Sunland Park, NM
Population 17,085 · New Mexico
About Sunland Park, NM
Sunland Park is a mid-sized city located in New Mexico with a population of 17,085 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $52,147 per year, which is 31% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 31.9 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 Sunland Park features a median home value of $194,900, which is 20% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Sunland Park in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $770, 34% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 6,250 total housing units, 82% are owner-occupied (4,713 units) and 18% are renter-occupied (1,045 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Sunland Park shows an unemployment rate of 3.5%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 25.1%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Sunland Park have an average one-way commute time of 31.5 minutes.
Education & Demographics
22.2% of Sunland Park 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 92.8% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 1.0% Asian residents, with 25.2% of the population being foreign-born.
How Sunland Park Ranks in New Mexico
Cost of Living in Sunland Park, NM
Compared to national averages, Sunland Park has a median household income of $52,147 (31% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $194,900, which is 20% below the national median. Monthly rent at $770 is 34% below the US average of $1,163. Within New Mexico, Sunland Park's income is 23% below the state average of $67,435, and home values are 17% below the state median of $233,762.
Why Live in Sunland Park, NM?
Sunland Park offers affordable housing with a median home value of $194,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $770/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.5%.
Potential considerations include median household income ($52,147) that falls below the national average. However, Sunland Park’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Sunland Park has a population of 17,085 with a median age of 31.9 years. Compare Sunland Park with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New Mexico.
Similar Cities Near Sunland Park
Cities in New Mexico with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chaparral | 16,642 | $46,102 | $101,900 | Compare |
| Los Lunas | 17,932 | $63,696 | $232,700 | Compare |
| Deming | 14,735 | $35,920 | $112,800 | Compare |
| Los Alamos | 13,471 | $136,502 | $458,200 | Compare |
| Las Vegas | 13,120 | $42,732 | $143,900 | Compare |
| Gallup | 21,333 | $57,466 | $134,600 | Compare |
| Artesia | 12,555 | $77,647 | $213,800 | Compare |
| Portales | 12,023 | $51,290 | $132,900 | 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 Sunland Park With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Sunland Park
What is the population of Sunland Park, NM?
The population of Sunland Park, NM is 17,085 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in New Mexico.
What is the median household income in Sunland Park?
The median household income in Sunland Park, NM is $52,147 per year, which is 31% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Sunland Park?
The median home value in Sunland Park, NM is $194,900, which is 20% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Sunland Park?
The median monthly rent in Sunland Park, NM is $770, which is 34% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Sunland Park?
The unemployment rate in Sunland Park, NM is 3.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Sunland Park, NM a good place to live?
Sunland Park offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 17,085 and a median age of 31.9, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Sunland Park, NM?
22.2% of residents in Sunland Park 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 Sunland Park?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Sunland Park, NM: median home value is $194,900 (20% below national), median rent is $770/month, and median household income is $52,147. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.7x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Sunland Park?
The poverty rate in Sunland Park, NM is 25.1%, 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 Sunland Park, NM?
Sunland Park's population is 92.8% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 1.0% Asian, and 0.4% two or more races. 25.2% of residents are foreign-born.