Elephant Butte, NM
Population 1,586 · New Mexico
About Elephant Butte, NM
Elephant Butte is a small town located in New Mexico with a population of 1,586 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $45,179 per year, which is 40% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 66.1 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Elephant Butte features a median home value of $166,800, which is 32% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Elephant Butte in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,169, 1% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,566 total housing units, 86% are owner-occupied (815 units) and 14% are renter-occupied (133 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Elephant Butte shows an unemployment rate of 3.7%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 10.0%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Elephant Butte have an average one-way commute time of 10.8 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
19.0% of Elephant Butte residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 5.7% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 11.7% Asian residents, with 2.7% of the population being foreign-born.
How Elephant Butte Ranks in New Mexico
Cost of Living in Elephant Butte, NM
Compared to national averages, Elephant Butte has a median household income of $45,179 (40% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $166,800, which is 32% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,169 is 1% above the US average of $1,163. Within New Mexico, Elephant Butte's income is 33% below the state average of $67,435, and home values are 29% below the state median of $233,762.
Why Live in Elephant Butte, NM?
Elephant Butte offers affordable housing with a median home value of $166,800, below the US average of $244,900, and a low poverty rate of 10.0%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 10.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($45,179) that falls below the national average. However, Elephant Butte’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Elephant Butte has a population of 1,586 with a median age of 66.1 years. Compare Elephant Butte with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New Mexico.
Similar Cities Near Elephant Butte
Cities in New Mexico with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gamerco | 1,583 | $40,938 | $0 | Compare |
| Tano Road | 1,581 | $166,649 | $1,019,600 | Compare |
| South River | 1,594 | $56,307 | $215,000 | Compare |
| White Sands | 1,577 | $87,059 | $0 | Compare |
| Barton | 1,601 | $83,849 | $336,300 | Compare |
| El Valle de Arroyo Seco | 1,602 | $69,556 | $214,400 | Compare |
| Dixon | 1,551 | $43,148 | $362,300 | Compare |
| Rio Rancho Estates | 1,626 | $90,172 | $156,900 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in New Mexico
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Elephant Butte With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Elephant Butte
What is the population of Elephant Butte, NM?
The population of Elephant Butte, NM is 1,586 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in New Mexico.
What is the median household income in Elephant Butte?
The median household income in Elephant Butte, NM is $45,179 per year, which is 40% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Elephant Butte?
The median home value in Elephant Butte, NM is $166,800, which is 32% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Elephant Butte?
The median monthly rent in Elephant Butte, NM is $1,169, which is 1% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Elephant Butte?
The unemployment rate in Elephant Butte, NM is 3.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Elephant Butte, NM a good place to live?
Elephant Butte offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,586 and a median age of 66.1, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Elephant Butte, NM?
19.0% of residents in Elephant Butte aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Elephant Butte?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Elephant Butte, NM: median home value is $166,800 (32% below national), median rent is $1,169/month, and median household income is $45,179. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.7x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Elephant Butte?
The poverty rate in Elephant Butte, NM is 10.0%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Elephant Butte, NM?
Elephant Butte's population is 5.7% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 11.7% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 2.7% of residents are foreign-born.