Everything You Should Know Before Moving to La Luz, NM
Considering a move to La Luz, NM? This peaceful community of 1,578 residents offers affordable living, with median home prices around $164,000 and average rents at $780. Residents enjoy over 80% sunny days each year, short 21-minute commutes, and a laid-back lifestyle near Alamogordo’s amenities. While crime rates are slightly above the national average, the area is served by solid local schools and is close to major healthcare facilities. La Luz is ideal for those seeking small-town charm, low housing costs, and plenty of sunshine.
Demographics - La Luz, NM
Demographics - La Luz, NM
La Luz is a small, close-knit community with about 1,578 residents and a population density of 405 people per square mile. The median age is nearly 50, reflecting a mature population, and the area is predominantly White, with a notable proportion of non-English speakers at 14.5%. This blend offers a peaceful environment with a touch of cultural diversity.
Population:
1,578
Density:
405 per sq mi
Median Age:
49.6
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
14.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
78.2%
Black:
1.1%
Asian:
0.5%
Others:
20.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in La Luz, NM?
La Luz offers an affordable cost of living, with median home values at $164,000 and average rents around $780. Utilities and transportation costs are below the national average, and the overall cost of living index is 83.7, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious movers. State income taxes range from 1.7% to 5.9%, contributing to manageable ongoing expenses.
Median House Value:
$164,000
Gross Rent:
$780
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$95
Auto Insurance:
$1,250
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,180
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$370
State Taxes:
Low:
1.7%
|
High:
5.9%
Cost Of Living Index:
83.7
Grocery:
92.4
Housing:
69.2
Utilities:
93.5
Transportation:
79.8
Health Care:
88.0
Miscellaneous:
90.2
Crime
Is La Luz, NM a safe place to live?
While La Luz enjoys a small-town atmosphere, its crime rates are somewhat above national averages, with a violent crime chance of 1 in 317 and property crime at 1 in 46. Residents should take standard safety precautions, but the area generally maintains a welcoming and safe environment. The overall crime index reflects some property crime concerns but low violent crime rates.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
315
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,150
Crime Index:
2,465
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 317
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 46
Weather
What is the weather like in La Luz, NM year-round?
Residents benefit from a mild climate with warm, sunny weather, experiencing about 82% sunny days each year. Seasonal temperatures range from winter lows near 29°F to summer highs around 91°F, and annual rainfall is modest at 14.4 inches. The climate is ideal for those who enjoy abundant sunshine and minimal precipitation.
Winter
Min:
29°F
Max:
57°F
Spring
Min:
44°F
Max:
75°F
Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
91°F
Fall
Min:
45°F
Max:
77°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
14.4 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
82%
Neighbors
La Luz features a friendly neighborhood vibe, with median household incomes around $41,300 and a poverty rate of 13%. Most residents commute about 21 minutes to work, and public transport use is very low, reflecting a primarily car-dependent community. Educational attainment is solid, with 87% holding at least a high school diploma.
Median Income:
$28,750
Household Income:
$41,300
Family Income:
$48,900
Per Capita Income:
$23,600
Income Male:
$31,800
Income Female:
$22,400
Poverty Rate:
13.0%
Non English Speakers:
14.5%
Rent:
$780
Unemployment Rate:
5.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.8%
Commute Time:
21.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
87.2%
Bachelors or More:
19.6%
Education
How are the schools in La Luz, NM?
La Luz is served by La Luz Elementary School, known for its small class sizes and a student-teacher ratio of 13.5, supporting personalized instruction. While there are no private schools in town, higher education is easily accessible at New Mexico State University - Alamogordo, just 7 miles away. The area supports educational growth from elementary through college levels.
Public Schools
Name:
La Luz Elementary School
Street:
25 Alamo St
Phone:
575-812-4800
Students:
250
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.5
Colleges
Name:
New Mexico State University - Alamogordo
City:
Alamogordo
State:
NM
Distance:
7 miles
Students:
1,800
Healthcare
Healthcare needs are well-served by the nearby Gerald Champion Regional Medical Center in Alamogordo, offering general and emergency care. Around 89.7% of residents have health insurance, and physician availability is slightly below the national average at 1.1 per 1,000 people. The area’s healthcare index suggests adequate access for most needs.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Gerald Champion Regional Medical Center
Address:
2669 Scenic Dr, Alamogordo, NM 88310
Phone:
(575) 439-6100
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.7%
Health Care Index:
66.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in La Luz, NM?
The La Luz housing market is accessible, with a median home price of $164,000 and 77% owner occupancy, reflecting a stable community of homeowners. Average rent for a two-bedroom unit is $780, and home values have appreciated by 6.2% over the past year. Vacancy and foreclosure rates remain low, indicating a steady demand for housing.
Median Home Price:
$164,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$780
Owner Occupied Rate:
77.1%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.4%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.6%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Residents can access driver and vehicle services at the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division office in nearby Alamogordo. The office provides essential DMV services, and information is available online at the state’s official website. This convenient location makes managing vehicle registration and licensing straightforward.
State:
New Mexico
Department:
New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division
Address:
263 D. Hwy 70, Alamogordo, NM 88310
Phone:
(575) 437-9240
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.