Elephant Butte, NM demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,790
12.9% year-over-year change
Median household income
$53,482/yr
18.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,595
1.9% year-over-year change

Elephant Butte population

How many people live in Elephant Butte

Elephant Butte is home to 1,790 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 51.4% of Elephant Butte locals are male, and 48.6% are female.

Total population
1,790
12.9% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
51.4%
920
Female
48.6%
870
Value Percent YoY change
Male 920 51.4% 17.6%
Female 870 48.6% 8.2%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

Adults between 25 and 44 make up 20.4% of the population, while another 21.9% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 45.8% are 65 or older.

Median age
62.7
Age breakdown
Under 15
11.9%
15 to 24
0%
25 to 44
20.4%
45 to 64
21.9%
Over 65
45.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 213 11.9% 104.8%
25 to 44 365 20.4% 43.1%
45 to 64 392 21.9% 13.3%
Over 65 820 45.8% -6.9%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Elephant Butte, 95.6% of the population are US-born citizens, while 3.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 16.6% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
95.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
3.4%
Non-citizens
1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,712 95.6% 14.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 61 3.4% -19.7%
Non-citizens 17 1% 21.4%
Racial breakdown
White
83.4%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
16.6%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 1,493 83.4%
Two or more races 297 16.6%

Households in Elephant Butte

A peek inside Elephant Butte households

Elephant Butte has 975 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 49.1% are families, while the remaining 50.9% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
975
2.9% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
496
Family households
479
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 496 50.9% -4.1%
Family households 479 49.1% 11.1%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Elephant Butte

The housing landscape of Elephant Butte

Elephant Butte's housing consists of 1,595 units, with 35.6% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 62.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
1,595
1.9% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 567 35.6%
2 units 13 0.8%
Mobile home 992 62.2%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 23 1.4%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Elephant Butte

In Elephant Butte, the median construction year is 1995. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built between 1940 and 1949 11 0.7% -8.3%
Built between 1950 and 1959 21 1.3% 0.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 44 2.8% 15.8%
Built between 1970 and 1979 124 7.8% -34.7%
Built between 1980 and 1989 341 21.4% 0.6%
Built between 1990 and 1999 547 34.3% 9.2%
Built between 2000 and 2009 357 22.4% 6.9%
Built between 2010 and 2019 150 9.4% 14.5%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Elephant Butte occupancy rates

Out of the 975 occupied housing units in Elephant Butte, 77.6% are owner-occupied, while 22.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 38.9% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
975
2.9% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
218
Owner occupied
757
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 218 22.4% 63.9%
Owner occupied 757 77.6% -7.1%
Unoccupied housing units
38.9%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Elephant Butte housing costs

Housing costs in Elephant Butte come to a median of $457 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,089.

Median housing costs per month
$457/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Elephant Butte
$1,089/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Elephant Butte

Elephant Butte education at a glance

About 35.1% of the population in Elephant Butte went to high school, while 33% pursued college studies. Another 12.9% earned an associate degree and 14.4% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 4.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
High school diploma 554 35.1% -4.3%
College diploma 520 33% 26.5%
Associate degree 204 12.9% -3.3%
Bachelor's degree 227 14.4% 22.7%
Graduate degree 72 4.6% -25.0%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Elephant Butte

How much people earn in Elephant Butte

The average annual household income in Elephant Butte was $62,101 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +1.9% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $53,482, reflecting a +18.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Elephant Butte
$62,101/year
1.9% year-over-year change
Median household income in Elephant Butte
$53,482/year
18.4% year-over-year change

Elephant Butte income by age

Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $57,569 overall. Overall, 89.3% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
45 - 64 $57,569 3.2%
Over 65 $58,750 57.9%
Above poverty level
1,598
Below poverty level
192
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,598 89.3% 11.9%
Below poverty level 192 10.7% 21.5%

Average renter income in Elephant Butte

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Elephant Butte, their median household income was $28,267 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 46.2%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$28,267
Rent-to-income ratio
46.2%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Elephant Butte

Workforce and job types in Elephant Butte

The job market in Elephant Butte is powered by 537 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 64.1% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 35.9% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 16.4% run their own businesses, 46.6% are employed by private companies, and 37.1% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
537
13.1% year-over-year change
White collar
344
Blue collar
193
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 344 64.1% -3.6%
Blue collar 193 35.9% 63.6%
Employer type
Self employees
16.4%
Private companies
46.6%
Governmental workers
37.1%
Not for profit companies
0%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 88 16.4% 37.5%
Private companies 250 46.6% -4.9%
Governmental workers 199 37.1% 55.5%
Unemployment rate
5.3%
66.7% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Elephant Butte stands at 5.3%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Elephant Butte

How people get around in Elephant Butte

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 466 86.8% 10.7%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Elephant Butte by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
87935 2,094 1,107 $51,033 $61,682

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FAQs about Elephant Butte demographics 

What is the total population of Elephant Butte?

Elephant Butte has a total population of 1,790 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +12.9% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Elephant Butte?

The gender ratio in Elephant Butte is as follows:
  • 51.4% males (920 residents)
  • 48.6% females (870 residents)

What is the median age in Elephant Butte?

The median age in Elephant Butte is 62.7.

What is the age distribution of the population in Elephant Butte?

The age distribution in Elephant Butte is as follows:
  • Under 15: 11.9% (213 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 0% (0 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 20.4% (365 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 21.9% (392 residents)
  • Over 65: 45.8% (820 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Elephant Butte?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Elephant Butte is as follows:
  • White: 83.4% (1,493 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0% (0 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 16.6% (297 residents)
  • Other: 0% (0 residents)

What percentage of the population in Elephant Butte are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 95.6% of the population in Elephant Butte.

How many housing units are there in Elephant Butte?

There are 1,595 housing units in Elephant Butte, reflecting a +1.9% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Elephant Butte and what is the average household size?

Elephant Butte has a total of 975 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Elephant Butte?

Elephant Butte has a median household income of $53,482, representing a +18.4% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Elephant Butte?

The employment rate is 94.7% in Elephant Butte, with a workforce of 537 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 64.1% (344 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 35.9% (193 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 16.4% (88 residents)
  • Private companies: 46.6% (250 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 37.1% (199 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 0% (0 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025