| City: | Mesilla, New Mexico |
| County: | Dona Ana County |
| Timezone: | Mountain (GMT -07:00) |
| Local Time: | 10:26:29 AM |
| Population: | 718 [See All] |
| Area Code: | 575 |
| Classification: | PO Box |
| Coordinates: | 32.2701, -106.8024 |
| Land Area: | 0.619 sq mi |
| Quick Link: |
Mesilla sits just south of Las Cruces in New Mexico's Rio Grande valley. This historic village of 718 residents preserves its Spanish colonial character through street names like Calle de Parian, Calle de Guadalupe, and Calle Principal. Founded in 1848, Mesilla briefly served as the Confederate territorial capital of Arizona and New Mexico during the Civil War. Today it's known for its preserved adobe architecture and plaza.
The Mesilla post office maintains 767 PO Boxes for 332 local households. That's a 2.31x adoption rate, meaning the post office serves more than twice as many boxes as there are homes in the village. This high ratio shows Mesilla's role as a regional mail hub serving surrounding unincorporated areas, businesses on the plaza, and second homeowners. The village is designated a PO Box Only Zone, so there's no alternative carrier delivery across the 0.67 square mile territory.
Mesilla has an older, educated population. Median age is 52.7 years, with only 7 residents under 18 and 18% age 65 or older. Education levels are high for a small New Mexico village: 42.4% of adults hold bachelor's degrees or higher. Median household income is $66,300, and median home values reach $253,000, both well above typical rural New Mexico figures.
The village's Spanish heritage appears throughout the street grid. Calle de Parian (the main commercial street around the plaza) accounts for 116 ZIP+4 records, more than half of all street delivery points. Other streets honor Catholic saints (Calle de San Albino, Calle de Santa Ana) and Spanish colonial urban planning (Calle del Norte, Calle del Sur). Many addresses include unit numbers, showing adaptive reuse of historic buildings as apartments and commercial spaces.
Mesilla's delivery pattern mixes urban and rural routes. One city carrier route (C) and one rural route (R) serve the village streets, with a highway contract route (H) and general delivery also available. This mixed system is typical for historic village cores surrounded by agricultural land. The post office operates from a facility coded "P" for Post Office, with no city delivery indicator, reinforcing the PO Box dependency.
All mail must use PO Box addresses. This isn't a limitation but rather the standard for this historic community. The post office serves as a gathering point where residents and business owners collect mail, continuing a tradition that dates back more than 150 years.
All streets use Spanish colonial naming conventions honoring saints, directions, and historic features of the village plaza.
ZIP Code 88046 has 718 residents and 332 households (average 2.16 persons per household). The median age is 52.7 years, significantly older than the state (39.2) and significantly older than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 47.6% male and 52.4% female, which is slightly lower than the state male share (49.3%), making this a female-majority area. Largest groups are Hispanic or Latino (62.8%) and White (45.3%, much lower than the national average of 61.6%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 62.8%, which is much higher than the national average (18.7%), and Other / Two or More Races share is much higher than the national average (8.4%).
Explore More:Population Over TimeBy Age & GenderBy RaceBy GenderNativity & Citizenship
| 2020 Population: | 718Source: Census DHC |
| 2024 ACS Population Estimate: | 656Source: Census ACS |
| 2026 ZC Population Estimate: | 0Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Population Density: | 1,159.9 people per sq mile |
| Average Income: | $0Source: Census ACS |
| Households: | 332Source: Census DHC |
| Average House Value: | $264,300Source: Census ACS |
| Persons Per Household: | 2.16Source: Census DHC |
| Average Family Size: | 3.52Source: Census ACS |
| Group | 2010 | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Census ACS Population Estimate | -- | 837 | 773 | 760 | 795 | 801 | 855 | 766 | 655 | 765 | 867 | 757 | 663 | 725 | 656 |
| Decennial Census | 697 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 718 | -- | -- | -- | -- |
Median Age: 52.7
Male Median Age: 50.5
Female Median Age: 55.3
| 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 | 7 | 16 | 18 | 38 | 25 | 15 | 14 | 16 | 9 | 11 | 23 | 22 | 33 | 24 | 23 | 24 | 15 | 9 |
| Female | 8 | 12 | 21 | 19 | 17 | 16 | 14 | 15 | 20 | 19 | 25 | 36 | 39 | 25 | 35 | 16 | 21 | 18 |
| Total | 15 | 28 | 39 | 57 | 42 | 31 | 28 | 31 | 29 | 30 | 48 | 58 | 72 | 49 | 58 | 40 | 36 | 27 |
| White: | 325 | 34.57% |
| Black: | 5 | 0.53% |
| Hispanic:* | 451 | 47.98% |
| Asian: | 2 | 0.21% |
| American Indian: | 12 | 1.28% |
| Hawaiian: | 2 | 0.21% |
| Other: | 143 | 15.21% |
| Total: | 940 | 100% |
| Gender | Count | % | Median Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Males: | 342 | 47.63% | 50.5 years |
| Females: | 376 | 52.37% | 55.3 years |
| Total: | 718 | 100% | 52.7 years |
| Native, born in the United States: | 634 | 96.65% |
| 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: | 22 | 3.35% |
| Total Population: | 656 | 100% |
| Total Native Population: | 634 | 96.65% |
| Total Foreign-born Population: | 22 | 3.35% |
In 2024, the Median household income is $0, which is well under the national median ($80,734), is down $19,564 (100.0%) since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $42,895. Family households earn a median of $88,534 versus $24,198 for nonfamily households (a difference of $64,336). 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 narrowed from 2011 to 2024. The labor-force participation rate is 48.9%, which is far less 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 Management (46.8%).
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 | $19,564 | $26,510 | $35,380 | $37,240 | $37,050 | $41,745 | $43,500 | $37,321 | $42,895 | $38,973 | $51,731 | $0 | $66,300 | $0 |
| Median Family Income | $39,138 | $39,531 | $40,507 | $40,938 | $41,719 | $47,740 | $48,080 | $50,200 | $53,641 | $80,625 | $87,368 | $94,830 | $95,739 | $88,534 |
| Median NonFamily Income | $15,806 | $15,652 | $18,043 | $17,826 | $0 | $0 | $35,446 | $0 | $37,792 | $19,810 | $0 | $21,307 | $0 | $24,198 |
| Median Male Income | $32,375 | $33,561 | $31,974 | $37,778 | $0 | $41,723 | $42,222 | $41,319 | $30,673 | $80,438 | $0 | $112,799 | $97,450 | $0 |
| Median Female Income | $16,523 | $16,532 | $31,908 | $33,571 | $0 | $33,274 | $32,708 | $0 | $27,330 | $31,957 | $40,694 | $0 | $46,131 | $0 |
| Employed: | 282 | 48.87% |
| Unemployed: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Not In Labor Force: | 295 | 51.13% |
| Total: | 577 | 100% |
| Management, business, science, and arts: | 132 | 46.81% |
| Service: | 52 | 18.44% |
| Sales and Office: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Natural resources, construction, and maintenance: | 42 | 14.89% |
| Production, transportation, and material moving: | 56 | 19.86% |
| Total Civilian Employed Population: | 282 | 100% |
In 2024, the median home value is $264,300, which is much lower than the national median ($332,700), is up $36,500 (16.02%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $65,400. The median gross rent is $0, which is well under the national median ($1,413), is down $615 (100.00%) since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $727. Of occupied housing, owners make up 87.23% (54.88% with a mortgage, 45.12% free-and-clear) and renters 12.77% - making this ZIP Code under national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 14.02%, 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 | $227,800 | $162,900 | $160,800 | $216,700 | $225,000 | $223,000 | $223,100 | $202,300 | $198,900 | $197,700 | $218,400 | $264,300 | $253,000 | $264,300 |
| Less than $500: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $500 to $999: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $1,000 to $1,499: | 36 | 100.00% |
| $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: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total: | 36 | 100% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Rent | $615 | $636 | $628 | $585 | $565 | $639 | $630 | $706 | $727 | $791 | $843 | $985 | $0 | $0 |
| Owner Occupied (with mortgage): | 135 | 47.87% |
| Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage): | 111 | 39.36% |
| Renter Occupied: | 36 | 12.77% |
| Total Occupied Housing Units: | 282 | 100% |
| Occupied Housing Units: | 282 | 85.98% |
| Vacant Housing Units (not graphed): | 46 | 14.02% |
| Total Housing Units: | 328 | 100% |
| Single-Family Units: | 298 | 90.85% |
| Multi-Family Units: | 30 | 9.15% |
| Other Units: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total Housing Units: | 328 | 100% |
In 2024, 55.00% of adults (25+) have a bachelor's degree or higher, which is comparable to the national rate (35.70%). High school or higher is 86.10%, which is comparable to the national rate (89.60%). The uninsured rate is 0.90%, which is far lower than the national rate (8.40%). The share of people in poverty is 18.10%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.80%), down 19.30 percentage points since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 8.30 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 high school (66.88%). 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: | 53 | 12.05% |
| 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: | 8 | 1.82% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency): | 102 | 23.18% |
| Some college, no degree: | 6 | 1.36% |
| Associate's degree: | 29 | 6.59% |
| Bachelor's degree: | 174 | 39.55% |
| Graduate or professional degree: | 68 | 15.45% |
| Total: | 440 | 100% |
| High school or higher: | 379 | 86.14% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher: | 242 | 55.00% |
| Private Insurance: | 440 | 59.06% |
| Public Insurance: | 299 | 40.13% |
| No Insurance: | 6 | 0.81% |
| Total: | 745 | 100% |
| Has Health Insurance: | 739 | 99.19% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % of People in Poverty | 19.3% | 17.4% | 23.6% | 23.0% | 23.5% | 18.1% | 12.0% | 7.3% | 8.3% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 18.1% |
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: | 8 | 5.00% |
| Elementary school (grades 1-8): | 45 | 28.13% |
| High school (grades 9-12): | 107 | 66.88% |
| College or graduate school: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total: | 160 | 100% |
| Early Childhood: | 8 | 5.00% |
| K-12 (Primary & Secondary School): | 160 | 100.00% |
ZIP Code 88046 supports both business and residential activity. According to the Business Census (2024), there are 42 business establishments, employing about 471 people with an annual payroll of $12,972,000.
| # Residential Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| # Business Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| Total Delivery Receptacles: | 1,035Source: USPS |
| Single Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| Multi Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| # of Businesses: | 42Source: CBP |
| 1st Quarter Payroll: | $3,003,000Source: CBP |
| Annual Payroll: | $12,972,000Source: CBP |
| # of Employees: | 471Source: CBP |
ZIP Code 88046 is located in Dona Ana County, New Mexico, within the Las Cruces, NM Metropolitan Statistical Area (CBSA 29740) and New Mexico's 2nd Congressional District. This Metro area has a population of 209,233 people, about 0.34% of whom live in ZIP Code 88046. It covers 0.619 sq mi of land and a water area of 0 sq mi.
| CBSA Name: | Las Cruces, NMSource: Census |
| CBSA Number: | 29740Source: Census |
| CBSA Type: | MetroSource: Census |
| CBSA Division: | --Source: Census |
| CBSA Population: | 209,233Source: Census |
| MSA: | Las Cruces, NM MSASource: Census |
| Land Area: | 0.619 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: | 3548060Source: Census |
| Place Name: | Mesilla town; New MexicoSource: Census |
ZIP Code 88046 is in the Las Cruces Public Schools, which serves grades Pre-Kindergarten thru 12th. There are 1 public schools and 1 private school(s) in this ZIP Code. 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.