| City: | Santa Clara, New Mexico |
| City Alias: | Central |
| County: | Grant County |
| Timezone: | Mountain (GMT -07:00) |
| Local Time: | 10:26:14 AM |
| Population: | 1,590 [See All] |
| Area Code: | 575 |
| Classification: | PO Box |
| Coordinates: | 32.7832, -108.1651 |
| Land Area: | 4.712 sq mi |
| Quick Link: |
Santa Clara sits in southwestern New Mexico's Grant County, about 6 miles east of the historic mining town of Silver City. This small community of 1,590 residents maintains a distinct identity despite its proximity to larger neighbors. The post office also serves mail to Central, an accepted alternative city name for the area.
This is a PO Box Only Zone, and residents across the 5.9 square mile territory have no alternative for mail delivery. The Santa Clara post office maintains 769 PO Boxes for 670 occupied homes, a 115% adoption rate that indicates service extending beyond immediate residents to surrounding areas and seasonal property owners. All mail arrives via one rural carrier route and one highway contract route.
Street names tell a story of layered history. Fort Bayard Street, with the most delivery addresses (13 records), references the nearby historic Fort Bayard, a military post established in 1866. Presidential names like Cleveland Street and Lincoln Street sit alongside Spanish names (Aguila, Escondida, Encino) that reflect the region's Southwestern heritage. Nature names dominate: Oak, Maple, Pine, Cedar, Cottonwood, and Pinon streets dot the landscape.
With a median age of 45.3 years and median household income of $46,094, Santa Clara is a mature, working-class community. About 69% of households own their homes (median value: $120,900), while 31% rent. Some 12.5% of workers work from home, and many others face long commutes: the area employs workers in transportation, warehousing, and public administration.
All mail to Santa Clara requires a PO Box. Street addresses aren't valid for mail delivery. Use this format:
[Name]
PO Box [Number]
Santa Clara, NM 88026Or use the Central alias:
[Name]
PO Box [Number]
Central, NM 88026Street names blend military history (Fort Bayard), presidential references (Cleveland, Lincoln), Spanish heritage (Aguila, Escondida, Encino), and Southwestern nature (Oak, Pine, Cottonwood, Pinon).
ZIP Code 88026 has 1,590 residents and 670 households (average 2.37 persons per household). The median age is 45.3 years, older than the state (39.2) and older than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 47.0% male and 53.0% female, which is slightly lower than the state male share (49.3%), making this a female-majority area. Largest groups are Hispanic or Latino (79.6%) and White (53.2%, much lower than the national average of 61.6%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 79.6%, which is much higher than the national average (18.7%).
Explore More:Population Over TimeBy Age & GenderBy RaceBy GenderNativity & Citizenship
| 2020 Population: | 1,590Source: Census DHC |
| 2024 ACS Population Estimate: | 1,604Source: Census ACS |
| 2026 ZC Population Estimate: | 0Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Population Density: | 337.4 people per sq mile |
| Average Income: | $57,898Source: Census ACS |
| Households: | 670Source: Census DHC |
| Average House Value: | $141,500Source: Census ACS |
| Persons Per Household: | 2.37Source: Census DHC |
| Average Family Size: | 3.64Source: Census ACS |
| Group | 2010 | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Census ACS Population Estimate | -- | 1,328 | 1,473 | 1,329 | 1,261 | 1,405 | 1,363 | 1,517 | 1,491 | 1,384 | 1,443 | 1,700 | 1,610 | 1,636 | 1,604 |
| Decennial Census | 1,658 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 1,590 | -- | -- | -- | -- |
Median Age: 45.3
Male Median Age: 45.1
Female Median Age: 45.4
| 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 | 34 | 36 | 56 | 51 | 44 | 35 | 31 | 40 | 46 | 39 | 45 | 53 | 53 | 61 | 47 | 32 | 21 | 23 |
| Female | 53 | 49 | 51 | 46 | 37 | 39 | 44 | 38 | 60 | 65 | 44 | 61 | 53 | 67 | 47 | 32 | 13 | 44 |
| Total | 87 | 85 | 107 | 97 | 81 | 74 | 75 | 78 | 106 | 104 | 89 | 114 | 106 | 128 | 94 | 64 | 34 | 67 |
| White: | 846 | 35.32% |
| Black: | 16 | 0.67% |
| Hispanic:* | 1,266 | 52.86% |
| Asian: | 3 | 0.13% |
| American Indian: | 43 | 1.80% |
| Hawaiian: | 0 | 0% |
| Other: | 221 | 9.23% |
| Total: | 2,395 | 100% |
| Gender | Count | % | Median Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Males: | 747 | 46.98% | 45.1 years |
| Females: | 843 | 53.02% | 45.4 years |
| Total: | 1,590 | 100% | 45.3 years |
| Native, born in the United States: | 1,544 | 96.26% |
| Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen: | 21 | 1.31% |
| Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen: | 39 | 3.74% |
| Total Population: | 1,604 | 100% |
| Total Native Population: | 1,544 | 96.26% |
| Total Foreign-born Population: | 60 | 3.74% |
In 2024, the Median household income is $57,898, which is considerably lower than the national median ($80,734), is up $31,516 (119.5%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $24,981. Family households earn a median of $75,292 versus $24,615 for nonfamily households (a difference of $50,677). By gender, male median income is $0 and female is $47,813, which is far less than the national female median ($55,274), with a current gap of $47,813 that has narrowed from 2011 to 2024. The labor-force participation rate is 45.1%, which is far less than the national rate (63.5%). The unemployment rate is 6.2%, which is well above the national rate (5.2%). The largest occupation group is Management (30.5%).
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 | $26,382 | $26,055 | $25,354 | $20,595 | $25,750 | $26,597 | $25,682 | $29,618 | $32,917 | $31,719 | $31,750 | $46,078 | $46,094 | $57,898 |
| Median Family Income | $27,296 | $28,785 | $28,750 | $31,607 | $40,060 | $41,193 | $43,816 | $47,813 | $48,056 | $49,750 | $56,875 | $62,500 | $72,629 | $75,292 |
| Median NonFamily Income | $16,458 | $13,906 | $13,944 | $14,340 | $16,612 | $16,563 | $16,979 | $18,654 | $18,375 | $17,500 | $16,741 | $18,155 | $19,805 | $24,615 |
| Median Male Income | $30,682 | $25,486 | $26,296 | $28,409 | $26,505 | $26,862 | $31,696 | $31,429 | $28,641 | $31,827 | $35,625 | $37,321 | $0 | $0 |
| Median Female Income | $27,212 | $28,558 | $27,031 | $26,250 | $24,107 | $25,363 | $23,352 | $23,309 | $24,125 | $29,539 | $30,517 | $33,030 | $32,813 | $47,813 |
| Employed: | 571 | 42.26% |
| Unemployed: | 38 | 2.81% |
| Not In Labor Force: | 742 | 54.92% |
| Total: | 1,351 | 100% |
| Management, business, science, and arts: | 174 | 30.47% |
| Service: | 151 | 26.44% |
| Sales and Office: | 86 | 15.06% |
| Natural resources, construction, and maintenance: | 115 | 20.14% |
| Production, transportation, and material moving: | 45 | 7.88% |
| Total Civilian Employed Population: | 571 | 100% |
In 2024, the median home value is $141,500, which is considerably lower than the national median ($332,700), is up $49,600 (53.97%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $60,500. The median gross rent is $543, which is considerably lower than the national median ($1,413), is down $45 (7.65%) since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $102. Of occupied housing, owners make up 80.13% (39.96% with a mortgage, 60.04% free-and-clear) and renters 19.87% - making this ZIP Code under national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 20.18%, 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 | $91,900 | $88,700 | $88,100 | $82,500 | $81,300 | $82,100 | $70,000 | $75,400 | $81,000 | $84,100 | $82,100 | $108,300 | $120,900 | $141,500 |
| Less than $500: | 51 | 42.15% |
| $500 to $999: | 48 | 39.67% |
| $1,000 to $1,499: | 20 | 16.53% |
| $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: | 2 | 1.65% |
| Total: | 121 | 100% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Rent | $588 | $448 | $612 | $590 | $595 | $663 | $547 | $538 | $645 | $631 | $629 | $788 | $710 | $543 |
| Owner Occupied (with mortgage): | 195 | 32.02% |
| Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage): | 293 | 48.11% |
| Renter Occupied: | 121 | 19.87% |
| Total Occupied Housing Units: | 609 | 100% |
| Occupied Housing Units: | 609 | 79.82% |
| Vacant Housing Units (not graphed): | 154 | 20.18% |
| Total Housing Units: | 763 | 100% |
| Single-Family Units: | 416 | 54.52% |
| Multi-Family Units: | 75 | 9.83% |
| Other Units: | 272 | 35.65% |
| Total Housing Units: | 763 | 100% |
In 2024, 14.20% 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 76.30%, which is far lower than the national rate (89.60%). The uninsured rate is 6.50%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.40%). Public coverage is 61.50%, which is far higher than the national rate (36.70%). The share of people in poverty is 9.00%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.80%), down 13.30 percentage points since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 0.30 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 (38.16%). College enrollment is 10.86%, 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: | 68 | 5.62% |
| 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: | 219 | 18.10% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency): | 340 | 28.10% |
| Some college, no degree: | 326 | 26.94% |
| Associate's degree: | 85 | 7.02% |
| Bachelor's degree: | 71 | 5.87% |
| Graduate or professional degree: | 101 | 8.35% |
| Total: | 1,210 | 100% |
| High school or higher: | 923 | 76.28% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher: | 172 | 14.21% |
| Private Insurance: | 918 | 45.69% |
| Public Insurance: | 986 | 49.08% |
| No Insurance: | 105 | 5.23% |
| Total: | 2,009 | 100% |
| Has Health Insurance: | 1,904 | 94.77% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % of People in Poverty | 25.8% | 21.7% | 23.6% | 25.1% | 20.5% | 19.3% | 16.7% | 14.0% | 12.2% | 14.2% | 13.4% | 14.7% | 12.5% | 9.0% |
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: | 19 | 6.25% |
| Kindergarten: | 46 | 15.13% |
| Elementary school (grades 1-8): | 116 | 38.16% |
| High school (grades 9-12): | 90 | 29.61% |
| College or graduate school: | 33 | 10.86% |
| Total: | 304 | 100% |
| Early Childhood: | 65 | 21.38% |
| K-12 (Primary & Secondary School): | 252 | 82.89% |
ZIP Code 88026 supports both business and residential activity. According to the Business Census (2024), there are 13 business establishments, employing about 61 people with an annual payroll of $1,444,000.
| # Residential Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| # Business Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| Total Delivery Receptacles: | 794Source: USPS |
| Single Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| Multi Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| # of Businesses: | 13Source: CBP |
| 1st Quarter Payroll: | $393,000Source: CBP |
| Annual Payroll: | $1,444,000Source: CBP |
| # of Employees: | 61Source: CBP |
ZIP Code 88026 is located in Grant County, New Mexico, within the Silver City, NM Metropolitan Statistical Area (CBSA 43500) and New Mexico's 2nd Congressional District. This Micro area has a population of 29,514 people, about 5.39% of whom live in ZIP Code 88026. It covers 4.712 sq mi of land and a water area of 0.026 sq mi.
| CBSA Name: | Silver City, NMSource: Census |
| CBSA Number: | 43500Source: Census |
| CBSA Type: | MicroSource: Census |
| CBSA Division: | --Source: Census |
| CBSA Population: | 29,514Source: Census |
| MSA: | Source: Census |
| Land Area: | 4.712 sq miSource: Census |
| Water Area: | 0.026 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: | 3570270Source: Census |
| Place Name: | Santa Clara village; New MexicoSource: Census |
ZIP Code 88026 is in the Cobre Consolidated 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.