Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Sunshine, NM
Considering a move to Sunshine, NM? This friendly town of about 1,400 residents offers affordable living, with median home prices at $170,000 and average rents around $790. Enjoy over 80% sunny days annually and mild winters, with a short average commute of just 18 minutes. While the crime rate is higher than the national average, Sunshine boasts a relaxed atmosphere, low cost of living, and access to nearby schools and healthcare options. Explore the welcoming vibe and wide-open skies of Sunshine as you plan your next move.
Demographics - Sunshine, NM
Demographics - Sunshine, NM
Sunshine, NM is a close-knit community of about 1,400 people, with a median age of 46, reflecting a mature and diverse population. The town has a strong Hispanic presence alongside a majority White population, and about 22% of residents speak a language other than English at home, contributing to a vibrant local culture.
Population:
1,400
Density:
350 per sq mi
Median Age:
46.1
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
22.0%

Ethnic Composition
White:
65.0%
Black:
1.0%
Others:
1.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Sunshine, NM?
Living in Sunshine is budget-friendly, with a median home value around $170,000 and average rent at $790, making housing costs notably lower than the national average. The overall cost of living index is 89, and residents benefit from affordable utilities, groceries, and moderate state taxes, making this a practical choice for those seeking value.
Median House Value:
$170,000
Gross Rent:
$790
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$90
Auto Insurance:
$1,200
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$310
State Taxes:
Low:
1.7%
|
High:
5.9%
Cost Of Living Index:
89.0
Grocery:
92.5
Housing:
78.0
Utilities:
90.0
Transportation:
86.0
Health Care:
93.0
Miscellaneous:
95.0
Crime
Is Sunshine, NM a safe place to live?
While Sunshine offers a welcoming environment, its crime rates are above the national average, with a 1 in 267 chance of experiencing a violent crime and a 1 in 44 chance of property crime. Newcomers should take standard precautions, but the community remains friendly and engaged.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
375
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,250
Crime Index:
2,625
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 267
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 44
Weather
What is the weather like in Sunshine, NM year-round?
Sunshine lives up to its name with 80% of days being sunny each year and just under 10 inches of annual rainfall. Residents enjoy mild winters with lows around 26°F and warm summers that can reach 97°F, making it ideal for those who value a dry, sunny climate.

Winter
Min:
26°F
Max:
54°F

Spring
Min:
40°F
Max:
76°F

Summer
Min:
66°F
Max:
97°F

Fall
Min:
45°F
Max:
78°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
9.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
80%
Neighbors
The community features a median household income of $51,000 and a family income of $57,500, with neighbors who tend to stay long-term. With low public transport use and an average commute of just over 18 minutes, Sunshine is known for its relaxed pace and strong sense of local connection.
Median Income:
$32,000
Household Income:
$51,000
Family Income:
$57,500
Per Capita Income:
$23,500
Income Male:
$31,000
Income Female:
$26,200
Poverty Rate:
18.5%
Non English Speakers:
22.0%
Rent:
$790
Unemployment Rate:
6.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
18.2 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
82.0%
Bachelors or More:
17.0%
Education
How are the schools in Sunshine, NM?
Sunshine offers quality public education, including a local elementary and high school with favorable student-teacher ratios. Higher education opportunities are close at hand, with New Mexico State University just 14 miles away, serving students from across the region.

Public Schools
Name:
Gadsden High School
Street:
6301 NM-28
Phone:
575-882-6300
Students:
1,400
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.4
Name:
Sunshine Elementary School
Street:
1705 Sunshine Rd SW
Phone:
575-882-6200
Students:
370
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.8

Colleges
Name:
New Mexico State University
City:
Las Cruces
State:
NM
Distance:
14 miles
Students:
14,000
Healthcare
Residents have access to quality medical care nearby, including two major hospitals in Las Cruces and a high rate of health insurance coverage at 87.4%. With 1.5 physicians per 1,000 people, healthcare services are accessible for most needs.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Mountain View Regional Medical Center
Address:
4311 E. Lohman Ave, Las Cruces, NM 88011
Phone:
(575) 556-7600
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Memorial Medical Center
Address:
2450 S Telshor Blvd, Las Cruces, NM 88011
Phone:
(575) 522-8641
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
87.4%
Health Care Index:
67.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Sunshine, NM?
Sunshine’s housing market is affordable and stable, with a median home price of $170,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of 71%. Rental options are available, and the area has experienced steady appreciation, making homeownership an attainable goal.
Median Home Price:
$170,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$790
Owner Occupied Rate:
71.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
DMV services for Sunshine residents are provided by the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division, located nearby in Las Cruces. Residents can easily access vehicle registration, licensing, and other motor services both in-person and online.
State:
New Mexico
Department:
New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division
Address:
505 S. Main Street, Suite 113, Las Cruces, NM 88001
Phone:
(575) 524-6225
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.