Las Cruces, NM
Population 112,612 · New Mexico
About Las Cruces, NM
Las Cruces is a major city located in New Mexico with a population of 112,612 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $55,176 per year, which is 27% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 32.7 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Las Cruces features a median home value of $217,400, which is 11% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Las Cruces in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $946, 19% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 49,809 total housing units, 56% are owner-occupied (25,929 units) and 44% are renter-occupied (20,732 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Las Cruces shows an unemployment rate of 7.4%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 22.0%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Las Cruces have an average one-way commute time of 18.7 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
37.3% of Las Cruces 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 49.3% White, 3.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, and 9.3% Asian residents, with 10.1% of the population being foreign-born.
How Las Cruces Ranks in New Mexico
Cost of Living in Las Cruces, NM
Compared to national averages, Las Cruces has a median household income of $55,176 (27% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $217,400, which is 11% below the national median. Monthly rent at $946 is 19% below the US average of $1,163. Within New Mexico, Las Cruces's income is 18% below the state average of $67,435, and home values are 7% below the state median of $233,762.
Why Live in Las Cruces, NM?
Las Cruces offers affordable housing with a median home value of $217,400, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $946/month, and a well-educated community where 37.3% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 18.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($55,176) that falls below the national average. However, as a major city, Las Cruces provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Las Cruces has a population of 112,612 with a median age of 32.7 years. Compare Las Cruces with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New Mexico.
Similar Cities Near Las Cruces
Cities in New Mexico with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rio Rancho | 106,533 | $85,755 | $273,300 | Compare |
| Santa Fe | 88,224 | $70,110 | $411,500 | Compare |
| Roswell | 47,823 | $50,294 | $139,200 | Compare |
| Farmington | 46,339 | $63,745 | $225,400 | Compare |
| Hobbs | 39,887 | $65,691 | $180,700 | Compare |
| Clovis | 38,153 | $54,029 | $160,000 | Compare |
| South Valley | 36,605 | $51,062 | $205,200 | Compare |
| Carlsbad | 31,813 | $78,277 | $187,900 | 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 Las Cruces With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Las Cruces
What is the population of Las Cruces, NM?
The population of Las Cruces, NM is 112,612 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a major city in New Mexico.
What is the median household income in Las Cruces?
The median household income in Las Cruces, NM is $55,176 per year, which is 27% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Las Cruces?
The median home value in Las Cruces, NM is $217,400, which is 11% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Las Cruces?
The median monthly rent in Las Cruces, NM is $946, which is 19% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Las Cruces?
The unemployment rate in Las Cruces, NM is 7.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Las Cruces, NM a good place to live?
Las Cruces offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 112,612 and a median age of 32.7, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Las Cruces, NM?
37.3% of residents in Las Cruces 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 Las Cruces?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Las Cruces, NM: median home value is $217,400 (11% below national), median rent is $946/month, and median household income is $55,176. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.9x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Las Cruces?
The poverty rate in Las Cruces, NM is 22.0%, 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 Las Cruces, NM?
Las Cruces's population is 49.3% White, 3.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, 9.3% Asian, and 2.2% two or more races. 10.1% of residents are foreign-born.