Ruidoso, NM
Population 7,701 · New Mexico
About Ruidoso, NM
Ruidoso is a small community in New Mexico with a population of 7,701 residents. The median household income is $50,259 per year, which is near the national average. The median age in Ruidoso is 44.4 years.
Housing in Ruidoso has a median home value of $229,100 and median monthly rent of $924. Of the 8,262 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 2,575 owner-occupied and 1,127 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Ruidoso is 4.9% and the poverty rate is 16.5%. 30.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 14.2 minutes.
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.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Ruidoso
What is the population of Ruidoso, NM?
The population of Ruidoso, NM is 7,701 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Ruidoso?
The median household income in Ruidoso, NM is $50,259 per year.
What is the median home value in Ruidoso?
The median home value in Ruidoso, NM is $229,100.
What is the average rent in Ruidoso?
The median monthly rent in Ruidoso, NM is $924.
What is the unemployment rate in Ruidoso?
The unemployment rate in Ruidoso, NM is 4.9%.