ZIP Code 88316 in Capitan, NM

Data Last Updated: October 1, 2025
City:Capitan, New Mexico
City Alias:Angus
County:Lincoln County
Timezone:Mountain (GMT -07:00)
Local Time:8:51:05 PM
Population:2,304 [See All]
Area Code:575
Classification:Standard [Normal Street Delivery]
Coordinates:33.7501, -105.3146
Land Area:909.639 sq mi
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https://www.zip-codes.com/zip-code/88316/zip-code-88316.asp

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Population & Demographics


ZIP Code 88316 has 2,304 residents and 971 households (average 2.37 persons per household). The median age is 54.4 years, significantly older than the state (39.2) and significantly older than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 48.3% male and 51.7% female, which is slightly lower than the state male share (49.3%), making this a female-majority area. Largest groups are White (80.9%, much higher than the state average of 51.0% and well above the national average of 61.6%) and Hispanic or Latino (21.2%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 21.2%, which is much lower than the state average (47.7%).

Explore More:Population Over TimeBy Age & GenderBy RaceBy GenderNativity & Citizenship

Source: U.S. Census 2020 Demographics & Housing Characteristics (DHC) and U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates.
2020 Population:2,304Source: Census DHC
2023 ACS Population Estimate:2,319Source: Census ACS
2025 ZC Population Estimate:680Source: ZIP-Codes.com
Population Density:2.5 people per sq mile
Average Income:$67,788Source: Census ACS
Households:971Source: Census DHC
Average House Value:$164,800Source: Census ACS
Persons Per Household:2.37Source: Census DHC
Average Family Size:3.24Source: Census ACS

Population Over Time (with 2010 & 2020 Census Benchmarks)


Group20102011210220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023
Census ACS Population Estimate--2,5462,1562,0151,7151,7462,1752,0822,1232,1952,0972,2602,2892,319
Decennial Census2,351------------------2,304------
Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP05. DEMOGRAPHIC AND HOUSING ESTIMATES

Population by Age & Gender (Total, Male, Female)


Median Age: 54.4

Male Median Age: 53

Female Median Age: 55

Group< 55-910-1415-1920-2425-2930-3435-3940-4445-4950-5455-5960-6465-6970-7475-7980-8485+
Male57485772424539565241698996119103752231
Female245154664046507142658610792132112715923
Total8199111138829189127941061551961882512151468154
Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2020) Demographics & Housing Characteristics (DHC)

Population by Race


White:1,86573.86%
Black:90.36%
Hispanic:*48919.37%
Asian:130.51%
American Indian:220.87%
Hawaiian:00%
Other:1275.03%
Total:2,525100%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2020) Demographics & Housing Characteristics (DHC)
* NOTE: Hispanic or Latino is an ethnicity, not a race. This means individuals who identify as Hispanic will also be included in one of the race categories (such as White or Black). As a result, the totals shown here may exceed 100% when Hispanic is displayed alongside racial groups.

Gender Breakdown


GenderCount%Median Age
Males:1,11348.31%53.0 years
Females:1,19151.69%55.0 years
Total:2,304100%54.4 years
Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2020) Demographics & Housing Characteristics (DHC)

Nativity & Citizenship


Native, born in the United States:2,16693.40%
Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad:1385.95%
Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen:150.65%
Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen:00.65%
Total Population:2,319100%
Total Native Population:2,30499.35%
Total Foreign-born Population:150.65%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP02. SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS
Note: Nativity and Citizenship derived from American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. Total Population listed here will not match official ZIP Code population totals, which are based on the Decennial Census.

Income & Employment


In 2023, the Median household income is $67,788, which is considerably lower than the national median ($78,538), is up $24,207 (55.5%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $19,455. Family households earn a median of $73,400 versus $49,250 for nonfamily households (a difference of $24,150). By gender, male median income is $47,630 and female is $33,980, which is far less than the national female median ($53,445), with a current gap of $13,650 that has widened from 2011 to 2023. The labor-force participation rate is 50.8%, which is much lower than the national rate (63.5%). The unemployment rate is 9.7%, which is considerably above the national rate (5.2%). The largest occupation group is Management (35.2%).

Explore More:Income Over TimeHousehold IncomeEmployment StatusBy Occupation

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Using data from Tables DP02, DP03, DP04 and DP05.

Median Income Over Time (Household, Family, Nonfamily, Male, Female)


Income Type2011201220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023
Median Household Income$43,581$41,500$41,771$39,203$37,941$38,222$41,188$38,804$48,333$49,044$63,229$66,042$67,788
Median Family Income$50,724$43,068$42,292$41,071$37,647$39,325$47,813$49,231$54,254$62,851$66,555$71,250$73,400
Median NonFamily Income$27,239$35,550$37,366$35,707$36,765$27,647$28,026$21,250$31,176$40,673$45,964$47,869$49,250
Median Male Income$30,110$32,457$34,583$29,813$40,349$36,691$35,875$39,583$42,333$31,122$51,250$45,769$47,630
Median Female Income$43,500$31,023$26,576$27,258$26,050$27,117$35,469$38,906$38,444$25,208$26,833$33,899$33,980
Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

Average Household Income


Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

Employment Status


Employed:91245.83%
Unemployed:984.92%
Not In Labor Force:98049.25%
Total:1,990100%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

Employment by Occupation (Civilian Employed Population, 16 and Over)


Management, business, science, and arts:32135.20%
Service:27530.15%
Sales and Office:16117.65%
Natural resources, construction, and maintenance:9510.42%
Production, transportation, and material moving:606.58%
Total Civilian Employed Population:912100%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS.

Housing & Affordability


In 2023, the median home value is $164,800, which is much lower than the national median ($303,400), is up $27,700 (20.20%) since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $400. The median gross rent is $963, which is well under the national median ($1,348), is up $354 (58.13%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $136. Of occupied housing, owners make up 90.64% (36.15% with a mortgage, 63.85% free-and-clear) and renters 9.36% - making this ZIP Code more home ownership than the state and under national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 23.43%, which is considerably higher than the national rate (10.43%).

Explore More:Compare Home ValueHome Value Over TimeRent & Over TimeHousing Occupancy

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Using data from Table DP03, SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS.

Median Home Value (Comparison)


Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Median Home Value Over Time


Group2011210220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023
Median Home Value$137,100$130,800$121,200$123,600$124,600$167,200$172,800$168,900$165,200$159,500$145,000$148,700$164,800
Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Gross Rent Paid


Less than $500:1514.42%
$500 to $999:5956.73%
$1,000 to $1,499:3028.85%
$1,500 to $1,999:00.00%
$2,000 to $2,499:00.00%
$2,500 to $2,999:00.00%
$3,000 or more:00.00%
No Rent:00.00%
Total:104100%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Median Gross Rent Over Time


Group2011210220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023
Median Rent$609$507$490$588$742$743$770$802$827$793$858$906$963
Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Housing Occupancy


Owner Occupied (with mortgage):36432.76%
Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage):64357.88%
Renter Occupied:1049.36%
Total Occupied Housing Units:1,111100%

Occupied Housing Units:1,11176.57%
Vacant Housing Units (not graphed):34023.43%
Total Housing Units:1,451100%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Housing Type (Single-Family, Multi-Family, Other)


Single-Family Units:64344.31%
Multi-Family Units:563.86%
Other Units:75251.83%
Total Housing Units:1,451100%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Education, Health & Community


In 2023, 25.90% of adults (25+) have a bachelor's degree or higher, which is comparable to the national rate (35.00%). High school or higher is 98.20%, which is markedly above the state rate (87.70%). The uninsured rate is 17.20%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.60%). Private coverage is 47.30%, which is falls below the national rate (67.30%). Public coverage is 56.80%, which is far higher than the national rate (36.30%). The share of people in poverty is 5.60%, which is markedly below the state rate (13.70%), up 2.70 percentage points since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 7.10 percentage points. This points to rising hardship - a weaker consumer base, greater strain on public services, and job-market headwinds. Among residents ages 3+, the largest enrollment group is elementary (56.90%). College enrollment is 10.06%, 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

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Using data from Tables DP02 and DP03.

Educational Attainment of Adults (25 and Older)


Less than 9th grade:221.16%
9th to 12th grade, no diploma:130.68%
High school graduate (includes equivalency):45924.11%
Some college, no degree:64133.67%
Associate's degree:27614.50%
Bachelor's degree:23512.34%
Graduate or professional degree:25813.55%
Total:1,904100%
High school or higher:1,86998.16%
Bachelor's degree or higher:49325.89%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP02. SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS

Health Insurance Coverage by Type (Private, Public, Uninsured)


Private Insurance:1,09638.96%
Public Insurance:1,31746.82%
No Insurance:40014.22%
Total:2,813100%
Has Health Insurance:2,41385.78%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

Percentage of People in Poverty Over Time (2011-2023)


Group2011210220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023
% of People in Poverty2.9%5.4%7.4%9.8%14.2%16.6%12.9%17.6%12.7%7.1%5.4%9.2%5.6%
Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

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.

School Enrollment by Education Level (Ages 3 and Older)


Nursery School, Preschool:00.00%
Kindergarten:3710.63%
Elementary school (grades 1-8):19856.90%
High school (grades 9-12):7822.41%
College or graduate school:3510.06%
Total:348100%
Early Childhood:3710.63%
K-12 (Primary & Secondary School):31389.94%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP02. SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS

Business & Employment Statistics


ZIP Code 88316 supports both business and residential activity. According to the Business Census (2023), there are 43 business establishments, employing about 189 people with an annual payroll of $7,078,000. USPS data shows 287 residential mailboxes and 5 business mailboxes, reflecting local delivery coverage.

# Residential Mailboxes:287Source: USPS
# Business Mailboxes:5Source: USPS
Total Delivery Receptacles:1,208Source: USPS
Single Family Delivery Units:62Source: USPS
Multi Family Delivery Units:0Source: USPS
# of Businesses:43Source: CBP
1st Quarter Payroll:$1,661,000Source: CBP
Annual Payroll:$7,078,000Source: CBP
# of Employees:189Source: CBP

Geography, Land Area, & Statistical Classifications


ZIP Code 88316 is located in Lincoln County, New Mexico, within the Ruidoso, NM Metropolitan Statistical Area (CBSA 40760) and New Mexico's 1st Congressional District. This Micro area has a population of 20,227 people, about 11.39% of whom live in ZIP Code 88316. It covers 909.639 sq mi of land and a water area of 0.042 sq mi.

CBSA Name:Ruidoso, NMSource: Census
CBSA Number:40760Source: Census
CBSA Type:MicroSource: Census
CBSA Division:--Source: Census
CBSA Population:20,227Source: Census
MSA:Source: Census
Land Area:909.639 sq miSource: Census
Water Area:0.042 sq miSource: Census
Congressional District:01Source: USPS
Congressional Land Area:4600.14 sq miSource: Census
PMSA:Source: Census
Intro Date:< 2004-10Source: ZIP-Codes.com
Place FIPS Code:3511800Source: Census
Place Name:Capitan village; New MexicoSource: Census

Adjacent & Nearby ZIP Codes


88317 | | 88314

Schools in ZIP Code 88316


ZIP Code 88316 is in the Capitan Municipal Schools, which serves grades Pre-Kindergarten thru 12th. There are 3 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.

Capitan Elementary 150 South Forest Ave
Capitan, NM 88316
District: Capitan Municipal Schools
Capitan High 519 Smokey Bear Blvd
Capitan, NM 88316
District: Capitan Municipal Schools
Capitan Middle 519 Smokey Bear Blvd
Capitan, NM 88316
District: Capitan Municipal Schools
Gateway Christian School 1900 N Sycamore
Roswell, NM 88201
District: Private SchoolNearby
Lighthouse Academy 2803 W 4th
Roswell, NM 88201
District: Private SchoolNearby
Noah's Ark Christian Preschool & Kindergarten 501 N Sycamore Ave
Roswell, NM 88201
District: Private SchoolNearby

Colleges & Post Secondary Schools near ZIP Code 88316


Eastern New Mexico University Ruidoso Branch Community College 709 Mechem Dr
Ruidoso, NM 88345
Type: Post Secondary
New Mexico Military Institute 101 W. College Blvd.
Roswell, NM 88201-5173
Type: Post Secondary
Eastern New Mexico University-Roswell Campus 52 University Blvd
Roswell, NM 88202-6000
Type: Post Secondary
New Mexico State University-Alamogordo 2400 North Scenic Drive
Alamogordo, NM 88310
Type: Post Secondary
Olympian Academy Of Cosmetology 1011 E 10th St Ste B
Alamogordo, NM 88310-5051
Type: Post Secondary
New Mexico Institute Of Mining And Technology 801 Leroy Place
Socorro, NM 87801
Type: Post Secondary

Sources & References


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 October 1, 2025.

  1. U.S. Postal Service [Last Updated: 10/1/2025], https://www.usps.com
  2. ZIP-Codes.com Proprietary Data Enhancements [Updated: 10/1/2025], https://www.zip-codes.com
  3. U.S. Census [Updated: Varies], https://www.census.gov
    • U.S. Census Office of Management and Budget [Updated: As Released]
    • U.S. Census 2020 Demographic & Housing Characteristics (DHC) [Decennial] [Updated: 5/25/2023]
    • U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates (ACS) [Annually] [Updated: Annually, As Released]
    • U.S. Census Business Patterns (CBD) [Annually] [Updated: Annually, As Released]
    • U.S. Census American National Standards Institute (ANSI) [Updated: As Released]
  4. U.S. Geological Survey [Updated: Varies], https://www.usgs.gov
  5. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services [Updated: Annually, As Released], https://www.cms.gov
  6. National Center for Education Statistics [Updated: 10/1/2025], https://nces.ed.gov