| ZIP Code | 87520 |
|---|---|
| City | Chama |
| State | New Mexico (NM) |
| County | Rio Arriba County |
| Area Code | 575 |
| Elevation | 8,227 ft |
| Latitude | 36.875021 |
|---|---|
| Longitude | -106.627345 |
| Timezone | Denver (DST) |
| FIPS | 35039 |
| ZIP Type | Standard |
| Status | Active |
Race & Ethnicity
Age Breakdown
Key Indicators
| Median Age | 65.1 yrs ↑ 15% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Avg Household Size | 2.11 |
| Below Poverty | 9.7% ≈ Avg |
| College Grads | 38.5% ≈ Avg |
| Unemployment | 4.7% ≈ Avg |
| HS Graduate | 287 (32.8%) |
| Some College | 66 (7.5%) |
| Associates | 185 (21.1%) |
| Bachelors | 42 (4.8%) |
| Graduate Degree | 295 (33.7%) |
Education
Housing Tenure
Home Value Distribution
Financials
| Median HH Income | $59,583 ▼ 22% below avg ↑ 64% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $207,200 ▼ 26% below avg ↓ 8% since 2019 |
| Home/Income Ratio | 3.5x (nat avg ~3.5x) |
| Median Rent | $529/mo ↓ 29% since 2019 |
| Total Units | 1,329 |
| Vacant Units | 813 |
| Avg HH Size | 2.11 |
Income Distribution
How People Get to Work
Commute Time
Year Built
Summary
| Total Units | 1,329 |
|---|---|
| Vacant | 813 |
| Owner Occupied | 80.4% |
| Renter Occupied | 19.6% |
| Avg HH Size | 2.11 |
ZIP code 87520 is located in Chama, New Mexico, within Rio Arriba County. With a population of 1,088, this is a sparsely populated ZIP code with an older community — the median age is 65.1 years. Economically, 87520 is a solidly middle-class ZIP code: the median household income of $59,583 is below the national average.
Real estate in ZIP code 87520 represents an affordable housing market. The median home value of $207,200 is below the national average. Renters can expect to pay around $529 per month in median rent. Homeownership is strong here — 80.4% of occupied units are owner-occupied, suggesting an established, stable residential community. Median home values have decreased by 8% since 2019.
The population of 87520 is majority Hispanic (52.39%). Residents are moderately educated — 38.5% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is near the national average. Poverty affects a relatively small share of residents at 9.7%. Household income has grown by 64% since 2019.
The unemployment rate in 87520 stands at 4.7%, which is near the national average. As in most parts of the country, driving alone is the dominant commute mode at 80%.
Overall, ZIP code 87520 in Chama, NM is characterized as solidly middle-class, moderately educated, an older community, and predominantly owner-occupied. With 1,088 residents, a median household income of $59,583, and a median home value of $207,200, it offers a clear picture of life in this part of New Mexico.