The village of Ruidoso is located in the southern part of New Mexico and is a noted vacation spot boasting camping and recreation amid its expansive forest landscape. World Population Review notes the village rose to a total of 7,600 in 2025. That was a decrease of the population by less than 1% in recent years.

Flash flooding from torrential rain hit Ruidoso, New Mexico, killing at least three people and prompting dozens of rescues, officials said. A house was seen being carried downstream Tuesday by the fast-moving water a year after the same area was devastated by two wildfires.