New Mexico / Lincoln County

Moving to Ruidoso, NM

Thinking of making a move to Ruidoso, NM? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Ruidoso, NM

Considering a move to Ruidoso, NM? This welcoming community of 7,920 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $282,000 and average rents near $920. Commute times average 14 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (73% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Ruidoso's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Ruidoso, NM

Ruidoso has a population of 7,920 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 50 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 78% White, 1% Black, and 1% Asian residents, and over 12% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

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?

The cost of living in Ruidoso is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 92.7. Median home values are around $282,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $920. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

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 is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 234 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 41. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in New Mexico.

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 experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 80°F and cold winters dipping to 25°F. The area receives about 20 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 73% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
25°F
Max
52°F

Summer

Min
48°F
Max
80°F

Spring

Min
35°F
Max
70°F

Fall

Min
34°F
Max
70°F
Average Rainfall Inches
20.4 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
73%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $49,100 and a low poverty rate of 13.2%. Over 90% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 29% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 14 minutes, and almost 1% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

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 options, with public schools like Ruidoso High School and Ruidoso Middle School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Eastern New Mexico University - Ruidoso and New Mexico State University - Alamogordo. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

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

Ruidoso residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Lincoln County Medical Center nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 1.5 per 1,000 people and 88.3% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
Lincoln County Medical Center
Address
211 Sudderth Dr, Ruidoso, NM 88345
Phone
(575) 257-8200
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

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?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $282,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 71%. The market has seen a 7.9% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 12.1%. Ruidoso offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

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 of Ruidoso handle vehicle services through the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division, conveniently located in Alamogordo. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
New Mexico
Department
New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division
Address
1101 New York Ave, Alamogordo, NM 88310
Phone
1-888-683-4636

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.

FAQs About Moving to Ruidoso, NM

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Ruidoso, review the core fields on this page: population 7,920, median home value $282,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $920, commute time 13.7 minutes, and sunny days percentage 73%.

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