Ruidoso, NM
Population 7,701 · New Mexico
About Ruidoso, NM
Ruidoso is a small town located in New Mexico with a population of 7,701 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $50,259 per year, which is 33% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 44.4 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 Ruidoso features a median home value of $229,100, which is 6% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Ruidoso in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $924, 21% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 8,262 total housing units, 70% are owner-occupied (2,575 units) and 30% are renter-occupied (1,127 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Ruidoso shows an unemployment rate of 4.9%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 16.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Ruidoso have an average one-way commute time of 14.2 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
30.9% of Ruidoso residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 22.8% White, 2.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, and 5.1% Asian residents, with 6.6% of the population being foreign-born.
How Ruidoso Ranks in New Mexico
Cost of Living in Ruidoso, NM
Compared to national averages, Ruidoso has a median household income of $50,259 (33% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $229,100, which is 6% below the national median. Monthly rent at $924 is 21% below the US average of $1,163. Within New Mexico, Ruidoso's income is 25% below the state average of $67,435, and home values are 2% below the state median of $233,762.
Why Live in Ruidoso, NM?
Ruidoso offers affordable housing with a median home value of $229,100, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $924/month, and short commute times averaging just 14.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($50,259) that falls below the national average. However, Ruidoso’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Ruidoso has a population of 7,701 with a median age of 44.4 years. Compare Ruidoso with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New Mexico.
Similar Cities Near Ruidoso
Cities in New Mexico with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Belen | 7,427 | $40,354 | $154,600 | Compare |
| Bloomfield | 7,391 | $51,212 | $167,800 | Compare |
| Shiprock | 8,339 | $41,563 | $101,500 | Compare |
| Socorro | 8,540 | $51,343 | $162,400 | Compare |
| Corrales | 8,557 | $114,207 | $549,700 | Compare |
| Anthony | 8,701 | $33,141 | $110,800 | Compare |
| Taos | 6,468 | $46,579 | $432,700 | Compare |
| Bernalillo | 9,068 | $61,624 | $237,100 | 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 Ruidoso With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Ruidoso
What is the population of Ruidoso, NM?
The population of Ruidoso, NM is 7,701 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 Ruidoso?
The median household income in Ruidoso, NM is $50,259 per year, which is 33% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Ruidoso?
The median home value in Ruidoso, NM is $229,100, which is 6% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Ruidoso?
The median monthly rent in Ruidoso, NM is $924, which is 21% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Ruidoso?
The unemployment rate in Ruidoso, NM is 4.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Ruidoso, NM a good place to live?
Ruidoso offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 7,701 and a median age of 44.4, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Ruidoso, NM?
30.9% of residents in Ruidoso 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 Ruidoso?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Ruidoso, NM: median home value is $229,100 (6% below national), median rent is $924/month, and median household income is $50,259. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.6x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Ruidoso?
The poverty rate in Ruidoso, NM is 16.5%, 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 Ruidoso, NM?
Ruidoso's population is 22.8% White, 2.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, 5.1% Asian, and 1.3% two or more races. 6.6% of residents are foreign-born.