DEMOGRAPHICS
Location
Located at the intersection of Intestates 10 and 25
in southern New Mexico, about 45 miles northwest of
El Paso, TX, 230 miles south of Albuquerque, NM and
about 173 miles east of Tucson, AZ.
Population
78,800 permanent residents and about 15,000 students
at New Mexico State University during the school year.
Total Dona Ana county population, 180,500.
Climate
Average relative humidity: 27%
Rain: 8 inches
Snow: 2 inches
Cost of living
ACCRA National Average 100
Las Cruces: 93
Average Housing Cost
Existing 3 Bedroom Home: $132,000
New 3 Bedroom Home: $195,000
Monthly Rent for 3 Bedroom Unfurnished Apartment: $600
Taxes
Las Cruces Sales Tax:
Gross receipts tax is 7.125%.
Exemptions:
Prescription drugs.
State Income Tax:
New Mexico uses a seven-bracket, graduated-rate table
ranging from 1.7% to 8.2% of taxable income.
State Exemptions:
Depending on income level, taxpayers who are 65 and
older may be eligible for a deduction from taxable income
of up to $8,000 each. Un-reimbursed and uncompensated
medical expenses not already itemized on the federal
1040A schedule for the same year may be eligible for
a tax deduction.
Estate Tax: None,
except the state’s “pick-up” portion
of the federal tax, applicable to taxable estates above
$1 million.
Property Tax:
Las Cruces residential properties are taxed at a rate
of $27.53 per $1,000 on 33.3% of appraised value.
Mesilla residential property tax rate is $22.61 per
$1,000 on 33.3% of appraised value.
Homestead Exemption:
$2,000 of assessed value for all homeowners. New Mexico
residents who are 65 years of age or older who have
a modified gross income of $16,000 or less for the tax
year qualify to claim a property tax rebate. The rebate
may not exceed $250 for married taxpayers filling jointly
($125 fro married taxpayers filing separately or single
taxpayers).
Education
Continuing education offered at both New Mexico State
University (505-646-0111) and the Dona Ana Branch Community
College (505-527-7500).
Transportation
The city’s Road Runner Transit offers a citywide
public bus system. Adult fares are 50 cents (25
cents for senior citizens, students and disabled). Door-to-door
services are also available through Dial-A-Ride, the
Las Cruces Airport, and Las Cruces Shuttle.
Air service
The El Paso International Airport is located approximately
45 miles southeast of Las Cruces via Interstate 10.
Direct shuttle service from Las Cruces Shuttle 505-525-1784
is available from various locations around Las Cruces.
Healthcare
Las Cruces offers several medical centers. The newly
opened Mountain View Regional Medical Center provides
a full-service emergency room, specialized woman’s
center, comprehensive intensive-care services, surgical
care and specialized cardiology center. Memorial
Medical Center is a full-service hospital and serves
as the acute care facility for the county. PromptCare,
First Step Woman’s Health and Pediatrics, the
Family Practice Center and Ikard-Memorial Cancer Treatment
Center also offer quality services.
Housing
Housing options in Las Cruces range from older or restored
homes to large custom built homes with acreage.
Contact the Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce 505-524-1968,
www.lascruces.org or the Las Cruces Association of Realtors
505-524-0658,
www.lascrucesassociationofrealtors.com
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