Ruidoso Downs, New Mexico facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ruidoso Downs, New Mexico
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Horse racing at Ruidoso Downs
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Location of Ruidoso Downs, New Mexico
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 Ruidoso Downs, New Mexico
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | New Mexico |
| County | Lincoln |
| Area | |
| • Total | 3.79 sq mi (9.82 km2) |
| • Land | 3.79 sq mi (9.82 km2) |
| • Water | 0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2) |
| Elevation | 6,441 ft (1,963 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 2,620 |
| • Density | 691.29/sq mi (266.93/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-7 (Mountain (MST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-6 (MDT) |
| ZIP code |
88346
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| Area code(s) | 575 |
| FIPS code | 35-65280 |
| GNIS feature ID | 2411014 |
Ruidoso Downs is a city in Lincoln County, New Mexico, United States. It is located inside the Lincoln National Forest. In 2020, about 2,620 people lived there.
The city was first called a village. In May 2002, it officially became a city. People often call it "the Downs." Ruidoso Downs is very close to the town of Ruidoso. It is known for the Ruidoso Downs Race Track, the Billy the Kid Casino, and the Hubbard Museum of the American West. These places are all found within the city.
Contents
History of Ruidoso Downs
Early Settlers and Growth
Early Spanish-speaking settlers arrived in the area in the late 1840s. They called the place "San Juanito." These settlers brought rodeo and horse racing to the region. At first, there were only a few farms and ranches. The Dowlin Mill was built in 1868. More families moved to the area after the Lincoln County War.
Roads and Modern Services
Around 1907, the road connecting Roswell and Alamogordo was very basic. It was improved in the 1920s with help from a federal project. The road that is now U.S. Route 70 was paved around 1945. It was made even better in 1958 and became a four-lane road in 1981.
In 1946, the local newspaper, Ruidoso News, started. The airport also opened that year. Two years later, in 1948, radio services came to the area. Electric lights were installed in 1947. The White Mountain Inn opened in the 1940s. It was a place for people to stay and also a health center.
Geography of Ruidoso Downs
Ruidoso Downs is located in the southern part of Lincoln County. The town of Ruidoso is right next to it on its western side.
Major Roads
U.S. Route 70 goes through the city. If you go east, it's about 69 miles (111 km) to Roswell. If you go southwest, it's about 34 miles (55 km) to Tularosa. New Mexico State Road 48 starts just west of the city. It goes north about 22 miles (35 km) to Capitan.
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Rivers and Land
The city is in the valley of the Rio Ruidoso. This river starts high up on Sierra Blanca Peak to the west. It then flows east to join the Rio Hondo. The city covers an area of about 3.79 square miles (9.8 square kilometers). All of this area is land.
Population and People
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1950 | 363 | — | |
| 1960 | 407 | 12.1% | |
| 1970 | 702 | 72.5% | |
| 1980 | 949 | 35.2% | |
| 1990 | 920 | −3.1% | |
| 2000 | 1,824 | 98.3% | |
| 2010 | 2,815 | 54.3% | |
| 2020 | 2,620 | −6.9% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
In 2000, there were 1,824 people living in Ruidoso Downs. By 2010, the population grew to 2,815. In 2020, it was 2,620 people.
Many different groups of people live in Ruidoso Downs. About 67% of the people were White, and about 24% were from other races. Many people, about 43%, were of Hispanic or Latino background.
The average age of people in the city was 35 years old. About 29% of the population was under 18 years old. About 9% of the people were 65 years or older.
Transportation
Airports
- Sierra Blanca Regional Airport: This airport is about 19 miles (31 km) northeast of Ruidoso Downs by road.
Major Highways
- U.S. Route 70: This is a main road that passes through the city.
Key Places to Visit
Ruidoso Downs has several important places:
- Ruidoso Downs Race Track: A famous horse racing track.
- Billy the Kid Casino: A place for entertainment.
- Hubbard Museum of the American West: A museum about the history of the American West.
Events and Culture
Ruidoso Downs is famous for hosting the All American Futurity every year. This horse race is known as the richest race in Quarter Horse racing.
See also
In Spanish: Ruidoso Downs para niños
