Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Ruidoso, NM
Considering a move to Ruidoso, NM? This scenic mountain town of 7,920 residents offers affordable living, with median home prices around $282,000 and average rents at $920. Ruidoso boasts short 14-minute commutes, a laid-back lifestyle, and 73% sunny days each year. While property crime is higher than average, the area offers a safe, friendly feel, quality local schools, and easy access to outdoor recreation. Explore below for housing, schools, healthcare, and more to help plan your move!
Demographics - Ruidoso, NM
Demographics - Ruidoso, NM
Ruidoso is a close-knit mountain community with a population of about 7,920, featuring a median age of 50 and a majority White demographic. The area is known for its balanced gender ratio and a welcoming atmosphere for both English and non-English speakers, with nearly 12% speaking another language at home.
Population:
7,920
Density:
430 per sq mi
Median Age:
50.2
Gender Ratio:
94 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
11.9%
Ethnic Composition
White:
78.1%
Black:
0.9%
Asian:
1.2%
Others:
19.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Ruidoso, NM?
Living in Ruidoso is affordable, with a cost of living index below the national average and median home values around $282,000. Residents benefit from reasonable rents and utility costs, making it an attractive option for families and retirees alike.
Median House Value:
$282,000
Gross Rent:
$920
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$105
Auto Insurance:
$1,090
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,385
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$400
State Taxes:
Low:
1.7%
|
High:
5.9%
Cost Of Living Index:
92.7
Grocery:
93.2
Housing:
87.8
Utilities:
98.1
Transportation:
81.7
Health Care:
88.5
Miscellaneous:
95.3
Crime
Is Ruidoso, NM a safe place to live?
Ruidoso experiences a higher-than-average property crime rate, with about 1 in 41 chance of property crime, but violent crime remains relatively low. Most residents find the community to be generally safe, especially in residential and tourist-friendly areas.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
234
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,450
Crime Index:
2,684
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 427
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 41
Weather
What is the weather like in Ruidoso, NM year-round?
Ruidoso enjoys mild mountain weather, with pleasant summers reaching up to 80°F and cool winters averaging 52°F during the day. The area boasts about 73% sunny days each year and receives around 20 inches of annual rainfall, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.
Winter
Min:
25°F
Max:
52°F
Spring
Min:
35°F
Max:
70°F
Summer
Min:
48°F
Max:
80°F
Fall
Min:
34°F
Max:
70°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
20.4 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
73%
Neighbors
The community has a median household income of $49,100 and a family-friendly atmosphere, with most residents enjoying short 14-minute commutes. Education is valued, with nearly 90% holding a high school diploma or higher, and the area maintains a modest poverty rate of 13%.
Median Income:
$38,400
Household Income:
$49,100
Family Income:
$60,800
Per Capita Income:
$29,800
Income Male:
$35,900
Income Female:
$29,100
Poverty Rate:
13.2%
Non English Speakers:
11.9%
Rent:
$920
Unemployment Rate:
6.1%
Public Transport Usage:
0.7%
Commute Time:
13.7 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
89.8%
Bachelors or More:
29.4%
Education
How are the schools in Ruidoso, NM?
Ruidoso offers quality education through public schools like Ruidoso High School and a local branch of Eastern New Mexico University. Students benefit from small class sizes, and families have options for both public and private schooling within the community.
Public Schools
Name:
Ruidoso High School
Street:
125 Warrior Dr
Phone:
575-630-7900
Students:
530
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.6
Name:
Ruidoso Middle School
Street:
123 Warrior Rd
Phone:
575-630-7902
Students:
400
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.8
Private Schools
Name:
Sierra Blanca Christian Academy
Street:
207 Central Park Square
Phone:
575-257-7150
Students:
80
Colleges
Name:
Eastern New Mexico University - Ruidoso
City:
Ruidoso
State:
NM
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
700
Name:
New Mexico State University - Alamogordo
City:
Alamogordo
State:
NM
Distance:
47 miles
Students:
1,500
Healthcare
Healthcare in Ruidoso is anchored by Lincoln County Medical Center, offering general and emergency services locally. Most residents have health insurance, and physician availability is comparable to similar-sized communities, ensuring accessible medical care.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Lincoln County Medical Center
Address:
211 Sudderth Dr, Ruidoso, NM 88345
Phone:
(575) 257-8200
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
88.3%
Health Care Index:
65.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Ruidoso, NM?
Ruidoso's housing market features a median home price of $282,000 and a strong owner-occupied rate of over 70%. Home values have appreciated nearly 8% recently, while renters can find two-bedroom options averaging $920 per month.
Median Home Price:
$282,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$920
Owner Occupied Rate:
70.6%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
12.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.9%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Residents access DMV services through the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division, with the nearest office located in Alamogordo. Information and online services are available through the state DMV website for added convenience.
State:
New Mexico
Department:
New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division
Address:
1101 New York Ave, Alamogordo, NM 88310
Phone:
1-888-683-4636
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.