Las Cruces, NM

Las Cruces, NM

Updated April 30, 2026 · Would You Live There?

Think twice

Verdict

$145K

Median Price

28/100

Walk Score

6.9/10

Schools

30 min

to Local businesses in downtown Las Cruces

Score Breakdown

CAffordability
63/100
D+Safety
55/100
C+Schools
69/100
CQuietness
60/100
B+Commute
85/100
FWalkability
28/100
WYLT Score60/100

Our Take

Las Cruces offers some of the cheapest housing in the U.S., but the low median income and high unemployment make it a risky place to settle unless you’re budget‑constrained. The city lacks walkability, reliable transit, and top‑tier schools, so it’s a mixed bag for families and remote workers.

Map

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The Good

  • Very affordable housing and low cost of living
  • Low flood risk (Zone X)
  • Young population for a lively community
  • Opportunities for low‑income renters and first‑time buyers

Real Talk

  • !High unemployment rate around 8.5%
  • !Median household income is only about $31k
  • !Walk score of 28 means you’ll need a car for most errands
  • !Public transit options are nearly nonexistent
  • $Potentially unreliable internet and broadband speed
  • $Higher property taxes than neighboring states
  • $Limited grocery and retail options may increase travel costs

Best For

budget-conscious rentersfirst‑time home buyersremote workers who can tolerate low transityoung professionals looking for cheap housing

Risk Snapshot

Flood riskLow
Violent crimeModerate
Property crimeModerate
Air qualityModerate
Price volatilityLow

Crime & Safety

Las Cruces, NM

D+

Safety grade

Safety score55 / 100
High riskVery safe
⚠️Violent Crime
Moderate
3.9incidents / 1,000 residents / yr
0Natl avg (3.7)11+

5% higher than the national average

🔒Property Crime
Moderate
19.8incidents / 1,000 residents / yr
0Natl avg (19.5)59+

2% higher than the national average

Verify with real-time data

City-Data stats →

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From Residents

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