| City: | Alcalde, New Mexico |
| Names to Avoid: | La Villita, Los Luceros |
| County: | Rio Arriba County |
| Timezone: | Mountain (GMT -07:00) |
| Local Time: | 10:27:31 PM |
| Population: | 2,821 [See All] |
| Area Code: | 505 |
| Classification: | PO Box |
| Coordinates: | 36.0894, -105.9881 |
| Land Area: | 51.313 sq mi |
| Quick Link: |
Alcalde sits in the Rio Grande Valley of northern New Mexico, covering 65 square miles of Rio Arriba County. This rural community of 2,821 residents is designated as a PO Box Only Zone, meaning there's no alternative mail delivery across the entire territory. The post office maintains 799 PO Boxes for 1,061 households, creating a 75% adoption rate that balances local residents with limited rural route service.
Mail delivery follows a mixed pattern. Rural routes serve some addresses scattered across county roads and private drives, while PO Boxes remain the primary option for most residents. The ZIP+4 data shows 107 distinct streets, mostly numbered county roads (County Road 41, State Road 68, County Road 40) and private drives serving individual properties. One street, County Road 41, has multi-unit delivery points. This isn't a traditional town grid. It's a dispersed rural settlement pattern common in northern New Mexico.
The USPS recognizes three names for this area: Alcalde (the official mailing name), Los Luceros, and La Villita. The latter two aren't valid for mailing but identify historic settlements within the ZIP's boundaries. These names trace back to Spanish colonial land grants and reflect the area's deep agricultural roots along the Rio Grande.
With a median household income of $82,781 and median age of 41.1 years, Alcalde is home to working families. Nearly 30% of workers work from home, well above the national average. The largest employment sectors are transportation/warehousing (868 workers) and public administration (455 workers), suggesting commuters to nearby Española and Los Alamos. Educational services and healthcare employ 443 residents. Only 16% of adults hold bachelor's degrees.
Housing stock tells the story of a long-settled area. The Census counts 1,098 housing units built before 1939, a remarkably high number for a ZIP with only 1,116 total units. That means 98% of homes predate World War II. Many are historic adobe structures typical of Rio Grande valley villages. Median home value sits at $228,800, with 879 owner-occupied homes and just 182 rentals. Mobile homes account for 757 units (68% of the housing stock), often newer replacements on old family land. Vacancy is minimal: only 55 vacant units, with just 7 seasonal properties.
The population of 2,821 is racially diverse. The Census identifies 1,285 residents as White alone, 844 as Some Other Race, and 616 as Two or More Races. Only 344 identify as Hispanic or Latino, which is unusually low for northern New Mexico and likely indicates Census reporting complexities in communities with mixed Spanish colonial and Indigenous heritage. Just 63 residents identify as American Indian or Alaska Native alone.
For mail purposes, use PO Box addresses. Rural route delivery exists but isn't available everywhere. The standard format is: [Name], PO Box [Number], Alcalde, NM 87511. Don't use Los Luceros or La Villita in mailing addresses, as USPS doesn't accept them. They're recognized names but not valid for mail delivery.
Road network consists primarily of numbered county roads and private drives serving individual properties, typical of dispersed rural settlement patterns in northern New Mexico.
ZIP Code 87511 has 2,821 residents and 1,061 households (average 2.65 persons per household). The median age is 41.1 years, slightly older than the state (39.2) and slightly older than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 49.5% male and 50.5% female, which is about the same as the national male share (49.1%). Largest groups are Hispanic or Latino (84.6%) and White (45.6%, much lower than the national average of 61.6%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 84.6%, 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: | 2,821Source: Census DHC |
| 2024 ACS Population Estimate: | 2,700Source: Census ACS |
| 2026 ZC Population Estimate: | 0Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Population Density: | 55.0 people per sq mile |
| Average Income: | $82,781Source: Census ACS |
| Households: | 1,061Source: Census DHC |
| Average House Value: | $228,800Source: Census ACS |
| Persons Per Household: | 2.65Source: Census DHC |
| Average Family Size: | 3.42Source: Census ACS |
| Group | 2010 | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Census ACS Population Estimate | -- | 3,347 | 3,129 | 2,512 | 2,473 | 2,717 | 2,537 | 2,581 | 2,896 | 2,328 | 1,837 | 2,587 | 2,806 | 2,700 |
| Decennial Census | 2,747 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 2,821 | -- | -- | -- |
Median Age: 41.1
Male Median Age: 38.7
Female Median Age: 44
| 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 | 68 | 72 | 94 | 123 | 92 | 89 | 93 | 81 | 87 | 92 | 72 | 101 | 101 | 89 | 69 | 31 | 24 | 19 |
| Female | 58 | 77 | 104 | 88 | 73 | 83 | 71 | 97 | 75 | 113 | 89 | 115 | 116 | 88 | 66 | 41 | 32 | 38 |
| Total | 126 | 149 | 198 | 211 | 165 | 172 | 164 | 178 | 162 | 205 | 161 | 216 | 217 | 177 | 135 | 72 | 56 | 57 |
| White: | 1,285 | 27.99% |
| Black: | 9 | 0.20% |
| Hispanic:* | 2,386 | 51.97% |
| Asian: | 4 | 0.09% |
| American Indian: | 63 | 1.37% |
| Hawaiian: | 0 | 0% |
| Other: | 844 | 18.38% |
| Total: | 4,591 | 100% |
| Gender | Count | % | Median Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Males: | 1,397 | 49.52% | 38.7 years |
| Females: | 1,424 | 50.48% | 44.0 years |
| Total: | 2,821 | 100% | 41.1 years |
| Native, born in the United States: | 2,469 | 91.44% |
| Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen: | 54 | 2.00% |
| Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen: | 177 | 8.56% |
| Total Population: | 2,700 | 100% |
| Total Native Population: | 2,469 | 91.44% |
| Total Foreign-born Population: | 231 | 8.56% |
In 2023, the Median household income is $82,781, which is considerably higher than the state median ($62,125), is up $33,107 (66.6%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $38,187. Family households earn a median of $87,546 versus $63,496 for nonfamily households (a difference of $24,050). By gender, male median income is $40,402 and female is $34,426, which is well under the national female median ($53,445), with a current gap of $5,976 that has narrowed from 2011 to 2023. The labor-force participation rate is 60.7%, which is modestly greater than the state rate (57.8%). The unemployment rate is 0.7%, which is markedly below the state rate (5.9%). The largest occupation group is Service (41.5%).
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 | $49,674 | $50,725 | $49,000 | $39,583 | $40,068 | $41,454 | $39,080 | $0 | $44,594 | $51,500 | $51,726 | $62,268 | $82,781 |
| Median Family Income | $48,929 | $41,250 | $39,787 | $36,453 | $40,041 | $52,792 | $47,096 | $0 | $62,573 | $63,457 | $65,080 | $74,129 | $87,546 |
| Median NonFamily Income | $46,447 | $46,813 | $36,750 | $36,563 | $0 | $10,339 | $11,176 | $0 | $11,172 | $0 | $0 | $60,354 | $63,496 |
| Median Male Income | $39,135 | $40,298 | $38,464 | $45,341 | $0 | $67,535 | $68,841 | $0 | $0 | $44,832 | $35,654 | $40,741 | $40,402 |
| Median Female Income | $27,226 | $28,962 | $29,395 | $41,054 | $0 | $40,000 | $58,000 | $0 | $30,366 | $0 | $30,980 | $36,830 | $34,426 |
| Employed: | 1,355 | 60.28% |
| Unemployed: | 10 | 0.44% |
| Not In Labor Force: | 883 | 39.28% |
| Total: | 2,248 | 100% |
| Management, business, science, and arts: | 492 | 36.31% |
| Service: | 562 | 41.48% |
| Sales and Office: | 162 | 11.96% |
| Natural resources, construction, and maintenance: | 16 | 1.18% |
| Production, transportation, and material moving: | 123 | 9.08% |
| Total Civilian Employed Population: | 1,355 | 100% |
In 2023, the median home value is $228,800, which is considerably lower than the national median ($303,400), is up $42,100 (22.55%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $101,200. The median gross rent is $442, which is considerably lower than the national median ($1,348), is down $185 (29.51%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $442. Of occupied housing, owners make up 87.57% (51.87% with a mortgage, 48.13% free-and-clear) and renters 12.43% - making this ZIP Code more home ownership than the state and under national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 19.40%, which is markedly above 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 | $186,700 | $181,100 | $134,600 | $140,800 | $154,800 | $150,800 | $135,300 | $134,800 | $127,600 | $140,300 | $158,500 | $225,400 | $228,800 |
| Less than $500: | 59 | 53.64% |
| $500 to $999: | 35 | 31.82% |
| $1,000 to $1,499: | 1 | 0.91% |
| $1,500 to $1,999: | 4 | 3.64% |
| $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: | 11 | 10.00% |
| Total: | 110 | 100% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Rent | $627 | $636 | $631 | $633 | $603 | $538 | $535 | $540 | $0 | $1,027 | $380 | $379 | $442 |
| Owner Occupied (with mortgage): | 402 | 45.42% |
| Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage): | 373 | 42.15% |
| Renter Occupied: | 110 | 12.43% |
| Total Occupied Housing Units: | 885 | 100% |
| Occupied Housing Units: | 885 | 80.60% |
| Vacant Housing Units (not graphed): | 213 | 19.40% |
| Total Housing Units: | 1,098 | 100% |
| Single-Family Units: | 341 | 31.06% |
| Multi-Family Units: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Other Units: | 757 | 68.94% |
| Total Housing Units: | 1,098 | 100% |
In 2023, 16.20% 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 79.40%, which is comparable to the national rate (89.40%). The uninsured rate is 15.60%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.60%). The share of people in poverty is 7.70%, which is on par with the state rate (13.70%), down 1.40 percentage points since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 0.50 percentage points. This suggests a positive shift in the local economic and social landscape - higher incomes, steadier consumer demand, and a strengthening tax base. Among residents ages 3+, the largest enrollment group is elementary (39.33%). College enrollment is 13.20%, 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: | 172 | 9.20% |
| 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: | 213 | 11.39% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency): | 490 | 26.20% |
| Some college, no degree: | 513 | 27.43% |
| Associate's degree: | 179 | 9.57% |
| Bachelor's degree: | 193 | 10.32% |
| Graduate or professional degree: | 110 | 5.88% |
| Total: | 1,870 | 100% |
| High school or higher: | 1,485 | 79.41% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher: | 303 | 16.20% |
| Private Insurance: | 1,385 | 45.48% |
| Public Insurance: | 1,238 | 40.66% |
| No Insurance: | 422 | 13.86% |
| Total: | 3,045 | 100% |
| Has Health Insurance: | 2,623 | 86.14% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % of People in Poverty | 9.1% | 10.5% | 8.8% | 8.9% | 8.0% | 0.7% | 9.9% | -888,888,888.0% | 8.2% | 10.4% | 6.7% | 6.0% | 7.7% |
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: | 13 | 1.83% |
| Kindergarten: | 62 | 8.71% |
| Elementary school (grades 1-8): | 280 | 39.33% |
| High school (grades 9-12): | 263 | 36.94% |
| College or graduate school: | 94 | 13.20% |
| Total: | 712 | 100% |
| Early Childhood: | 75 | 10.53% |
| K-12 (Primary & Secondary School): | 605 | 84.97% |
ZIP Code 87511 supports both business and residential activity. According to the Business Census (2024), there are 19 business establishments, employing about 97 people with an annual payroll of $5,633,000.
| # Residential Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| # Business Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| Total Delivery Receptacles: | 801Source: USPS |
| Single Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| Multi Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| # of Businesses: | 19Source: CBP |
| 1st Quarter Payroll: | $1,236,000Source: CBP |
| Annual Payroll: | $5,633,000Source: CBP |
| # of Employees: | 97Source: CBP |
ZIP Code 87511 is located in Rio Arriba County, New Mexico, within the Espanola, NM Metropolitan Statistical Area (CBSA 21580) and New Mexico's 3rd Congressional District. This Micro area has a population of 40,165 people, about 7.02% of whom live in ZIP Code 87511. It covers 51.313 sq mi of land and a water area of 0.075 sq mi.
| CBSA Name: | Espanola, NMSource: Census |
| CBSA Number: | 21580Source: Census |
| CBSA Type: | MicroSource: Census |
| CBSA Division: | --Source: Census |
| CBSA Population: | 40,165Source: Census |
| MSA: | Source: Census |
| Land Area: | 51.313 sq miSource: Census |
| Water Area: | 0.075 sq miSource: Census |
| Congressional District: | 03Source: USPS |
| Congressional Land Area: | 44958.52 sq miSource: Census |
| PMSA: | Source: Census |
| Intro Date: | < 2004-10Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Place FIPS Code: | 3502070Source: Census |
| Place Name: | Alcalde CDP; New MexicoSource: Census |
ZIP Code 87511 is in the Espa? Municipal 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 January 1, 2026.