Median Income
$53,673
29% lower than US avg
Home Value
$672,100
138% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
16.8%
50% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
26.6%
17% lower than US avg
Unemployment
8.0%
122% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Los Alamos Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population886
Median Age71.1 yrs
Density984/mi²
Male / Female44% / 56%
Largest GroupWhite 88%
Veterans12.9%
Economy
B
Median Income$53,673
Per Capita$44,049
Unemployment8.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$41,425M
Commute20 min
Housing
F
Home Value$672,100
Ownership79.4%
Zillow$882,459
Housing Units543
Rent Burden19.9%
Health
Obesity26.6%
Uninsured4.7%
Smoking9.8%
Depression21.6%
Climate
Avg Temp59°F (15°C)
AQI49 (Good)
Rain16.7 in/yr
Elevation580 ft (177 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+16.8%
High School+88.5%
Graduate+11.1%
School Score4.54
Community
2024 VoteR 35% / D 62%
Commute20 min
Broadband89.4%
EV Stations4
Libraries20
Is Los Alamos a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Los Alamos receives an overall livability score of 2.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include high housing costs, above-average unemployment, below-average incomes. Los Alamos has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Los Alamos is $53,673, 29% below the national average of $75,149. At 8.0%, unemployment is notably high. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Los Alamos is $672,100, making it a premium housing market at 138% above the U.S. median of $281,900. With a home price-to-income ratio of 12.5x, housing affordability is a significant challenge for many families.
Education
16.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Los Alamos enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F. Winters average 53°F in January while summers reach 64°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 16.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 49.
Los Alamos has a population of 886 with a density of 984 people per square mile, spread across 3.9 square miles. The median age is 71.1 years, 83% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 55.6% female and 44.4% male. The city is predominantly White (87.8%), with 7.8% Hispanic, 5.9% Black, 1.1% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 89.1% of residents, while 6.3% speak Spanish. 12.9% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 24.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 95.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
886
Total Population
2023 Census
71.1yrs
Median Age
83% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Los Alamos vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
89.1%
14% above US avg
Spanish
6.3%
53% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Los Alamos vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Los Alamos is $53,673, which is 29% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $44,049 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,340. The unemployment rate is 8.0% (above the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 17,497 business establishments, including 1,253 restaurants. The cost of living index is 110.7, slightly above the national baseline of 100. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 21.5% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Los Alamos vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $53,673 |
| 29% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $44,049 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,340 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $108,768 |
| Gini Index | 0.489 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 8.0% |
| 122% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 17,497 |
| County GDP | $41,425M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 1,253 |
| Healthcare | 1,508 |
| Retail | 1,476 |
| Manufacturing | 521 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $10,996 |
| 214% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 110.70 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.64% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 19.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 49.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 21.5% |
The median home value in Los Alamos is $672,100, 138% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $882,459, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $1,647 for a one-bedroom to $2,053 for a two-bedroom apartment. 79.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 543 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1991. The average annual property tax is $10,996 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 19.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 12.5x, making homeownership a significant financial stretch for most families.
Home Values
| Census Median | $672,100 |
| 138% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $882,459 |
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,513 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,647 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,053 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,752 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,165 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 79.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 79.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 20.6% |
| Housing Units | 543 |
| Median Year Built | 1991 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $10,996 |
| 214% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.64% |
In Los Alamos, 26.6% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 8.9% have diabetes. 27.3% have high blood pressure. 9.8% are current smokers (below the 14.0% national rate). 18.7% report binge drinking. 21.0% are physically inactive, below the national average. 21.6% report depression. 16.6% experience frequent mental distress. 4.7% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,305. The dentist ratio is 1:1,093. 92.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Los Alamos vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 26.6% |
| 17% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.3% |
| Asthma | 9.5% |
| COPD | 4.3% |
| Cancer | 6.4% |
| Stroke | 2.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 9.8% |
| 30% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.0% |
| Depression | 21.6% |
| Mental Distress | 16.6% |
| Physical Distress | 12.4% |
| Short Sleep | 32.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.3% |
| Uninsured | 4.7% |
| 45% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,305 |
| Dentists | 1:1,093 |
| Mental Health | 1:150 |
| Checkup Rate | 69.9% |
| Dental Visits | 66.7% |
| Premature Death | 6,123/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 92.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 1,508 |
Los Alamos enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F (15°C). Winters average 53°F in January while summers reach 64°F in July / relatively mild seasonal variation. Annual precipitation totals 16.7 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 49. 53% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 580 feet.
Temperature
53°F Jan (12°C)
64°F Jul (18°C)
| Annual Average | 58.6°F |
| 9% above US avg |
| January Average | 53°F (12°C) |
| July Average | 64°F (18°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 580 ft (177 m) |
| Area | 3.9 sq mi (10.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 984/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 34.7418°N, 120.2746°W |
| Timezone | America/Los_Angeles |
| County | Santa Barbara County County |
| Nearest Airport | Santa Barbara Municipal (SBA) 36 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
16.7"
56% below US avg
Wettest Month (Feb)
4.05"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 49.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Good Days % | 52.7% |
| Unhealthy Days | 2 |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0360 ppm |
| NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide) | 1.5 ppb |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 0.27 ppb |
| CO (Carbon Monoxide) | 0.08 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 5.4 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively High |
| Risk Score | 99.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 60.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 60.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Relatively High |
| Wildfire |
Relatively High |
| Flood |
Relatively High |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Very High |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very High |
| Coastal Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Tsunami |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2,321 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M6.0. Most recent: M2.8 on Aug 15, 2025.
| Sep 28, 2004 |
2004 Parkfield, California Earthquake |
M6.0 |
120 km |
| Apr 5, 2018 |
31km SW of Santa Cruz Is. (E end), CA |
M5.3 |
114 km |
| Jan 18, 1994 |
10km ESE of Piru, California |
M5.2 |
150 km |
| Aug 7, 2024 |
24 km SW of Lamont, CA |
M5.2 |
115 km |
| May 28, 1993 |
21km SW of Lamont, California |
M5.2 |
116 km |
| Aug 20, 2023 |
7 km SE of Ojai, CA |
M5.1 |
106 km |
| Jan 19, 1994 |
8km ESE of Piru, California |
M5.1 |
149 km |
| Sep 29, 2004 |
8 km NW of Parkfield, California |
M5.0 |
136 km |
| Dec 20, 1994 |
3 km NW of Parkfield, California |
M4.9 |
132 km |
| Sep 30, 2004 |
13 km NW of Parkfield, California |
M4.9 |
141 km |
| Feb 24, 2016 |
6km SSW of Wasco, CA |
M4.9 |
121 km |
| Nov 14, 1993 |
8 km NW of Parkfield, California |
M4.8 |
136 km |
| May 29, 2013 |
6km W of Isla Vista, CA |
M4.8 |
50 km |
| Sep 28, 2004 |
12 km SE of Parkfield, California |
M4.7 |
118 km |
| Feb 9, 2024 |
11 km WNW of Malibu, CA |
M4.6 |
147 km |
| Mar 16, 2002 |
33km NW of Santa Barbara Is., CA |
M4.6 |
148 km |
| Aug 7, 2024 |
25 km SW of Lamont, CA |
M4.6 |
113 km |
| Apr 16, 2005 |
20km ESE of Maricopa, CA |
M4.6 |
104 km |
| Mar 17, 2004 |
9 km WSW of Oak Shores, California |
M4.5 |
132 km |
| May 16, 2005 |
5 km NW of Parkfield, California |
M4.5 |
133 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
13 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF1. Total: 3 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Feb 7, 2024 |
EF1 |
53 km |
0 |
| Feb 7, 2024 |
EF1 |
79 km |
0 |
| Mar 17, 1991 |
EF1 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jan 3, 1977 |
EF1 |
54 km |
0 |
| Mar 21, 2023 |
EF0 |
76 km |
0 |
| Feb 23, 2015 |
EF0 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jan 19, 2010 |
EF0 |
51 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 2006 |
EF0 |
20 km |
0 |
| Feb 2, 2004 |
EF0 |
51 km |
0 |
| Nov 29, 2001 |
EF0 |
27 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1998 |
EF0 |
70 km |
0 |
| Mar 24, 1994 |
EF0 |
63 km |
0 |
| Dec 29, 1991 |
EF0 |
13 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Tsunami History
4 tsunamis recorded within 500 km.
Highest wave on record: 3.4 m (11 ft).
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1812 |
S. CALIFORNIA |
Eruption + Earthquake |
3.4 m |
1 |
69 km |
| 1927 |
S. CALIFORNIA |
Earthquake |
1.8 m |
- |
46 km |
| 1878 |
S. CALIFORNIA |
Meteorological |
1.0 m |
1 |
64 km |
| 1901 |
MONTEREY BAY, N. CALIFORNIA |
Eruption + Earthquake |
- |
- |
141 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: THOMAS (281,982 ac, 2017).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2017 |
THOMAS |
281,982 |
94 km |
| 2007 |
ZACA |
241,846 |
57 km |
| 1985 |
WHEELER 2 |
126,854 |
88 km |
| 1996 |
FIFTY-EIGHT |
94,704 |
65 km |
| 2009 |
LA BREA |
84,213 |
31 km |
| 1985 |
LAS PILITAS |
75,841 |
64 km |
| 1997 |
LOGAN |
49,627 |
44 km |
| 1994 |
41 |
48,441 |
81 km |
| 1997 |
LOKERN |
46,139 |
95 km |
| 1993 |
MARRE |
44,309 |
29 km |
| 2016 |
REY |
33,323 |
53 km |
| 2017 |
ALAMO |
29,256 |
24 km |
| 2002 |
WOLF |
21,097 |
99 km |
| 2017 |
WHITTIER CA-LBOR-001770 |
18,510 |
37 km |
| 2021 |
ALISAL |
17,677 |
32 km |
| 1999 |
SPANISH |
14,518 |
41 km |
| 2006 |
PERKINS |
14,342 |
54 km |
| 2024 |
HURRICANE |
13,488 |
76 km |
| 2016 |
CANYON |
12,749 |
33 km |
| 1989 |
CHISPA |
9,869 |
83 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
53°F (12°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| February |
54°F (12°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| March |
55°F (13°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| April |
57°F (14°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
0.3 in |
|
| June |
62°F (16°C) |
0.1 in |
|
| July |
64°F (18°C) |
0.0 in |
|
| August |
65°F (18°C) |
0.0 in |
Warmest, Driest |
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
0.1 in |
|
| October |
62°F (17°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| November |
57°F (14°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| December |
52°F (11°C) |
2.4 in |
Coldest |
Los Alamos has a seasonal temperature swing of 12°F / from 52°F in December to 65°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 16.7 inches, with February being the wettest month (4.1") and August the driest (0.0").
Average costs for common services in Los Alamos. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$277 ($166-$443) |
| Specialist Visit |
$387 ($221-$609) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$221 ($111-$387) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,435 ($886-$5,535) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$144 ($83-$221) |
| Dental Filling |
$277 ($166-$443) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$50 ($28-$83) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$83 ($55-$133) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$332 ($166-$554) |
| Tire Rotation |
$44 ($22-$83) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$664 ($443-$1,107) |
| Battery Replacement |
$221 ($111-$387) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$111 ($66-$166) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$100 ($55-$155) |
| HVAC Repair |
$443 ($166-$886) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,749 ($4,428-$13,284) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,107 ($443-$2,214) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,963 ($6,089-$16,605) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,661 ($554-$3,875) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$16,605 ($5,535-$33,210) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,535 ($2,214-$11,070) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,661 ($886-$3,321) |
| Will Preparation |
$554 ($221-$1,107) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,768 ($1,107-$5,535) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$28 ($17-$50) |
| Women's Haircut |
$61 ($33-$111) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$166 ($83-$277) |
| Manicure |
$28 ($17-$50) |
| Pedicure |
$44 ($28-$72) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$89 ($55-$144) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.54 ($3.32-$6.09) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.87 ($2.77-$5.54) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$4.21 ($2.77-$6.09) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.98 ($3.32-$7.20) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$6.09 ($4.43-$8.30) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.11 ($0.66-$1.99) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$155 ($89-$277) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$77 ($33-$166) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$77 ($44-$133) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$77 ($44-$111) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$72 ($33-$111) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$94 ($55-$166) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$221 ($83-$554) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,214 ($1,328-$3,875) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$77 ($33-$144) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$17 ($8.86-$28) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$111 ($33-$277) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$33 ($17-$83) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,328 ($664-$2,768) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,107 ($554-$2,214) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$443 ($221-$775) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$55 ($28-$111) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,107 ($443-$2,768) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$13,838 ($5,535-$33,210) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$66 ($33-$111) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$111 ($55-$221) |
| Dog Grooming |
$66 ($33-$111) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$44 ($22-$83) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$332 ($166-$554) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$221 ($111-$443) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,959 |
| Toddler | $1,338 |
| Preschool | $1,048 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,572 |
| Toddler | $1,323 |
| Preschool | $1,240 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Los Alamos
What is the population of Los Alamos?
Los Alamos has a population of 886 residents and is located in California. The population density is 984 people per square mile, spread across 3.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 71.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 55.6% female and 44.4% male.
Is Los Alamos expensive to live in?
Los Alamos is slightly more expensive than average, with a cost of living index of 110.7 compared to the national baseline of 100. The median household income is $53,673, 29% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $672,100 (138% above the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 12.5x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.
What is the weather like in Los Alamos?
Los Alamos enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F (15°C). Winter temperatures average 53°F in January, while summers reach an average of 64°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 16.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 49.
How is the job market in Los Alamos?
The job market in Los Alamos faces challenges, with unemployment at 8.0% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,340. There are 17,497 business establishments in the area, including 1,253 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and 21.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Los Alamos?
The median home value in Los Alamos is $672,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $882,459. The homeownership rate is 79.4%. The average annual property tax is $10,996.
How are the schools in Los Alamos?
Schools in Los Alamos have an average test score of 4.5 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 16.8% of adults in Los Alamos hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.5% have completed high school. 11.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Los Alamos?
The obesity rate in Los Alamos is 26.6% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 9.8% of adults are smokers. 21.0% are physically inactive. 21.6% of residents report depression. 4.7% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 92.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,305.
What is transportation like in Los Alamos?
The average commute in Los Alamos is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 49.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 21.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Los Alamos?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Los Alamos is 87.8% White, 5.9% Black or African American, 7.8% Hispanic or Latino, 1.1% Asian. 89.1% of residents speak only English at home, while 6.3% speak Spanish. 12.9% of the population are military veterans. 24.7% of residents have a disability. 95.3% have health insurance coverage.