| ZIP Code | 88253 |
|---|---|
| City | Lake Arthur |
| State | New Mexico (NM) |
| County | Chaves County |
| Area Code | 575 |
| Elevation | 3,481 ft |
| Latitude | 32.983812 |
|---|---|
| Longitude | -104.55055 |
| Timezone | Denver (DST) |
| FIPS | 35005 |
| ZIP Type | Standard |
| Status | Active |
Race & Ethnicity
Age Breakdown
Key Indicators
| Median Age | 45.5 yrs ↑ 26% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Avg Household Size | 2.98 |
| Below Poverty | 8.4% ▼ 16% below avg |
| College Grads | 33.1% ▼ 14% below avg |
| Unemployment | 2.4% ▼ 51% below avg |
| No HS Diploma | 7 (1.4%) |
| HS Graduate | 180 (36.1%) |
| Some College | 109 (21.9%) |
| Associates | 37 (7.4%) |
| Bachelors | 46 (9.2%) |
| Graduate Degree | 119 (23.9%) |
Education
Housing Tenure
Home Value Distribution
Financials
| Median HH Income | $122,625 ▲ 61% above avg ↑ 80% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $217,300 ▼ 22% below avg ↑ 115% since 2019 |
| Home/Income Ratio | 1.8x (nat avg ~3.5x) |
| Median Rent | $1,049/mo ↑ 21% since 2019 |
| Total Units | 368 |
| Vacant Units | 61 |
| Avg HH Size | 2.98 |
Income Distribution
How People Get to Work
Commute Time
Year Built
Summary
| Total Units | 368 |
|---|---|
| Vacant | 61 |
| Owner Occupied | 76.6% |
| Renter Occupied | 23.5% |
| Avg HH Size | 2.98 |
ZIP code 88253 is located in Lake Arthur, New Mexico, within Chaves County. With a population of 915, this is a sparsely populated ZIP code with a mature community — the median age is 45.5 years. Economically, 88253 is a upper-middle-income ZIP code: the median household income of $122,625 is significantly above the national average.
Real estate in ZIP code 88253 represents an affordable housing market. The median home value of $217,300 is below the national average. Renters can expect to pay around $1,049 per month in median rent. Homeownership is strong here — 76.6% of occupied units are owner-occupied, suggesting an established, stable residential community. Median home values have increased by 115% since 2019.
The population of 88253 is majority Hispanic (50.16%). Residents are moderately educated — 33.1% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is near the national average. Poverty affects a relatively small share of residents at 8.4%. Household income has grown by 80% since 2019.
The unemployment rate in 88253 stands at 2.4%, which is well below the national average. As in most parts of the country, driving alone is the dominant commute mode at 96%.
Overall, ZIP code 88253 in Lake Arthur, NM is characterized as upper-middle-income, moderately educated, a mature community, and predominantly owner-occupied. With 915 residents, a median household income of $122,625, and a median home value of $217,300, it offers a clear picture of life in this part of New Mexico.