Home Value
$156,300
45% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
418/100K
10% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
32.9%
2% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.9%
9% higher than US avg
Unemployment
6.3%
75% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.0%
52% lower than US avg
How La Union Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population917
Median Age44.4 yrs
Density222/mi²
Male / Female38% / 62%
Largest GroupWhite 43%
Veterans5.0%
Economy
Per Capita$29,975
Unemployment6.3%
Poverty6.0%
County GDP$53,333M
Commute16 min
Housing
Home Value$156,300
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$314,969
Housing Units313
Rent Burden30.6%
Crime
F
Violent418/100K
Property1,403/100K
Health
Obesity34.9%
Uninsured20.3%
Smoking9.4%
Depression19.4%
Heart Disease4.7%
Climate
Avg Temp65°F (18°C)
AQI37 (Good)
Rain9.1 in/yr
Sunny Days330/yr
Elevation3,799 ft (1,158 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+32.9%
High School+78.3%
Graduate+1.9%
School Score4.65
Community
2024 VoteR 42% / D 57%
Commute16 min
Broadband100.0%
EV Stations6
Libraries18
Is La Union a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, La Union receives an overall livability score of 2.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate, strong internet connectivity. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, a high uninsured rate. La Union has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The unemployment rate of 6.3% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. Only 6.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in La Union is $156,300, 45% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 418 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,403 per 100,000, 28% below the national average.
Education
32.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 78.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.7/10.
Climate & Weather
La Union enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 65°F. Winters average 46°F in January while summers reach 84°F in July. With 330 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 9.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 37.
La Union has a population of 917 with a density of 222 people per square mile, spread across 4.1 square miles. The median age is 44.4 years, 14% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 62.4% female and 37.6% male. The city is predominantly White (43.3%), with 4.4% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 36.2% of residents, while 63.8% speak Spanish. 5.0% of the population are veterans. 16.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 77.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
44.4yrs
Median Age
14% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
36.2%
54% below US avg
Spanish
63.8%
376% above US avg
Per capita income is $29,975 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $966, 33% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 6.3% (above the 3.6% US average). 6.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 16,825 business establishments, including 1,853 restaurants. The cost of living index is 92.2, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 4.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $29,975 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $966 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $56,831 |
| Gini Index | 0.466 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 6.3% |
| 75% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.0% |
| 52% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 16,825 |
| County GDP | $53,333M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 1,853 |
| Healthcare | 1,904 |
| Retail | 2,227 |
| Manufacturing | 517 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $8,241 |
| 135% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 92.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.27% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 16.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 83.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.1% |
The median home value in La Union is $156,300, 45% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $314,969, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $927 for a one-bedroom to $1,129 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 313 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1991. The average annual property tax is $8,241 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 30.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Home Values
| Census Median | $156,300 |
| 45% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $314,969 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $828 |
| 1 Bedroom | $927 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,129 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,496 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,758 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 313 |
| Median Year Built | 1991 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $8,241 |
| 135% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.27% |
In La Union, 34.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.7% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 4.7% of residents, below the national average. 27.7% have high blood pressure. 9.4% are current smokers (below the 14.0% national rate). 15.9% report binge drinking. 25.1% are physically inactive. 19.4% report depression. 14.0% experience frequent mental distress. 20.3% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,014. The dentist ratio is 1:2,064. 85.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: La Union vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.9% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.7% |
| Heart Disease | 4.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.7% |
| Asthma | 8.5% |
| COPD | 3.5% |
| Cancer | 4.7% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 9.4% |
| 33% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.1% |
| Depression | 19.4% |
| Mental Distress | 14.0% |
| Physical Distress | 13.4% |
| Short Sleep | 30.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 77.1% |
| Uninsured | 20.3% |
| 136% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,014 |
| Dentists | 1:2,064 |
| Mental Health | 1:715 |
| Checkup Rate | 68.5% |
| Dental Visits | 63.9% |
| Premature Death | 8,160/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 85.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 1,904 |
La Union has a violent crime rate of 418 per 100,000 residents, 10% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,403 per 100,000, 28% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 83 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, La Union receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: La Union vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 417.6/100K |
| 10% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,402.6/100K |
| 28% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 83 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
La Union enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 65°F (18°C). Winters average 46°F in January while summers reach 84°F in July. The area gets 330 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 9.1 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 37. The city sits at an elevation of 3,799 feet.
Temperature
46°F Jan (8°C)
84°F Jul (29°C)
| Annual Average | 65.1°F |
| 21% above US avg |
| January Average | 46°F (8°C) |
| July Average | 84°F (29°C) |
| Sunny Days | 330 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 3,799 ft (1,158 m) |
| Area | 4.1 sq mi (10.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 222/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 31.9508°N, 106.6621°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | El Paso County County |
| Nearest Airport | El Paso International (ELP) 19 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
9.1"
76% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
2.05"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 37.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0458 ppm |
| NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide) | 23.7 ppb |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 0.58 ppb |
| CO (Carbon Monoxide) | 0.24 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 8.6 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively High |
| Risk Score | 95.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 85.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 4.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Moderate |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively High |
| Hail |
Very High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively High |
| Winter Weather |
Very High |
| Lightning |
Very High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
17 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.9. Most recent: M2.7 on Mar 29, 2024.
| Feb 8, 2015 |
36 km E of Pecan Park, New Mexico |
M3.9 |
67 km |
| May 27, 2010 |
22 km WSW of Sierra Blanca, Texas |
M3.7 |
138 km |
| Mar 29, 2024 |
51 km E of Ascención, Mexico |
M3.4 |
123 km |
| Feb 1, 2015 |
34 km ESE of Pecan Park, New Mexico |
M3.1 |
68 km |
| Feb 7, 2015 |
35 km E of Pecan Park, New Mexico |
M3.1 |
67 km |
| Feb 1, 2015 |
38 km E of Pecan Park, New Mexico |
M3.1 |
66 km |
| Feb 8, 2015 |
36 km E of Pecan Park, New Mexico |
M3.0 |
68 km |
| May 27, 2011 |
29 km SSE of Porvenir, Mexico |
M3.0 |
136 km |
| Feb 8, 2015 |
35 km W of Fairacres, New Mexico |
M3.0 |
63 km |
| Jan 27, 2013 |
13 km SW of Sunshine, New Mexico |
M2.9 |
112 km |
| Feb 8, 2015 |
35 km ESE of Ventura, New Mexico |
M2.9 |
67 km |
| Apr 5, 2012 |
10 km NE of Fabens, Texas |
M2.9 |
69 km |
| Feb 15, 2015 |
34 km ESE of Pecan Park, New Mexico |
M2.8 |
68 km |
| Mar 29, 2024 |
50 km E of Ascención, Mexico |
M2.7 |
126 km |
| Feb 8, 2015 |
38 km ESE of Pecan Park, New Mexico |
M2.6 |
64 km |
| Jun 5, 2009 |
3 km SE of Praxedis G. Guerrero, Mexico |
M2.6 |
93 km |
| Mar 6, 2012 |
9 km E of Fort Bliss, Texas |
M2.5 |
37 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
26 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF1.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Oct 9, 2006 |
EF1 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1992 |
EF1 |
47 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1992 |
EF1 |
53 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1992 |
EF1 |
53 km |
0 |
| Jul 28, 1989 |
EF1 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jul 31, 1979 |
EF1 |
8 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 1974 |
EF1 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 1972 |
EF1 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jul 29, 1959 |
EF1 |
14 km |
0 |
| Apr 22, 2019 |
EF0 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 2011 |
EF0 |
13 km |
0 |
| May 2, 2007 |
EF0 |
81 km |
0 |
| May 2, 2007 |
EF0 |
35 km |
0 |
| Apr 29, 2007 |
EF0 |
67 km |
0 |
| Oct 15, 2006 |
EF0 |
96 km |
0 |
| Sep 13, 2006 |
EF0 |
40 km |
0 |
| Aug 2, 2002 |
EF0 |
56 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 2001 |
EF0 |
42 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1992 |
EF0 |
77 km |
0 |
| Sep 22, 1988 |
EF0 |
19 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: ESCONDIDO (25,700 ac, 1993).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1993 |
ESCONDIDO |
25,700 |
77 km |
| 2009 |
OROGRANDE |
14,853 |
68 km |
| 1994 |
HAT |
14,842 |
67 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
14,645 |
44 km |
| 2011 |
ABRAMS |
12,786 |
44 km |
| 2001 |
BENNETT MT |
10,249 |
72 km |
| 1993 |
UVAS |
8,541 |
84 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
7,496 |
61 km |
| 1992 |
UNNAMED |
7,001 |
91 km |
| 2010 |
LONG CANYON |
6,656 |
36 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
6,605 |
75 km |
| 1993 |
UNNAMED |
6,482 |
18 km |
| 2011 |
CENTENNIAL |
6,269 |
91 km |
| 1993 |
MARTIN |
5,290 |
80 km |
| 2018 |
ORGAN |
4,880 |
57 km |
| 2022 |
POTRILLO |
4,293 |
48 km |
| 2000 |
DOUBLE TK |
3,820 |
96 km |
| 1994 |
GOODSIGHT |
3,450 |
94 km |
| 1990 |
SOLADA |
3,419 |
40 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
3,348 |
92 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
46°F (8°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| February |
48°F (9°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| March |
55°F (13°C) |
0.2 in |
|
| April |
62°F (17°C) |
0.2 in |
Driest |
| May |
71°F (21°C) |
0.3 in |
|
| June |
80°F (26°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| July |
84°F (29°C) |
1.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
79°F (26°C) |
2.1 in |
Wettest |
| September |
74°F (23°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| October |
64°F (18°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| November |
52°F (11°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| December |
44°F (7°C) |
0.7 in |
Coldest |
La Union has a seasonal temperature swing of 40°F / from 44°F in December to 84°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 9.3 inches, with August being the wettest month (2.1") and April the driest (0.2").
Average costs for common services in La Union. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$231 ($138–$369) |
| Specialist Visit |
$323 ($184–$507) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$184 ($92–$323) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,028 ($738–$4,610) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$120 ($69–$184) |
| Dental Filling |
$231 ($138–$369) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$69) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$69 ($46–$111) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$277 ($138–$461) |
| Tire Rotation |
$37 ($18–$69) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$553 ($369–$922) |
| Battery Replacement |
$184 ($92–$323) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$92 ($55–$138) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$83 ($46–$129) |
| HVAC Repair |
$369 ($138–$738) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,454 ($3,688–$11,064) |
| Roof Repair |
$922 ($369–$1,844) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,298 ($5,071–$13,830) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,383 ($461–$3,227) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,830 ($4,610–$27,660) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,610 ($1,844–$9,220) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,383 ($738–$2,766) |
| Will Preparation |
$461 ($184–$922) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,305 ($922–$4,610) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$51 ($28–$92) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$138 ($69–$231) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$37 ($23–$60) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$74 ($46–$120) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.78 ($2.77–$5.07) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.23 ($2.31–$4.61) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.50 ($2.31–$5.07) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.15 ($2.77–$5.99) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.07 ($3.69–$6.92) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.92 ($0.55–$1.66) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$129 ($74–$231) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$138) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$111) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$92) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$60 ($28–$92) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$78 ($46–$138) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$184 ($69–$461) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,844 ($1,106–$3,227) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$120) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.38–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$92 ($28–$231) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$69) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,106 ($553–$2,305) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$922 ($461–$1,844) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$369 ($184–$645) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$46 ($23–$92) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$922 ($369–$2,305) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,525 ($4,610–$27,660) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$55 ($28–$92) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$92 ($46–$184) |
| Dog Grooming |
$55 ($28–$92) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$37 ($18–$69) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$277 ($138–$461) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$184 ($92–$369) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $528 |
| Toddler | $502 |
| Preschool | $489 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $481 |
| Toddler | $463 |
| Preschool | $459 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About La Union
What is the population of La Union?
La Union has a population of 917 residents and is located in New Mexico. The population density is 222 people per square mile, spread across 4.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 44.4 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 62.4% female and 37.6% male.
Is La Union expensive to live in?
La Union is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 92.2 / below the baseline of 100. The median home value is $156,300 (45% below the U.S. median).
Is La Union safe?
The violent crime rate in La Union is 418 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,403 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, La Union receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in La Union?
La Union enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 65°F (18°C). Winter temperatures average 46°F in January, while summers reach an average of 84°F in July. The area receives 330 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 9.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 37.
How is the job market in La Union?
The unemployment rate in La Union is 6.3%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $966. There are 16,825 business establishments in the area, including 1,853 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 16 minutes, and 4.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in La Union?
The median home value in La Union is $156,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $314,969. The homeownership rate is 100.0%. The average annual property tax is $8,241.
How are the schools in La Union?
Schools in La Union have an average test score of 4.7 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 32.9% of adults in La Union hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 78.3% have completed high school. 1.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is La Union?
The obesity rate in La Union is 34.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 9.4% of adults are smokers. 25.1% are physically inactive. 19.4% of residents report depression. 20.3% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 85.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,014.
What is transportation like in La Union?
The average commute in La Union is 16 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 83.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of La Union?
The racial and ethnic makeup of La Union is 43.3% White, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino. 36.2% of residents speak only English at home, while 63.8% speak Spanish. 5.0% of the population are military veterans. 16.8% of residents have a disability. 77.1% have health insurance coverage.