| City: | Cerro, New Mexico |
| County: | Taos County |
| Timezone: | Mountain (GMT -07:00) |
| Local Time: | 10:24:36 AM |
| Population: | 399 [See All] |
| Area Code: | 575 |
| Classification: | PO Box |
| Coordinates: | 36.7284, -105.6462 |
| Land Area: | 28.588 sq mi |
| Quick Link: |
Cerro sits in the high country of Taos County, New Mexico, where 231 square miles of rural territory are served by a single post office. The 399 residents live across scattered ranches and homes connected by winding roads with names like Ute Mountain, Sunshine Valley, and Cornelio Cisneros. This isn't a traditional town. It's a collection of rural properties spread across the Sangre de Cristo foothills.
Mail doesn't arrive at your door in Cerro. This is a PO Box Only Zone, meaning there's no alternative delivery method across the entire territory. The post office maintains 179 PO Boxes for 217 households, giving an adoption rate of 82%. That means most residents rely on the post office for all their mail, packages, and deliveries. One City carrier route and one Rural route serve those who receive street delivery, but PO Boxes remain the primary option.
The median age here is 54.1 years, and the community skews older and more established. Home values run around $415,800, and nearly all housing (266 of 278 units) predates 1939, suggesting historic ranches and older rural properties. The population is 60.7% White and 17.5% Hispanic, with Spanish place names throughout the area. Street names like Buena Vista Road, Calle de la Mirada, and El Rito Road speak to the area's cultural heritage.
There are only three business establishments employing 11 people total. This is a residential area, not an employment center. State Highway 522 runs through the territory, connecting scattered properties to the post office in Cerro. Residents drive from across the 231-square-mile service area to collect mail, pick up packages, and conduct postal business.
Standard format:
[Name]
PO Box [Number]
Cerro, NM 87519Given the PO Box Only designation, street addresses are generally not available for mail delivery in this ZIP code.
Street names blend Spanish heritage (Buena Vista, Cornelio Cisneros, Calle de la Mirada) with local geography (Ute Mountain, Latir Creek) and natural features (Sunshine Valley, Rainbow Circle).
ZIP Code 87519 has 399 residents and 217 households (average 1.84 persons per household). The median age is 54.1 years, significantly older than the state (39.2) and significantly older than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 49.6% male and 50.4% female, which is about the same as the national male share (49.1%). Largest groups are Hispanic or Latino (69.9%) and White (60.7%, much higher than the state average of 51.0%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 69.9%, which is much higher than the national average (18.7%).
Explore More:Population Over TimeBy Age & GenderBy RaceBy GenderNativity & Citizenship
| 2020 Population: | 399Source: Census DHC |
| 2024 ACS Population Estimate: | 798Source: Census ACS |
| 2026 ZC Population Estimate: | 0Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Population Density: | 14.0 people per sq mile |
| Average Income: | $0Source: Census ACS |
| Households: | 217Source: Census DHC |
| Average House Value: | $446,500Source: Census ACS |
| Persons Per Household: | 1.84Source: Census DHC |
| Average Family Size: | 3.14Source: Census ACS |
| Group | 2010 | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Census ACS Population Estimate | -- | 819 | 824 | 722 | 592 | 575 | 153 | 419 | 482 | 467 | 519 | 905 | 746 | 760 | 798 |
| Decennial Census | 460 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 399 | -- | -- | -- | -- |
Median Age: 54.1
Male Median Age: 52
Female Median Age: 56.1
| 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 | 6 | 10 | 18 | 10 | 6 | 12 | 11 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 11 | 31 | 18 | 12 | 17 | 8 | 3 | 3 |
| Female | 10 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 10 | 4 | 9 | 9 | 6 | 6 | 21 | 20 | 27 | 16 | 15 | 19 | 5 | 2 |
| Total | 16 | 16 | 26 | 18 | 16 | 16 | 20 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 32 | 51 | 45 | 28 | 32 | 27 | 8 | 5 |
| White: | 242 | 40.20% |
| Black: | 1 | 0.17% |
| Hispanic:* | 279 | 46.35% |
| Asian: | 0 | 0% |
| American Indian: | 11 | 1.83% |
| Hawaiian: | 0 | 0% |
| Other: | 69 | 11.46% |
| Total: | 602 | 100% |
| Gender | Count | % | Median Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Males: | 198 | 49.62% | 52.0 years |
| Females: | 201 | 50.38% | 56.1 years |
| Total: | 399 | 100% | 54.1 years |
| Native, born in the United States: | 798 | 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: | 798 | 100% |
| Total Native Population: | 798 | 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 $28,646 (100.0%) since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $31,723. 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 widened from 2011 to 2024. The labor-force participation rate is 55.9%, which is much lower than the national rate (63.5%). The unemployment rate is 0.0%, which is considerably lower than the national rate (5.2%). The largest occupation group is Natural resources (50.9%).
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 | $28,646 | $27,813 | $26,085 | $23,924 | $24,637 | $19,310 | $28,109 | $21,842 | $31,723 | $0 | $68,762 | $73,837 | $76,447 | $0 |
| Median Family Income | $26,910 | $26,654 | $25,915 | $24,360 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $80,446 | $83,190 | $86,357 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Median NonFamily Income | $105,833 | $38,438 | $26,343 | $14,107 | $25,602 | $18,966 | $0 | $14,176 | $21,078 | $0 | $67,993 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Median Male Income | $23,750 | $26,411 | $23,958 | $24,942 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $52,634 | $52,802 | $80,054 | $62,317 | $64,690 | $0 |
| Median Female Income | $30,047 | $30,625 | $14,531 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $50,256 | $50,938 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Employed: | 334 | 55.95% |
| Unemployed: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Not In Labor Force: | 263 | 44.05% |
| Total: | 597 | 100% |
| Management, business, science, and arts: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Service: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Sales and Office: | 164 | 49.10% |
| Natural resources, construction, and maintenance: | 170 | 50.90% |
| Production, transportation, and material moving: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total Civilian Employed Population: | 334 | 100% |
In 2024, the median home value is $446,500, which is much higher than the national median ($332,700), is up $332,600 (292.01%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $298,100. The median gross rent is $0, which is well under the national median ($1,413), is down $499 (100.00%) since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $832. 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 20.51%, which is much higher than 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 | $113,900 | $130,900 | $212,300 | $175,000 | $125,000 | $0 | $0 | $106,300 | $148,400 | $162,900 | $0 | $0 | $415,800 | $446,500 |
| 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 | $499 | $552 | $560 | $563 | $596 | $0 | $0 | $784 | $832 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Owner Occupied (with mortgage): | 0 | 0.00% |
| Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage): | 217 | 100.00% |
| Renter Occupied: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total Occupied Housing Units: | 217 | 100% |
| Occupied Housing Units: | 217 | 79.49% |
| Vacant Housing Units (not graphed): | 56 | 20.51% |
| Total Housing Units: | 273 | 100% |
| Single-Family Units: | 219 | 80.22% |
| Multi-Family Units: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Other Units: | 54 | 19.78% |
| Total Housing Units: | 273 | 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 100.00%, which is far higher than the national rate (89.60%). The uninsured rate is 0.00%, which is far lower than the national rate (8.40%). Private coverage is 10.70%, which is far lower than the national rate (67.10%). Public coverage is 89.30%, 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%), down 27.10 percentage points since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 28.60 percentage points. This points to a pronounced improvement in local conditions - rising incomes, firmer consumer demand, and a stronger tax base. Among residents ages 3+, the largest enrollment group is high school (100.00%). College enrollment is 0.00%, which is far lower than the national rate (26.70%), indicating the community may be more oriented toward vocational/trade or direct-to-workforce opportunities.
Explore More:Educational AttainmentHealth InsurancePoverty Over TimeSchool Enrollment
| Less than 9th grade: | 0 | 0.00% |
| 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: | 0 | 0.00% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency): | 186 | 43.56% |
| Some college, no degree: | 241 | 56.44% |
| Associate's degree: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Bachelor's degree: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Graduate or professional degree: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total: | 427 | 100% |
| High school or higher: | 427 | 100.00% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Private Insurance: | 85 | 10.65% |
| Public Insurance: | 713 | 89.35% |
| No Insurance: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total: | 798 | 100% |
| Has Health Insurance: | 798 | 100.00% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % of People in Poverty | 27.1% | 37.7% | 41.8% | 57.1% | 59.2% | 0.0% | 55.7% | 40.0% | 28.6% | 25.6% | 21.9% | 0.0% | 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: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Elementary school (grades 1-8): | 0 | 0.00% |
| High school (grades 9-12): | 201 | 100.00% |
| College or graduate school: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total: | 201 | 100% |
| Early Childhood: | 0 | 0.00% |
| K-12 (Primary & Secondary School): | 201 | 100.00% |
ZIP Code 87519 supports both business and residential activity. According to the Business Census (2024), there are 4 business establishments, employing about 9 people with an annual payroll of $308,000.
| # Residential Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| # Business Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| Total Delivery Receptacles: | 184Source: USPS |
| Single Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| Multi Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| # of Businesses: | 4Source: CBP |
| 1st Quarter Payroll: | $59,000Source: CBP |
| Annual Payroll: | $308,000Source: CBP |
| # of Employees: | 9Source: CBP |
ZIP Code 87519 is located in Taos County, New Mexico, within the Taos, NM Metropolitan Statistical Area (CBSA 45340) and New Mexico's 3rd Congressional District. This Micro area has a population of 32,937 people, about 1.21% of whom live in ZIP Code 87519. It covers 28.588 sq mi of land and a water area of 0 sq mi.
| CBSA Name: | Taos, NMSource: Census |
| CBSA Number: | 45340Source: Census |
| CBSA Type: | MicroSource: Census |
| CBSA Division: | --Source: Census |
| CBSA Population: | 32,937Source: Census |
| MSA: | Source: Census |
| Land Area: | 28.588 sq miSource: Census |
| Water Area: | --Source: 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: | --Source: Census |
| Place Name: | --Source: Census |
We could not locate which school district 87519 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 February 1, 2026.