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 7,700 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $380,000 and average rents near $1,150. Commute times average 16 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (77% 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 7,700 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 51 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 74% White, 1% Black, and 1% Asian residents, and over 16% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
7,700
Density
1,200 per sq mi
Median Age
50.8
Gender Ratio
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
15.8%

Ethnic Composition

White
73.5%
Black
1.0%
Asian
0.8%
Others
24.7%

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 106.8. Median home values are around $380,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,150. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$380,000
Gross Rent
$1,150
Monthly Electricity Charges
$155
Auto Insurance
$1,650
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$2,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$690
State Taxes
Low: 1.7%| High: 5.9%
Cost Of Living Index
106.8
Grocery
101.5
Housing
118.4
Utilities
112.7
Transportation
101.2
Health Care
98.6
Miscellaneous
99.4

Crime

Is Ruidoso, NM a safe place to live?

Ruidoso is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 320 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 47. 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
320
Property Crimes Per 100k
2,150
Crime Index
2,470
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 313
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 47

Weather

What is the weather like in Ruidoso, NM year-round?

Ruidoso experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 84°F and cold winters dipping to 22°F. The area receives about 21 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 77% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
22°F
Max
48°F

Summer

Min
58°F
Max
84°F

Spring

Min
38°F
Max
68°F

Fall

Min
40°F
Max
69°F
Average Rainfall Inches
20.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
77%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $56,500 and a low poverty rate of 14.8%. Over 91% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 24% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 16 minutes, and almost 2% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$42,000
Household Income
$56,500
Family Income
$68,000
Per Capita Income
$28,500
Income Male
$39,000
Income Female
$31,000
Poverty Rate
14.8%
Non English Speakers
21.4%
Rent
$1,150
Unemployment Rate
4.9%
Public Transport Usage
1.8%
Commute Time
16.4 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
90.5%
Bachelors or More
23.8%

Education

How are the schools in Ruidoso, NM?

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

Public Schools

Name
Ruidoso High School
Street
250 Warrior Dr
Phone
575-257-4021
Students
560
Student Teacher Ratio
15.1
Name
White Mountain Elementary School
Street
140 Wiggins Way
Phone
575-257-4024
Students
430
Student Teacher Ratio
14.4

Private Schools

Name
Immaculate Conception Catholic School
Street
1404 Sudderth Dr
Phone
575-257-4076
Students
120

Colleges

Name
New Mexico State University - Alamogordo
City
Alamogordo
State
NM
Distance
60 miles
Students
3,200
Name
Eastern New Mexico University - Ruidoso
City
Ruidoso
State
NM
Distance
0 miles
Students
400

Healthcare

Ruidoso residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Lincoln County Medical Center and Gerald Champion Regional Medical Center nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 1.8 per 1,000 people and 88.4% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
Lincoln County Medical Center
Address
800 Gavilan Canyon Rd, Ruidoso, NM 88345
Phone
(575) 257-8200
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Gerald Champion Regional Medical Center
Address
2669 N Scenic Dr, Alamogordo, NM 88310
Phone
(575) 437-7110
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
1.8
Health Insurance Coverage
88.4%
Health Care Index
62.1

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Ruidoso, NM?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $380,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 70%. The market has seen a 4.2% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 7.1%. Ruidoso offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$380,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,150
Owner Occupied Rate
69.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate
7.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.2%
New Construction Rate
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate
0.6%

DMV Information

Residents of Ruidoso handle vehicle services through the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division, conveniently located in Santa Fe. 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
1100 S St Francis Dr, Santa Fe, NM 87504
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 7,700, median home value $380,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,150, commute time 16.4 minutes, and sunny days percentage 77%.

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