Mescalero, NM
Population 814 · New Mexico
About Mescalero, NM
Mescalero is a small community located in New Mexico with a population of 814 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $28,167 per year, which is 63% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 44.1 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 Mescalero features a median home value of $48,300, which is 80% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Mescalero one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $282, 76% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 442 total housing units, 71% are owner-occupied (228 units) and 29% are renter-occupied (94 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Mescalero shows an unemployment rate of 8.8%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 40.3%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Mescalero have an average one-way commute time of 15.9 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
10.6% of Mescalero 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 7.6% White, 90.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 3.3% of the population being foreign-born.
How Mescalero Ranks in New Mexico
Cost of Living in Mescalero, NM
Compared to national averages, Mescalero has a median household income of $28,167 (63% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $48,300, which is 80% below the national median. Monthly rent at $282 is 76% below the US average of $1,163. Within New Mexico, Mescalero's income is 58% below the state average of $67,435, and home values are 79% below the state median of $233,762.
Why Live in Mescalero, NM?
Mescalero offers affordable housing with a median home value of $48,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $282/month, and short commute times averaging just 15.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($28,167) that falls below the national average. However, Mescalero’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Mescalero has a population of 814 with a median age of 44.1 years. Compare Mescalero with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New Mexico.
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Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
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Other Cities in New Mexico
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Mescalero
What is the population of Mescalero, NM?
The population of Mescalero, NM is 814 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in New Mexico.
What is the median household income in Mescalero?
The median household income in Mescalero, NM is $28,167 per year, which is 63% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Mescalero?
The median home value in Mescalero, NM is $48,300, which is 80% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Mescalero?
The median monthly rent in Mescalero, NM is $282, which is 76% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Mescalero?
The unemployment rate in Mescalero, NM is 8.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Mescalero, NM a good place to live?
Mescalero offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 814 and a median age of 44.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Mescalero, NM?
10.6% of residents in Mescalero 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 Mescalero?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Mescalero, NM: median home value is $48,300 (80% below national), median rent is $282/month, and median household income is $28,167. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.7x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Mescalero?
The poverty rate in Mescalero, NM is 40.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Mescalero, NM?
Mescalero's population is 7.6% White, 90.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 3.3% of residents are foreign-born.