Ponderosa, NM
Population 252 · New Mexico
About Ponderosa, NM
Ponderosa is a small community located in New Mexico with a population of 252 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $49,583 per year, which is 34% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 54.2 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 Ponderosa features a median home value of $0, which is 100% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Ponderosa one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $0, 100% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 210 total housing units, 100% are owner-occupied (144 units) and 0% are renter-occupied (0 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Ponderosa shows an unemployment rate of 0.0%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 38.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Ponderosa have an average one-way commute time of 32.8 minutes.
Education & Demographics
12.5% of Ponderosa 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 29.4% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 4.8% Asian residents, with 9.9% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Ponderosa, NM
Compared to national averages, Ponderosa has a median household income of $49,583 (34% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $0, which is 100% below the national median. Monthly rent at $0 is 100% below the US average of $1,163. Within New Mexico, Ponderosa's income is 26% below the state average of $67,435, and home values are 100% below the state median of $233,762.
Why Live in Ponderosa, NM?
Ponderosa offers affordable housing with a median home value of $0, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $0/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.0%.
Potential considerations include median household income ($49,583) that falls below the national average. However, Ponderosa’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Ponderosa has a population of 252 with a median age of 54.2 years. Compare Ponderosa with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New Mexico.
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Demographics
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Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Ponderosa
What is the population of Ponderosa, NM?
The population of Ponderosa, NM is 252 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 Ponderosa?
The median household income in Ponderosa, NM is $49,583 per year, which is 34% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Ponderosa?
The median home value in Ponderosa, NM is $0, which is 100% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Ponderosa?
The median monthly rent in Ponderosa, NM is $0, which is 100% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Ponderosa?
The unemployment rate in Ponderosa, NM is 0.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Ponderosa, NM a good place to live?
Ponderosa offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 252 and a median age of 54.2, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Ponderosa, NM?
12.5% of residents in Ponderosa 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 Ponderosa?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Ponderosa, NM: median home value is $0 (100% below national), median rent is $0/month, and median household income is $49,583. The home-value-to-income ratio is 0.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Ponderosa?
The poverty rate in Ponderosa, NM is 38.9%, 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 Ponderosa, NM?
Ponderosa's population is 29.4% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 4.8% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 9.9% of residents are foreign-born.