Placitas, Dona Ana County, NM demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
4,739
-2.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$109,750/yr
75.3% year-over-year change
Housing units
2,591
2.1% year-over-year change

Placitas population

How many people live in Placitas

Placitas is home to 4,739 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 53.2% of Placitas locals are male, and 46.8% are female.

Total population
4,739
-2.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
53.2%
2,520
Female
46.8%
2,219
Value Percent YoY change
Male 2,520 53.2% 0.4%
Female 2,219 46.8% -5.1%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Placitas is 42, with the population distributed as follows: about 6.4% are children under 15, then 6.1% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 14.2% of the population, while another 28.7% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 44.7% are 65 or older.

Median age
42
Age breakdown
Under 15
6.4%
15 to 24
6.1%
25 to 44
14.2%
45 to 64
28.7%
Over 65
44.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 302 6.4% 28.5%
15 to 24 289 6.1% -17.7%
25 to 44 672 14.2% 6.0%
45 to 64 1,359 28.7% -12.0%
Over 65 2,117 44.7% 1.6%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Placitas, 89.6% of the population are US-born citizens, while 7.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 3% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 67.9% of locals are Caucasian, 0.3% are African American and 1.4% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 12.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
89.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
7.4%
Non-citizens
3%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 4,244 89.6% -4.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 353 7.4% 16.1%
Non-citizens 142 3% 24.6%
Racial breakdown
White
67.9%
Black or African American
0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native
6.3%
Asian
1.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
12.4%
Other
11.7%
Value Percent
White 3,218 67.9%
Black or African American 14 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 297 6.3%
Asian 67 1.4%
Two or more races 590 12.4%
Other 553 11.7%

Households in Placitas

A peek inside Placitas households

Placitas has 2,328 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 68.5% are families, while the remaining 31.5% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
2,328
-1.2% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
733
Family households
1,595
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 733 31.5% -2.9%
Family households 1,595 68.5% -0.4%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Placitas

The housing landscape of Placitas

Placitas's housing consists of 2,591 units, with 89.9% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 3.6% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
2,591
2.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 2,329 89.9%
3 or 4 units 153 5.9%
20 to 49 units 15 0.6%
Mobile home 94 3.6%
Homes built since 2020
11
22.2% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Placitas

In Placitas, the median construction year is 2006. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 36.6% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 12.4% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.4% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 81 3.1% 30.6%
Built between 1950 and 1959 9 0.4% -78.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 38 1.5% 100.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 125 4.8% 6.8%
Built between 1980 and 1989 422 16.3% 10.8%
Built between 1990 and 1999 636 24.6% -14.8%
Built between 2000 and 2009 947 36.6% 0.6%
Built between 2010 and 2019 322 12.4% 45.7%
Built in 2020 or later 11 0.4% 22.2%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Placitas occupancy rates

Out of the 2,328 occupied housing units in Placitas, 87.2% are owner-occupied, while 12.8% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 10.2% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
2,328
-1.2% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
299
Owner occupied
2,029
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 299 12.8% -9.9%
Owner occupied 2,029 87.2% 0.2%
Unoccupied housing units
10.2%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Placitas housing costs

Housing costs in Placitas come to a median of $920 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,590.

Median housing costs per month
$920/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Placitas
$1,590/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Placitas

Placitas education at a glance

About 16.9% of the population in Placitas went to high school, while 15.6% pursued college studies. Another 6.1% earned an associate degree and 29.7% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 30.1% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 72 1.7% -28.7%
High school diploma 733 16.9% -12.7%
College diploma 677 15.6% -8.1%
Associate degree 263 6.1% -15.7%
Bachelor's degree 1,291 29.7% 15.3%
Graduate degree 1,306 30.1% -2.5%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Placitas

How much people earn in Placitas

The average annual household income in Placitas was $80,052 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +0.8% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $109,750, reflecting a +75.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Placitas
$80,052/year
0.8% year-over-year change
Median household income in Placitas
$109,750/year
75.3% year-over-year change

Placitas income by age

In Placitas, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $172,537. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $187,537 overall. Overall, 87.7% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $172,537 22.1%
45 - 64 $187,537 98.0%
Over 65 $79,167 69.8%
Above poverty level
4,122
Below poverty level
577
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 4,122 87.7% -3.6%
Below poverty level 577 12.3% 3.0%

Average renter income in Placitas

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Placitas, their median household income was $53,516 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 35.7%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$53,516
Rent-to-income ratio
35.7%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Placitas

Workforce and job types in Placitas

The job market in Placitas is powered by 2,133 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 89.2% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 10.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 19.2% run their own businesses, 46.5% are employed by private companies, and 18.5% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
2,133
-2.4% year-over-year change
White collar
1,902
Blue collar
231
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,902 89.2% -0.4%
Blue collar 231 10.8% -16.3%
Employer type
Self employees
19.2%
Private companies
46.5%
Governmental workers
18.5%
Not for profit companies
15.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 409 19.2% 9.7%
Private companies 992 46.5% -8.5%
Governmental workers 395 18.5% 0.2%
Not for profit companies 337 15.8% 0.6%
Unemployment rate
8.6%
72.4% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Placitas stands at 8.6%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Placitas

How people get around in Placitas

Commuting methods vary: 97.9% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.5% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 1,318 97.9% -7.6%
Railroad 8 0.6% -60.0%
Walk 20 1.5% 33.3%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

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FAQs about Placitas demographics 

What is the total population of Placitas?

Placitas has a total population of 4,739 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by -2.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Placitas?

The gender ratio in Placitas is as follows:
  • 53.2% males (2,520 residents)
  • 46.8% females (2,219 residents)

What is the median age in Placitas?

The median age in Placitas is 42.

What is the age distribution of the population in Placitas?

The age distribution in Placitas is as follows:
  • Under 15: 6.4% (302 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 6.1% (289 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 14.2% (672 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 28.7% (1,359 residents)
  • Over 65: 44.7% (2,117 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Placitas?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Placitas is as follows:
  • White: 67.9% (3,218 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.3% (14 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 6.3% (297 residents)
  • Asian: 1.4% (67 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% ( residents)
  • Two or More Races: 12.4% (590 residents)
  • Other: 11.7% (553 residents)

What percentage of the population in Placitas are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 89.6% of the population in Placitas.

How many housing units are there in Placitas?

There are 2,591 housing units in Placitas, reflecting a +2.1% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Placitas and what is the average household size?

Placitas has a total of 2,328 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Placitas?

Placitas has a median household income of $109,750, representing a +75.3% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Placitas?

The employment rate is 91.4% in Placitas, with a workforce of 2,133 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 89.2% (1,902 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 10.8% (231 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 19.2% (409 residents)
  • Private companies: 46.5% (992 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 18.5% (395 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 15.8% (337 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025