Median Income
$87,059
16% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
289/100K
24% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
43.3%
28% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$1,288
11% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
31.6%
2% lower than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How White Sands Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,577
Median Age21.7 yrs
Density374/mi²
Male / Female60% / 40%
Largest GroupWhite 69%
Veterans23.5%
Economy
A+
Median Income$87,059
Per Capita$30,078
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$11,315M
Commute11 min
Housing
A+
Rent$1,288
Ownership0.0%
Zillow$213,749
Housing Units446
Rent Burden17.9%
Crime
F
Violent289/100K
Property4,519/100K
Health
Obesity31.6%
Uninsured8.0%
Smoking11.5%
Depression23.3%
Heart Disease4.7%
Climate
Avg Temp63°F (17°C)
AQI37 (Good)
Rain12.4 in/yr
Sunny Days330/yr
Elevation4,236 ft (1,291 m)
Education
A
Bachelor's+43.3%
High School+97.4%
Graduate+22.8%
School Score4.67
Community
2024 VoteR 44% / D 54%
Commute11 min
Broadband95.9%
EV Stations1
Libraries6
Is White Sands a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, White Sands receives an overall livability score of 3.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, a highly educated population. White Sands offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in White Sands is $87,059, 16% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. 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 11 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
Renters pay a median of $1,288 per month.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in White Sands is below the national average at 289 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,519 per 100,000, 131% above the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 43.3% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 97.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.7/10.
Climate & Weather
White Sands enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 63°F. Winters average 44°F in January while summers reach 82°F in July. With 330 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 12.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 37.
White Sands has a population of 1,577 with a density of 374 people per square mile, spread across 3.1 square miles. The median age is 21.7 years, 44% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 39.9% female and 60.1% male. The city is predominantly White (68.5%), with 3.4% Hispanic, 3.3% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 86.4% of residents, while 13.6% speak Spanish. 23.5% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 4.1% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 92.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
21.7yrs
Median Age
44% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
White Sands vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
86.4%
10% above US avg
Spanish
13.6%
1% above US avg
Social Characteristics
White Sands vs U.S. Average
The median household income in White Sands is $87,059, which is 16% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $30,078 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $961, 33% 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 5,817 business establishments, including 357 restaurants. The cost of living index is 92.2, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 11 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 3.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: White Sands vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $87,059 |
| 16% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $30,078 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $961 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $55,105 |
| Gini Index | 0.481 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 5,817 |
| County GDP | $11,315M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 357 |
| Healthcare | 615 |
| Retail | 511 |
| Manufacturing | 122 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,640 |
| 4% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 92.20 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 10.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 65.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.9% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $213,749. Monthly rent averages $1,288 (11% above the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $927 for a one-bedroom to $1,129 for a two-bedroom apartment. 0.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 446 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 2001. The average annual property tax is $3,640. 17.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,288 |
| 11% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 17.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $828 |
| 1 Bedroom | $927 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,129 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,496 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,758 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 0.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 34.5% |
| Housing Units | 446 |
| Median Year Built | 2001 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,640 |
| 4% above US avg |
In White Sands, 31.6% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 9.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 4.7% of residents, below the national average. 28.8% have high blood pressure. 11.5% are current smokers. 18.4% report binge drinking. 18.1% are physically inactive, below the national average. 23.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 16.2% experience frequent mental distress. 8.0% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,617. The dentist ratio is 1:1,667. 73.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: White Sands vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 31.6% |
| 2% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.1% |
| Heart Disease | 4.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.8% |
| Asthma | 9.9% |
| COPD | 4.3% |
| Cancer | 6.0% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 11.5% |
| 18% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 18.1% |
| Depression | 23.3% |
| Mental Distress | 16.2% |
| Physical Distress | 11.8% |
| Short Sleep | 31.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.3% |
| Uninsured | 8.0% |
| 7% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,617 |
| Dentists | 1:1,667 |
| Mental Health | 1:267 |
| Checkup Rate | 69.5% |
| Dental Visits | 71.8% |
| Premature Death | 9,397/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 73.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 615 |
White Sands has a violent crime rate of 289 per 100,000 residents, 24% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,519 per 100,000, 131% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 26 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, White Sands receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: White Sands vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 288.9/100K |
| 24% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,518.5/100K |
| 131% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 26 |
| Traffic Accidents | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
White Sands enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 63°F (17°C). Winters average 44°F in January while summers reach 82°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 12.4 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 1.9 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 37. The city sits at an elevation of 4,236 feet.
Temperature
44°F Jan (7°C)
82°F Jul (28°C)
| Annual Average | 63.2°F |
| 17% above US avg |
| January Average | 44°F (7°C) |
| July Average | 82°F (28°C) |
| Sunny Days | 330 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 4,236 ft (1,291 m) |
| Area | 3.1 sq mi (8.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 374/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 32.3804°N, 106.4791°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | Doña Ana County County |
| Nearest Airport | Las Cruces International (LRU)
27 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
12.4"
67% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
2.24"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 37.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0466 ppm |
| NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide) | 13.6 ppb |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 6.8 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively High |
| Risk Score | 96.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 67.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 4.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Moderate |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively High |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Very High |
| Lightning |
Very High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Volcano |
No Rating |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
19 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.9. Most recent: M2.7 on May 6, 2025.
| Feb 8, 2015 |
36 km E of Pecan Park, New Mexico |
M3.9 |
77 km |
| Jun 20, 1991 |
47 km SE of San Antonito, New Mexico |
M3.5 |
138 km |
| Dec 22, 1993 |
0 km W of Ruidoso, New Mexico |
M3.2 |
129 km |
| Jun 10, 1993 |
47 km SE of San Antonito, New Mexico |
M3.2 |
138 km |
| Feb 1, 2015 |
34 km ESE of Pecan Park, New Mexico |
M3.1 |
81 km |
| Feb 7, 2015 |
35 km E of Pecan Park, New Mexico |
M3.1 |
79 km |
| Feb 1, 2015 |
38 km E of Pecan Park, New Mexico |
M3.1 |
75 km |
| Feb 8, 2015 |
35 km W of Fairacres, New Mexico |
M3.0 |
71 km |
| Feb 8, 2015 |
36 km E of Pecan Park, New Mexico |
M3.0 |
77 km |
| Jan 27, 2013 |
13 km SW of Sunshine, New Mexico |
M2.9 |
134 km |
| Feb 8, 2015 |
35 km ESE of Ventura, New Mexico |
M2.9 |
83 km |
| Apr 5, 2012 |
10 km NE of Fabens, Texas |
M2.9 |
97 km |
| Jan 3, 2025 |
50 km NW of Tularosa, New Mexico |
M2.8 |
115 km |
| Feb 15, 2015 |
34 km ESE of Pecan Park, New Mexico |
M2.8 |
83 km |
| Apr 16, 2008 |
17 km W of Carrizozo, New Mexico |
M2.7 |
147 km |
| May 6, 2025 |
6 km W of Nogal, New Mexico |
M2.7 |
147 km |
| Feb 8, 2015 |
38 km ESE of Pecan Park, New Mexico |
M2.6 |
78 km |
| Jun 5, 2009 |
3 km SE of Praxedis G. Guerrero, Mexico |
M2.6 |
124 km |
| Mar 6, 2012 |
9 km E of Fort Bliss, Texas |
M2.5 |
66 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
36 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2. Total: 1 injury.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 27, 1982 |
EF2 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 2019 |
EF1 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1992 |
EF1 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1992 |
EF1 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1992 |
EF1 |
82 km |
0 |
| Apr 4, 1991 |
EF1 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jul 28, 1989 |
EF1 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jul 22, 1989 |
EF1 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jul 31, 1979 |
EF1 |
44 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 1974 |
EF1 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 1972 |
EF1 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jul 29, 1959 |
EF1 |
37 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 1959 |
EF1 |
80 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 2020 |
EF0 |
69 km |
0 |
| Apr 22, 2019 |
EF0 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 2011 |
EF0 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 2007 |
EF0 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 2, 2007 |
EF0 |
21 km |
0 |
| May 2, 2007 |
EF0 |
32 km |
0 |
| Apr 29, 2007 |
EF0 |
70 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Nearby Volcanoes
1 volcano within 200 km.
Closest: Carrizozo (164 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Carrizozo |
Pyroclastic cone(s) |
1,731 m (5,679 ft) |
-3250 |
164 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: ESCONDIDO (25,700 ac, 1993).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1993 |
ESCONDIDO |
25,700 |
62 km |
| 2000 |
SCOTTABLE |
15,017 |
92 km |
| 2009 |
OROGRANDE |
14,853 |
41 km |
| 1994 |
HAT |
14,842 |
62 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
14,645 |
7 km |
| 2000 |
HAY MEADOW |
13,553 |
71 km |
| 2011 |
ABRAMS |
12,786 |
7 km |
| 2001 |
BENNETT MT |
10,249 |
22 km |
| 1993 |
UVAS |
8,541 |
70 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
7,496 |
14 km |
| 1989 |
CLI |
7,469 |
75 km |
| 1992 |
UNNAMED |
7,001 |
59 km |
| 2010 |
LONG CANYON |
6,656 |
15 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
6,605 |
56 km |
| 1993 |
UNNAMED |
6,482 |
51 km |
| 2011 |
CENTENNIAL |
6,269 |
60 km |
| 1993 |
MARTIN |
5,290 |
54 km |
| 1994 |
BRIDGE |
5,041 |
79 km |
| 2018 |
ORGAN |
4,880 |
9 km |
| 2022 |
POTRILLO |
4,293 |
77 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
44°F (7°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| February |
47°F (8°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| March |
53°F (12°C) |
0.2 in |
Driest |
| April |
60°F (16°C) |
0.2 in |
|
| May |
69°F (21°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| June |
78°F (26°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| July |
82°F (28°C) |
1.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
78°F (26°C) |
2.2 in |
Wettest |
| September |
72°F (22°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| October |
62°F (16°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| November |
50°F (10°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| December |
42°F (6°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest |
White Sands has a seasonal temperature swing of 39°F / from 42°F in December to 82°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 10.4 inches, with August being the wettest month (2.2") and March the driest (0.2").
Average costs for common services in White Sands. 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 White Sands
What is the population of White Sands?
White Sands has a population of 1,577 residents and is located in New Mexico. The population density is 374 people per square mile, spread across 3.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 21.7 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 39.9% female and 60.1% male.
Is White Sands expensive to live in?
White Sands 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 $87,059, 16% above the national average of $75,149. Renters pay a median of $1,288 per month, above the national average of $1,163.
Is White Sands safe?
White Sands is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 289 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,519 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, White Sands receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in White Sands?
White Sands 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 82°F in July. The area receives 330 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 12.4 inches, with 1.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 37.
How is the job market in White Sands?
The job market in White Sands is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $961. There are 5,817 business establishments in the area, including 357 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 11 minutes, and 3.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in White Sands?
For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,288. Fair market rent is $927 for a 1-bedroom and $1,129 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 0.0%. The average annual property tax is $3,640.
How are the schools in White Sands?
Schools in White Sands have an average test score of 4.7 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 43.3% of adults in White Sands hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 97.4% have completed high school. 22.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is White Sands?
The obesity rate in White Sands is 31.6% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 11.5% of adults are smokers. 18.1% are physically inactive. 23.3% of residents report depression. 8.0% lack health insurance. 73.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,617.
What is transportation like in White Sands?
The average commute in White Sands is 11 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 65.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of White Sands?
The racial and ethnic makeup of White Sands is 68.5% White, 3.3% Black or African American, 3.4% Hispanic or Latino. 86.4% of residents speak only English at home, while 13.6% speak Spanish. 23.5% of the population are military veterans. 4.1% of residents have a disability. 92.3% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
