Cost Of Living
Taking into account the cost of goods and services like housing, groceries, transportation and utilities, the overall cost of living in this area is well below average.
Amenities
The majority of amenities are not ideally located within walking distance. To access these amenities, residents may be required to rely on a vehicle or public transit.
Commute
A low commute score could be due to longer-than-average work commutes and the limited availability of public transportation in this area.
Employment
In the employment category, a low score could be attributed to low income levels and high unemployment in the area, suggesting potential difficulties in finding lucrative employment.
Housing
The housing category in this area registers a lower than average score, indicating concerns with housing affordability, appreciation rates and home values falling below average.
Schools
The low schools score could result from issues like below-average graduation rates, inadequate reading and math scores, and the unavailability of local elementary and high schools.
Ruidoso Downs, New Mexico is a small city with a population of 2,683 people. At 87%, the majority of the Ruidoso Downs population is White; this is followed by 1% Black and 0% Asian. Additionally, more than a quarter of the population of Ruidoso Downs are of Hispanic or Latino origin, and 31% of the population also speak Spanish. Not a fan of sitting in traffic during your commute to work? Ruidoso Downs offers shorter work commutes, with an average one-way commute time taking only 15 minutes, far lower than the national average of 26 minutes.
Are you trying to decide if living in Ruidoso Downs is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a great experience before relocating to any new city in New Mexico, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. The best areas in Ruidoso Downs and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from amenities, cost of living, health & safety, education, employment, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the New Mexico and national averages.
Ruidoso Downs has a livability score of 55/100 and is ranked #189 in New Mexico and #22,785 in the USA. This is a lower than the national average livability score as Ruidoso Downs does not rank well for most categories. For each of the livability categories, we know that Ruidoso Downs ranks very well for cost of living (A+). On a less positive note, Ruidoso Downs does not have favorable grades for the following: amenities (F), education (F), employment (F) and housing (F). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.
Unemployment rates can vary significantly among cities, impacting job prospects, wage levels and the overall economic health of an area. In Ruidoso Downs, the unemployment rate stands at 2.5%, suggesting increased job opportunities and a heightened demand for workers. This scenario can lead to higher wages, as the demand for employees outpaces job availability. Importantly, a low unemployment rate often signifies a robust and flourishing local economy.
Ruidoso Downs real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Ruidoso Downs. Median real estate prices in Ruidoso Downs come in at $0, which is 100% lower than the New Mexico average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Ruidoso Downs, the home price to income ratio is 0, which is 100% lower than the New Mexico average.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Statistic | Ruidoso Downs | New Mexico | National |
| Average one way commute | 15min | 22min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 74.6% | 79.8% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 8.9% | 10.1% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.0% | 1.2% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.0% | 0.7% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 0.0% | 2.2% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 6.3% | 4.7% | 4.6% |
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