Ruidoso Downs, NM demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
2,655
1.0% year-over-year change
Median household income
$31,354/yr
-0.2% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,487
10.4% year-over-year change

Ruidoso Downs population

How many people live in Ruidoso Downs

Ruidoso Downs is home to 2,655 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 43.4% of Ruidoso Downs locals are male, and 56.6% are female.

Total population
2,655
1.0% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
43.4%
1,151
Female
56.6%
1,504
Value Percent YoY change
Male 1,151 43.4% -4.0%
Female 1,504 56.6% 5.2%
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

The median age in Ruidoso Downs is 38, with the population distributed as follows: about 24.4% are children under 15, then 11.6% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 25.1% of the population, while another 14% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 24.9% are 65 or older.

Median age
38.4
Age breakdown
Under 15
24.4%
15 to 24
11.6%
25 to 44
25.1%
45 to 64
14%
Over 65
24.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 647 24.4% 39.4%
15 to 24 307 11.6% -14.5%
25 to 44 667 25.1% -7.8%
45 to 64 372 14% -7.9%
Over 65 662 24.9% -2.5%
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 Ruidoso Downs, 92% of the population are US-born citizens, while 2% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 6% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 35.1% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
92%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
2%
Non-citizens
6%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 2,443 92% 14.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 54 2% -62.5%
Non-citizens 158 6% -54.7%
Racial breakdown
White
46%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
3.9%
Asian
0.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
35.1%
Other
14.8%
Value Percent
White 1,220 46%
Black or African American 1 0%
American Indian and Alaska Native 104 3.9%
Asian 6 0.2%
Two or more races 931 35.1%
Other 393 14.8%

Households in Ruidoso Downs

A peek inside Ruidoso Downs households

Ruidoso Downs has 1,215 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 62% are families, while the remaining 38% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,215
17.7% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
462
Family households
753
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 462 38% 45.3%
Family households 753 62% 5.5%
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 Ruidoso Downs

The housing landscape of Ruidoso Downs

Ruidoso Downs's housing consists of 1,487 units, with 25.6% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 5.2% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 58.9% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
1,487
10.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 381 25.6%
1 unit, attached 77 5.2%
2 units 56 3.8%
5 to 9 units 40 2.7%
10 to 19 units 45 3%
20 to 49 units 12 0.8%
Mobile home 876 58.9%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Ruidoso Downs

In Ruidoso Downs, the median construction year is 1983. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built between 1950 and 1959 125 8.4% 197.6%
Built between 1960 and 1969 296 19.9% 101.4%
Built between 1970 and 1979 255 17.2% 13.3%
Built between 1980 and 1989 256 17.2% 3.6%
Built between 1990 and 1999 243 16.3% -39.2%
Built between 2000 and 2009 281 18.9% 3.7%
Built between 2010 and 2019 31 2.1% 106.7%
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.

Ruidoso Downs occupancy rates

Out of the 1,215 occupied housing units in Ruidoso Downs, 63% are owner-occupied, while 37% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 18.3% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,215
17.7% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
450
Owner occupied
765
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 450 37% 44.7%
Owner occupied 765 63% 6.1%
Unoccupied housing units
18.3%
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.

Ruidoso Downs housing costs

Housing costs in Ruidoso Downs come to a median of $733 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $936.

Median housing costs per month
$733/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 Ruidoso Downs
$936/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 Ruidoso Downs

Ruidoso Downs education at a glance

About 49.5% of the population in Ruidoso Downs went to high school, while 19% pursued college studies. Another 4.8% earned an associate degree and 13.7% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 10.8% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 44 2.3% -71.2%
High school diploma 948 49.5% -18.1%
College diploma 363 19% 0.0%
Associate degree 91 4.8% -26.6%
Bachelor's degree 263 13.7% 110.4%
Graduate degree 207 10.8% 52.2%
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 Ruidoso Downs

How much people earn in Ruidoso Downs

The average annual household income in Ruidoso Downs was $39,408 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +5% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $31,354, reflecting a -0.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Ruidoso Downs
$39,408/year
5.0% year-over-year change
Median household income in Ruidoso Downs
$31,354/year
-0.2% year-over-year change

Ruidoso Downs income by age

Overall, 62.6% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Over 65 $55,543 49.0%
Above poverty level
1,579
Below poverty level
944
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,579 62.6% -15.2%
Below poverty level 944 37.4% 52.5%

Average renter income in Ruidoso Downs

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Ruidoso Downs, their median household income was $11,455 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 98.1%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$11,455
Rent-to-income ratio
98.1%
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 Ruidoso Downs

Workforce and job types in Ruidoso Downs

The job market in Ruidoso Downs is powered by 981 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 75.1% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 24.9% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 27.3% run their own businesses, 62.7% are employed by private companies, and 3.9% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
981
-10.7% year-over-year change
White collar
737
Blue collar
244
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 737 75.1% -7.4%
Blue collar 244 24.9% -19.2%
Employer type
Self employees
27.3%
Private companies
62.7%
Governmental workers
3.9%
Not for profit companies
6.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 268 27.3% -43.6%
Private companies 615 62.7% 9.4%
Governmental workers 38 3.9% -17.4%
Not for profit companies 60 6.1% 300.0%
Unemployment rate
3.4%
-47.8% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Ruidoso Downs stands at 3.4%, 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 Ruidoso Downs

How people get around in Ruidoso Downs

Commuting methods vary: 87.6% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.2% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 803 87.6% -8.3%
Walk 2 0.2% -50.0%
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 Ruidoso Downs by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
88346 3,191 1,443 $33,594 $43,574

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FAQs about Ruidoso Downs demographics 

What is the total population of Ruidoso Downs?

Ruidoso Downs has a total population of 2,655 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 +1.0% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Ruidoso Downs?

The gender ratio in Ruidoso Downs is as follows:
  • 43.4% males (1,151 residents)
  • 56.6% females (1,504 residents)

What is the median age in Ruidoso Downs?

The median age in Ruidoso Downs is 38.4.

What is the age distribution of the population in Ruidoso Downs?

The age distribution in Ruidoso Downs is as follows:
  • Under 15: 24.4% (647 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.6% (307 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 25.1% (667 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 14% (372 residents)
  • Over 65: 24.9% (662 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Ruidoso Downs?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Ruidoso Downs is as follows:
  • White: 46% (1,220 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0% (1 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 3.9% (104 residents)
  • Asian: 0.2% (6 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 35.1% (931 residents)
  • Other: 14.8% (393 residents)

What percentage of the population in Ruidoso Downs are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 92% of the population in Ruidoso Downs.

How many housing units are there in Ruidoso Downs?

There are 1,487 housing units in Ruidoso Downs, reflecting a +10.4% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Ruidoso Downs and what is the average household size?

Ruidoso Downs has a total of 1,215 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Ruidoso Downs?

Ruidoso Downs has a median household income of $31,354, representing a -0.2% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Ruidoso Downs?

The employment rate is 96.6% in Ruidoso Downs, with a workforce of 981 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 75.1% (737 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 24.9% (244 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 27.3% (268 residents)
  • Private companies: 62.7% (615 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 3.9% (38 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 6.1% (60 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