Ruidoso Downs, NM
Population 2,629 · New Mexico
About Ruidoso Downs, NM
Ruidoso Downs is a small town located in New Mexico with a population of 2,629 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $31,413 per year, which is 58% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 35.3 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Ruidoso Downs features a median home value of $55,400, which is 77% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Ruidoso Downs one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $826, 29% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,347 total housing units, 70% are owner-occupied (721 units) and 30% are renter-occupied (311 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Ruidoso Downs shows an unemployment rate of 5.8%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 29.1%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Ruidoso Downs have an average one-way commute time of 20.6 minutes.
Education & Demographics
10.5% of Ruidoso Downs 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 59.9% White, 3.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, and 0.3% Asian residents, with 18.2% of the population being foreign-born.
How Ruidoso Downs Ranks in New Mexico
Cost of Living in Ruidoso Downs, NM
Compared to national averages, Ruidoso Downs has a median household income of $31,413 (58% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $55,400, which is 77% below the national median. Monthly rent at $826 is 29% below the US average of $1,163. Within New Mexico, Ruidoso Downs's income is 53% below the state average of $67,435, and home values are 76% below the state median of $233,762.
Why Live in Ruidoso Downs, NM?
Ruidoso Downs offers affordable housing with a median home value of $55,400, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $826/month, and short commute times averaging just 20.6 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($31,413) that falls below the national average. However, Ruidoso Downs’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Ruidoso Downs has a population of 2,629 with a median age of 35.3 years. Compare Ruidoso Downs with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New Mexico.
Similar Cities Near Ruidoso Downs
Cities in New Mexico with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tularosa | 2,584 | $45,147 | $117,600 | Compare |
| Clayton | 2,680 | $40,192 | $111,500 | Compare |
| University Park | 2,699 | $25,433 | $0 | Compare |
| Chimayo | 2,726 | $52,305 | $214,000 | Compare |
| La Mesilla | 2,531 | $74,385 | $266,900 | Compare |
| West Hammond | 2,519 | $49,795 | $185,800 | Compare |
| Dulce | 2,782 | $41,886 | $58,100 | Compare |
| Milan | 2,473 | $37,551 | $71,300 | 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 Downs With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Ruidoso Downs
What is the population of Ruidoso Downs, NM?
The population of Ruidoso Downs, NM is 2,629 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 Downs?
The median household income in Ruidoso Downs, NM is $31,413 per year, which is 58% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Ruidoso Downs?
The median home value in Ruidoso Downs, NM is $55,400, which is 77% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Ruidoso Downs?
The median monthly rent in Ruidoso Downs, NM is $826, which is 29% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Ruidoso Downs?
The unemployment rate in Ruidoso Downs, NM is 5.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Ruidoso Downs, NM a good place to live?
Ruidoso Downs offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 2,629 and a median age of 35.3, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Ruidoso Downs, NM?
10.5% of residents in Ruidoso Downs 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 Downs?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Ruidoso Downs, NM: median home value is $55,400 (77% below national), median rent is $826/month, and median household income is $31,413. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.8x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Ruidoso Downs?
The poverty rate in Ruidoso Downs, NM is 29.1%, 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 Downs, NM?
Ruidoso Downs's population is 59.9% White, 3.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, 0.3% Asian, and 0.2% two or more races. 18.2% of residents are foreign-born.