Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Playas, NM
Considering Playas, NM for your next move? This tiny community of about 75 residents offers affordable living, with median home prices around $65,000 and average rents just $650. Enjoy over 80% sunny days each year and a peaceful, rural vibe, though you'll want to plan for a 29-minute average commute and limited local amenities. Crime rates are moderate for the region, and while school and healthcare options are limited locally, nearby towns like Deming and Silver City provide access to essentials. Playas is ideal for those seeking quiet desert life and low housing costs.
Demographics - Playas, NM
Demographics - Playas, NM
Playas, NM is a tiny community of just 75 residents, with a predominantly White population and a median age of 52, reflecting a mature and close-knit rural environment. The gender ratio slightly favors males, and only about 8.5% of residents speak a language other than English at home. The low population density of 18 people per square mile contributes to its peaceful, small-town atmosphere.
Population:
75
Density:
18 per sq mi
Median Age:
52.4
Gender Ratio:
110 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
8.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
82.0%
Black:
0.0%
Asian:
0.0%
Others:
18.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Playas, NM?
Playas offers an exceptionally affordable cost of living, with median home values around $65,000 and average rents at $650 per month. Everyday expenses, including groceries and transportation, are well below the national average, making it a budget-friendly choice for newcomers. Residents benefit from lower-than-average utility costs and moderate state taxes.
Median House Value:
$65,000
Gross Rent:
$650
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,250
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$750
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$320
State Taxes:
Low:
1.7%
|
High:
5.9%
Cost Of Living Index:
82.0
Grocery:
89.7
Housing:
60.5
Utilities:
97.0
Transportation:
75.3
Health Care:
88.2
Miscellaneous:
82.1
Crime
Is Playas, NM a safe place to live?
The crime rate in Playas is moderate for the region, with a chance of experiencing property crime at about 1 in 53 and violent crime at 1 in 294. While these risks are present, they are generally in line with or slightly below comparable rural communities. The small population fosters a sense of familiarity and vigilance among neighbors.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
340
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,900
Crime Index:
2,240
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 294
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 53
Weather
What is the weather like in Playas, NM year-round?
Residents of Playas enjoy over 80% sunny days each year and a dry climate, with just over 11 inches of annual rainfall. Winters are mild, with lows around 26°F, while summers can be hot, reaching up to 97°F. The area’s desert climate means clear skies and comfortable spring and fall temperatures.
Winter
Min:
26°F
Max:
58°F
Spring
Min:
39°F
Max:
76°F
Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
97°F
Fall
Min:
41°F
Max:
78°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
11.1 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
80%
Neighbors
Households in Playas have a median income of $44,000, while about 18.5% of residents live below the poverty line. Most adults have completed high school, and nearly 16% have a bachelor’s degree or higher. The average commute is about 29 minutes, with residents typically relying on personal vehicles due to the absence of public transportation.
Median Income:
$28,200
Household Income:
$44,000
Family Income:
$50,000
Per Capita Income:
$22,500
Income Male:
$28,000
Income Female:
$22,000
Poverty Rate:
18.5%
Non English Speakers:
8.5%
Rent:
$650
Unemployment Rate:
6.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.0%
Commute Time:
29.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
84.1%
Bachelors or More:
15.4%
Education
How are the schools in Playas, NM?
Education options in Playas are limited, with local students typically attending small nearby schools such as Animas High School, which has a low student-to-teacher ratio. Higher education is available at Western New Mexico University in Silver City, about 68 miles away. There are currently no private schools in the immediate area.
Public Schools
Name:
Animas High School
Street:
1 Panther Boulevard, Animas, NM 88020
Phone:
575-548-2296
Students:
70
Student Teacher Ratio:
10.2
Colleges
Name:
Western New Mexico University
City:
Silver City
State:
NM
Distance:
68 miles
Students:
3,500
Healthcare
Healthcare access for Playas residents is provided mainly by nearby towns, with the closest major hospitals located in Deming and Silver City. The community has a relatively high health insurance coverage rate of nearly 90%, though there are only 1.2 physicians per 1,000 residents. Emergency and general medical services are accessible within an hour’s drive.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Mimbres Memorial Hospital
Address:
900 W Ash St, Deming, NM 88030
Phone:
(575) 546-5800
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Gila Regional Medical Center
Address:
1313 E 32nd St, Silver City, NM 88061
Phone:
(575) 538-4000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.5%
Health Care Index:
67.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Playas, NM?
The Playas housing market is characterized by very affordable prices, with a median home cost of $65,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $650. Owner-occupancy rates are high at 78%, reflecting a stable local market, though new construction is minimal and vacancies are somewhat elevated. Home values have seen modest appreciation over the past year.
Median Home Price:
$65,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$650
Owner Occupied Rate:
78.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
12.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.0%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Vehicle registration and licensing services for Playas residents are handled by the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division, headquartered in Santa Fe. Most transactions can be completed online or by phone, offering convenience despite the rural location. The state DMV provides comprehensive resources for drivers and vehicle owners.
State:
New Mexico
Department:
New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division
Address:
1100 South St. Francis Drive, Santa Fe, NM 87505
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.