| ZIP Code | 88340 |
|---|---|
| City | Mescalero |
| State | New Mexico (NM) |
| County | Otero County |
| Area Code | 575 |
| Elevation | 8,075 ft |
| Latitude | 33.176135 |
|---|---|
| Longitude | -105.583242 |
| Timezone | Denver (DST) |
| FIPS | 35035 |
| ZIP Type | Standard |
| Status | Active |
Race & Ethnicity
Age Breakdown
Key Indicators
| Median Age | 33.2 yrs ↑ 13% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Avg Household Size | 3.84 |
| Below Poverty | 29.7% ▲ 197% above avg |
| College Grads | 28.4% ▼ 27% below avg |
| Unemployment | 11.5% ▲ 136% above avg |
| No HS Diploma | 7 (0.4%) |
| HS Graduate | 791 (42.6%) |
| Some College | 214 (11.5%) |
| Associates | 317 (17.1%) |
| Bachelors | 194 (10.5%) |
| Graduate Degree | 332 (17.9%) |
Education
Housing Tenure
Home Value Distribution
Financials
| Median HH Income | $39,185 ▼ 49% below avg ↑ 15% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $53,500 ▼ 81% below avg ↓ 20% since 2019 |
| Home/Income Ratio | 1.4x (nat avg ~3.5x) |
| Median Rent | $365/mo ↑ 48% since 2019 |
| Total Units | 1,131 |
| Vacant Units | 216 |
| Avg HH Size | 3.84 |
Income Distribution
How People Get to Work
Commute Time
Year Built
Summary
| Total Units | 1,131 |
|---|---|
| Vacant | 216 |
| Owner Occupied | 66.9% |
| Renter Occupied | 33.1% |
| Avg HH Size | 3.84 |
ZIP code 88340 is located in Mescalero, New Mexico, within Otero County. With a population of 3,577, this is a sparsely populated ZIP code with a relatively young community — the median age is 33.2 years. Economically, 88340 is a lower-income ZIP code: the median household income of $39,185 is below the national average.
Real estate in ZIP code 88340 represents one of the more affordable housing markets in the country. The median home value of $53,500 is well below the national average. Renters can expect to pay around $365 per month in median rent. Homeownership is strong here — 66.9% of occupied units are owner-occupied, suggesting an established, stable residential community. Median home values have decreased by 20% since 2019.
The population of 88340 is racially diverse, with Hispanic as the largest group at 7.7%. Residents are moderately educated — 28.4% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is below the national average. Poverty affects a significant share of residents at 29.7%. Household income has grown by 15% since 2019.
The unemployment rate in 88340 stands at 11.5%, which is more than double the national average. As in most parts of the country, driving alone is the dominant commute mode at 78%.
Overall, ZIP code 88340 in Mescalero, NM is characterized as lower-income, moderately educated, a relatively young community, and predominantly owner-occupied. With 3,577 residents, a median household income of $39,185, and a median home value of $53,500, it offers a clear picture of life in this part of New Mexico.