Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Los Alamos, NM
Thinking of moving to Los Alamos, NM? With a population of about 13,200, Los Alamos is a safe, scenic small city boasting a median home price of $412,000 and affordable rents around $1,380. Commuting is a breeze with average times under 14 minutes, and the community features exceptionally low crime rates and highly educated neighbors—over two-thirds hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Enjoy 75% sunny days, top-rated schools, and easy access to outdoor adventures in this unique mountain locale!
Demographics - Los Alamos, NM
Demographics - Los Alamos, NM
Los Alamos is home to just over 13,000 residents, with a balanced gender ratio and a median age of 41, giving the town a mature and family-friendly atmosphere. The community is predominantly White (about 81%), with notable Hispanic and Asian populations, and more than 12% speak a language other than English at home. Its moderate population density offers a blend of small-town charm and vibrant diversity.
Population:
13,179
Density:
1,150 per sq mi
Median Age:
41.2
Gender Ratio:
102 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
12.2%
Ethnic Composition
White:
80.7%
Black:
0.7%
Asian:
6.6%
Others:
4.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Los Alamos, NM?
Living in Los Alamos comes with a slightly above-average cost of living index at 104.2, with median home values around $412,000 and average rents near $1,380 per month. Utility and grocery costs are generally reasonable, and state income tax rates are competitive, making the city accessible for professionals and families alike. Overall, residents enjoy a high standard of living with manageable monthly expenses.
Median House Value:
$412,000
Gross Rent:
$1,380
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,250
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,925
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$545
State Taxes:
Low:
1.7%
|
High:
5.9%
Cost Of Living Index:
104.2
Grocery:
98.1
Housing:
105.4
Utilities:
95.2
Transportation:
97.8
Health Care:
94.9
Miscellaneous:
99.5
Crime
Is Los Alamos, NM a safe place to live?
Los Alamos stands out as one of the safest cities in New Mexico, with a violent crime rate of just 44 per 100,000 people and a property crime rate of 505 per 100,000. The odds of experiencing violent crime are extremely low—about 1 in 2,250 residents—making it an ideal place for those seeking peace of mind. These low crime levels contribute to the city's strong sense of community and quality of life.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
44
Property Crimes Per 100k:
505
Crime Index:
549
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 2,250
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 198
Weather
What is the weather like in Los Alamos, NM year-round?
Residents enjoy a mild mountain climate, with warm summers averaging highs of 82°F and cool winters dipping to 19°F. The area receives about 18 inches of annual rainfall and boasts an impressive 75% of sunny days, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Seasonal changes are distinct, offering beautiful scenery year-round.
Winter
Min:
19°F
Max:
41°F
Spring
Min:
34°F
Max:
63°F
Summer
Min:
54°F
Max:
82°F
Fall
Min:
36°F
Max:
66°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
18.1 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
75%
Neighbors
Los Alamos features a highly educated and affluent population, with median household incomes above $126,000 and a very low poverty rate of 4.2%. Most residents have at least a bachelor’s degree, and unemployment is rare at just 2.1%. The community enjoys short commutes, low reliance on public transportation, and a welcoming atmosphere for newcomers.
Median Income:
$71,000
Household Income:
$126,000
Family Income:
$144,000
Per Capita Income:
$57,100
Income Male:
$95,000
Income Female:
$68,000
Poverty Rate:
4.2%
Non English Speakers:
12.2%
Rent:
$1,380
Unemployment Rate:
2.1%
Public Transport Usage:
0.7%
Commute Time:
13.8 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
98.4%
Bachelors or More:
68.4%
Education
How are the schools in Los Alamos, NM?
Los Alamos offers excellent educational opportunities, with public schools like Los Alamos High School maintaining low student-to-teacher ratios and strong academic outcomes. The city also features private school options and is home to a branch of the University of New Mexico, allowing easy access to higher education. Families benefit from a community that values learning and achievement.
Public Schools
Name:
Los Alamos High School
Street:
1300 Diamond Dr
Phone:
505-663-2510
Students:
1,100
Student Teacher Ratio:
13:1
Name:
Mountain Elementary School
Street:
2280 North Rd
Phone:
505-663-2325
Students:
370
Student Teacher Ratio:
14:1
Private Schools
Name:
Los Alamos Cooperative School
Street:
2800 Canyon Rd
Phone:
505-661-1656
Students:
120
Colleges
Name:
University of New Mexico - Los Alamos
City:
Los Alamos
State:
NM
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
1,000
Healthcare
Healthcare in Los Alamos is robust, anchored by the Los Alamos Medical Center, which provides comprehensive emergency and surgical care. The area boasts a high physician-to-resident ratio and over 96% of residents have health insurance, ensuring easy access to medical services. Overall, the city ranks highly for healthcare quality and coverage.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Los Alamos Medical Center
Address:
3917 West Rd, Los Alamos, NM 87544
Phone:
(505) 662-4201
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
96.4%
Health Care Index:
77.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Los Alamos, NM?
The housing market in Los Alamos is strong, with median home prices at $412,000 and nearly 70% of residents owning their homes. Rental vacancies are low at 2.7%, and home values have appreciated by over 7% in the past year, reflecting high demand and stable investment opportunities. The area offers a mix of housing options suitable for families and professionals.
Median Home Price:
$412,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,380
Owner Occupied Rate:
69.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
2.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.1%
DMV Information
Residents can conveniently handle vehicle registrations and licensing at the local New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division office on Central Avenue. The office provides full DMV services for Los Alamos residents, and information is readily available online. Its accessible location and comprehensive services help streamline moving and settling into the city.
State:
New Mexico
Department:
New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division
Address:
MVD Field Office, 997 Central Ave, Los Alamos, NM 87544
Phone:
(505) 662-4243
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.