Ruidoso Downs, NM
Population 2,629 · New Mexico
About Ruidoso Downs, NM
Ruidoso Downs is a small community in New Mexico with a population of 2,629 residents. The median household income is $31,413 per year, which is below the national average. The median age in Ruidoso Downs is 35.3 years.
Housing in Ruidoso Downs has a median home value of $55,400 and median monthly rent of $826. Of the 1,347 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 721 owner-occupied and 311 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Ruidoso Downs is 5.8% and the poverty rate is 29.1%. 10.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 20.6 minutes.
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.
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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 Census data.
What is the median household income in Ruidoso Downs?
The median household income in Ruidoso Downs, NM is $31,413 per year.
What is the median home value in Ruidoso Downs?
The median home value in Ruidoso Downs, NM is $55,400.
What is the average rent in Ruidoso Downs?
The median monthly rent in Ruidoso Downs, NM is $826.
What is the unemployment rate in Ruidoso Downs?
The unemployment rate in Ruidoso Downs, NM is 5.8%.