| City: | San Rafael, New Mexico |
| County: | Cibola County |
| Timezone: | Mountain (GMT -07:00) |
| Local Time: | 10:23:12 AM |
| Population: | 866 [See All] |
| Area Code: | 505 |
| Classification: | PO Box |
| Coordinates: | 35.1112, -107.8839 |
| Land Area: | 51.948 sq mi |
| Quick Link: |
San Rafael is a small, historic rural community in western New Mexico where PO Boxes aren't just convenient. They're the only option. This is a PO Box Only Zone, and across the 11.5 square mile territory, there's no alternative mail delivery. The post office maintains 288 PO Boxes for 354 households, an 81% adoption rate that shows near-universal reliance on box service.
This isn't a new arrangement. San Rafael has long been a rural community, and 58% of homes were built before 1939. With a population of 866 spread across ranches, small farms, and clusters of homes, rural carrier routes handle what limited delivery exists. One rural route and one highway contract route serve the area, but most residents pick up mail directly from their boxes.
The community has deep Hispanic roots. Street names like Valdez Road, Chavez Street, Mirabal Street, and Calle de San Fidel preserve the Spanish land grant heritage. Median age is 50.2 years, and 93% of occupied homes are owner-occupied (329 of 354 households). About 36% of housing units are mobile homes (150 units), typical for rural New Mexico communities where manufactured housing provides affordable options.
San Rafael sits in Cibola County, west of Grants. Ice Caves Road references the nearby El Malpais National Monument's ice caves and lava formations. With sparse employment data and a per capita income of $21,489, this is a quiet, working-class community where neighbors know each other and the post office is a regular gathering point.
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San Rafael, NM 87051Street names blend Spanish heritage (Valdez, Chavez, Mirabal) with geographic features (Ice Caves, Mesa View) and historic references (Ft Wingate).
ZIP Code 87051 has 866 residents and 354 households (average 2.45 persons per household). The median age is 50.2 years, significantly older than the state (39.2) and significantly older than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 49.2% male and 50.8% female, which is about the same as the state male share (49.3%), making this a female-majority area. Largest groups are Hispanic or Latino (67.7%) and White (45.5%, much lower than the national average of 61.6%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 67.7%, which is much higher than the national average (18.7%), and Other / Two or More Races share is much higher than both the state (15.0%) and national averages (8.4%).
Explore More:Population Over TimeBy Age & GenderBy RaceBy GenderNativity & Citizenship
| 2020 Population: | 866Source: Census DHC |
| 2024 ACS Population Estimate: | 374Source: Census ACS |
| 2026 ZC Population Estimate: | 0Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Population Density: | 16.7 people per sq mile |
| Average Income: | $0Source: Census ACS |
| Households: | 354Source: Census DHC |
| Average House Value: | $666,666,666Source: Census ACS |
| Persons Per Household: | 2.45Source: Census DHC |
| Average Family Size: | 3.04Source: Census ACS |
| Group | 2010 | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Census ACS Population Estimate | -- | 462 | 940 | 959 | 955 | 1,147 | 1,483 | 892 | 1,251 | 1,413 | 1,429 | 1,887 | 2,103 | 393 | 374 |
| Decennial Census | 969 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 866 | -- | -- | -- | -- |
Median Age: 50.2
Male Median Age: 51.5
Female Median Age: 49.2
| 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 | 14 | 23 | 30 | 30 | 28 | 13 | 16 | 12 | 22 | 15 | 32 | 43 | 42 | 49 | 24 | 18 | 8 | 7 |
| Female | 26 | 22 | 22 | 28 | 20 | 20 | 14 | 23 | 22 | 30 | 31 | 34 | 37 | 45 | 41 | 12 | 7 | 6 |
| Total | 40 | 45 | 52 | 58 | 48 | 33 | 30 | 35 | 44 | 45 | 63 | 77 | 79 | 94 | 65 | 30 | 15 | 13 |
| White: | 394 | 30.26% |
| Black: | 6 | 0.46% |
| Hispanic:* | 586 | 45.01% |
| Asian: | 3 | 0.23% |
| American Indian: | 62 | 4.76% |
| Hawaiian: | 0 | 0% |
| Other: | 251 | 19.28% |
| Total: | 1,302 | 100% |
| Gender | Count | % | Median Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Males: | 426 | 49.19% | 51.5 years |
| Females: | 440 | 50.81% | 49.2 years |
| Total: | 866 | 100% | 50.2 years |
| Native, born in the United States: | 374 | 100.00% |
| Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total Population: | 374 | 100% |
| Total Native Population: | 374 | 100.00% |
| Total Foreign-born Population: | 0 | 0.00% |
In 2024, the Median household income is $0, which is well under the national median ($80,734), is down $31,313 (100.0%) since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $67,125. Family households earn a median of $0 versus $0 for nonfamily households (a difference of $0). By gender, male median income is $0 and female is $0, which is considerably lower than the national female median ($55,274), with a current gap of $0 that has narrowed from 2011 to 2024. The labor-force participation rate is 28.0%, which is considerably lower than the national rate (63.5%). The unemployment rate is 45.0%, which is far worse than the national rate (5.2%). The largest occupation group is Sales (100.0%).
Explore More:Income Over TimeHousehold IncomeEmployment StatusBy Occupation
| Income Type | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $31,313 | $63,750 | $85,459 | $86,250 | $69,744 | $63,272 | $64,470 | $64,577 | $67,125 | $66,620 | $59,463 | $64,578 | $0 | $0 |
| Median Family Income | $32,215 | $70,521 | $86,301 | $87,399 | $85,375 | $64,485 | $65,968 | $64,099 | $65,675 | $65,370 | $58,551 | $63,193 | $0 | $0 |
| Median NonFamily Income | $2,499 | $2,499 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Median Male Income | $50,114 | $49,852 | $54,267 | $65,819 | $0 | $46,250 | $0 | $31,076 | $30,625 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Median Female Income | $26,429 | $27,000 | $32,262 | $34,058 | $0 | $32,008 | $32,472 | $25,313 | $25,147 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Employed: | 44 | 15.38% |
| Unemployed: | 36 | 12.59% |
| Not In Labor Force: | 206 | 72.03% |
| Total: | 286 | 100% |
| Management, business, science, and arts: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Service: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Sales and Office: | 44 | 100.00% |
| Natural resources, construction, and maintenance: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Production, transportation, and material moving: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total Civilian Employed Population: | 44 | 100% |
In 2024, the median home value is $0, which is much lower than the national median ($332,700), is down $69,500 (100.00%) since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $78,100. The median gross rent is $0, which is well under the national median ($1,413), and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $0. Of occupied housing, owners make up 100.00% (0.00% with a mortgage, 100.00% free-and-clear) and renters 0.00% - making this ZIP Code under national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 60.65%, which is markedly above the national rate (10.12%).
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 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $69,500 | $77,500 | $86,100 | $126,300 | $126,300 | $107,000 | $117,800 | $79,900 | $78,100 | $100,200 | $72,400 | $85,900 | $0 | $0 |
| Less than $500: | 0 | 0% |
| $500 to $999: | 0 | 0% |
| $1,000 to $1,499: | 0 | 0% |
| $1,500 to $1,999: | 0 | 0% |
| $2,000 to $2,499: | 0 | 0% |
| $2,500 to $2,999: | 0 | 0% |
| $3,000 or more: | 0 | 0% |
| No Rent: | 0 | 0% |
| Total: | 0 | 100% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Rent | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Owner Occupied (with mortgage): | 0 | 0.00% |
| Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage): | 109 | 100.00% |
| Renter Occupied: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total Occupied Housing Units: | 109 | 100% |
| Occupied Housing Units: | 109 | 39.35% |
| Vacant Housing Units (not graphed): | 168 | 60.65% |
| Total Housing Units: | 277 | 100% |
| Single-Family Units: | 92 | 33.21% |
| Multi-Family Units: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Other Units: | 185 | 66.79% |
| Total Housing Units: | 277 | 100% |
In 2024, 0.00% of adults (25+) have a bachelor's degree or higher, which is far lower than the national rate (35.70%). High school or higher is 50.70%, which is far lower than the national rate (89.60%). The uninsured rate is 0.00%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.40%). Public coverage is 100.00%, which is far higher than the national rate (36.70%). The share of people in poverty is 0.00%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.80%), and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 15.00 percentage points. Poverty has been broadly stable, which may reflect structural barriers or offsetting gains and setbacks. Among residents ages 3+, the largest enrollment group is kindergarten (50.00%). College enrollment is 0.00%, which is comparable to the national rate (26.70%), 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: | 141 | 49.30% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency): | 145 | 50.70% |
| Some college, no degree: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Associate's degree: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Bachelor's degree: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Graduate or professional degree: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total: | 286 | 100% |
| High school or higher: | 145 | 50.70% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Private Insurance: | 242 | 39.29% |
| Public Insurance: | 374 | 60.71% |
| No Insurance: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total: | 616 | 100% |
| Has Health Insurance: | 616 | 100.00% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % of People in Poverty | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 15.0% | 15.0% | 5.2% | 19.8% | 14.7% | 0.0% | 0.0% |
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: | 44 | 50.00% |
| Elementary school (grades 1-8): | 0 | 0.00% |
| High school (grades 9-12): | 44 | 50.00% |
| College or graduate school: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total: | 88 | 100% |
| Early Childhood: | 44 | 50.00% |
| K-12 (Primary & Secondary School): | 88 | 100.00% |
ZIP Code 87051 is designated for PO Box delivery only; business establishment and employment data are not available.
| # Residential Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| # Business Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| Total Delivery Receptacles: | 286Source: USPS |
| Single Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| Multi Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| # of Businesses: | 0Source: CBP |
| 1st Quarter Payroll: | $0Source: CBP |
| Annual Payroll: | $0Source: CBP |
| # of Employees: | 0Source: CBP |
ZIP Code 87051 is located in Cibola 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 87051. It covers 51.948 sq mi of land and a water area of 0.011 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: | 51.948 sq miSource: Census |
| Water Area: | 0.011 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: | 3569875Source: Census |
| Place Name: | San Rafael CDP; New MexicoSource: Census |
ZIP Code 87051 is in the Grants-Cibola County Schools, which serves grades Pre-Kindergarten thru 12th. There are 1 public school(s) in this ZIP Code, and we have located 3 private school(s). 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 February 1, 2026.