Las Cruces, NM demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
114,197
1.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$55,422/yr
0.5% year-over-year change
Housing units
50,423
1.2% year-over-year change

Las Cruces population

How many people live in Las Cruces

Las Cruces is home to 114,197 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.3% of Las Cruces locals are male, and 50.7% are female.

Total population
114,197
1.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.3%
56,260
Female
50.7%
57,937
Value Percent YoY change
Male 56,260 49.3% 1.3%
Female 57,937 50.7% 1.5%
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 Las Cruces is 33, with the population distributed as follows: about 18.8% are children under 15, then 18.1% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 27.4% of the population, while another 19.4% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 16.3% are 65 or older.

Median age
33
Age breakdown
Under 15
18.8%
15 to 24
18.1%
25 to 44
27.4%
45 to 64
19.4%
Over 65
16.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 21,414 18.8% 2.9%
15 to 24 20,711 18.1% -0.2%
25 to 44 31,301 27.4% 2.2%
45 to 64 22,155 19.4% 0.1%
Over 65 18,616 16.3% 1.8%
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 Las Cruces, 88.9% of the population are US-born citizens, while 5.7% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 5.4% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 47.2% of locals are Caucasian, 2.5% are African American and 1.8% have Asian roots. Another 1.6% are Indigenous American, 0.2% are Pacific Islanders, while 18.3% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 28.5% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
88.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
5.7%
Non-citizens
5.4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 101,487 88.9% 1.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 6,506 5.7% -2.0%
Non-citizens 6,204 5.4% 6.1%
Racial breakdown
White
47.2%
Black or African American
2.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native
1.6%
Asian
1.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.2%
Two or more races
28.5%
Other
18.3%
Value Percent
White 53,842 47.2%
Black or African American 2,822 2.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native 1,784 1.6%
Asian 2,067 1.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 208 0.2%
Two or more races 32,545 28.5%
Other 20,929 18.3%

Households in Las Cruces

A peek inside Las Cruces households

Las Cruces has 47,517 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 53.9% are families, while the remaining 46.1% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
47,517
1.8% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
21,886
Family households
25,631
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 21,886 46.1% 3.8%
Family households 25,631 53.9% 0.2%
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 Las Cruces

The housing landscape of Las Cruces

Las Cruces's housing consists of 50,423 units, with 59.9% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 4.8% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 8.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
50,423
1.2% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 30,195 59.9%
1 unit, attached 2,436 4.8%
2 units 1,709 3.4%
3 or 4 units 3,189 6.3%
5 to 9 units 2,990 5.9%
10 to 19 units 2,181 4.3%
20 to 49 units 1,484 2.9%
50 or more units 2,042 4%
Mobile home 4,132 8.2%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 65 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
1,604
56.5% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Las Cruces

In Las Cruces, the median construction year is 1991. About 2.3% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 2.1% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 20.5% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 13.1% between 2010 and 2019, and 3.2% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 1,149 2.3% -9.2%
Built between 1940 and 1949 1,063 2.1% 4.7%
Built between 1950 and 1959 3,954 7.8% -8.1%
Built between 1960 and 1969 3,641 7.2% -3.5%
Built between 1970 and 1979 7,105 14.1% 1.4%
Built between 1980 and 1989 7,635 15.1% -6.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 7,370 14.6% 0.3%
Built between 2000 and 2009 10,315 20.5% 8.9%
Built between 2010 and 2019 6,587 13.1% 1.6%
Built in 2020 or later 1,604 3.2% 56.5%
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.

Las Cruces occupancy rates

Out of the 47,517 occupied housing units in Las Cruces, 55.9% are owner-occupied, while 44.1% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 5.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
47,517
1.8% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
20,958
Owner occupied
26,559
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 20,958 44.1% 1.1%
Owner occupied 26,559 55.9% 2.4%
Unoccupied housing units
5.8%
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.

Las Cruces housing costs

Housing costs in Las Cruces come to a median of $980 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $974.

Median housing costs per month
$980/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 Las Cruces
$974/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 Las Cruces

Las Cruces education at a glance

About 29.7% of the population in Las Cruces went to high school, while 24.4% pursued college studies. Another 8.8% earned an associate degree and 19.1% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 13.8% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 3,828 4.3% -10.2%
High school diploma 26,279 29.7% 6.0%
College diploma 21,590 24.4% -1.2%
Associate degree 7,803 8.8% -2.9%
Bachelor's degree 16,920 19.1% 2.3%
Graduate degree 12,193 13.8% -0.8%
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 Las Cruces

How much people earn in Las Cruces

The average annual household income in Las Cruces was $73,342 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +0.4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $55,422, reflecting a +0.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Las Cruces
$73,342/year
0.4% year-over-year change
Median household income in Las Cruces
$55,422/year
0.5% year-over-year change

Las Cruces income by age

In Las Cruces, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $59,074. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $66,381 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $20,350, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $53,081 in earnings. Overall, 77.4% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $20,350 2.3%
25 - 44 $59,074 0.2%
45 - 64 $66,381 -1.9%
Over 65 $53,081 3.6%
Above poverty level
86,498
Below poverty level
25,184
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 86,498 77.4% 0.8%
Below poverty level 25,184 22.6% 4.4%

Average renter income in Las Cruces

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Las Cruces, their median household income was $27,309 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 42.8%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$27,309
Rent-to-income ratio
42.8%
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 Las Cruces

Workforce and job types in Las Cruces

The job market in Las Cruces is powered by 50,722 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 83.3% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 16.7% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 6.9% run their own businesses, 59.1% are employed by private companies, and 26.8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
50,722
1.9% year-over-year change
White collar
42,236
Blue collar
8,486
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 42,236 83.3% 2.3%
Blue collar 8,486 16.7% 0.1%
Employer type
Self employees
6.9%
Private companies
59.1%
Governmental workers
26.8%
Not for profit companies
7.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 3,520 6.9% -5.9%
Private companies 29,983 59.1% 2.7%
Governmental workers 13,579 26.8% 0.7%
Not for profit companies 3,640 7.2% 8.2%
Unemployment rate
7.0%
-5.1% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Las Cruces stands at 7%, 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 Las Cruces

How people get around in Las Cruces

In Las Cruces, the average commute time is 19 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 84.5% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.2% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
19 min
1.1% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 42,579 84.5% 1.4%
Taxicab 35 0.1% 52.2%
Bus or trolleybus 444 0.9% 110.4%
Motorcycle 32 0.1% -68.6%
Bicycle 596 1.2% -16.4%
Walk 632 1.2% -1.7%
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.

What is the median and average household income in Las Cruces by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
88001 37,690 15,602 $33,087 $46,346
88003 404 0 $0 $0
88004 1,080 0 $0 $0
88005 27,509 11,290 $54,452 $72,338
88007 26,254 9,769 $64,892 $89,609
88011 33,064 14,500 $75,875 $106,111
88012 33,158 12,061 $69,052 $89,428

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FAQs about Las Cruces demographics 

What is the total population of Las Cruces?

Las Cruces has a total population of 114,197 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 +1.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Las Cruces?

The gender ratio in Las Cruces is as follows:
  • 49.3% males (56,260 residents)
  • 50.7% females (57,937 residents)

What is the median age in Las Cruces?

The median age in Las Cruces is 33.

What is the age distribution of the population in Las Cruces?

The age distribution in Las Cruces is as follows:
  • Under 15: 18.8% (21,414 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 18.1% (20,711 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 27.4% (31,301 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 19.4% (22,155 residents)
  • Over 65: 16.3% (18,616 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Las Cruces?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Las Cruces is as follows:
  • White: 47.2% (53,842 residents)
  • Black or African American: 2.5% (2,822 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 1.6% (1,784 residents)
  • Asian: 1.8% (2,067 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.2% (208 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 28.5% (32,545 residents)
  • Other: 18.3% (20,929 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 88.9% of the population in Las Cruces.

How many housing units are there in Las Cruces?

There are 50,423 housing units in Las Cruces, reflecting a +1.2% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Las Cruces has a total of 47,517 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Las Cruces?

Las Cruces has a median household income of $55,422, representing a +0.5% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Las Cruces?

The employment rate is 93% in Las Cruces, with a workforce of 50,722 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 83.3% (42,236 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 16.7% (8,486 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 6.9% (3,520 residents)
  • Private companies: 59.1% (29,983 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 26.8% (13,579 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7.2% (3,640 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