Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Carlsbad, NM
Considering Carlsbad, NM for your next move? This friendly city of 32,238 boasts affordable living with a median home price around $185,000 and average rents near $900. Residents enjoy short commutes averaging just 18 minutes, abundant sunshine, and access to outdoor activities in the desert climate. While crime rates are higher than national averages, Carlsbad offers a close-knit community, local healthcare, and schools, making it a practical choice for families and newcomers alike.
Demographics - Carlsbad, NM
Demographics - Carlsbad, NM
Carlsbad is home to 32,238 residents, with a median age of 35.7, reflecting a balanced mix of families and working adults. The city’s population is predominantly White (76.4%), with a notable Hispanic and minority presence, and about one in five residents speaks a language other than English at home, adding cultural diversity to the community.
Population:
32,238
Density:
1,050 per sq mi
Median Age:
35.7
Gender Ratio:
99 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
19.2%
Ethnic Composition
White:
76.4%
Black:
2.4%
Asian:
0.9%
Others:
20.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Carlsbad, NM?
Carlsbad offers a relatively affordable cost of living, with a median home value of $185,000 and average monthly rent around $900. Everyday expenses—such as groceries, utilities, and healthcare—tend to be lower than national averages, making it an attractive option for those seeking value without sacrificing quality of life.
Median House Value:
$185,000
Gross Rent:
$900
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$115
Auto Insurance:
$1,320
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,115
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$350
State Taxes:
Low:
1.7%
|
High:
5.9%
Cost Of Living Index:
84.2
Grocery:
92.5
Housing:
65.0
Utilities:
92.0
Transportation:
81.0
Health Care:
86.0
Miscellaneous:
89.0
Crime
Is Carlsbad, NM a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Carlsbad are higher than national averages, with a violent crime rate of 442 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime rate of 3,430 per 100,000. While a resident’s chance of experiencing property crime is about 1 in 29, awareness and preventive measures can help contribute to community safety.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
442
Property Crimes Per 100k:
3,430
Crime Index:
3,872
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 226
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 29
Weather
What is the weather like in Carlsbad, NM year-round?
Carlsbad enjoys a desert climate with mild winters, hot summers, and about 71% sunny days throughout the year. Average rainfall is low at just 12.7 inches annually, making it well-suited for those who prefer dry, sunny conditions and outdoor recreation.
Winter
Min:
29°F
Max:
57°F
Spring
Min:
44°F
Max:
80°F
Summer
Min:
67°F
Max:
97°F
Fall
Min:
47°F
Max:
80°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
12.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
71%
Neighbors
The typical household in Carlsbad earns about $64,500 annually, with a poverty rate of 13.9% and an unemployment rate of 4.7%. Most residents have at least a high school education, and average commute times are short at 18 minutes, fostering a convenient and close-knit community environment.
Median Income:
$31,000
Household Income:
$64,500
Family Income:
$73,200
Per Capita Income:
$29,200
Income Male:
$45,800
Income Female:
$36,700
Poverty Rate:
13.9%
Non English Speakers:
19.2%
Rent:
$900
Unemployment Rate:
4.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.8%
Commute Time:
18.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
81.5%
Bachelors or More:
15.2%
Education
How are the schools in Carlsbad, NM?
Carlsbad offers a range of educational options, including public schools like Carlsbad High School and Desert Willow Elementary, as well as private and higher education institutions. The presence of New Mexico State University Carlsbad provides local access to college-level programs, supporting lifelong learning for the community.
Public Schools
Name:
Carlsbad High School
Street:
3000 W Church St
Phone:
575-234-3319
Students:
1,450
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.8
Name:
Desert Willow Elementary
Street:
2100 Primrose St
Phone:
575-234-3316
Students:
620
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.7
Private Schools
Name:
St. Edward Catholic School
Street:
2101 N Guadalupe St
Phone:
575-885-4620
Students:
180
Colleges
Name:
New Mexico State University Carlsbad
City:
Carlsbad
State:
NM
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
1,150
Healthcare
Residents benefit from local healthcare options, including Carlsbad Medical Center, which provides emergency and surgical services. The city has 1.7 physicians per 1,000 people, and over 86% of the population has health insurance, ensuring accessible care for most families.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Carlsbad Medical Center
Address:
2430 W Pierce St, Carlsbad, NM 88220
Phone:
(575) 887-4100
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
86.4%
Health Care Index:
67.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Carlsbad, NM?
The housing market in Carlsbad is stable and affordable, with a median home price of $185,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom apartment at $900. Around two-thirds of homes are owner-occupied, and recent home appreciation has been healthy at 6.2% over the past year.
Median Home Price:
$185,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$900
Owner Occupied Rate:
67.1%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.9%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Carlsbad residents are served by the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division office located at 207 W. Stevens, providing full DMV services locally. The office offers convenient access for vehicle registration, licensing, and other motor vehicle needs.
State:
New Mexico
Department:
New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division
Address:
207 W. Stevens, Carlsbad, NM 88220
Phone:
(575) 885-1444
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.