| City: | Pinos Altos, New Mexico |
| City Alias: | Silver City |
| County: | Grant County |
| Timezone: | Mountain (GMT -07:00) |
| Local Time: | 10:26:34 AM |
| Population: | 269 [See All] |
| Area Code: | 575 |
| Classification: | PO Box |
| Coordinates: | 32.8808, -108.2091 |
| Land Area: | 15.036 sq mi |
| Quick Link: |
Pinos Altos sits at 7,000 feet elevation in the Pinos Altos Mountains, about 7 miles north of Silver City. This historic mining town, founded during the 1860s gold rush, has evolved into a quiet retirement community of 269 residents. With a median age of 64.1 years and almost no children (just 3 residents under 18), it's one of New Mexico's oldest communities by demographics.
The town doesn't operate its own post office. Mail arrives through Silver City (88061), which is why SILVER CITY is accepted as a valid city name for addresses here. Delivery happens via highway contract routes along Highway 15 and rural routes serving the surrounding mountains. The town spans 15.2 square miles of mountainous terrain, with 83 single-family homes scattered along roads like Main Street, Bear Creek Road, and Golden Avenue.
Two-thirds of the housing stock dates to before 1939, preserving the character of this gold rush settlement. Street names like Placer Street and Golden Avenue hint at the mining history. Today, 142 households are occupied year-round, with another 22 units serving as seasonal retreats (13% seasonal vacancy). The population is 84% White and 25% Hispanic, with exceptionally high educational attainment: 58% hold bachelor's degrees or higher. Per capita income averages $24,781.
Pinos Altos maintains its identity as a distinct community despite postal integration with Silver City. Historic buildings, including the circa-1860s Buckhorn Saloon and Opera House, line Main Street. The town serves retirees drawn to mountain living, historic character, and proximity to the Gila National Forest.
Addresses can use either "PINOS ALTOS, NM 88053" or "SILVER CITY, NM 88053." Mail is delivered to street addresses via contract and rural carriers serving the mountain community.
Street names preserve gold rush heritage (Placer St, Golden Ave) while geographic features reflect mountain setting (Bear Creek Rd, Little Cherry Creek Rd).
ZIP Code 88053 has 269 residents and 142 households (average 1.89 persons per household). The median age is 64.1 years, significantly older than the state (39.2) and significantly older than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 53.5% male and 46.5% female, which is higher than the national male share (49.1%), making this a male-majority area. Largest groups are White (84.0%, much higher than the state average of 51.0% and well above the national average of 61.6%) and Hispanic or Latino (14.5%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 14.5%, which is much lower than the state average (47.7%).
Explore More:Population Over TimeBy Age & GenderBy RaceBy GenderNativity & Citizenship
| 2020 Population: | 269Source: Census DHC |
| 2024 ACS Population Estimate: | 113Source: Census ACS |
| 2026 ZC Population Estimate: | 154Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Population Density: | 17.9 people per sq mile |
| Average Income: | $0Source: Census ACS |
| Households: | 142Source: Census DHC |
| Average House Value: | $282,500Source: Census ACS |
| Persons Per Household: | 1.89Source: Census DHC |
| Average Family Size: | 3.97Source: Census ACS |
| Group | 2010 | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Census ACS Population Estimate | -- | 77 | 75 | 69 | 19 | 202 | 131 | 156 | 209 | 208 | 61 | 168 | 185 | 149 | 113 |
| Decennial Census | 133 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 269 | -- | -- | -- | -- |
Median Age: 64.1
Male Median Age: 63.7
Female Median Age: 64.3
| 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 | 3 | 4 | 7 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 8 | 14 | 15 | 13 | 25 | 18 | 5 | 11 | 8 |
| Female | 2 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 1 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 10 | 19 | 14 | 18 | 17 | 6 | 4 |
| Total | 5 | 8 | 9 | 3 | 7 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 6 | 12 | 18 | 25 | 32 | 39 | 36 | 22 | 17 | 12 |
| White: | 226 | 78.20% |
| Black: | 3 | 1.04% |
| Hispanic:* | 39 | 13.49% |
| Asian: | 2 | 0.69% |
| American Indian: | 6 | 2.08% |
| Hawaiian: | 0 | 0% |
| Other: | 13 | 4.50% |
| Total: | 289 | 100% |
| Gender | Count | % | Median Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Males: | 144 | 53.53% | 63.7 years |
| Females: | 125 | 46.47% | 64.3 years |
| Total: | 269 | 100% | 64.1 years |
| Native, born in the United States: | 67 | 59.29% |
| Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen: | 10 | 8.85% |
| Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen: | 36 | 40.71% |
| Total Population: | 113 | 100% |
| Total Native Population: | 67 | 59.29% |
| Total Foreign-born Population: | 46 | 40.71% |
In 2024, the Median household income is $0, which is well under the national median ($80,734), is down $40,852 (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 $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 15.9%, which is considerably lower than the national rate (63.5%). The unemployment rate is 44.4%, which is far worse than the national rate (5.2%). The largest occupation group is Management (100.0%).
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 | $40,852 | $43,235 | $43,125 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $6,271 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Median Family Income | $41,875 | $44,632 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $82,083 | $83,750 | $0 | $68,800 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Median NonFamily Income | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $2,499 | $0 | $5,826 | $0 | $0 | $2,499 | $2,499 | $0 | $0 |
| Median Male Income | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $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: | 10 | 8.85% |
| Unemployed: | 8 | 7.08% |
| Not In Labor Force: | 95 | 84.07% |
| Total: | 113 | 100% |
| Management, business, science, and arts: | 10 | 100.00% |
| Service: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Sales and Office: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Natural resources, construction, and maintenance: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Production, transportation, and material moving: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total Civilian Employed Population: | 10 | 100% |
In 2024, the median home value is $282,500, which is far less than the national median ($332,700), is up $255,800 (958.05%) since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $52,800. The median gross rent is $0, which is well under the national median ($1,413), and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $601. 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 | $26,700 | $26,500 | $26,300 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $341,200 | $335,300 | $0 | $0 | $284,400 | $0 | $282,500 |
| Less than $500: | 8 | 44.44% |
| $500 to $999: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $1,000 to $1,499: | 10 | 55.56% |
| $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: | 18 | 100% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Rent | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $583 | $607 | $605 | $542 | $601 | $0 | $703 | $677 | $679 | $0 |
| Owner Occupied (with mortgage): | 20 | 44.44% |
| Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage): | 7 | 15.56% |
| Renter Occupied: | 18 | 40.00% |
| Total Occupied Housing Units: | 45 | 100% |
| Occupied Housing Units: | 45 | 100.00% |
| Vacant Housing Units (not graphed): | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total Housing Units: | 45 | 100% |
| Single-Family Units: | 27 | 60.00% |
| Multi-Family Units: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Other Units: | 18 | 40.00% |
| Total Housing Units: | 45 | 100% |
In 2024, 48.70% of adults (25+) have a bachelor's degree or higher, which is comparable to the national rate (35.70%). High school or higher is 100.00%, which is comparable to the national rate (89.60%). The uninsured rate is 31.90%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.40%). The share of people in poverty is 27.00%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.80%), up 44.10 percentage points since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 44.10 percentage points. This signals a sharp increase in hardship - a shrinking consumer base, heavy pressure on public services, and job-market contraction risks. Insufficient data for school enrollment.
Explore More:Educational AttainmentHealth InsurancePoverty Over TimeSchool Enrollment
| Less than 9th grade: | 0 | 0.00% |
| 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: | 0 | 0.00% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency): | 43 | 38.05% |
| Some college, no degree: | 15 | 13.27% |
| Associate's degree: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Bachelor's degree: | 10 | 8.85% |
| Graduate or professional degree: | 45 | 39.82% |
| Total: | 113 | 100% |
| High school or higher: | 113 | 100.00% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher: | 55 | 48.67% |
| Private Insurance: | 52 | 31.52% |
| Public Insurance: | 77 | 46.67% |
| No Insurance: | 36 | 21.82% |
| Total: | 165 | 100% |
| Has Health Insurance: | 129 | 78.18% |
| 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% | -666,666,666.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 17.5% | 33.3% | 44.1% | 27.0% |
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% |
| Kindergarten: | 0 | 0% |
| Elementary school (grades 1-8): | 0 | 0% |
| High school (grades 9-12): | 0 | 0% |
| College or graduate school: | 0 | 0% |
| Total: | 0 | 100% |
| Early Childhood: | 0 | 0% |
| K-12 (Primary & Secondary School): | 0 | 0% |
ZIP Code 88053 supports both business and residential activity. According to the Business Census (2024), there are 4 business establishments, employing about 34 people with an annual payroll of $569,000. USPS data shows 82 residential mailboxes and 0 business mailboxes, reflecting local delivery coverage.
| # Residential Mailboxes: | 82Source: USPS |
| # Business Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| Total Delivery Receptacles: | 82Source: USPS |
| Single Family Delivery Units: | 2Source: USPS |
| Multi Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| # of Businesses: | 4Source: CBP |
| 1st Quarter Payroll: | $131,000Source: CBP |
| Annual Payroll: | $569,000Source: CBP |
| # of Employees: | 34Source: CBP |
ZIP Code 88053 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 0.91% of whom live in ZIP Code 88053. It covers 15.036 sq mi of land and a water area of 0 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: | 15.036 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: | 3557510Source: Census |
| Place Name: | Pinos Altos CDP; New MexicoSource: Census |
We could not locate which school district 88053 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 February 1, 2026.