Dexter ZIP Code List — Chaves County, NM

There is one unique ZIP code in Dexter, New Mexico and it is 88230. Area code: 575.

ZIP codes

285.70

sq mi land

0.50

sq mi water

575

area code

Dexter, NM ZIP code map

About Dexter, NM

Dexter, New Mexico, is a small community located in Chaves County. This charming town has a unique blend of rural charm and local culture. It offers a welcoming atmosphere to both residents and visitors alike, making it an ideal spot for those looking to experience authentic southwestern life.

Location & geography

Dexter is situated in the southeastern part of New Mexico, approximately 12 miles from the larger city of Roswell and about 90 miles from the city of Carlsbad. The town encompasses a land area of 285.70 square miles, complemented by a water area of 0.50 square miles. The terrain is predominantly arid, characteristic of the region, with the Pecos River flowing nearby.

Community & economy

The character of Dexter is deeply rooted in community values, where neighbors know each other and local events are a staple of life. Predominantly driven by agricultural industries, the town offers various farming and ranching opportunities that define its economic landscape. Daily life in Dexter revolves around the close-knit community, featuring local gatherings and family-oriented activities.

Transportation

Major highways such as U.S. Route 70 provide vital connections to nearby cities and regions. The nearest major airport is Roswell International Air Center, located about 12 miles away, which facilitates air travel for residents and visitors. Public transportation options are limited, reflecting the small-town nature of Dexter.

History

Dexter was founded in the late 19th century and has since developed a distinct identity within New Mexico. Key industries have historically included agriculture and ranching, shaping the economic foundation of the area. Notable events include the construction of railroads that significantly boosted trade and agriculture in the region.

Did you know?

One surprising fact about Dexter is that it hosts the annual Dexter Homecoming event, which draws visitors back to celebrate their heritage and community spirit. The town also features the historic Dexter Cemetery, where many early settlers are laid to rest.

ZIP codes for Dexter, NM (1)

ZIP code	City	County	Map
88230	Dexter	Chaves	View map

Demographics & statistics

4,993

Population

36.1

Median age

$41,827

Median household income

$20,898

Per capita income

$99,300

Median home value

$846

Median monthly rent

72.0%

Home ownership

26.6%

Poverty rate

5.4%

Unemployment

1,484

Housing units

9.5%

Bachelor's or higher

Age distribution

Male Female

143

Under 5

143

225

5–9

225

152

10–14

152

223

15–19

223

119

20–24

119

314

25–34

314

370

35–44

370

266

45–54

266

55–59

145

60–64

145

232

65–74

232

186

75–84

186

85+

← Male

Female →

Age summary

Group	Count	%
Under 18	1,341	26.9%
18 and over	3,652	73.1%
65 and over	926	18.5%
Median age	36.1 years

Race & ethnicity

White 57.8%

Hispanic or Latino 20.5%

Two or more races 13.6%

Other race 7.1%

Black or African American 0.9%

Group	Count	%
White	3,628	57.8%
Hispanic or Latino	1,287	20.5%
Two or more races	855	13.6%
Other race	448	7.1%
Black or African American	57	0.9%

Household income

Under $10k 8.3%

$10k–$15k 8.3%

$15k–$25k 16.6%

$25k–$35k 11.1%

$35k–$50k 9.4%

$50k–$75k 19.8%

$75k–$100k 10.7%

$100k–$150k 12.5%

$150k–$200k 0.8%

$200k+ 2.6%

Range	% of households
Under $10k	8.3%
$10k–$15k	8.3%
$15k–$25k	16.6%
$25k–$35k	11.1%
$35k–$50k	9.4%
$50k–$75k	19.8%
$75k–$100k	10.7%
$100k–$150k	12.5%
$150k–$200k	0.8%
$200k+	2.6%
Median income	$41,827

Housing

Home values

Under $50k 17.1%

$50k–$100k 33.9%

$100k–$150k 16.7%

$150k–$200k 12.8%

$200k–$300k 18.1%

$500k–$1M 1.5%

Housing overview

Metric	Value
Median home value	$99,300
Median rent / month	$846
Owner occupied	72.0%
Renter occupied	28.0%
Vacant	10.2%
Single-family detached	51.6%
Large apartment buildings	0.0%
Mobile homes	44.2%
Median rooms	5.6
Avg household size (owned)	2.83

Year built

Era	%
2020 or later	0.0%
2010–2019	6.7%
2000–2009	4.2%
1990–1999	19.5%
1980–1989	20.5%
1970–1979	28.3%
1960–1969	9.6%
1950–1959	3.7%
1940–1949	1.0%
1939 or earlier	6.5%

Bedrooms

Size	% of units
No bedroom (studio)	1.1%
1 bedroom	4.1%
2 bedrooms	18.9%
3 bedrooms	60.3%
4 bedrooms	15.2%
5+ bedrooms	0.4%

Vehicles per household

Vehicles	% of households
No vehicle	2.2%
1 vehicle	25.8%
2 vehicles	39.3%
3 or more	32.6%

Heating fuel

Fuel type	%
Utility gas	23.6%
Electricity	52.2%
Propane / LP gas	20.9%
Wood	1.8%

Households & families

Household type	Count	%
Married-couple family	929	52.2%
Cohabiting couple	127	7.1%
Male householder, no spouse	188	10.6%
Female householder, no spouse	536	30.1%
Households with children under 18	802	45.1%
Households with seniors (65+)	668	37.5%
Average household size	2.81

Marital status

Status	Male	Female
Never married	34.8%	22.4%
Married	50.5%	44.3%
Separated	2.3%	2.7%
Widowed	0.6%	12.4%
Divorced	11.8%	18.1%

Education

Less than 9th grade 15.8%

Some HS, no diploma 12.6%

HS graduate 28.6%

Some college, no degree 29.5%

Associate's degree 4.0%

Bachelor's degree 6.1%

Graduate / professional 3.4%

Metric	%
HS diploma or higher	71.6%
Bachelor's or higher	9.5%

School enrollment (ages 3–17)

Type	Count	%
Nursery / preschool	111	9.0%
Kindergarten	69	5.6%
Elementary school	677	55.0%
High school	319	25.9%
College / grad school	55	4.5%

Employment

Industry of employment

Retail trade 19.0%

Education & healthcare 15.3%

Agriculture & mining 15.1%

Arts, food & hospitality 10.4%

Transportation & utilities 9.0%

Professional & management 7.3%

Construction 6.0%

Public administration 4.4%

Wholesale trade 4.2%

Finance & real estate 3.2%

Other services 2.8%

Manufacturing 2.6%

Information 0.8%

Occupation

Category	%
Management, business & arts	21.5%
Service	19.8%
Sales & office	21.8%
Natural resources & construction	16.8%
Production & transportation	20.0%

Employment type

Type	%
Private sector	73.9%
Government	18.5%
Self-employed	4.6%
Unpaid family workers	3.0%

Commute

Method	%
Drive alone	84.9%
Carpool	8.6%
Public transit	0.0%
Walk	2.2%
Other means	0.4%
Avg commute (minutes)	19.7

Poverty

All people 26.6%

Under 18 years 34.5%

18 and over 23.7%

Married-couple families 23.5%

Female-led households 40.7%

Income support

Source	% of households
Social Security	39.0%
Retirement income	19.0%
Supplemental Security	4.6%
Cash public assistance	4.2%
Food stamps / SNAP	26.5%

Health indicators

Condition	%
High blood pressure	34.3%
High cholesterol	33.7%
Heart disease	7.5%
Stroke	3.8%
Asthma	10.6%
Arthritis	24.5%
Kidney disease	3.8%
Pulmonary disease	7.6%
Cancer	5.1%

Behavior / access	%
Binge drinking	12.9%
No physical activity	32.1%
Less than 7 hrs sleep	36.5%
Fair or poor health	22.4%
Poor mental health	16.3%
Poor physical health	14.3%
No health insurance	20.9%
Visited doctor (checkup)	66.3%
Visited dentist	54.4%
Cholesterol screening	83.9%
Teeth loss	21.1%

Veterans & disability

Veterans	Count	%
Civilian veterans	56	1.5%

Disability	%
Any disability	18.3%
Under 18	7.3%
18–64 years	18.3%
65 and over	34.2%

Health insurance coverage

Type	%
Private insurance	31.3%
Public insurance	75.5%
Uninsured under 19	1.3%

Language & origin

Language spoken at home (age 5+)

Language	Count	%
English only	4,707	94.3%
Spanish	626	13.3%
Other Indo-European	626	13.3%
Asian & Pacific Islander	0	0.0%
Other languages	0	0.0%

Place of birth & citizenship

Origin	Count	%
Native born (US)	4,302	86.2%
Born in same state	4,230	84.7%
Born in different state	3,089	61.9%
Foreign born	72	1.4%
Naturalized citizen	691	13.8%
Not a US citizen	336	48.6%

Ancestry

Ancestry	Count	%
Arab	334	6.7%
French	233	4.7%

Ancestry	Count	%
Italian	201	4%
English	10	0.2%

Technology access

Metric	% of households
Computer access	35.6%
Internet access	87.2%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2025 estimates.

Frequently asked questions

What is the ZIP code for Dexter, NM?

Dexter, NM has one ZIP code: 88230.

What is the main ZIP code for Dexter, NM?

The primary ZIP code for Dexter, NM is 88230. The city uses area code 575 for phone service.

What county is Dexter, NM in?

Dexter is located in Chaves County, New Mexico.

How many ZIP codes are in Dexter, NM?

Dexter, NM has 1 ZIP code.

What ZIP code should I use for mailing packages to businesses located in downtown Dexter, NM?

Downtown Dexter and all commercial establishments in the city use ZIP code 88230.

If I'm sending mail to a residential address in Dexter, what is the correct ZIP code to use?

All residential addresses in Dexter, NM are served by the single ZIP code 88230.