| City: | Columbus, New Mexico |
| County: | Luna County |
| Timezone: | Mountain (GMT -07:00) |
| Local Time: | 10:31:18 PM |
| Population: | 1,591 [See All] |
| Area Code: | 575 |
| Classification: | PO Box |
| Coordinates: | 31.9136, -107.7568 |
| Land Area: | 190.22 sq mi |
| Quick Link: |
Columbus, New Mexico sits just three miles from the Mexican border in Luna County. This small border community serves as a regional mail hub across 227 square miles of southern New Mexico ranch country. With 1,293 PO Boxes serving 639 households, the post office maintains twice as many boxes as local homes. This 2.0 adoption rate shows the post office's regional reach beyond the town itself, serving ranchers and residents spread across the surrounding territory.
This is a PO Box Only Zone. No alternative mail delivery exists across the 227 square mile territory. The post office relies entirely on rural carrier routes (721 records) rather than city carrier delivery, fitting the spread-out ranching character of the area. Highway Contract Route service supplements rural delivery for the most remote locations.
Columbus has significant historical importance as the site of Pancho Villa's 1916 raid, the last foreign attack on the continental United States. Street names preserve this history: Pancho Villa Loop honors the Mexican revolutionary leader, while Pershing Street commemorates General John J. Pershing, who led the U.S. military expedition in response. Other presidential streets (Roosevelt, Taft, Wilson) date from the military camp era when thousands of troops were stationed here. The 1st Aero Squadron Runway commemorates early U.S. military aviation history at Camp Furlong.
Columbus straddles two identities. Spanish-language street names (Botanico Avenue, Jesus Carreon Avenue, Plata Avenue) sit alongside American presidential streets. The town's 1,591 residents live in a median household income of $24,554, well below state averages. Median age is 41.8 years. Most housing is owner-occupied (458 of 639 homes), with modest home values averaging $91,400.
The street network extends along two major corridors: Highway 9 SW (23 delivery records) running east-west along the border, and Highway 11 North (20 records) heading toward Deming. Town streets follow a traditional grid with numbered state streets (Wisconsin, Missouri, Ohio, Kansas) running north-south and named avenues running east-west. Southeastern sections have descriptive road names (Whirlwind Road, Dust Devil Road, Twister Road) that capture the area's weather patterns.
Columbus serves as the only port of entry for dozens of miles along this remote stretch of border. Puerto Palomas, Chihuahua lies directly across the international boundary. Despite this border location, only 14.3% of residents were born outside the United States, lower than many border communities. The post office handles cross-border commerce and communication for families and businesses whose lives span both countries.
All mail must be addressed to PO Boxes. Use the format:
Recipient Name
PO Box [Number]
Columbus, NM 88029General Delivery is available for temporary mail needs.
Street names tell a dual story: Spanish heritage (Botanico, Jesus Carreon, Plata) alongside American military history (Pershing, Roosevelt, Pancho Villa Loop, 1st Aero Squadron Runway). Southeastern roads have colorful weather names (Whirlwind, Dust Devil, Twister) reflecting local conditions.
ZIP Code 88029 has 1,591 residents and 639 households (average 2.49 persons per household). The median age is 41.8 years, slightly older than the state (39.2) and older than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 48.7% male and 51.3% 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 (84.8%) and Other / Two or More Races (35.3%, much higher than the state average of 15.0% and well above the national average of 8.4%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 84.8%, 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: | 1,591Source: Census DHC |
| 2024 ACS Population Estimate: | 1,150Source: Census ACS |
| 2026 ZC Population Estimate: | 0Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Population Density: | 8.4 people per sq mile |
| Average Income: | $24,554Source: Census ACS |
| Households: | 639Source: Census DHC |
| Average House Value: | $91,400Source: Census ACS |
| Persons Per Household: | 2.49Source: Census DHC |
| Average Family Size: | 3.14Source: Census ACS |
| Group | 2010 | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Census ACS Population Estimate | -- | 1,448 | 1,621 | 1,538 | 1,395 | 1,377 | 1,279 | 1,027 | 1,244 | 1,201 | 1,116 | 1,143 | 1,327 | 1,150 |
| Decennial Census | 1,873 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 1,591 | -- | -- | -- |
Median Age: 41.8
Male Median Age: 43.2
Female Median Age: 40.8
| 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 | 48 | 53 | 59 | 62 | 40 | 34 | 34 | 45 | 20 | 35 | 40 | 64 | 55 | 53 | 56 | 32 | 26 | 19 |
| Female | 55 | 61 | 73 | 55 | 39 | 39 | 43 | 36 | 34 | 37 | 53 | 67 | 71 | 39 | 41 | 39 | 15 | 19 |
| Total | 103 | 114 | 132 | 117 | 79 | 73 | 77 | 81 | 54 | 72 | 93 | 131 | 126 | 92 | 97 | 71 | 41 | 38 |
| White: | 450 | 18.81% |
| Black: | 9 | 0.38% |
| Hispanic:* | 1,349 | 56.40% |
| Asian: | 5 | 0.21% |
| American Indian: | 17 | 0.71% |
| Hawaiian: | 1 | 0.04% |
| Other: | 561 | 23.45% |
| Total: | 2,392 | 100% |
| Gender | Count | % | Median Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Males: | 775 | 48.71% | 43.2 years |
| Females: | 816 | 51.29% | 40.8 years |
| Total: | 1,591 | 100% | 41.8 years |
| Native, born in the United States: | 729 | 63.39% |
| Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen: | 210 | 18.26% |
| Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen: | 211 | 36.61% |
| Total Population: | 1,150 | 100% |
| Total Native Population: | 729 | 63.39% |
| Total Foreign-born Population: | 421 | 36.61% |
In 2023, the Median household income is $24,554, which is much lower than the national median ($78,538), is up $6,161 (33.5%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $3,327. Family households earn a median of $26,445 versus $14,881 for nonfamily households (a difference of $11,564). By gender, male median income is $27,264 and female is $48,523, which is much lower than the national female median ($53,445), with a current gap of $21,259 that has narrowed from 2011 to 2023. The labor-force participation rate is 41.1%, which is considerably lower than the national rate (63.5%). The unemployment rate is 4.8%, which is lower than the state rate (5.9%). The largest occupation group is Service (29.5%).
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 | $18,393 | $18,106 | $19,531 | $19,273 | $18,274 | $14,514 | $13,878 | $20,396 | $21,227 | $21,660 | $26,417 | $27,898 | $24,554 |
| Median Family Income | $23,558 | $21,806 | $21,058 | $20,536 | $19,167 | $16,090 | $16,484 | $21,627 | $21,088 | $21,621 | $24,844 | $30,031 | $26,445 |
| Median NonFamily Income | $13,824 | $14,122 | $18,693 | $18,478 | $17,604 | $13,036 | $8,793 | $12,984 | $0 | $0 | $30,750 | $18,468 | $14,881 |
| Median Male Income | $42,674 | $42,987 | $43,207 | $32,321 | $0 | $15,508 | $15,357 | $15,625 | $20,150 | $20,179 | $30,313 | $33,867 | $27,264 |
| Median Female Income | $15,083 | $15,952 | $15,669 | $16,367 | $0 | $16,755 | $20,192 | $20,870 | $17,206 | $16,827 | $24,130 | $36,250 | $48,523 |
| Employed: | 315 | 39.08% |
| Unemployed: | 16 | 1.99% |
| Not In Labor Force: | 475 | 58.93% |
| Total: | 806 | 100% |
| Management, business, science, and arts: | 67 | 21.27% |
| Service: | 93 | 29.52% |
| Sales and Office: | 14 | 4.44% |
| Natural resources, construction, and maintenance: | 74 | 23.49% |
| Production, transportation, and material moving: | 67 | 21.27% |
| Total Civilian Employed Population: | 315 | 100% |
In 2023, the median home value is $91,400, which is considerably lower than the national median ($303,400), is up $44,600 (95.30%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $20,900. The median gross rent is $394, which is considerably lower than the national median ($1,348), is down $111 (21.98%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $57. Of occupied housing, owners make up 57.61% (33.33% with a mortgage, 66.67% free-and-clear) and renters 42.39% - making this ZIP Code less home ownership than the state and higher than national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 43.44%, 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 | $46,800 | $46,700 | $45,400 | $43,000 | $43,500 | $57,300 | $71,000 | $69,600 | $70,500 | $70,200 | $71,800 | $77,000 | $91,400 |
| Less than $500: | 103 | 56.91% |
| $500 to $999: | 18 | 9.94% |
| $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: | 60 | 33.15% |
| Total: | 181 | 100% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Rent | $505 | $469 | $505 | $514 | $453 | $484 | $515 | $347 | $337 | $337 | $363 | $379 | $394 |
| Owner Occupied (with mortgage): | 82 | 19.20% |
| Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage): | 164 | 38.41% |
| Renter Occupied: | 181 | 42.39% |
| Total Occupied Housing Units: | 427 | 100% |
| Occupied Housing Units: | 427 | 56.56% |
| Vacant Housing Units (not graphed): | 328 | 43.44% |
| Total Housing Units: | 755 | 100% |
| Single-Family Units: | 313 | 41.46% |
| Multi-Family Units: | 42 | 5.56% |
| Other Units: | 400 | 52.98% |
| Total Housing Units: | 755 | 100% |
In 2023, 14.70% 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 52.00%, which is far lower than the national rate (89.40%). The uninsured rate is 11.40%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.60%). Private coverage is 14.00%, which is far lower than the national rate (67.30%). Public coverage is 80.20%, which is far higher than the national rate (36.30%). The share of people in poverty is 37.50%, which is far higher than the national rate (8.70%), down 2.00 percentage points since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 11.20 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 high school (34.84%). College enrollment is 12.69%, 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: | 197 | 26.48% |
| 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: | 160 | 21.51% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency): | 113 | 15.19% |
| Some college, no degree: | 138 | 18.55% |
| Associate's degree: | 27 | 3.63% |
| Bachelor's degree: | 67 | 9.01% |
| Graduate or professional degree: | 42 | 5.65% |
| Total: | 744 | 100% |
| High school or higher: | 387 | 52.02% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher: | 109 | 14.65% |
| Private Insurance: | 161 | 13.26% |
| Public Insurance: | 922 | 75.95% |
| No Insurance: | 131 | 10.79% |
| Total: | 1,214 | 100% |
| Has Health Insurance: | 1,083 | 89.21% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % of People in Poverty | 39.5% | 45.4% | 45.4% | 45.6% | 50.0% | 64.1% | 61.3% | 45.3% | 48.7% | 36.0% | 28.6% | 22.0% | 37.5% |
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: | 35 | 7.53% |
| Kindergarten: | 87 | 18.71% |
| Elementary school (grades 1-8): | 122 | 26.24% |
| High school (grades 9-12): | 162 | 34.84% |
| College or graduate school: | 59 | 12.69% |
| Total: | 465 | 100% |
| Early Childhood: | 122 | 26.24% |
| K-12 (Primary & Secondary School): | 371 | 79.78% |
ZIP Code 88029 supports both business and residential activity. According to the Business Census (2024), there are 16 business establishments, employing about 172 people with an annual payroll of $5,007,000.
| # Residential Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| # Business Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| Total Delivery Receptacles: | 1,324Source: USPS |
| Single Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| Multi Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| # of Businesses: | 16Source: CBP |
| 1st Quarter Payroll: | $1,014,000Source: CBP |
| Annual Payroll: | $5,007,000Source: CBP |
| # of Employees: | 172Source: CBP |
ZIP Code 88029 is located in Luna County, New Mexico, within the Deming, NM Metropolitan Statistical Area (CBSA 19700) and New Mexico's 2nd Congressional District. This Micro area has a population of 25,420 people, about 6.26% of whom live in ZIP Code 88029. It covers 190.22 sq mi of land and a water area of 0.005 sq mi.
| CBSA Name: | Deming, NMSource: Census |
| CBSA Number: | 19700Source: Census |
| CBSA Type: | MicroSource: Census |
| CBSA Division: | --Source: Census |
| CBSA Population: | 25,420Source: Census |
| MSA: | Source: Census |
| Land Area: | 190.22 sq miSource: Census |
| Water Area: | 0.005 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: | 3517050Source: Census |
| Place Name: | Columbus village; New MexicoSource: Census |
ZIP Code 88029 is in the Deming Public 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.