| City: | Playas, New Mexico |
| City Alias: | Lordsburg |
| County: | Hidalgo County |
| Timezone: | Mountain (GMT -07:00) |
| Local Time: | 10:26:06 AM |
| Population: | 25 [See All] |
| Area Code: | 575 |
| Classification: | PO Box |
| Coordinates: | 32.3503, -108.7081 |
| Land Area: | 1.864 sq mi |
| Quick Link: |
Playas is one of New Mexico's smallest retirement communities, with just 25 residents spread across 172 square miles of rural Hidalgo County. The median age of 67.7 years tells the story: this isn't a working town. It's a quiet community where 15 of 21 households own their homes.
Despite the PO Box classification, there aren't any PO Boxes here. Mail arrives via rural carrier route across the vast territory. Residents receive delivery at 21 occupied homes, and there's limited street addressing infrastructure. The classification as a PO Box ZIP doesn't match current reality.
Street names like Playas Boulevard, Mesilla Street, and Laguna Street carry Spanish names that honor the region's southwestern heritage. Playas means "beaches" or "shores" in Spanish, though this landlocked community sits miles from any water. Census records show 93 housing units were built before 1939, but only 21 remain occupied today. That speaks to decades of population decline and abandonment.
Playas also accepts mail addressed to Lordsburg, the larger nearby community with a post office. The connection to Lordsburg has been recognized since before 2004, when postal tracking began. For a settlement this small and this old, the rural carrier is the lifeline.
Spanish street names like Playas, Mesilla, and Laguna reflect southwestern heritage, while desert plant names like Palo Verde, Cholla, and Ocotillo reference the local landscape.
ZIP Code 88009 has 25 residents and 21 households (average 1.19 persons per household). The median age is 67.7 years, significantly older than the state (39.2) and significantly older than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 44.0% male and 56.0% female, which is lower than the state male share (49.3%), making this a female-majority area. Largest groups are White (76.0%, much higher than the state average of 51.0% and well above the national average of 61.6%) and Hispanic or Latino (8.0%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 8.0%, which is much lower than the state average (47.7%).
Explore More:Population Over TimeBy Age & GenderBy RaceBy GenderNativity & Citizenship
| 2020 Population: | 25Source: Census DHC |
| 2024 ACS Population Estimate: | 16Source: Census ACS |
| 2026 ZC Population Estimate: | 0Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Population Density: | 13.4 people per sq mile |
| Average Income: | $0Source: Census ACS |
| Households: | 21Source: Census DHC |
| Average House Value: | $666,666,666Source: Census ACS |
| Persons Per Household: | 1.19Source: Census DHC |
| Average Family Size: | 2.27Source: Census ACS |
| Group | 2010 | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Census ACS Population Estimate | -- | 153 | 210 | 196 | 197 | 157 | 86 | 41 | 49 | 60 | 62 | 46 | 48 | 27 | 16 |
| Decennial Census | 88 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 25 | -- | -- | -- | -- |
Median Age: 67.7
Male Median Age: 59.8
Female Median Age: 68.2
| 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 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Female | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 11 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 0 | 14 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| White: | 19 | 86.36% |
| Black: | 0 | 0% |
| Hispanic:* | 2 | 9.09% |
| Asian: | 0 | 0% |
| American Indian: | 0 | 0% |
| Hawaiian: | 0 | 0% |
| Other: | 1 | 4.55% |
| Total: | 22 | 100% |
| Gender | Count | % | Median Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Males: | 11 | 44.00% | 59.8 years |
| Females: | 14 | 56.00% | 68.2 years |
| Total: | 25 | 100% | 67.7 years |
| Native, born in the United States: | 16 | 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: | 16 | 100% |
| Total Native Population: | 16 | 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 $25,833 (100.0%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $0. Family households earn a median of $0 versus $0 for nonfamily households (a difference of $0). By gender, male median income is $37,143 and female is $0, which is considerably lower than the national female median ($55,274), with a current gap of $37,143 that has widened from 2011 to 2024. The labor-force participation rate is 100.0%, which is much higher than the national rate (63.5%). The unemployment rate is 0.0%, which is considerably lower than the national rate (5.2%).
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 | $25,833 | $26,111 | $24,904 | $26,304 | $0 | $60,729 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Median Family Income | $25,833 | $24,333 | $23,462 | $25,489 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Median NonFamily Income | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Median Male Income | $16,667 | $16,296 | $16,042 | $18,214 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $20,530 | $23,594 | $24,167 | $26,667 | $32,679 | $37,143 |
| Median Female Income | $19,432 | $58,750 | $19,688 | $19,643 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Employed: | 0 | 0% |
| Unemployed: | 0 | 0% |
| Not In Labor Force: | 0 | 0% |
| Total: | 0 | 100% |
| Management, business, science, and arts: | 0 | 0% |
| Service: | 0 | 0% |
| Sales and Office: | 0 | 0% |
| Natural resources, construction, and maintenance: | 0 | 0% |
| Production, transportation, and material moving: | 0 | 0% |
| Total Civilian Employed Population: | 0 | 100% |
In 2024, the median home value is $0, which is much lower than the national median ($332,700), and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $0. The median gross rent is $0, which is well under the national median ($1,413), is down $411 (100.00%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $0. Insufficient data for owner/renter mix. Insufficient data for vacancy rate.
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 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $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 | $411 | $578 | $578 | $575 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Owner Occupied (with mortgage): | 0 | 0% |
| Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage): | 0 | 0% |
| Renter Occupied: | 0 | 0% |
| Total Occupied Housing Units: | 0 | 100% |
| Occupied Housing Units: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Vacant Housing Units (not graphed): | 87 | 100.00% |
| Total Housing Units: | 87 | 100% |
| Single-Family Units: | 87 | 100.00% |
| Multi-Family Units: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Other Units: | 0 | 0% |
| Total Housing Units: | 87 | 100% |
In 2024, -666,666,666.00% 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 -666,666,666.00%, which is far lower than the national rate (89.60%). The uninsured rate is -666,666,666.00%, which is far lower than the national rate (8.40%). Private coverage is -666,666,666.00%, which is far lower than the national rate (67.10%). Public coverage is -666,666,666.00%, which is far lower than the national rate (36.70%). The share of people in poverty is -666,666,666.00%, which is far lower than the national rate (8.80%), down 65.40 percentage points since 2011. 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 college (100.00%). College enrollment is 100.00%, 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% |
| 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: | 0 | 0% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency): | 0 | 0% |
| Some college, no degree: | 0 | 0% |
| Associate's degree: | 0 | 0% |
| Bachelor's degree: | 0 | 0% |
| Graduate or professional degree: | 0 | 0% |
| Total: | 0 | 100% |
| High school or higher: | 0 | 0% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher: | 0 | 0% |
| Private Insurance: | 0 | 0% |
| Public Insurance: | 0 | 0% |
| No Insurance: | 0 | 0% |
| Total: | 0 | 100% |
| Has Health Insurance: | 0 | 0% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % of People in Poverty | 65.4% | 44.7% | 61.8% | 62.2% | 35.3% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 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): | 0 | 0.00% |
| College or graduate school: | 7 | 100.00% |
| Total: | 7 | 100% |
| Early Childhood: | 0 | 0.00% |
| K-12 (Primary & Secondary School): | 0 | 0.00% |
ZIP Code 88009 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: | 2,703Source: 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 88009 is located in Hidalgo 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 88009. It covers 1.864 sq mi of land and a water area of 0 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: | 1.864 sq miSource: Census |
| Water Area: | --Source: 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: | 3558210Source: Census |
| Place Name: | Playas CDP; New MexicoSource: Census |
We could not locate which school district 88009 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 March 1, 2026.