Mescalero ZIP Code List — Otero County, NM

There is one unique ZIP code in Mescalero, New Mexico and it is 88340. Area code: 575.

ZIP codes

718.33

sq mi land

0.57

sq mi water

575

area code

Mescalero, NM ZIP code map

About Mescalero, NM

Mescalero, New Mexico is a unique and picturesque community nestled within the stunning landscapes of Otero County. Known for its rich Native American heritage and vibrant culture, Mescalero offers a distinct blend of tradition and modern living. The area is characterized by its breathtaking scenery, with vast natural spaces that attract both locals and visitors alike.

Location & geography

Mescalero is located in the southern part of New Mexico, and it offers expansive views of the surrounding mountains and forests. The nearest cities include Ruidoso, approximately 12 miles to the northwest, Alamogordo about 20 miles to the southwest, and Capitan, which is roughly 18 miles to the northeast. The community spans a land area of 718.33 square miles, complemented by a small water area of 0.57 square miles.

Community & economy

The community of Mescalero is notably influenced by the Mescalero Apache Tribe, which plays a significant role in the area's culture and way of life. Local industries primarily revolve around tourism, forestry, and the gaming sector, particularly through the inn and casino operated by the tribal community. Daily life in Mescalero is enriched by cultural events, outdoor recreational activities, and a close-knit community atmosphere that fosters connection and support among residents.

Transportation

Access to Mescalero is facilitated by major highways, including U.S. Route 70, which provides connections to nearby cities and attractions. The nearest major airport is the Alamogordo-White Sands Regional Airport, located about 25 miles away. Public transportation options are limited, making personal vehicles the primary mode of transit for residents and visitors.

History

Mescalero was founded as a result of the establishment of the Mescalero Apache Indian Reservation in the late 19th century, which sought to provide a home for the Apache people. Over the years, key industries have developed around tourism and natural resource management, contributing to the local economy. A notable event in its history includes the establishment of the Inn of the Mountain Gods, a prominent resort destination that has further integrated tourism into the community’s fabric.

Did you know?

One surprising fact about Mescalero is that it is home to the Mescalero Apache Tribe, which has a rich cultural legacy that dates back centuries. Additionally, the region's stunning natural beauty makes it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering activities such as hiking, fishing, and skiing in the nearby mountains.

ZIP codes for Mescalero, NM (1)

ZIP code	City	County	Map
88340	Mescalero	Otero	View map

Demographics & statistics

3,969

Population

32.5

Median age

$38,209

Median household income

$18,639

Per capita income

$43,800

Median home value

$308

Median monthly rent

63.5%

Home ownership

29.9%

Poverty rate

13.0%

Unemployment

807

Housing units

15.0%

Bachelor's or higher

Age distribution

Male Female

131

Under 5

145

5–9

105

170

10–14

187

214

15–19

235

126

20–24

139

283

25–34

311

267

35–44

294

150

45–54

165

55–59

108

114

60–64

126

125

65–74

137

104

75–84

115

85+

← Male

Female →

Age summary

Group	Count	%
Under 18	1,088	27.4%
18 and over	2,881	72.6%
65 and over	504	12.7%
Median age	32.5 years

Race & ethnicity

American Indian / Alaska Native 87.5%

White 7.6%

Hispanic or Latino 2.1%

Two or more races 1.4%

Other race 1.3%

Black or African American 0.1%

Group	Count	%
American Indian / Alaska Native	3,548	87.5%
White	308	7.6%
Hispanic or Latino	84	2.1%
Two or more races	57	1.4%
Other race	52	1.3%
Black or African American	4	0.1%

Household income

Under $10k 13.1%

$10k–$15k 12.3%

$15k–$25k 9.2%

$25k–$35k 12.8%

$35k–$50k 14.7%

$50k–$75k 19.7%

$75k–$100k 7.5%

$100k–$150k 7.5%

$150k–$200k 1.9%

$200k+ 1.2%

Range	% of households
Under $10k	13.1%
$10k–$15k	12.3%
$15k–$25k	9.2%
$25k–$35k	12.8%
$35k–$50k	14.7%
$50k–$75k	19.7%
$75k–$100k	7.5%
$100k–$150k	7.5%
$150k–$200k	1.9%
$200k+	1.2%
Median income	$38,209

Housing

Home values

Under $50k 56.2%

$50k–$100k 13.1%

$100k–$150k 13.0%

$150k–$200k 5.6%

$200k–$300k 1.0%

$300k–$500k 11.2%

Housing overview

Metric	Value
Median home value	$43,800
Median rent / month	$308
Owner occupied	63.5%
Renter occupied	36.5%
Vacant	15.6%
Single-family detached	64.7%
Large apartment buildings	0.0%
Mobile homes	32.0%
Median rooms	5.7
Avg household size (owned)	4.34

Year built

Era	%
2020 or later	0.0%
2010–2019	3.4%
2000–2009	19.1%
1990–1999	15.1%
1980–1989	22.5%
1970–1979	22.5%
1960–1969	4.7%
1950–1959	2.5%
1940–1949	3.6%
1939 or earlier	6.5%

Bedrooms

Size	% of units
No bedroom (studio)	0.2%
1 bedroom	3.5%
2 bedrooms	20.0%
3 bedrooms	53.2%
4 bedrooms	21.1%
5+ bedrooms	2.1%

Vehicles per household

Vehicles	% of households
No vehicle	18.0%
1 vehicle	37.5%
2 vehicles	27.3%
3 or more	17.3%

Heating fuel

Fuel type	%
Utility gas	11.3%
Electricity	7.6%
Propane / LP gas	24.6%
Fuel oil	0.9%
Wood	53.6%

Households & families

Household type	Count	%
Married-couple family	219	22.2%
Cohabiting couple	98	9.9%
Male householder, no spouse	214	21.7%
Female householder, no spouse	454	46.1%
Households with children under 18	366	37.2%
Households with seniors (65+)	260	26.4%
Average household size	3.96

Marital status

Status	Male	Female
Never married	62.1%	46.2%
Married	20.2%	22.3%
Separated	4.5%	0.7%
Widowed	5.9%	12.2%
Divorced	7.3%	18.5%

Education

Less than 9th grade 2.6%

Some HS, no diploma 20.2%

HS graduate 34.6%

Some college, no degree 20.1%

Associate's degree 7.4%

Bachelor's degree 12.9%

Graduate / professional 2.1%

Metric	%
HS diploma or higher	77.1%
Bachelor's or higher	15.0%

School enrollment (ages 3–17)

Type	Count	%
Nursery / preschool	68	6.8%
Kindergarten	60	6.0%
Elementary school	403	40.2%
High school	310	30.9%
College / grad school	162	16.2%

Employment

Industry of employment

Arts, food & hospitality 38.5%

Education & healthcare 24.1%

Professional & management 8.7%

Public administration 6.2%

Construction 5.6%

Retail trade 5.6%

Other services 3.8%

Finance & real estate 3.3%

Agriculture & mining 2.2%

Information 0.9%

Transportation & utilities 0.8%

Manufacturing 0.4%

Occupation

Category	%
Management, business & arts	32.4%
Service	43.4%
Sales & office	10.3%
Natural resources & construction	11.6%
Production & transportation	2.3%

Employment type

Type	%
Private sector	42.8%
Government	55.4%
Self-employed	1.8%
Unpaid family workers	0.0%

Commute

Method	%
Drive alone	78.2%
Carpool	12.9%
Public transit	2.7%
Walk	0.8%
Other means	2.6%
Avg commute (minutes)	20.4

Poverty

All people 29.9%

Under 18 years 39.3%

18 and over 26.3%

Married-couple families 19.6%

Female-led households 22.5%

Income support

Source	% of households
Social Security	32.0%
Retirement income	16.5%
Supplemental Security	14.5%
Cash public assistance	6.9%
Food stamps / SNAP	46.3%

Health indicators

Condition	%
High blood pressure	31.0%
High cholesterol	27.2%
Heart disease	6.8%
Stroke	4.5%
Asthma	14.4%
Arthritis	23.2%
Kidney disease	3.6%
Pulmonary disease	9.0%
Cancer	4.3%

Behavior / access	%
Binge drinking	15.6%
No physical activity	28.9%
Less than 7 hrs sleep	42.1%
Fair or poor health	23.7%
Poor mental health	22.1%
Poor physical health	16.1%
No health insurance	12.4%
Visited doctor (checkup)	65.5%
Visited dentist	45.7%
Cholesterol screening	80.2%
Teeth loss	31.1%

Veterans & disability

Veterans	Count	%
Civilian veterans	106	3.7%

Disability	%
Any disability	23.1%
Under 18	10.9%
18–64 years	19.6%
65 and over	69.0%

Health insurance coverage

Type	%
Private insurance	22.4%
Public insurance	65.7%
Uninsured under 19	11.7%

Language & origin

Language spoken at home (age 5+)

Language	Count	%
English only	3,693	93.0%
Spanish	162	4.4%
Other Indo-European	19	0.5%
Asian & Pacific Islander	0	0.0%
Other languages	8	0.2%

Place of birth & citizenship

Origin	Count	%
Native born (US)	3,942	99.3%
Born in same state	3,922	98.8%
Born in different state	3,424	86.3%
Foreign born	20	0.5%
Naturalized citizen	27	0.7%
Not a US citizen	11	40.7%

Ancestry

Ancestry	Count	%
Arab	66	1.7%
Italian	12	0.3%

Ancestry	Count	%
French	8	0.2%
Dutch	2	0.1%

Technology access

Metric	% of households
Computer access	24.8%
Internet access	74.0%

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

Frequently asked questions

What is the ZIP code for Mescalero, NM?

Mescalero, NM has one ZIP code: 88340.

What is the main ZIP code for Mescalero, NM?

The primary ZIP code for Mescalero, NM is 88340. The city uses area code 575 for phone service.

What county is Mescalero, NM in?

Mescalero is located in Otero County, New Mexico.

How many ZIP codes are in Mescalero, NM?

Mescalero, NM has 1 ZIP code.

What ZIP code should I use when mailing something to the Mescalero Apache Indian Reservation in Mescalero, NM?

All mail to addresses on the Mescalero Apache Indian Reservation uses the ZIP code 88340, which is the only ZIP code serving Mescalero.

If I'm sending a package to a business in downtown Mescalero near the tribal administrative offices, what ZIP code do I need?

You would use ZIP code 88340, as this single ZIP code covers all of Mescalero, including the central tribal areas and administrative offices.