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Animas is an unincorporated community in west central Hidalgo County, New Mexico. Its population as of 2011 was 461. The community lies at the intersection of State Roads 9 and 338 south of the city of Lordsburg, the county seat of Hidalgo County.

Animas became part of the newly independent country of Mexico in 1821, after being founded by the Spanish in the mid-eighteenth century. It is located in the area transferred to the United States by the Gadsden Purchase of 1853.

It is an isolated ranching community, located in the valley bounded by the Peloncillo Mountains on the west and the Pyramid Mountains and Animas Mountains on the east. The region is noted for its rich Native American history. Twenty-one different archeological sites in the Animas area are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The economy is based on local businesses, professional services, sales and service, and production, construction and transport of materials. Farming, fishing and forestry are also minor contributors to the economy.