| ZIP Code | 88252 |
|---|---|
| City | Jal |
| State | New Mexico (NM) |
| County | Lea County |
| Area Code | 575 |
| Elevation | 3,455 ft |
| Latitude | 32.155238 |
|---|---|
| Longitude | -103.378041 |
| Timezone | Denver (DST) |
| FIPS | 35025 |
| ZIP Type | Standard |
| Status | Active |
Race & Ethnicity
Age Breakdown
Key Indicators
| Median Age | 43.7 yrs ↑ 20% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Avg Household Size | 2.62 |
| Below Poverty | 21.8% ▲ 118% above avg |
| College Grads | 31.3% ▼ 19% below avg |
| Unemployment | 18.0% ▲ 268% above avg |
| No HS Diploma | 35 (3.4%) |
| HS Graduate | 179 (17.4%) |
| Some College | 170 (16.6%) |
| Associates | 321 (31.3%) |
| Bachelors | 59 (5.8%) |
| Graduate Degree | 262 (25.5%) |
Education
Housing Tenure
Home Value Distribution
Financials
| Median HH Income | $60,703 ▼ 20% below avg ↑ 10% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $105,400 ▼ 62% below avg ↑ 54% since 2019 |
| Home/Income Ratio | 1.7x (nat avg ~3.5x) |
| Median Rent | $1,155/mo ↑ 71% since 2019 |
| Total Units | 978 |
| Vacant Units | 189 |
| Avg HH Size | 2.62 |
Income Distribution
How People Get to Work
Commute Time
Year Built
Summary
| Total Units | 978 |
|---|---|
| Vacant | 189 |
| Owner Occupied | 70.5% |
| Renter Occupied | 29.5% |
| Avg HH Size | 2.62 |
ZIP code 88252 is located in Jal, New Mexico, within Lea County. With a population of 2,069, this is a sparsely populated ZIP code with a middle-aged community — the median age is 43.7 years. Economically, 88252 is a solidly middle-class ZIP code: the median household income of $60,703 is below the national average.
Real estate in ZIP code 88252 represents one of the more affordable housing markets in the country. The median home value of $105,400 is well below the national average. Renters can expect to pay around $1,155 per month in median rent. Homeownership is strong here — 70.5% of occupied units are owner-occupied, suggesting an established, stable residential community. Median home values have increased by 54% since 2019.
The population of 88252 is majority Hispanic (58.53%). Residents are moderately educated — 31.3% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is below the national average. Poverty affects a significant share of residents at 21.8%. Household income has grown by 10% since 2019.
The unemployment rate in 88252 stands at 18.0%, which is more than double the national average. As in most parts of the country, driving alone is the dominant commute mode at 93%.
Overall, ZIP code 88252 in Jal, NM is characterized as solidly middle-class, moderately educated, a middle-aged community, and predominantly owner-occupied. With 2,069 residents, a median household income of $60,703, and a median home value of $105,400, it offers a clear picture of life in this part of New Mexico.