| City: | Ruidoso, New Mexico |
| County: | Lincoln County |
| Timezone: | Mountain (GMT -07:00) |
| Local Time: | 10:27:47 AM |
| Population: | 152 [See All] |
| Area Code: | 575 |
| Classification: | PO Box |
| Coordinates: | 33.3338, -105.6808 |
| Land Area: | 0.217 sq mi |
| Quick Link: |
88355 isn't a typical residential ZIP code. It's a PO Box ZIP serving Ruidoso's vacation properties and second-home owners who need year-round mailing addresses despite seasonal occupancy.
The numbers tell the story. Of 176 total housing units in this ZIP, 92 are seasonal or vacation properties. That's 52% sitting empty for much of the year. Only 48 households are occupied full-time, yet the post office maintains 1,597 PO Boxes. That adoption rate of 33.27 boxes per household shows this facility doesn't just serve local residents. It's a regional hub for second-home owners, seasonal residents, and people throughout the Ruidoso area who prefer the security and convenience of PO Box delivery.
The population of 152 breaks down to just 3.2 people per household, slightly above typical family sizes. Median age is 52.4 years, reflecting the area's appeal to established professionals and retirees who can afford vacation properties. The concentration of seasonal homes drives the PO Box system. When owners visit a few weeks each year, they can't rely on street delivery to an empty house. A PO Box ensures mail stays secure until they arrive.
The two streets with carrier delivery serve 341 delivery points, but this represents a small fraction of the mail volume. Mechem Drive dominates with 283 records and unit-based delivery. The minimal street network reflects the ZIP's primary function as a PO Box facility rather than a traditional residential delivery zone.
ZIP Code 88355 has 152 residents and 48 households (average 3.17 persons per household). The median age is 52.4 years, significantly older than the state (39.2) and significantly older than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 42.1% male and 57.9% female, which is much lower than the state male share (49.3%), making this a female-majority area. Largest groups are White (78.9%, much higher than the state average of 51.0% and well above the national average of 61.6%) and Hispanic or Latino (28.3%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 28.3%, which is much lower than the state average (47.7%).
Explore More:Population Over TimeBy Age & GenderBy RaceBy GenderNativity & Citizenship
| 2020 Population: | 152Source: Census DHC |
| 2024 ACS Population Estimate: | 293Source: Census ACS |
| 2026 ZC Population Estimate: | 0Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Population Density: | 700.5 people per sq mile |
| Average Income: | $0Source: Census ACS |
| Households: | 48Source: Census DHC |
| Average House Value: | $666,666,666Source: Census ACS |
| Persons Per Household: | 3.17Source: Census DHC |
| Average Family Size: | 3.56Source: Census ACS |
| Group | 2010 | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Census ACS Population Estimate | -- | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 117 | 233 | 258 | 293 |
| Decennial Census | 29 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 152 | -- | -- | -- | -- |
Median Age: 52.4
Male Median Age: 57
Female Median Age: 51.5
| 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 | 6 | 0 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 6 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 2 | 3 | 9 | 12 | 7 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| Female | 8 | 2 | 12 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 0 | 12 | 3 | 11 | 8 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Total | 14 | 2 | 17 | 4 | 2 | 4 | 11 | 5 | 8 | 4 | 14 | 6 | 20 | 20 | 17 | 0 | 3 | 1 |
| White: | 120 | 67.42% |
| Black: | 6 | 3.37% |
| Hispanic:* | 43 | 24.16% |
| Asian: | 1 | 0.56% |
| American Indian: | 0 | 0% |
| Hawaiian: | 0 | 0% |
| Other: | 8 | 4.49% |
| Total: | 178 | 100% |
| Gender | Count | % | Median Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Males: | 64 | 42.11% | 57.0 years |
| Females: | 88 | 57.89% | 51.5 years |
| Total: | 152 | 100% | 52.4 years |
| Native, born in the United States: | 293 | 100.00% |
| 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: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total Population: | 293 | 100% |
| Total Native Population: | 293 | 100.00% |
| Total Foreign-born Population: | 0 | 0.00% |
In 2024, the Median household income is $0, which is well under the national median ($80,734), 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 46.8%, 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 Service (46.7%).
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 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Median Family Income | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Median NonFamily Income | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $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: | 137 | 46.76% |
| Unemployed: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Not In Labor Force: | 156 | 53.24% |
| Total: | 293 | 100% |
| Management, business, science, and arts: | 59 | 43.07% |
| Service: | 64 | 46.72% |
| Sales and Office: | 6 | 4.38% |
| Natural resources, construction, and maintenance: | 8 | 5.84% |
| Production, transportation, and material moving: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total Civilian Employed Population: | 137 | 100% |
In 2024, the median home value is $0, which is much lower than the national median ($332,700), and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $0. 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 58.62% (17.65% with a mortgage, 82.35% free-and-clear) and renters 41.38% - making this ZIP Code higher than national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 25.64%, 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 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Less than $500: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $500 to $999: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $1,000 to $1,499: | 38 | 63.33% |
| $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: | 22 | 36.67% |
| Total: | 60 | 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): | 15 | 10.34% |
| Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage): | 70 | 48.28% |
| Renter Occupied: | 60 | 41.38% |
| Total Occupied Housing Units: | 145 | 100% |
| Occupied Housing Units: | 145 | 74.36% |
| Vacant Housing Units (not graphed): | 50 | 25.64% |
| Total Housing Units: | 195 | 100% |
| Single-Family Units: | 87 | 44.62% |
| Multi-Family Units: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Other Units: | 108 | 55.38% |
| Total Housing Units: | 195 | 100% |
In 2024, 7.00% 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 57.00%, which is comparable to the national rate (89.60%). The uninsured rate is 2.70%, which is comparable to 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 college (51.16%). College enrollment is 51.16%, which is comparable to the national rate (26.70%), meaning the community mirrors broader higher-education participation.
Explore More:Educational AttainmentHealth InsurancePoverty Over TimeSchool Enrollment
| Less than 9th grade: | 22 | 10.28% |
| 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: | 70 | 32.71% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency): | 8 | 3.74% |
| Some college, no degree: | 40 | 18.69% |
| Associate's degree: | 59 | 27.57% |
| Bachelor's degree: | 15 | 7.01% |
| Graduate or professional degree: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total: | 214 | 100% |
| High school or higher: | 122 | 57.01% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher: | 15 | 7.01% |
| Private Insurance: | 100 | 33.11% |
| Public Insurance: | 194 | 64.24% |
| No Insurance: | 8 | 2.65% |
| Total: | 302 | 100% |
| Has Health Insurance: | 294 | 97.35% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % of People in Poverty | 0.0% | -666,666,666.0% | -666,666,666.0% | -666,666,666.0% | -666,666,666.0% | -666,666,666.0% | -666,666,666.0% | -666,666,666.0% | 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): | 0 | 0.00% |
| High school (grades 9-12): | 42 | 48.84% |
| College or graduate school: | 44 | 51.16% |
| Total: | 86 | 100% |
| Early Childhood: | 0 | 0.00% |
| K-12 (Primary & Secondary School): | 42 | 48.84% |
ZIP Code 88355 supports both business and residential activity. According to the Business Census (2024), there are 19 business establishments, employing about 54 people with an annual payroll of $1,598,000.
| # Residential Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| # Business Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| Total Delivery Receptacles: | 1,726Source: USPS |
| Single Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| Multi Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| # of Businesses: | 19Source: CBP |
| 1st Quarter Payroll: | $367,000Source: CBP |
| Annual Payroll: | $1,598,000Source: CBP |
| # of Employees: | 54Source: CBP |
ZIP Code 88355 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 20,497 people, about 0.74% of whom live in ZIP Code 88355. It covers 0.217 sq mi of land and a water area of 0 sq mi.
| CBSA Name: | Ruidoso, NMSource: Census |
| CBSA Number: | 40760Source: Census |
| CBSA Type: | MicroSource: Census |
| CBSA Division: | --Source: Census |
| CBSA Population: | 20,497Source: Census |
| MSA: | Source: Census |
| Land Area: | 0.217 sq miSource: Census |
| Water Area: | --Source: 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: | 3565210Source: Census |
| Place Name: | Ruidoso village; New MexicoSource: Census |
We could not locate which school district 88355 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.