Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Placitas, NM
Considering a move to Placitas, NM? This scenic community of about 5,000 offers tranquil desert living, with a median home price around $590,000 and average rents of $1,570. Placitas enjoys a low violent crime rate of 95 per 100K, abundant sunshine (76% sunny days annually), and highly educated residents—over 54% hold bachelor’s degrees or higher. The area’s commute averages 32.5 minutes, and nearby schools and healthcare options make it appealing for retirees and families seeking a peaceful Southwestern lifestyle.
Demographics - Placitas, NM
Demographics - Placitas, NM
Placitas is a close-knit community of about 5,000 residents, boasting a median age of nearly 60 and a population density of 110 people per square mile. The area is predominantly White, with around 86% of the population, and has a balanced gender ratio. Non-English speakers make up just under 9%, reflecting moderate cultural diversity.
Population:
5,041
Density:
110 per sq mi
Median Age:
59.7
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
8.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
86.5%
Black:
0.6%
Asian:
0.7%
Others:
12.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Placitas, NM?
Living in Placitas comes with a higher-than-average cost of living index of 115.2, largely driven by a median home value of $590,000 and average rents around $1,570. While housing is the most significant expense, other costs such as utilities, groceries, and healthcare remain close to or below the national average. State income taxes range from 1.7% to 5.9%, making it important to budget accordingly.
Median House Value:
$590,000
Gross Rent:
$1,570
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$114
Auto Insurance:
$1,420
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,850
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$670
State Taxes:
Low:
1.7%
|
High:
5.9%
Cost Of Living Index:
115.2
Grocery:
99.8
Housing:
142.3
Utilities:
102.7
Transportation:
98.4
Health Care:
95.6
Miscellaneous:
92.1
Crime
Is Placitas, NM a safe place to live?
Placitas offers a safe environment with a very low violent crime rate of 95 per 100,000 residents and a property crime rate of 1,120 per 100,000. The chances of experiencing violent crime are about 1 in 1,050. This makes the area appealing for those seeking peace of mind and a secure community.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
95
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,120
Crime Index:
1,215
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,050
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 89
Weather
What is the weather like in Placitas, NM year-round?
Placitas enjoys a sunny climate with 76% of days each year offering clear skies. Winters are mild, with temperatures ranging from 24°F to 49°F, while summers are warm but comfortable, reaching highs around 91°F. Annual rainfall is modest at just under 12 inches, contributing to the region’s pleasant desert atmosphere.
Winter
Min:
24°F
Max:
49°F
Spring
Min:
35°F
Max:
68°F
Summer
Min:
56°F
Max:
91°F
Fall
Min:
37°F
Max:
70°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
11.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
76%
Neighbors
Residents of Placitas benefit from strong household incomes, with the median at $88,900 and a low poverty rate of 5.3%. The community is highly educated—over 98% have completed high school and more than half hold at least a bachelor’s degree. Commute times average about 32.5 minutes, and unemployment remains low at 3.8%.
Median Income:
$51,800
Household Income:
$88,900
Family Income:
$108,200
Per Capita Income:
$48,100
Income Male:
$58,500
Income Female:
$43,800
Poverty Rate:
5.3%
Non English Speakers:
8.5%
Rent:
$1,570
Unemployment Rate:
3.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.8%
Commute Time:
32.5 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
98.7%
Bachelors or More:
54.3%
Education
How are the schools in Placitas, NM?
Families in Placitas have access to quality local schools like Placitas Elementary and Bernalillo High School, both offering small class sizes and attentive instruction. Private education is available nearby, and higher education opportunities are within reach at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, just 23 miles away. The community’s commitment to education is reflected in its high levels of academic achievement.
Public Schools
Name:
Bernalillo High School
Street:
250 Isidro Sanchez Rd
Phone:
505-867-2378
Students:
800
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.1
Name:
Placitas Elementary School
Street:
5 Camino del Carbon
Phone:
505-867-2488
Students:
160
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.0
Private Schools
Name:
Sandia View Christian School
Street:
24 Academy Dr, Corrales, NM
Phone:
505-898-0717
Students:
110
Colleges
Name:
University of New Mexico
City:
Albuquerque
State:
NM
Distance:
23 miles
Students:
22,000
Healthcare
Placitas residents have access to reputable medical facilities such as Presbyterian Rust Medical Center and UNM Sandoval Regional Medical Center located nearby in Rio Rancho. The area enjoys a high rate of health insurance coverage at nearly 92% and maintains a solid physician-to-resident ratio of 2.1 per 1,000 people. Overall, healthcare services are accessible and reliable for families and retirees alike.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Presbyterian Rust Medical Center
Address:
2400 Unser Blvd SE, Rio Rancho, NM 87124
Phone:
(505) 253-1140
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
UNM Sandoval Regional Medical Center
Address:
3001 Broadmoor Blvd NE, Rio Rancho, NM 87144
Phone:
(505) 994-7000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.8%
Health Care Index:
72.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Placitas, NM?
The housing market in Placitas is characterized by a high median home price of $590,000 and a strong owner-occupied rate of 91%. Average rent for a two-bedroom apartment is $1,570, with home values appreciating at 7.2% over the past year. The market is stable with low foreclosure and vacancy rates, offering long-term value for buyers.
Median Home Price:
$590,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,570
Owner Occupied Rate:
91.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Placitas residents are served by the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division, with the nearest office located in Albuquerque. Essential DMV services such as licensing and registration are easily accessible both in person and online. For more information or to schedule appointments, residents can visit the official New Mexico MVD website.
State:
New Mexico
Department:
New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division
Address:
4575 San Mateo Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109
Phone:
1-888-683-4636
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.