| City: | Velarde, New Mexico |
| Names to Avoid: | Canova, Lyden |
| County: | Rio Arriba County |
| Timezone: | Mountain (GMT -07:00) |
| Local Time: | 10:28:48 PM |
| Population: | 1,432 [See All] |
| Area Code: | 505 |
| Classification: | PO Box |
| Coordinates: | 36.1606, -105.9734 |
| Land Area: | 22.958 sq mi |
| Quick Link: |
Velarde sits along the Rio Grande in northern New Mexico's Rio Arriba County, strung out along US Route 68 between Española and Taos. This is a PO Box Only Zone. There's no street delivery here, and the 421 PO Boxes at the Velarde post office serve as the sole mail access point for 1,432 residents across 555 households. The adoption rate of 76% means most households maintain a box, while some share with neighbors or family.
The ZIP also serves the smaller communities of Lyden and Canova, both recognized as valid place names but not acceptable for mailing addresses. All mail must be addressed to Velarde.
Demographics reveal an established, educated community. Median age is 45.2 years, and 81% of homes are owner-occupied. What stands out is the wealth: median household income reaches $154,618, and 50.7% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. These numbers are far above New Mexico averages. The community has deep roots, with 90% of housing structures built before 1939. Many residents trace families back generations in this valley.
Employment patterns show strong government sector presence, with 246 workers in public administration and 230 in transportation and warehousing. Some 62 residents work from home. The Rio Grande valley here has long attracted artists, writers, and professionals who value the landscape and remoteness while commuting to jobs in Santa Fe or Los Alamos.
Street names reflect the community's linear development along the US 68/NM 68 highway corridor through the Rio Grande valley.
ZIP Code 87582 has 1,432 residents and 555 households (average 2.58 persons per household). The median age is 45.2 years, older than the state (39.2) and older than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 48.6% male and 51.4% 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 (82.1%) and White (41.3%, much lower than the state average of 51.0% and well below the national average of 61.6%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 82.1%, 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: | 1,432Source: Census DHC |
| 2024 ACS Population Estimate: | 1,003Source: Census ACS |
| 2026 ZC Population Estimate: | 0Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Population Density: | 62.4 people per sq mile |
| Average Income: | $154,618Source: Census ACS |
| Households: | 555Source: Census DHC |
| Average House Value: | $328,200Source: Census ACS |
| Persons Per Household: | 2.58Source: Census DHC |
| Average Family Size: | 3.63Source: Census ACS |
| Group | 2010 | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Census ACS Population Estimate | -- | 1,440 | 1,669 | 1,595 | 1,635 | 1,423 | 1,025 | 537 | 460 | 717 | 1,038 | 1,032 | 1,055 | 1,003 |
| Decennial Census | 1,350 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 1,432 | -- | -- | -- |
Median Age: 45.2
Male Median Age: 43.3
Female Median Age: 47.1
| 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 | 35 | 36 | 49 | 46 | 35 | 39 | 46 | 28 | 48 | 33 | 49 | 79 | 45 | 51 | 39 | 11 | 14 | 13 |
| Female | 32 | 41 | 49 | 34 | 46 | 45 | 50 | 25 | 30 | 58 | 45 | 62 | 53 | 44 | 51 | 29 | 27 | 15 |
| Total | 67 | 77 | 98 | 80 | 81 | 84 | 96 | 53 | 78 | 91 | 94 | 141 | 98 | 95 | 90 | 40 | 41 | 28 |
| White: | 591 | 26.90% |
| Black: | 5 | 0.23% |
| Hispanic:* | 1,176 | 53.53% |
| Asian: | 1 | 0.05% |
| American Indian: | 24 | 1.09% |
| Hawaiian: | 0 | 0% |
| Other: | 400 | 18.21% |
| Total: | 2,197 | 100% |
| Gender | Count | % | Median Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Males: | 696 | 48.60% | 43.3 years |
| Females: | 736 | 51.40% | 47.1 years |
| Total: | 1,432 | 100% | 45.2 years |
| Native, born in the United States: | 989 | 98.60% |
| 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: | 14 | 1.40% |
| Total Population: | 1,003 | 100% |
| Total Native Population: | 989 | 98.60% |
| Total Foreign-born Population: | 14 | 1.40% |
In 2023, the Median household income is $154,618, which is far above the state median ($62,125), is up $119,693 (342.7%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $113,224. Family households earn a median of $215,576 versus $64,009 for nonfamily households (a difference of $151,567). By gender, male median income is $70,913 and female is $0, which is well under the state female median ($47,122), with a current gap of $70,913 that has widened from 2011 to 2023. The labor-force participation rate is 57.9%, which is falls short of the national rate (63.5%). The unemployment rate is 0.0%, which is far lower than the state rate (5.9%). The largest occupation group is Management (64.1%).
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 | $34,925 | $39,301 | $49,333 | $49,871 | $0 | $0 | $37,024 | $0 | $41,394 | $0 | $86,173 | $90,504 | $154,618 |
| Median Family Income | $45,227 | $45,833 | $65,739 | $58,750 | $138,837 | $141,982 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $215,576 |
| Median NonFamily Income | $22,130 | $27,847 | $28,542 | $35,234 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $47,170 | $64,009 |
| Median Male Income | $31,339 | $60,366 | $61,611 | $63,407 | $0 | $90,663 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $60,280 | $62,952 | $61,505 | $70,913 |
| Median Female Income | $29,167 | $29,792 | $42,171 | $42,134 | $0 | $51,912 | $51,097 | $0 | $53,047 | $68,261 | $70,833 | $0 | $0 |
| Employed: | 490 | 57.92% |
| Unemployed: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Not In Labor Force: | 356 | 42.08% |
| Total: | 846 | 100% |
| Management, business, science, and arts: | 314 | 64.08% |
| Service: | 89 | 18.16% |
| Sales and Office: | 73 | 14.90% |
| Natural resources, construction, and maintenance: | 14 | 2.86% |
| Production, transportation, and material moving: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total Civilian Employed Population: | 490 | 100% |
In 2023, the median home value is $328,200, which is far above the state median ($232,200), is up $171,800 (109.85%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $328,200. The median gross rent is $0, which is far less than the state median ($1,021), is down $497 (100.00%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $0. Of occupied housing, owners make up 61.32% (46.47% with a mortgage, 53.53% free-and-clear) and renters 38.68% - making this ZIP Code less home ownership than the state and higher than national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 34.28%, 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 | $156,400 | $145,400 | $155,100 | $145,100 | $156,300 | $173,200 | $181,500 | $117,900 | $0 | $0 | $230,600 | $252,400 | $328,200 |
| Less than $500: | 41 | 26.97% |
| $500 to $999: | 58 | 38.16% |
| $1,000 to $1,499: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $1,500 to $1,999: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $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: | 53 | 34.87% |
| Total: | 152 | 100% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Rent | $497 | $926 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Owner Occupied (with mortgage): | 112 | 28.50% |
| Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage): | 129 | 32.82% |
| Renter Occupied: | 152 | 38.68% |
| Total Occupied Housing Units: | 393 | 100% |
| Occupied Housing Units: | 393 | 65.72% |
| Vacant Housing Units (not graphed): | 205 | 34.28% |
| Total Housing Units: | 598 | 100% |
| Single-Family Units: | 306 | 51.17% |
| Multi-Family Units: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Other Units: | 292 | 48.83% |
| Total Housing Units: | 598 | 100% |
In 2023, 50.70% of adults (25+) have a bachelor's degree or higher, which is markedly above the state rate (30.20%). High school or higher is 98.30%, which is markedly above the state rate (87.70%). The uninsured rate is 13.30%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.60%). Private coverage is 79.40%, which is notably higher than the state rate (53.70%). Public coverage is 7.40%, which is markedly below the state rate (50.90%). The share of people in poverty is 5.80%, which is on par with the state rate (13.70%), down 8.60 percentage points since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 3.80 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 elementary (100.00%). 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: | 14 | 1.65% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency): | 206 | 24.35% |
| Some college, no degree: | 135 | 15.96% |
| Associate's degree: | 62 | 7.33% |
| Bachelor's degree: | 223 | 26.36% |
| Graduate or professional degree: | 206 | 24.35% |
| Total: | 846 | 100% |
| High school or higher: | 832 | 98.35% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher: | 429 | 50.71% |
| Private Insurance: | 796 | 79.36% |
| Public Insurance: | 74 | 7.38% |
| No Insurance: | 133 | 13.26% |
| Total: | 1,003 | 100% |
| Has Health Insurance: | 870 | 86.74% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % of People in Poverty | 14.4% | 9.0% | 6.4% | 6.2% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | -888,888,888.0% | 9.6% | 7.1% | 6.1% | 7.7% | 5.8% |
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): | 17 | 100.00% |
| High school (grades 9-12): | 0 | 0.00% |
| College or graduate school: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total: | 17 | 100% |
| Early Childhood: | 0 | 0.00% |
| K-12 (Primary & Secondary School): | 17 | 100.00% |
ZIP Code 87582 supports both business and residential activity. According to the Business Census (2024), there are 11 business establishments, employing about 75 people with an annual payroll of $1,864,000.
| # Residential Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| # Business Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| Total Delivery Receptacles: | 426Source: USPS |
| Single Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| Multi Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| # of Businesses: | 11Source: CBP |
| 1st Quarter Payroll: | $420,000Source: CBP |
| Annual Payroll: | $1,864,000Source: CBP |
| # of Employees: | 75Source: CBP |
ZIP Code 87582 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 3.57% of whom live in ZIP Code 87582. It covers 22.958 sq mi of land and a water area of 0.199 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: | 22.958 sq miSource: Census |
| Water Area: | 0.199 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: | 3582710Source: Census |
| Place Name: | Velarde CDP; New MexicoSource: Census |
ZIP Code 87582 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.