Home Value
$158,900
44% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
1,065/100K
180% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
20.8%
38% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.3%
10% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Sunshine Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population465
Median Age67.4 yrs
Density26/mi²
Male / Female41% / 59%
Largest GroupWhite 80%
Veterans3.5%
Economy
Per Capita$50,453
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$1,242M
Commute21 min
Housing
Home Value$158,900
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$164,490
Housing Units182
Rent Burden29.3%
Crime
F
Violent1,065/100K
Property4,908/100K
Health
Obesity35.3%
Uninsured21.4%
Smoking20.8%
Depression27.3%
Heart Disease7.9%
Climate
Avg Temp62°F (17°C)
AQI37 (Good)
Rain8.8 in/yr
Sunny Days330/yr
Elevation4,262 ft (1,299 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+20.8%
High School+74.5%
Graduate+5.7%
School Score3.62
Community
2024 VoteR 58% / D 39%
Commute21 min
Broadband100.0%
EV Stations8
Libraries2
Is Sunshine a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Sunshine receives an overall livability score of 1.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of D. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, a high uninsured rate. Sunshine faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.
Economy & Jobs
The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Sunshine is $158,900, 44% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership.
Safety & Crime
With 1,065 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,908 per 100,000, 150% above the national average.
Education
20.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 74.5% have completed high school. School test scores average 3.6/10, below typical benchmarks.
Climate & Weather
Sunshine enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 62°F. Winters average 43°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. With 330 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 8.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 37.
Sunshine has a population of 465 with a density of 26 people per square mile, spread across 17.6 square miles. The median age is 67.4 years, 73% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 59.1% female and 40.9% male. The city is predominantly White (80.4%), with 12.9% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 85.1% of residents, while 14.9% speak Spanish. 3.5% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 30.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 88.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
67.4yrs
Median Age
73% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
85.1%
8% above US avg
Spanish
14.9%
11% above US avg
Per capita income is $50,453 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $938, 34% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below 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 561 business establishments, including 62 restaurants. The cost of living index is 92.2, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 6.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $50,453 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $938 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $38,791 |
| Gini Index | 0.451 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below 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) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.22% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 20.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 93.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.7% |
The median home value in Sunshine is $158,900, 44% below the national median of $281,900. 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. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 182 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1975. The average annual property tax is $1,940 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 29.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Home Values
| Census Median | $158,900 |
| 44% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $164,490 |
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 | 182 |
| Median Year Built | 1975 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $1,940 |
| 45% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.22% |
In Sunshine, 35.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 13.1% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.9% of residents, above the national average. 34.0% have high blood pressure. 20.8% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 14.5% report binge drinking. 31.4% are physically inactive, above the national average. 27.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.9% experience frequent mental distress. 21.4% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). 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: Sunshine vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.3% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 13.1% |
| Heart Disease | 7.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.0% |
| Asthma | 11.3% |
| COPD | 9.7% |
| Cancer | 6.4% |
| Stroke | 4.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 20.8% |
| 49% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 14.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 31.4% |
| Depression | 27.3% |
| Mental Distress | 20.9% |
| Physical Distress | 18.9% |
| Short Sleep | 37.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 88.8% |
| Uninsured | 21.4% |
| 149% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:6,383 |
| Dentists | 1:2,575 |
| Mental Health | 1:603 |
| Checkup Rate | 65.0% |
| Dental Visits | 47.0% |
| Premature Death | 13,152/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 4.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 49.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 53 |
Sunshine has a violent crime rate of 1,065 per 100,000 residents, 180% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,908 per 100,000, 150% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 11 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Sunshine receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Sunshine vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 1,065.4/100K |
| 180% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,907.9/100K |
| 150% above 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 |
Sunshine enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 62°F (17°C). Winters average 43°F in January while summers reach 81°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 8.8 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 4,262 feet.
Temperature
43°F Jan (6°C)
81°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 61.9°F |
| 15% above US avg |
| January Average | 43°F (6°C) |
| July Average | 81°F (27°C) |
| Sunny Days | 330 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 4,262 ft (1,299 m) |
| Area | 17.6 sq mi (45.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 26/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 32.1344°N, 107.7838°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | Luna County County |
| Nearest Airport | Las Cruces International (LRU)
52 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
8.8"
77% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
2.05"
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
68 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 |
139 km |
| Jun 29, 2014 |
12 km S of Franklin, Arizona |
M4.0 |
133 km |
| Feb 8, 2015 |
36 km E of Pecan Park, New Mexico |
M3.9 |
48 km |
| Jul 3, 2014 |
11 km S of Franklin, Arizona |
M3.9 |
132 km |
| Jul 9, 2014 |
13 km S of Franklin, Arizona |
M3.6 |
131 km |
| Jul 11, 2014 |
5 km WSW of Franklin, Arizona |
M3.6 |
139 km |
| Jul 12, 2014 |
17 km S of Franklin, Arizona |
M3.6 |
132 km |
| Jul 10, 2014 |
16 km S of Franklin, Arizona |
M3.6 |
132 km |
| Aug 5, 2021 |
24 km SSE of Animas, New Mexico |
M3.6 |
98 km |
| Jun 29, 2014 |
16 km SSW of Franklin, Arizona |
M3.6 |
137 km |
| Jul 11, 2014 |
12 km SSW of Franklin, Arizona |
M3.5 |
137 km |
| Jun 30, 2014 |
19 km SSW of Franklin, Arizona |
M3.5 |
133 km |
| Jul 6, 2014 |
Arizona |
M3.5 |
138 km |
| Jun 29, 2014 |
14 km S of Franklin, Arizona |
M3.5 |
128 km |
| Apr 22, 2020 |
28 km SSW of Rodeo, New Mexico |
M3.5 |
139 km |
| Apr 27, 2019 |
2 km WSW of Franklin, Arizona |
M3.4 |
137 km |
| Jan 25, 2015 |
9 km S of Franklin, Arizona |
M3.4 |
131 km |
| Mar 29, 2024 |
51 km E of Ascención, Mexico |
M3.4 |
123 km |
| Jun 29, 2014 |
10 km SW of Franklin, Arizona |
M3.4 |
139 km |
| Oct 3, 2023 |
3 km WSW of Franklin, Arizona |
M3.3 |
138 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
17 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Oct 12, 1957 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Oct 9, 2006 |
EF1 |
19 km |
0 |
| Jul 28, 1989 |
EF1 |
54 km |
0 |
| Aug 19, 1979 |
EF1 |
84 km |
0 |
| Sep 16, 1971 |
EF1 |
89 km |
0 |
| Aug 9, 1971 |
EF1 |
4 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1967 |
EF1 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1961 |
EF1 |
97 km |
0 |
| Oct 7, 2015 |
EF0 |
60 km |
0 |
| Sep 6, 2007 |
EF0 |
88 km |
0 |
| Apr 29, 2007 |
EF0 |
57 km |
0 |
| Sep 13, 2006 |
EF0 |
89 km |
0 |
| Oct 15, 2005 |
EF0 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 2001 |
EF0 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jul 22, 1987 |
EF0 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jul 31, 1979 |
EF0 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jul 25, 1975 |
EF0 |
34 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: SILVER (137,884 ac, 2013).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2013 |
SILVER |
137,884 |
95 km |
| 2011 |
GODFREY |
13,536 |
100 km |
| 2020 |
TADPOLE |
11,402 |
100 km |
| 1993 |
UVAS |
8,541 |
73 km |
| 2014 |
SIGNAL |
5,904 |
95 km |
| 2009 |
BIG HATCHET LC63 |
5,433 |
78 km |
| 2007 |
NM113-MM19 |
4,626 |
67 km |
| 1989 |
KNIGHT |
4,323 |
86 km |
| 2022 |
POTRILLO |
4,293 |
60 km |
| 1989 |
GIAL I |
4,005 |
64 km |
| 2023 |
RX WILLOW |
3,487 |
86 km |
| 1994 |
GOODSIGHT |
3,450 |
51 km |
| 2010 |
WILLOW |
3,354 |
86 km |
| 1989 |
MULBERRY |
2,361 |
90 km |
| 1987 |
ASPEN |
2,345 |
94 km |
| 1994 |
GLASS |
2,333 |
98 km |
| 2011 |
GREEN CHILE |
2,323 |
67 km |
| 1997 |
POT |
2,255 |
62 km |
| 2014 |
2 HL COOKES RANGE 1 EAST |
2,165 |
44 km |
| 2000 |
JUG |
2,093 |
59 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
43°F (6°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
48°F (9°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| March |
54°F (12°C) |
0.3 in |
|
| April |
61°F (16°C) |
0.2 in |
Driest |
| May |
70°F (21°C) |
0.2 in |
|
| June |
79°F (26°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| July |
81°F (27°C) |
2.1 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
79°F (26°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| September |
73°F (23°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| October |
63°F (17°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| November |
50°F (10°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| December |
43°F (6°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Sunshine has a seasonal temperature swing of 38°F / from 43°F in January to 81°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 9.4 inches, with July being the wettest month (2.1") and April the driest (0.2").
Average costs for common services in Sunshine. 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 Sunshine
What is the population of Sunshine?
Sunshine has a population of 465 residents and is located in New Mexico. The population density is 26 people per square mile, spread across 17.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 67.4 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 59.1% female and 40.9% male.
Is Sunshine expensive to live in?
Sunshine 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 $158,900 (44% below the U.S. median).
Is Sunshine safe?
Public safety is a concern in Sunshine, with a violent crime rate of 1,065 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,908 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Sunshine receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Sunshine?
Sunshine enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 62°F (17°C). Winter temperatures average 43°F in January, while summers reach an average of 81°F in July. The area receives 330 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 8.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 37.
How is the job market in Sunshine?
The job market in Sunshine is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below 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. The average commute time is 21 minutes, and 6.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Sunshine?
The median home value in Sunshine is $158,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $164,490. The homeownership rate is 100.0%. The average annual property tax is $1,940.
How are the schools in Sunshine?
Schools in Sunshine have an average test score of 3.6 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 20.8% of adults in Sunshine hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 74.5% have completed high school. 5.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Sunshine?
The obesity rate in Sunshine is 35.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 20.8% of adults are smokers. 31.4% are physically inactive. 27.3% of residents report depression. 21.4% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 49.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:6,383.
What is transportation like in Sunshine?
The average commute in Sunshine is 21 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 93.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Sunshine?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Sunshine is 80.4% White, 12.9% Black or African American. 85.1% of residents speak only English at home, while 14.9% speak Spanish. 3.5% of the population are military veterans. 30.7% of residents have a disability. 88.8% have health insurance coverage.
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