Median Income
$14,907
80% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
63/100K
83% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$462
60% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
42.3%
32% higher than US avg
Unemployment
13.4%
272% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
100.0%
706% higher than US avg
How Placitas CDP (Doña Ana County) Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population473
Median Age19.3 yrs
Density3,638/mi²
Male / Female32% / 69%
Largest GroupWhite 44%
Veterans0.0%
Economy
F
Median Income$14,907
Per Capita$6,509
Unemployment13.4%
Poverty100.0%
County GDP$1,242M
Housing
C+
Rent$462
Ownership15.3%
Zillow$174,124
Housing Units212
Rent Burden31.8%
Crime
F
Violent63/100K
Property1,445/100K
Health
Obesity42.3%
Smoking18.1%
Depression22.4%
Heart Disease7.5%
Climate
Avg Temp63°F (17°C)
AQI37 (Good)
Rain10.6 in/yr
Sunny Days330/yr
Elevation4,082 ft (1,244 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+0.0%
High School+19.9%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score3.62
Community
2024 VoteR 58% / D 39%
Broadband50.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries2
Is Placitas CDP (Doña Ana County) a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Placitas CDP (Doña Ana County) receives an overall livability score of 1.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of D. Key strengths include low crime rates, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Placitas CDP (Doña Ana County) faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Placitas CDP (Doña Ana County) is $14,907, 80% below the national average of $75,149. At 13.4%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 100.0% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population.
Cost of Living & Housing
Renters pay a median of $462 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability.
Safety & Crime
Placitas CDP (Doña Ana County) is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 63 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,445 per 100,000, 26% below the national average.
Education
0.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 19.9% have completed high school. School test scores average 3.6/10, below typical benchmarks.
Climate & Weather
Placitas CDP (Doña Ana County) enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 63°F. Winters average 44°F in January while summers reach 83°F in July. With 330 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 10.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 37.
Placitas CDP (Doña Ana County) has a population of 473 with a density of 3,638 people per square mile, spread across 0.1 square miles. The median age is 19.3 years, 50% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 68.5% female and 31.5% male. The city is predominantly White (43.6%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 0% of residents, while 100% speak Spanish. 0.0% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 17.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 91.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
19.3yrs
Median Age
50% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Placitas CDP (Doña Ana County) vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
0.0%
100% below US avg
Spanish
100.0%
646% above US avg
Social Characteristics
Placitas CDP (Doña Ana County) vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Placitas CDP (Doña Ana County) is $14,907, which is 80% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $6,509 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $938, 34% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 13.4% (above the 3.6% US average). 100.0% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 561 business establishments, including 62 restaurants. The cost of living index is 92.2, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Placitas CDP (Doña Ana County) vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $14,907 |
| 80% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $6,509 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $938 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $38,791 |
| Gini Index | 0.451 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 13.4% |
| 272% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 100.0% |
| 706% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 561 |
| County GDP | $1,242M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 62 |
| Healthcare | 53 |
| Retail | 66 |
| Manufacturing | 11 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $1,940 |
| 45% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 92.20 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 100.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $174,124. Monthly rent averages $462 (60% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $927 for a one-bedroom to $1,129 for a two-bedroom apartment. 15.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 212 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1995. The average annual property tax is $1,940 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 31.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $462 |
| 60% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 31.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $828 |
| 1 Bedroom | $927 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,129 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,496 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,758 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 15.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 15.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 84.7% |
| Housing Units | 212 |
| Median Year Built | 1995 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $1,940 |
| 45% below US avg |
In Placitas CDP (Doña Ana County), 42.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 17.5% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.5% of residents, above the national average. 34.7% have high blood pressure. 18.1% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 13.5% report binge drinking. 40.3% are physically inactive, above the national average. 22.4% report depression. 18.5% experience frequent mental distress. The primary care physician ratio is 1:6,383. The dentist ratio is 1:2,575. 49.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 4.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Placitas CDP (Doña Ana County) vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 42.3% |
| 32% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 17.5% |
| Heart Disease | 7.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.7% |
| Asthma | 9.8% |
| COPD | 7.3% |
| Cancer | 4.5% |
| Stroke | 4.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.1% |
| 29% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 13.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 40.3% |
| Depression | 22.4% |
| Mental Distress | 18.5% |
| Physical Distress | 20.6% |
| Short Sleep | 36.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.1% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:6,383 |
| Dentists | 1:2,575 |
| Mental Health | 1:603 |
| Checkup Rate | 66.4% |
| Dental Visits | 44.9% |
| Premature Death | 13,152/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 4.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 49.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 53 |
Placitas CDP (Doña Ana County) has a violent crime rate of 63 per 100,000 residents, 83% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,445 per 100,000, 26% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 11 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Placitas CDP (Doña Ana County) receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Placitas CDP (Doña Ana County) vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 62.8/100K |
| 83% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,444.7/100K |
| 26% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 11 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Placitas CDP (Doña Ana County) enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 63°F (17°C). Winters average 44°F in January while summers reach 83°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 10.6 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 4,082 feet.
Temperature
44°F Jan (7°C)
83°F Jul (29°C)
| Annual Average | 63.2°F |
| 17% above US avg |
| January Average | 44°F (7°C) |
| July Average | 83°F (29°C) |
| Sunny Days | 330 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 4,082 ft (1,244 m) |
| Area | 0.1 sq mi (0.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 3,638/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 32.6655°N, 107.1698°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | Luna County County |
| Nearest Airport | Las Cruces International (LRU) 30 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
10.6"
72% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
2.48"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 37.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 51.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 80.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 1.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| 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: M2.6 on May 9, 2025.
| Feb 8, 2015 |
36 km E of Pecan Park, New Mexico |
M3.9 |
49 km |
| Jun 20, 1991 |
47 km SE of San Antonito, New Mexico |
M3.5 |
124 km |
| May 19, 2011 |
40 km SSE of Datil, New Mexico |
M3.2 |
136 km |
| Jun 10, 1993 |
47 km SE of San Antonito, New Mexico |
M3.2 |
124 km |
| Feb 1, 2015 |
34 km ESE of Pecan Park, New Mexico |
M3.1 |
53 km |
| Feb 7, 2015 |
35 km E of Pecan Park, New Mexico |
M3.1 |
51 km |
| Feb 1, 2015 |
38 km E of Pecan Park, New Mexico |
M3.1 |
46 km |
| Feb 8, 2015 |
36 km E of Pecan Park, New Mexico |
M3.0 |
47 km |
| Feb 8, 2015 |
35 km W of Fairacres, New Mexico |
M3.0 |
45 km |
| Jan 27, 2013 |
13 km SW of Sunshine, New Mexico |
M2.9 |
94 km |
| Feb 8, 2015 |
35 km ESE of Ventura, New Mexico |
M2.9 |
58 km |
| Sep 6, 1991 |
8 km NNW of Mimbres, New Mexico |
M2.8 |
85 km |
| Jan 3, 2025 |
50 km NW of Tularosa, New Mexico |
M2.8 |
112 km |
| Feb 15, 2015 |
34 km ESE of Pecan Park, New Mexico |
M2.8 |
55 km |
| Feb 8, 2015 |
38 km ESE of Pecan Park, New Mexico |
M2.6 |
54 km |
| May 9, 2025 |
46 km SE of Aragon, New Mexico |
M2.6 |
139 km |
| Mar 6, 2012 |
9 km E of Fort Bliss, Texas |
M2.5 |
125 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
25 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Oct 12, 1957 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Oct 9, 2006 |
EF1 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jul 28, 1989 |
EF1 |
39 km |
0 |
| Jul 31, 1979 |
EF1 |
91 km |
0 |
| Sep 16, 1971 |
EF1 |
54 km |
0 |
| Aug 9, 1971 |
EF1 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jul 29, 1959 |
EF1 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 2011 |
EF0 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 2, 2007 |
EF0 |
87 km |
0 |
| May 2, 2007 |
EF0 |
87 km |
0 |
| Apr 29, 2007 |
EF0 |
39 km |
0 |
| Sep 13, 2006 |
EF0 |
53 km |
0 |
| Aug 2, 2002 |
EF0 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 2001 |
EF0 |
55 km |
0 |
| Sep 22, 1988 |
EF0 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jul 22, 1987 |
EF0 |
12 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1982 |
EF0 |
52 km |
0 |
| Aug 2, 1981 |
EF0 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jul 31, 1979 |
EF0 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jul 25, 1975 |
EF0 |
89 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Nearby Volcanoes
1 volcano within 200 km.
Closest: Carrizozo (169 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Carrizozo |
Pyroclastic cone(s) |
1,731 m (5,679 ft) |
-3250 |
169 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BLACK (328,091 ac, 2022).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2022 |
BLACK |
328,091 |
86 km |
| 2013 |
SILVER |
137,884 |
72 km |
| 2009 |
DIAMOND |
32,021 |
99 km |
| 1995 |
BONNER |
26,381 |
88 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
14,645 |
72 km |
| 2011 |
ABRAMS |
12,786 |
72 km |
| 2009 |
MEASON |
12,781 |
95 km |
| 2006 |
SKATES |
11,285 |
100 km |
| 2001 |
BENNETT MT |
10,249 |
63 km |
| 1997 |
UNNAMED |
9,423 |
88 km |
| 1989 |
DIVIDE |
9,393 |
91 km |
| 1993 |
UVAS |
8,541 |
12 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
7,496 |
61 km |
| 2010 |
LONG CANYON |
6,656 |
74 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
6,555 |
100 km |
| 1999 |
HERMOSA |
6,463 |
72 km |
| 2003 |
SECO |
6,161 |
79 km |
| 2014 |
SIGNAL |
5,904 |
96 km |
| 1994 |
PIGEON |
5,208 |
80 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
5,191 |
84 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
44°F (7°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| February |
46°F (8°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| March |
51°F (11°C) |
0.3 in |
|
| April |
58°F (15°C) |
0.2 in |
Driest |
| May |
67°F (19°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| June |
76°F (24°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| July |
83°F (29°C) |
2.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
76°F (25°C) |
2.5 in |
Wettest |
| September |
70°F (21°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| October |
60°F (16°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| November |
49°F (9°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| December |
42°F (5°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest |
Placitas CDP (Doña Ana County) has a seasonal temperature swing of 42°F / from 42°F in December to 83°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 11.7 inches, with August being the wettest month (2.5") and April the driest (0.2").
Average costs for common services in Placitas CDP (Doña Ana County). 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
Frequently Asked Questions About Placitas CDP (Doña Ana County)
What is the population of Placitas CDP (Doña Ana County)?
Placitas CDP (Doña Ana County) has a population of 473 residents and is located in New Mexico. The population density is 3,638 people per square mile, spread across 0.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 19.3 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 68.5% female and 31.5% male.
Is Placitas CDP (Doña Ana County) expensive to live in?
Placitas CDP (Doña Ana County) is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 92.2 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $14,907, 80% below the national average of $75,149. Renters pay a median of $462 per month, below the national average of $1,163.
Is Placitas CDP (Doña Ana County) safe?
Placitas CDP (Doña Ana County) is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 63 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,445 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Placitas CDP (Doña Ana County) receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Placitas CDP (Doña Ana County)?
Placitas CDP (Doña Ana County) enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 63°F (17°C). Winter temperatures average 44°F in January, while summers reach an average of 83°F in July. The area receives 330 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 10.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 37.
How is the job market in Placitas CDP (Doña Ana County)?
The job market in Placitas CDP (Doña Ana County) faces challenges, with unemployment at 13.4% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $938. There are 561 business establishments in the area, including 62 restaurants and food service locations.
How much does housing cost in Placitas CDP (Doña Ana County)?
For renters, the median monthly rent is $462. Fair market rent is $927 for a 1-bedroom and $1,129 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 15.3%. The average annual property tax is $1,940.
How are the schools in Placitas CDP (Doña Ana County)?
Schools in Placitas CDP (Doña Ana County) have an average test score of 3.6 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 0.0% of adults in Placitas CDP (Doña Ana County) hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 19.9% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Placitas CDP (Doña Ana County)?
The obesity rate in Placitas CDP (Doña Ana County) is 42.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.1% of adults are smokers. 40.3% are physically inactive. 22.4% of residents report depression. 49.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:6,383.
What are the demographics of Placitas CDP (Doña Ana County)?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Placitas CDP (Doña Ana County) is 43.6% White. 0% of residents speak only English at home, while 100% speak Spanish. 0.0% of the population are military veterans. 17.7% of residents have a disability. 91.1% have health insurance coverage.