Santa Cruz, NM
Population 225 · New Mexico
About Santa Cruz, NM
Santa Cruz is a small community located in New Mexico with a population of 225 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $34,750 per year, which is 54% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 27.8 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 Santa Cruz features a median home value of $209,400, which is 14% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Santa Cruz in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $550, 53% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 116 total housing units, 19% are owner-occupied (19 units) and 81% are renter-occupied (82 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Santa Cruz shows an unemployment rate of 9.8%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 27.1%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Santa Cruz have an average one-way commute time of 21.5 minutes.
Education & Demographics
9.5% of Santa Cruz 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 45.8% White, 13.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 43.6% Asian residents, with 8.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Santa Cruz Ranks in New Mexico
Cost of Living in Santa Cruz, NM
Compared to national averages, Santa Cruz has a median household income of $34,750 (54% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $209,400, which is 14% below the national median. Monthly rent at $550 is 53% below the US average of $1,163. Within New Mexico, Santa Cruz's income is 48% below the state average of $67,435, and home values are 10% below the state median of $233,762.
Why Live in Santa Cruz, NM?
Santa Cruz offers affordable housing with a median home value of $209,400, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $550/month, and short commute times averaging just 21.5 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($34,750) that falls below the national average. However, Santa Cruz’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Santa Cruz has a population of 225 with a median age of 27.8 years. Compare Santa Cruz with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New Mexico.
Similar Cities Near Santa Cruz
Cities in New Mexico with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pueblo Pintado | 229 | $40,972 | $0 | Compare |
| Hillsboro | 220 | $16,038 | $219,400 | Compare |
| Ensenada | 216 | $0 | $0 | Compare |
| Anton Chico | 235 | $0 | $0 | Compare |
| Arroyo Hondo CDP (Santa Fe County), New Mexico | 214 | $125,750 | $952,500 | Compare |
| Cotton City | 236 | $56,688 | $191,700 | Compare |
| South Acomita Village | 214 | $0 | $0 | Compare |
| Alcalde | 237 | $45,781 | $231,300 | 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 Santa Cruz With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Santa Cruz
What is the population of Santa Cruz, NM?
The population of Santa Cruz, NM is 225 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in New Mexico.
What is the median household income in Santa Cruz?
The median household income in Santa Cruz, NM is $34,750 per year, which is 54% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Santa Cruz?
The median home value in Santa Cruz, NM is $209,400, which is 14% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Santa Cruz?
The median monthly rent in Santa Cruz, NM is $550, which is 53% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Santa Cruz?
The unemployment rate in Santa Cruz, NM is 9.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Santa Cruz, NM a good place to live?
Santa Cruz offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 225 and a median age of 27.8, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Santa Cruz, NM?
9.5% of residents in Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Santa Cruz, NM: median home value is $209,400 (14% below national), median rent is $550/month, and median household income is $34,750. The home-value-to-income ratio is 6.0x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Santa Cruz?
The poverty rate in Santa Cruz, NM is 27.1%, 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 Santa Cruz, NM?
Santa Cruz's population is 45.8% White, 13.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 43.6% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 8.0% of residents are foreign-born.