Race & Ethnicity
Age Breakdown
Key Indicators
| Median Age | 36.2 yrs |
|---|---|
| Avg HH Size | 2.79 |
| Below Poverty | 19.5% ▲ 95% above avg |
| College Grads | 33.7% ▼ 13% below avg |
| Unemployment | 7.6% ▲ 55% above avg |
| No HS Diploma | 725 (1.6%) |
| HS Graduate | 12,141 (27.5%) |
| Some College | 7,462 (16.9%) |
| Associates | 8,797 (19.9%) |
| Bachelors | 4,982 (11.3%) |
| Graduate Degree | 9,999 (22.7%) |
Education
Housing Tenure
Home Value Distribution
Financials
| Median HH Income | $52,265 ▼ 32% below avg |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $142,753 ▼ 49% below avg |
| Home/Income Ratio | 2.7x (nat avg ~3.5x) |
| Median Rent | $872/mo |
| Total Housing Units | 35,111 |
| Vacant Units | 8,693 |
Income Distribution
How People Get to Work
Commute Time
Year Built
Otero County is located in New Mexico and encompasses 17 ZIP codes spanning 16 cities and communities. The county has an estimated population of 74,985 residents. With a median age of 36.17, it is a relatively young county.
Otero County has a working-class economic profile. The median household income of $52,264 is below the national average. Unemployment stands at 7.6%, significantly above the national average. The poverty rate of 19.5% is significantly above the national average, indicating economic challenges.
Housing in Otero County is one of the more affordable housing markets in the country, with a median home value of $142,753 — below the national average. Monthly median rent is approximately $871. Homeownership rates are high at 64.8%, reflecting a largely residential, stable population.
The residents of Otero County are racially diverse, with White as the largest group at 43.4%. Educational attainment is moderately educated — 33.7% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average.
Otero County, NM is a working-class area in New Mexico. The 17 ZIP codes within the county each have their own character — browse the full list below to find the right community, whether you're looking for affordable housing, strong schools, or economic opportunity.
| ZIP | City | Population | Median Income | Median Home | Median Rent | Unemp. | College |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 88310 | Alamogordo | 36,737 | $53,833 | $164,300 | $877 | 8.0% | 37.1% |
| 88081 | Chaparral | 18,334 | $46,102 | $101,900 | $874 | 8.0% | 23.8% |
| 88317 | Cloudcroft | 2,633 | $72,083 | $206,000 | $922 | 0.2% | 44.1% |
| 88325 | High Rolls Mountain Park | 1,523 | $83,125 | $246,000 | — | 0.0% | 41.8% |
| 88330 | Holloman Air Force Base | 4,052 | $51,205 | — | $1,236 | 1.5% | 51.7% |
| 88337 | La Luz | 1,945 | $58,171 | $143,900 | $774 | 3.4% | 32.8% |
| 88339 | Mayhill | 664 | $74,205 | $244,300 | — | 0.0% | 38.1% |
| 88340 | Mescalero | 3,577 | $39,185 | $53,500 | $365 | 11.5% | 28.4% |
| 88344 | Pinon | 55 | $107,750 | $127,500 | — | 0.0% | 18.2% |
| 88352 | Tularosa | 4,211 | $47,083 | $122,000 | $908 | 14.7% | 27.0% |