has a population of 2,185 with a median age of 45.4 years. Compare La Plata with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New Mexico.
Similar Cities Near La Plata
Cities in New Mexico with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santo Domingo Pueblo | 2,162 | $85,865 | $146,100 | Compare |
| Flora Vista | 2,215 | $43,799 | $195,200 | Compare |
| Valencia CDP (Valencia County), New Mexico | 2,219 | $70,521 | $242,400 | Compare |
| Lordsburg | 2,139 | $33,899 | $86,100 | Compare |
| Navajo | 2,133 | $28,917 | $52,100 | Compare |
| Questa | 2,112 | $41,071 | $225,300 | Compare |
| Arroyo Seco | 2,107 | $69,917 | $525,500 | Compare |
| Jemez Pueblo | 2,273 | $59,102 | $190,000 | 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 Plata With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about La Plata
What is the population of La Plata, NM?
The population of La Plata, NM is 2,185 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 Plata?
The median household income in La Plata, NM is $54,801 per year, which is 27% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in La Plata?
The median home value in La Plata, NM is $187,000, which is 24% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in La Plata?
The median monthly rent in La Plata, NM is $1,000, which is 14% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in La Plata?
The unemployment rate in La Plata, NM is 2.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is La Plata, NM a good place to live?
La Plata offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 2,185 and a median age of 45.4, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is La Plata, NM?
19.2% of residents in La Plata 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 Plata?
Key cost-of-living indicators for La Plata, NM: median home value is $187,000 (24% below national), median rent is $1,000/month, and median household income is $54,801. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in La Plata?
The poverty rate in La Plata, NM is 23.1%, 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 Plata, NM?
La Plata's population is 12.0% White, 8.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 9.0% Asian, and 2.6% two or more races. 6.3% of residents are foreign-born.