White Sands, NM
Population 1,577 · New Mexico
About White Sands, NM
White Sands is a small town located in New Mexico with a population of 1,577 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $87,059 per year, which is 16% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 21.7 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 White Sands features a median home value of $0, which is 100% below the national median of $244,900. This makes White Sands one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $1,288, 11% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 461 total housing units, 0% are owner-occupied (0 units) and 100% are renter-occupied (390 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 White Sands shows an unemployment rate of 0.0%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 1.1%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in White Sands have an average one-way commute time of 10.7 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
43.3% of White Sands 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 8.0% White, 3.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, and 3.2% Asian residents, with 6.2% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in White Sands, NM
Compared to national averages, White Sands has a median household income of $87,059 (16% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $0, which is 100% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,288 is 11% above the US average of $1,163. Within New Mexico, White Sands's income is 29% above the state average of $67,435, and home values are 100% below the state median of $233,762.
Why Live in White Sands, NM?
White Sands offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $87,059, well above the national average, and affordable housing with a median home value of $0, below the US average of $244,900, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.0%. Additionally, the city features a well-educated community where 43.3% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 1.1%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 10.7 minutes.
White Sands has a population of 1,577 with a median age of 21.7 years. Compare White Sands with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New Mexico.
Similar Cities Near White Sands
Cities in New Mexico with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tano Road | 1,581 | $166,649 | $1,019,600 | Compare |
| Gamerco | 1,583 | $40,938 | $0 | Compare |
| Elephant Butte | 1,586 | $45,179 | $166,800 | Compare |
| South River | 1,594 | $56,307 | $215,000 | Compare |
| Barton | 1,601 | $83,849 | $336,300 | Compare |
| El Valle de Arroyo Seco | 1,602 | $69,556 | $214,400 | Compare |
| Dixon | 1,551 | $43,148 | $362,300 | Compare |
| Rio Rancho Estates | 1,626 | $90,172 | $156,900 | 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 White Sands With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about White Sands
What is the population of White Sands, NM?
The population of White Sands, NM is 1,577 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 White Sands?
The median household income in White Sands, NM is $87,059 per year, which is 16% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in White Sands?
The median home value in White Sands, NM is $0, which is 100% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in White Sands?
The median monthly rent in White Sands, NM is $1,288, which is 11% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in White Sands?
The unemployment rate in White Sands, NM is 0.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is White Sands, NM a good place to live?
White Sands offers above-average incomes, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,577 and a median age of 21.7, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is White Sands, NM?
43.3% of residents in White Sands 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 White Sands?
Key cost-of-living indicators for White Sands, NM: median home value is $0 (100% below national), median rent is $1,288/month, and median household income is $87,059. The home-value-to-income ratio is 0.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in White Sands?
The poverty rate in White Sands, NM is 1.1%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is White Sands, NM?
White Sands's population is 8.0% White, 3.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, 3.2% Asian, and 3.2% two or more races. 6.2% of residents are foreign-born.