Ruidoso Population

1950–2026

7,568

2026 projection

1.4% since 2020 (decrease)

02K4K6K8K10K19501960197019801990200020102020

Source: U.S. Census Bureau decennial counts and annual estimates, including 2010–2020 intercensal estimates. 2026 is a projection. Values between recorded years are interpolated.

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Population by year

Population estimates for Ruidoso. Annual change is shown as a percentage. Growth is the total change since the preceding observation.
20267,568-120.16%
20257,580-710.93%
20247,651-20.03%
20237,653-1211.56%
20227,774+220.28%
20217,752+730.95%
20207,679+680.89%
20197,611+470.62%
20187,564+360.48%
20177,528+250.33%

Showing 10 of 23 years.

The 2020 row compares the April 1 Census count with the July 1, 2019 estimate (about nine months). Its Growth and Annual change therefore do not represent a full year.

Growth since 2020, compared

Ruidoso has a population change higher than Lincoln County, and lower than New Mexico and the U.S.

  • United States+3.1%
  • New Mexico+0.3%
  • Ruidoso−1.5%
  • Lincoln County−2.3%

Change from July 1, 2020 to July 1, 2025 population estimates—not annualized growth or site projections.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau. U.S. totals are summed from the 50 states and D.C.; unavailable comparisons are omitted.

Ruidoso Demographics

44.8median age

Median age

Female47.4 yrs
Male41.9 yrs

Adults

6,465
2,216 seniors (65+) · 34% of adults4,249 other adults

Sex

Female 50.2% · 3,865Male 49.8% · 3,834

U.S. Census Bureau, 2024 ACS 5-year estimates · Table S0101

Race and ethnicity

Tap a square or a group below to highlight it.

Each square is about 1% of residents (roughly 77 people).

Hispanic or Latino residents can be of any race. All other groups exclude Hispanic residents.

U.S. Census Bureau, 2024 ACS 5-year estimates · Table B03002

Ruidoso Income

$52,736median household income

Median household income

$52,736

Half of households earn more, half earn less

Median earnings

$36,479

Typical yearly pay for a worker 25 or older.

Poverty rate

20.6%

About 1 in 5 residents

U.S. Census Bureau, 2024 ACS 5-year estimates · Tables S1901, S1501, S1701

Ruidoso Marital Status

52% of residents age 15 and older are married.

MarriedNever married
Overall
Male
Female
Marital status of residents age 15 and older
StatusOverallMaleFemale
Married52%54%51%
Never married26%30%21%
Divorced15%9%20%
Widowed7%6%8%
Separated<1%0%<1%

U.S. Census Bureau, 2024 ACS 5-year estimates · Table S1201