| City: | Elephant Butte, New Mexico |
| City Alias: | Elephant Btte |
| Names to Avoid: | Engle, Rock Canyon |
| County: | Sierra County |
| Timezone: | Mountain (GMT -07:00) |
| Local Time: | 10:30:09 PM |
| Population: | 1,817 [See All] |
| Area Code: | 575 |
| Classification: | PO Box |
| Coordinates: | 33.3004, -107.2316 |
| Land Area: | 38.387 sq mi |
| Quick Link: |
Elephant Butte sits on the shores of New Mexico's largest reservoir, a 36,000-acre lake formed by a dam on the Rio Grande. With a median age of 65.1 years, this is one of the state's most concentrated retirement communities. The 1,817 residents spread across 975 year-round households create a quiet lakeside town where fishing, boating, and desert sunsets define daily life.
This is a PO Box Only Zone. There's no alternative mail delivery across the community's 5.8 square miles of lakeside terrain. The post office maintains 1,220 PO Boxes, serving both permanent residents and the significant seasonal population that swells the community each winter. With 697 of the 1,764 total housing units (39.5%) used only seasonally, the town transforms from quiet retreat to bustling lake destination depending on the calendar.
Mail arrives via rural carrier route, not city delivery. Street names tell the story of a desert lake community: Beach Boulevard and Lakeshore Drive meet Skyline Drive overlooking the water, while Ocotillo Drive, Yucca Drive, and Cactus Road honor the Chihuahuan Desert landscape. Spanish-language streets like Calle del Sol (Street of the Sun) and Camino Encantado (Enchanted Road) honor New Mexico heritage alongside the functional Highway 195, the main corridor through town.
The population is 86% white, with 491 Hispanic residents (27%). Small household sizes average just 1.9 people per home, typical of retirement communities where couples and singles predominate. Owner-occupied housing dominates: 823 of 975 occupied units (84%) are owned rather than rented. Median home values of $180,800 and modest household incomes around $44,891 position this as an affordable retirement destination, not an exclusive resort.
Elephant Butte Dam, completed in 1916, created the reservoir that transformed this remote stretch of the Rio Grande into a recreation hub. The unincorporated community that grew around the lake takes its name from a distinctive volcanic rock formation rising from the water. Two nearby settlements, Rock Canyon and Engle, are recognized by USPS but aren't valid mailing names. All mail goes through Elephant Butte.
The economy runs on retirees and recreation. Employment data shows 283 workers in transportation, warehousing, and utilities (likely marina and RV park operations), 128 in public administration, and 82 in education and healthcare. Just 41 work in accommodation and food services despite the tourism draw. Many residents are fully retired: 11% work from home, and the community serves as a quiet base for people who've left the workforce.
Mail to Elephant Butte must use a PO Box address. Street addresses don't work here. The format is: PO Box [number], Elephant Butte, NM 87935. Because this ZIP has been classified for PO Box service since before October 2004, there was never infrastructure built for home delivery. The post office operates as the town's central gathering point where residents collect packages, check their boxes, and catch up with neighbors.
Street names blend lakeside living (Beach Blvd, Lakeshore Dr) with desert character (Ocotillo, Yucca, Mesquite) and Spanish heritage (Calle del Sol, Camino Encantado, Rio Grande Circle).
ZIP Code 87935 has 1,817 residents and 975 households (average 1.86 persons per household). The median age is 65.1 years, significantly older than the state (39.2) and significantly older than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 51.6% male and 48.4% female, which is slightly higher than the national male share (49.1%), making this a male-majority area. Largest groups are White (86.5%, much higher than the state average of 51.0% and well above the national average of 61.6%) and Hispanic or Latino (14.0%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 14.0%, which is much lower than the state average (47.7%).
Explore More:Population Over TimeBy Age & GenderBy RaceBy GenderNativity & Citizenship
| 2020 Population: | 1,817Source: Census DHC |
| 2024 ACS Population Estimate: | 1,848Source: Census ACS |
| 2026 ZC Population Estimate: | 0Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Population Density: | 47.3 people per sq mile |
| Average Income: | $44,891Source: Census ACS |
| Households: | 975Source: Census DHC |
| Average House Value: | $180,800Source: Census ACS |
| Persons Per Household: | 1.86Source: Census DHC |
| Average Family Size: | 2.85Source: Census ACS |
| Group | 2010 | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Census ACS Population Estimate | -- | 1,228 | 1,360 | 1,687 | 1,791 | 1,724 | 1,752 | 1,679 | 1,570 | 1,422 | 1,457 | 1,747 | 1,718 | 1,848 |
| Decennial Census | 1,770 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 1,817 | -- | -- | -- |
Median Age: 65.1
Male Median Age: 65.3
Female Median Age: 64.9
| Group | < 5 | 5-9 | 10-14 | 15-19 | 20-24 | 25-29 | 30-34 | 35-39 | 40-44 | 45-49 | 50-54 | 55-59 | 60-64 | 65-69 | 70-74 | 75-79 | 80-84 | 85+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male | 22 | 25 | 37 | 21 | 18 | 32 | 20 | 27 | 22 | 23 | 41 | 68 | 103 | 148 | 147 | 105 | 52 | 26 |
| Female | 14 | 22 | 34 | 28 | 14 | 20 | 32 | 29 | 24 | 26 | 41 | 70 | 88 | 106 | 141 | 95 | 48 | 48 |
| Total | 36 | 47 | 71 | 49 | 32 | 52 | 52 | 56 | 46 | 49 | 82 | 138 | 191 | 254 | 288 | 200 | 100 | 74 |
| White: | 1,572 | 81.54% |
| Black: | 9 | 0.47% |
| Hispanic:* | 255 | 13.23% |
| Asian: | 16 | 0.83% |
| American Indian: | 23 | 1.19% |
| Hawaiian: | 0 | 0% |
| Other: | 53 | 2.75% |
| Total: | 1,928 | 100% |
| Gender | Count | % | Median Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Males: | 937 | 51.57% | 65.3 years |
| Females: | 880 | 48.43% | 64.9 years |
| Total: | 1,817 | 100% | 65.1 years |
| Native, born in the United States: | 1,758 | 95.13% |
| Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad: | 47 | 2.54% |
| Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen: | 29 | 1.57% |
| Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen: | 14 | 2.33% |
| Total Population: | 1,848 | 100% |
| Total Native Population: | 1,805 | 97.67% |
| Total Foreign-born Population: | 43 | 2.33% |
In 2023, the Median household income is $44,891, which is well under the national median ($78,538), is up $6,297 (16.3%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $13,090. Family households earn a median of $76,713 versus $27,388 for nonfamily households (a difference of $49,325). By gender, male median income is $37,532 and female is $45,446, which is much lower than the national female median ($53,445), with a current gap of $7,914 that has narrowed from 2011 to 2023. The labor-force participation rate is 28.3%, which is much lower than the national rate (63.5%). The unemployment rate is 3.7%, which is markedly below the state rate (5.9%). The largest occupation group is Management (36.8%).
Explore More:Income Over TimeHousehold IncomeEmployment StatusBy Occupation
| Income Type | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $38,594 | $37,422 | $31,156 | $34,688 | $30,985 | $35,991 | $34,583 | $30,938 | $31,801 | $31,415 | $47,736 | $39,746 | $44,891 |
| Median Family Income | $44,420 | $44,013 | $35,476 | $36,250 | $39,167 | $41,500 | $43,421 | $51,212 | $51,801 | $54,904 | $68,173 | $72,212 | $76,713 |
| Median NonFamily Income | $28,095 | $23,125 | $22,446 | $27,917 | $19,135 | $19,420 | $21,198 | $14,818 | $20,405 | $23,003 | $24,408 | $28,135 | $27,388 |
| Median Male Income | $41,148 | $35,662 | $26,557 | $25,942 | $0 | $25,776 | $24,195 | $30,515 | $30,804 | $31,351 | $32,669 | $27,141 | $37,532 |
| Median Female Income | $37,031 | $7,344 | $28,542 | $22,500 | $0 | $26,000 | $31,250 | $33,667 | $37,824 | $0 | $0 | $62,784 | $45,446 |
| Employed: | 475 | 27.24% |
| Unemployed: | 18 | 1.03% |
| Not In Labor Force: | 1,251 | 71.73% |
| Total: | 1,744 | 100% |
| Management, business, science, and arts: | 175 | 36.84% |
| Service: | 83 | 17.47% |
| Sales and Office: | 99 | 20.84% |
| Natural resources, construction, and maintenance: | 72 | 15.16% |
| Production, transportation, and material moving: | 46 | 9.68% |
| Total Civilian Employed Population: | 475 | 100% |
In 2023, the median home value is $180,800, which is far less than the national median ($303,400), is down $1,000 (0.55%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $48,000. The median gross rent is $1,152, which is much lower than the national median ($1,348), and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $224. Of occupied housing, owners make up 84.45% (22.71% with a mortgage, 77.29% free-and-clear) and renters 15.55% - making this ZIP Code more home ownership than the state and under national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 44.58%, which is much higher than the national rate (10.43%).
Explore More:Compare Home ValueHome Value Over TimeRent & Over TimeHousing Occupancy
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $181,800 | $177,000 | $146,100 | $142,400 | $145,900 | $126,000 | $138,700 | $140,400 | $132,800 | $129,300 | $172,000 | $161,700 | $180,800 |
| Less than $500: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $500 to $999: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $1,000 to $1,499: | 91 | 54.49% |
| $1,500 to $1,999: | 20 | 11.98% |
| $2,000 to $2,499: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $2,500 to $2,999: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $3,000 or more: | 0 | 0.00% |
| No Rent: | 56 | 33.53% |
| Total: | 167 | 100% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Rent | $0 | $1,319 | $666 | $679 | $681 | $697 | $678 | $845 | $928 | $943 | $1,054 | $1,091 | $1,152 |
| Owner Occupied (with mortgage): | 206 | 19.18% |
| Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage): | 701 | 65.27% |
| Renter Occupied: | 167 | 15.55% |
| Total Occupied Housing Units: | 1,074 | 100% |
| Occupied Housing Units: | 1,074 | 55.42% |
| Vacant Housing Units (not graphed): | 864 | 44.58% |
| Total Housing Units: | 1,938 | 100% |
| Single-Family Units: | 778 | 40.14% |
| Multi-Family Units: | 22 | 1.14% |
| Other Units: | 1,138 | 58.72% |
| Total Housing Units: | 1,938 | 100% |
In 2023, 16.40% of adults (25+) have a bachelor's degree or higher, which is far lower than the national rate (35.00%). High school or higher is 95.60%, which is markedly above the state rate (87.70%). The uninsured rate is 3.50%, which is markedly below the state rate (9.50%). Public coverage is 71.00%, which is far higher than the national rate (36.30%). The share of people in poverty is 2.50%, which is markedly below the state rate (13.70%), up 1.50 percentage points since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 1.40 percentage points. This points to rising hardship - a weaker consumer base, greater strain on public services, and job-market headwinds. Among residents ages 3+, the largest enrollment group is college (43.31%). College enrollment is 43.31%, which is on par with the state rate (26.20%), meaning the community mirrors broader higher-education participation.
Explore More:Educational AttainmentHealth InsurancePoverty Over TimeSchool Enrollment
| Less than 9th grade: | 0 | 0.00% |
| 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: | 76 | 4.42% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency): | 537 | 31.24% |
| Some college, no degree: | 613 | 35.66% |
| Associate's degree: | 211 | 12.27% |
| Bachelor's degree: | 186 | 10.82% |
| Graduate or professional degree: | 96 | 5.58% |
| Total: | 1,719 | 100% |
| High school or higher: | 1,643 | 95.58% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher: | 282 | 16.40% |
| Private Insurance: | 1,209 | 46.77% |
| Public Insurance: | 1,312 | 50.75% |
| No Insurance: | 64 | 2.48% |
| Total: | 2,585 | 100% |
| Has Health Insurance: | 2,521 | 97.52% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % of People in Poverty | 1.0% | 1.2% | 10.7% | 2.8% | 2.7% | 2.0% | 4.0% | 0.8% | 1.1% | 0.0% | 2.7% | 2.6% | 2.5% |
Note: Counts of Families & People in poverty are not published at the ZIP Code level due to small sample sizes. Percentages shown are survey estimates from the American Community Survey (ACS). They may differ from official poverty statistics. The U.S. Census Bureau defines poverty status by comparing a family's or individual's total income with federal poverty thresholds that vary by family size and composition.
| Nursery School, Preschool: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Kindergarten: | 53 | 41.73% |
| Elementary school (grades 1-8): | 19 | 14.96% |
| High school (grades 9-12): | 0 | 0.00% |
| College or graduate school: | 55 | 43.31% |
| Total: | 127 | 100% |
| Early Childhood: | 53 | 41.73% |
| K-12 (Primary & Secondary School): | 72 | 56.69% |
ZIP Code 87935 supports both business and residential activity. According to the Business Census (2024), there are 39 business establishments, employing about 195 people with an annual payroll of $7,004,000.
| # Residential Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| # Business Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| Total Delivery Receptacles: | 1,307Source: USPS |
| Single Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| Multi Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| # of Businesses: | 39Source: CBP |
| 1st Quarter Payroll: | $1,549,000Source: CBP |
| Annual Payroll: | $7,004,000Source: CBP |
| # of Employees: | 195Source: CBP |
ZIP Code 87935 is located in Sierra County, New Mexico, within the Metropolitan Statistical Area (CBSA ) and New Mexico's 2nd Congressional District. This area has a population of 0 people, about 0.00% of whom live in ZIP Code 87935. It covers 38.387 sq mi of land and a water area of 0.027 sq mi.
| CBSA Name: | --Source: Census |
| CBSA Number: | --Source: Census |
| CBSA Type: | --Source: Census |
| CBSA Division: | --Source: Census |
| CBSA Population: | 0Source: Census |
| MSA: | Source: Census |
| Land Area: | 38.387 sq miSource: Census |
| Water Area: | 0.027 sq miSource: Census |
| Congressional District: | 02Source: USPS |
| Congressional Land Area: | 71739.49 sq miSource: Census |
| PMSA: | Source: Census |
| Intro Date: | < 2004-10Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Place FIPS Code: | 3522720Source: Census |
| Place Name: | Elephant Butte city; New MexicoSource: Census |
We could not locate which school district 87935 belongs to, but we will update this once new district data is released. There are no public schools nor private schools with a mailing address in this ZIP Code. Listing Nearby schools instead. It also has 6 colleges, universities or post secondary education institutions nearby which would be a short commute to.
Our sources include trusted federal and licensed data from the United States Postal Service, U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Geological Survey, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and the National Center for Education Statistics, along with proprietary datasets created by ZIP-Codes.com. Data last updated on January 1, 2026.