| City: | Mule Creek, New Mexico |
| County: | Grant County |
| Timezone: | Mountain (GMT -07:00) |
| Local Time: | 10:26:32 AM |
| Population: | 112 [See All] |
| Area Code: | 575 |
| Classification: | PO Box |
| Coordinates: | 33.0368, -108.8915 |
| Land Area: | 337.014 sq mi |
| Quick Link: |
Mule Creek sits in the remote Gila Wilderness region of southwestern New Mexico, where 112 residents live scattered across 288 square miles of rugged terrain. With a median age of 62.5 years, this isn't a working community. It's a retirement haven where people come to escape into mountain solitude.
This is a PO Box Only Zone. There's no alternative mail delivery across the entire territory. The post office maintains 45 PO Boxes for 38 local households, serving the immediate area plus surrounding properties and seasonal residents. Rural Route 1 and a highway contract route reach some addresses along major roads like Brushy Mountain Road and Highway 78, but PO Boxes handle most mail.
Of the 67 housing units, 29 sit vacant most of the year. That's 43% seasonal occupancy. Some are summer retreats, others hunting cabins. Nearly all the year-round residents own their homes (37 of 38 occupied units). There are no registered businesses here, no employers, no commercial activity in the data.
The workforce tells the story. Of the few dozen working-age adults, 41% work from home, 70% carpool or use public transit (likely carpooling long distances to Silver City or other regional centers), and many work in agriculture or transportation. Per capita income sits at $18,347. Bachelor's degree attainment: 4.1%. This is blue-collar retirement, not executive retreat.
Street names like Goats Pass Road, Lion Camp Court, Pine Cienega Drive, and Sunrise Meadow Road capture the wilderness character. These aren't suburban cul-de-sacs. They're dirt roads threading through canyons and mesas in Grant County's backcountry, near the Arizona border.
Street names like Goats Pass, Lion Camp, Pine Cienega, and Sunrise Meadow reflect the rugged wilderness setting in the Gila backcountry.
ZIP Code 88051 has 112 residents and 38 households (average 2.63 persons per household). The median age is 62.5 years, significantly older than the state (39.2) and significantly older than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 37.5% male and 62.5% female, which is much lower than the state male share (49.3%), making this a female-majority area. Largest groups are White (80.4%, much higher than the state average of 51.0% and well above the national average of 61.6%) and Hispanic or Latino (16.1%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 16.1%, which is much lower than the state average (47.7%).
Explore More:Population Over TimeBy Age & GenderBy RaceBy GenderNativity & Citizenship
| 2020 Population: | 112Source: Census DHC |
| 2024 ACS Population Estimate: | 360Source: Census ACS |
| 2026 ZC Population Estimate: | 0Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Population Density: | 0.3 people per sq mile |
| Average Income: | $0Source: Census ACS |
| Households: | 38Source: Census DHC |
| Average House Value: | $174,200Source: Census ACS |
| Persons Per Household: | 2.63Source: Census DHC |
| Average Family Size: | 4.04Source: Census ACS |
| Group | 2010 | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Census ACS Population Estimate | -- | 3 | 18 | 51 | 54 | 81 | 100 | 141 | 114 | 113 | 118 | 97 | 64 | 320 | 360 |
| Decennial Census | 94 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 112 | -- | -- | -- | -- |
Median Age: 62.5
Male Median Age: 68
Female Median Age: 58
| 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 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 12 | 10 | 2 | 4 | 0 |
| Female | 2 | 5 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 6 | 5 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 7 | 7 | 10 | 12 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Total | 2 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 1 | 4 | 7 | 5 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 7 | 11 | 22 | 22 | 2 | 4 | 2 |
| White: | 90 | 78.26% |
| Black: | 0 | 0% |
| Hispanic:* | 18 | 15.65% |
| Asian: | 2 | 1.74% |
| American Indian: | 4 | 3.48% |
| Hawaiian: | 0 | 0% |
| Other: | 1 | 0.87% |
| Total: | 115 | 100% |
| Gender | Count | % | Median Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Males: | 42 | 37.50% | 68.0 years |
| Females: | 70 | 62.50% | 58.0 years |
| Total: | 112 | 100% | 62.5 years |
| Native, born in the United States: | 348 | 96.67% |
| Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad: | 9 | 2.50% |
| Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen: | 3 | 0.83% |
| Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen: | 0 | 0.83% |
| Total Population: | 360 | 100% |
| Total Native Population: | 357 | 99.17% |
| Total Foreign-born Population: | 3 | 0.83% |
In 2024, the Median household income is $0, which is well under the national median ($80,734), and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $82,000. Family households earn a median of $96,806 versus $0 for nonfamily households (a difference of $96,806). 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 stayed about the same from 2011 to 2024. The labor-force participation rate is 64.9%, which is slightly above the national rate (63.5%). The unemployment rate is 4.7%, which is narrowly below the national rate (5.2%). The largest occupation group is Sales (54.3%).
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 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $22,500 | $65,000 | $0 | $83,370 | $79,750 | $82,000 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Median Family Income | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $80,208 | $0 | $83,098 | $81,250 | $82,250 | $82,083 | $90,500 | $0 | $94,650 | $96,806 |
| Median NonFamily Income | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Median Male Income | $0 | $0 | $31,094 | $33,750 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Median Female Income | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Employed: | 162 | 61.83% |
| Unemployed: | 8 | 3.05% |
| Not In Labor Force: | 92 | 35.11% |
| Total: | 262 | 100% |
| Management, business, science, and arts: | 22 | 13.58% |
| Service: | 30 | 18.52% |
| Sales and Office: | 88 | 54.32% |
| Natural resources, construction, and maintenance: | 22 | 13.58% |
| Production, transportation, and material moving: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total Civilian Employed Population: | 162 | 100% |
In 2024, the median home value is $174,200, which is much lower than the national median ($332,700), and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $20,300. The median gross rent is $0, which is well under the national median ($1,413), and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $0. Of occupied housing, owners make up 75.32% (17.24% with a mortgage, 82.76% free-and-clear) and renters 24.68% - making this ZIP Code under national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 25.24%, which is considerably 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 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $162,500 | $141,700 | $150,800 | $153,900 | $99,300 | $99,200 | $191,700 | $168,600 | $174,200 |
| Less than $500: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $500 to $999: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $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: | 19 | 100.00% |
| Total: | 19 | 100% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Rent | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Owner Occupied (with mortgage): | 10 | 12.99% |
| Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage): | 48 | 62.34% |
| Renter Occupied: | 19 | 24.68% |
| Total Occupied Housing Units: | 77 | 100% |
| Occupied Housing Units: | 77 | 74.76% |
| Vacant Housing Units (not graphed): | 26 | 25.24% |
| Total Housing Units: | 103 | 100% |
| Single-Family Units: | 28 | 27.18% |
| Multi-Family Units: | 45 | 43.69% |
| Other Units: | 30 | 29.13% |
| Total Housing Units: | 103 | 100% |
In 2024, 6.90% 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 95.20%, which is comparable to the national rate (89.60%). The uninsured rate is 22.20%, which is far higher than the national rate (8.40%). The share of people in poverty is 0.00%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.80%). Poverty has been broadly stable, which may reflect structural barriers or offsetting gains and setbacks. Among residents ages 3+, the largest enrollment group is elementary (59.04%). 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: | 0 | 0.00% |
| 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: | 9 | 4.76% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency): | 33 | 17.46% |
| Some college, no degree: | 107 | 56.61% |
| Associate's degree: | 27 | 14.29% |
| Bachelor's degree: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Graduate or professional degree: | 13 | 6.88% |
| Total: | 189 | 100% |
| High school or higher: | 180 | 95.24% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher: | 13 | 6.88% |
| Private Insurance: | 244 | 64.38% |
| Public Insurance: | 55 | 14.51% |
| No Insurance: | 80 | 21.11% |
| Total: | 379 | 100% |
| Has Health Insurance: | 299 | 78.89% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % of People in Poverty | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 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): | 98 | 59.04% |
| High school (grades 9-12): | 68 | 40.96% |
| College or graduate school: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total: | 166 | 100% |
| Early Childhood: | 0 | 0.00% |
| K-12 (Primary & Secondary School): | 166 | 100.00% |
ZIP Code 88051 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: | 117Source: 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 88051 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 0.38% of whom live in ZIP Code 88051. It covers 337.014 sq mi of land and a water area of 0.005 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: | 337.014 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: | --Source: Census |
| Place Name: | --Source: Census |
We could not locate which school district 88051 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.