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Playas, NM

New Mexico · Hidalgo County

Playas is a small town in New Mexico with a population of 27.

1.0 /5.0
F Poor
27 Population 15/sq mi density
62°F Avg Temperature 330 sunny days/yr
455 Violent Crime/100K 1,516 property/100K
F
Overall
1.0 / 5.0
Poor overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
F
Safety
1.0 / 5.0
455 violent crimes/100K (20% above avg)

Discover Playas, NM

Explore over 40 sections covering people, economy, housing, health, crime, climate, community, costs, trends, schools, colleges, hospitals, treatment centers, industries, museums, libraries, breweries, farmers markets, grocery stores, pharmacies, campgrounds, parks, trails, stadiums, ski resorts, daycare centers, nursing homes, churches, fire stations, cell towers, bridges, power plants, EV stations, prisons, radio stations, airports, police stations, post offices, Amtrak stations, superfund sites, UNESCO sites, and more.
Use the tabs and dropdown menus below to navigate every data point we track for this city.

Full City Profile
Violent Crime 455/100K
20% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate 31.0%
3% lower than US avg
Unemployment 0.0%
100% lower than US avg

How Playas Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)

People

Population27
Median Age21.8 yrs
Density15/mi²
Male / Female100% / 0%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans0.0%

Economy

Per Capita$30,948
Unemployment0.0%
County GDP$255M
Commute6 min

Housing

Zillow$164,490
Housing Units86
Rent Burden30.9%

Crime

F
Violent455/100K
Property1,516/100K

Health

Obesity31.0%
Smoking15.2%
Depression25.5%
Heart Disease5.9%

Climate

Avg Temp62°F (17°C)
AQI37 (Good)
Rain10.4 in/yr
Sunny Days330/yr
Elevation4,482 ft (1,366 m)

Education

Bachelor's+
High School+
School Score4.65

Community

2024 VoteR 61% / D 38%
Commute6 min
Broadband0.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries1

Is Playas a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Playas receives an overall livability score of 1.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of F. Key strengths include low unemployment, abundant sunshine. Playas faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.

Economy & Jobs

The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Workers commute an average of 6 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.

Safety & Crime

The violent crime rate of 455 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,516 per 100,000, 23% below the national average.

Education

Area schools have an average test score of 4.6/10.

Climate & Weather

Playas enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 62°F. Winters average 44°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. With 330 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 10.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 37.

Playas has a population of 27 with a density of 15 people per square mile, spread across 1.9 square miles. The median age is 21.8 years, 44% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 0% female and 100% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 0.0% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%.

Population

27
Total Population
15
People / sq mi
21.8yrs
Median Age
44% below US avg
1.9mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 100%
Female 0%

Race & Ethnicity

Playas vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only 100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish 0.0%
100% below US avg

Social Characteristics

Playas vs U.S. Average

Per capita income is $30,948 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,049, 27% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). The area has 156 business establishments, including 15 restaurants. The cost of living index is 92.2, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 6 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).

Income: Playas vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Per Capita Income$30,948
Avg Weekly Wage$1,049
IRS Avg AGI$44,204
Gini Index0.423 (0=equal, 1=unequal)

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment0.0%
100% below US avg
Establishments (County)156
County GDP$255M

Business (County)

Restaurants15
Healthcare11
Retail23

Tax & Cost of Living

Cost of Living92.20 (100=avg)

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time5.9 min
Drive Alone7.4%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home0.0%

Walkability

Zillow estimates the typical home value at $164,490. Fair market rent ranges from $927 for a one-bedroom to $1,129 for a two-bedroom apartment. There are 86 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1973. 30.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Zillow ZHVI$164,490

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Rent Burden30.9%

HUD Fair Market Rent

Studio$828
1 Bedroom$927
2 Bedrooms$1,129
3 Bedrooms$1,496
4 Bedrooms$1,758

Ownership & Property

Renter-Occupied34.5%
Housing Units86
Median Year Built1973

Property Tax

In Playas, 31.0% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 9.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.9% of residents. 30.2% have high blood pressure. 15.2% are current smokers. 17.1% report binge drinking. 21.9% are physically inactive. 25.5% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.2% experience frequent mental distress. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,074. The dentist ratio is 1:801. 66.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.2 out of 10.

Health Metrics: Playas vs U.S. Average (%)

Chronic Conditions

Obesity31.0%
3% below US avg
Diabetes9.6%
Heart Disease5.9%
High Blood Pressure30.2%
Asthma10.2%
COPD6.5%
Cancer6.8%
Stroke3.1%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Smoking15.2%
9% above US avg
Binge Drinking17.1%
Physical Inactivity21.9%
Depression25.5%
Mental Distress18.2%
Physical Distress14.3%
Short Sleep36.6%

Healthcare Access

Primary Care1:4,074
Dentists1:801
Mental Health1:566
Checkup Rate66.2%
Dental Visits58.4%
Premature Death10,844/100K

Food & Exercise

Food Environment6.2/10
Exercise Access66.3%
Healthcare Facilities11
Playas has a violent crime rate of 455 per 100,000 residents, 20% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,516 per 100,000, 23% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Playas receives a safety grade of F.

Crime Rates: Playas vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)

Violent Crime

Total Violent454.7/100K
20% above US avg

Property Crime

Total Property1,515.7/100K
23% below US avg

Traffic Safety

Fatal Crashes (County/yr)2
Avg Accident Severity0.0 / 4.0

Safety Score

Safety GradeF
Safety Score1.0 / 5.0
View full crime details →
Playas enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 62°F (17°C). Winters average 44°F in January while summers reach 80°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 10.4 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 3.6 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 37. The city sits at an elevation of 4,482 feet.

Temperature

44°F Jan (7°C) 80°F Jul (27°C)
Annual Average62.2°F
15% above US avg
January Average44°F (7°C)
July Average80°F (27°C)
Sunny Days330 days/yr

Geography

Elevation4,482 ft (1,366 m)
Area1.9 sq mi (4.8 km²)
Population Density15/sq mi
Coordinates31.9126°N, 108.5363°W
TimezoneAmerica/Denver
CountyHidalgo County County
Nearest AirportBisbee Douglas International (DUG)
70 miles away

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall 10.4"
73% below US avg
Snowfall 3.6"
Wettest Month (Jul) 2.36"
Driest Month (Apr) 0.16"

Air Quality

AQI Median37.0
RatingGood

Natural Hazard Risk

Overall RiskVery Low
Risk Score8.9 / 100
Social Vulnerability68.9 / 100
Community Resilience1.2 / 100

Hazard Breakdown

Tornado Very Low
Hurricane Very Low
Earthquake Very Low
Wildfire Relatively Low
Flood Very Low
Hail Very Low
Strong Wind Very Low
Heat Wave Relatively Low
Winter Weather Very Low
Lightning Relatively Low
Ice Storm Very Low
Drought Relatively Moderate
Cold Wave Very Low
Landslide Very Low
Avalanche Very Low
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)

Earthquake History

71 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990. Strongest: M5.3. Most recent: M2.9 on Apr 26, 2024.

Jun 29, 2014 13 km SW of Franklin, Arizona M5.3 95 km
Jun 29, 2014 12 km S of Franklin, Arizona M4.0 90 km
Feb 8, 2015 36 km E of Pecan Park, New Mexico M3.9 123 km
Jul 3, 2014 11 km S of Franklin, Arizona M3.9 90 km
Oct 31, 1990 29 km E of Fronteras, Mexico M3.8 132 km
Jul 9, 2014 13 km S of Franklin, Arizona M3.6 88 km
Jul 12, 2014 17 km S of Franklin, Arizona M3.6 87 km
Aug 5, 2021 24 km SSE of Animas, New Mexico M3.6 25 km
Jul 10, 2014 16 km S of Franklin, Arizona M3.6 87 km
Jun 29, 2014 16 km SSW of Franklin, Arizona M3.6 91 km
Jul 11, 2014 5 km WSW of Franklin, Arizona M3.6 99 km
Jun 29, 2014 14 km S of Franklin, Arizona M3.5 86 km
Jul 6, 2014 Arizona M3.5 93 km
Jul 11, 2014 12 km SSW of Franklin, Arizona M3.5 93 km
Apr 22, 2020 28 km SSW of Rodeo, New Mexico M3.5 65 km
Jun 30, 2014 19 km SSW of Franklin, Arizona M3.5 87 km
Apr 27, 2019 2 km WSW of Franklin, Arizona M3.4 99 km
Jan 25, 2015 9 km S of Franklin, Arizona M3.4 91 km
Feb 27, 2018 32 km E of Esqueda, Mexico M3.4 148 km
Mar 29, 2024 51 km E of Ascención, Mexico M3.4 140 km
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)

Tornado History

12 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950. Strongest: EF3.

Date Rating Distance Fatalities
Oct 12, 1957 EF3 87 km 0
Oct 9, 2006 EF1 94 km 0
Aug 19, 1979 EF1 99 km 0
Aug 9, 1971 EF1 78 km 0
Jun 15, 1967 EF1 99 km 0
Jun 15, 1961 EF1 27 km 0
Oct 7, 2015 EF0 28 km 0
Sep 6, 2007 EF0 82 km 0
Oct 15, 2005 EF0 25 km 0
Jul 31, 1979 EF0 97 km 0
Jul 25, 1975 EF0 96 km 0
May 16, 1961 EF0 69 km 0
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)

Wildfire History

20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km. Largest: HORSESHOE 2 (226,079 ac, 2011).

Year Name Acres Distance
2011 HORSESHOE 2 226,079 70 km
2009 PASCO 104,011 64 km
2018 OK BAR 60,456 47 km
2003 UNNAMED 38,998 74 km
2018 SAN LUIS 36,237 68 km
1994 FLAT COMPLEX 34,859 57 km
2011 CLOVERDALE2 33,552 74 km
2002 WALNUT 30,388 42 km
1989 GRAY 28,758 44 km
1993 LINCH 27,546 52 km
1994 RATTLESNAKE 25,238 70 km
1999 GARCIA 22,621 65 km
2006 ADOBE 20,089 40 km
2011 TRUCK STOP 19,656 73 km
2008 CENTER PEAK 19,443 48 km
2009 HOG 18,086 67 km
1994 LYNCH 16,204 61 km
2011 GODFREY 13,536 30 km
1989 ANTELOPE 13,266 63 km
2017 SWISSHELMS 10,798 96 km
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 44°F (7°C) 0.8 in
February 47°F (8°C) 0.6 in
March 52°F (11°C) 0.6 in
April 59°F (15°C) 0.2 in Driest
May 68°F (20°C) 0.2 in
June 77°F (25°C) 0.5 in
July 80°F (27°C) 2.4 in Warmest, Wettest
August 77°F (25°C) 2.2 in
September 72°F (22°C) 1.5 in
October 62°F (16°C) 1.1 in
November 50°F (10°C) 0.6 in
December 43°F (6°C) 1.1 in Coldest

Playas has a seasonal temperature swing of 37°F / from 43°F in December to 80°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 11.7 inches, with July being the wettest month (2.4") and April the driest (0.2").

View full weather details →
Playas is located in Hidalgo County. It is classified as Nonmetro / Rural, a rural community. Area schools have an average test score of 4.6 out of 10. In the 2024 presidential election, the county voted Republican with 61.2% of the vote, a 23.4-point margin. 0.0% of households have broadband internet access (below the 90.0% national rate). The area has 1 EV charging stations. There are 1 public libraries serving the community. 11 healthcare facilities operate in the area. 7.4% of workers drive alone to work.

2024 Presidential Election (County)

R 61.2%
D 37.9%

Winner: Republican by 23.4 points

Safety & Disasters

Fatal Crashes (County/yr)2
Avg Accident Severity0.0 / 4.0
F Safety Grade (1.0/5.0)

Education

School Test Score4.65

Area & Infrastructure

RUCC Code 9Nonmetro / Rural
Population Density15/sq mi
Total Area1.9 sq mi
CountyHidalgo County County

Services

Broadband Access0.0%
Avg Download Speed27.1 Mbps
Avg Upload Speed2.4 Mbps
Max Download Speed1,000 Mbps
EV Charging Stations1
Alt Fuel Stations1
Public Libraries1
Healthcare Facilities11
Restaurants15
Retail Stores23

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute5.9 min
Drive Alone7.4%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home0.0%
Average costs for common services in Playas. 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

Top Industries in Hidalgo County

Largest private-sector industries by employment (BLS QCEW 2024 data, county level).

Industry Jobs Establishments Avg Annual Pay Location Quotient
Retail Trade 246 18 $33,297 1.90
Transportation & Warehousing 38 6 $77,123 0.69

National Parks Near Playas

5 national parks and monuments found near Playas.

ParkTypeFee
Chiricahua National Monument National Monument Free
City Of Rocks State Park State Park Free
Fort Bowie National Historic Site National Historic Site Free
Pancho Villa State Park State Park Free
Rockhound State Park State Park Free

Trails Near Playas

8 trails found near Playas.

TrailMilesSurfaceHikeBikeHorse
GUADALUPE CANYON 7.7 NATIVE MATERIAL Yes Yes
PINE CANYON 5.4 NATIVE MATERIAL Yes Yes
SWAGGERT 5.2 NATIVE MATERIAL Yes Yes
NORTH DEER CREEK 4.0 NATIVE MATERIAL Yes Yes
SKELETON CANYON 3.8 NATIVE MATERIAL Yes Yes
GUADALUPE 3.5 NATIVE MATERIAL Yes Yes
CHUCK TANK 1.5 NATIVE MATERIAL Yes Yes
CONTINENTAL DIVIDE 1.2 NATIVE MATERIAL Yes

Gyms in Playas

1 gyms within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Gym 1

Cell Towers in Playas

AddressStructure TypeHeight (ft)
Playas SEC 30 TWP 2-15 RNG 18W 6 MI SW OF ANIMASTOWER61

Airports Near Playas

23 airports within the area.

AirportIATAType
Grant County AirportSVCMedium Airport
Amigos Del Cielo AirportSmall Airport
Cienega Ranch Landing StripSmall Airport
Clark AirportSmall Airport
Diamond A Ranch AirportSmall Airport
FFR Animas Landing StripSmall Airport
Hacienda San Francisco AirstripSmall Airport
Head Hunter AirportSmall Airport
Keese Canyon AirportSmall Airport
Las Lagartijas AirstripSmall Airport
Las Palmas AirstripSmall Airport
Lizzy Lizard AirportSmall Airport
Lordsburg Municipal AirportLSBSmall Airport
Luna Landing AirportSmall Airport
Many Wells Landing StripSmall Airport
Mystery Well Ranch AirportSmall Airport
Painted Pony AirportSmall Airport
Playas Air StripSmall Airport
Rancho El Espía AirstripSmall Airport
Rodeo AirportSmall Airport
Sierra Rica AirportSmall Airport
Southwell Ranch AirportSmall Airport
Thurmond AirportSmall Airport

Churches & Religious Organizations in Playas

1 religious organizations (IRS tax-exempt data).

NameAddress
PLAYAS VALLEY ASSEMBLY OF GODPO DRAWER P

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Frequently Asked Questions About Playas

What is the population of Playas?

Playas has a population of 27 residents and is located in New Mexico. The population density is 15 people per square mile, spread across 1.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 21.8 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 0% female and 100% male.

Is Playas expensive to live in?

Playas is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 92.2 / below the baseline of 100.

Is Playas safe?

The violent crime rate in Playas is 455 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 1,516 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Playas receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.

What is the weather like in Playas?

Playas enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 62°F (17°C). Winter temperatures average 44°F in January, while summers reach an average of 80°F in July. The area receives 330 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 10.4 inches, with 3.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 37.

How is the job market in Playas?

The job market in Playas is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,049. There are 156 business establishments in the area, including 15 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 6 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.

How are the schools in Playas?

Schools in Playas have an average test score of 4.6 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings.

How healthy is Playas?

The obesity rate in Playas is 31.0% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 15.2% of adults are smokers. 21.9% are physically inactive. 25.5% of residents report depression. 66.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,074.

What is transportation like in Playas?

The average commute in Playas is 6 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 7.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.

What are the demographics of Playas?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Playas is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 0.0% of the population are military veterans.

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