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Most affordable counties in New Mexico

Ranking of counties in New Mexico by what a typical household can afford at five income brackets. Monthly budget is 30% of gross income compared against Census ACS median owner cost with mortgage.

New Mexico AMI (4-person)
$81,200
HUD Income Limits
Counties with cost data
33
of 33 total
30%+ cost burdened
38.5%
HUD CHAS
Severely burdened (50%+)
18.5%

New Mexico vs national cost burden

Share of households paying 30%+ and 50%+ of income on housing (HUD CHAS).

Top 10 most affordable counties overall

Lowest median monthly owner cost with mortgage.

  1. 1.Quay County
    $858/mo
  2. 2.Sierra County
    $963/mo
  3. 3.Hidalgo County
    $1,005/mo
  4. 4.Luna County
    $1,037/mo
  5. 5.Catron County
    $1,096/mo
  6. 6.Otero County
    $1,130/mo
  7. 7.Harding County
    $1,136/mo
  8. 8.Grant County
    $1,145/mo
  9. 9.Colfax County
    $1,153/mo
  10. 10.Torrance County
    $1,154/mo

Affordability by income bracket

Counties whose median owner cost fits under 30% of gross monthly income at each bracket.

Low income · $35,000/yr
around 50% of AMI · 30% monthly budget $875
1 affordable
Moderate income · $60,000/yr
around 80% of AMI · 30% monthly budget $1,500
27 affordable
Middle income · $90,000/yr
around 120% of AMI · 30% monthly budget $2,250
33 affordable
Upper middle · $140,000/yr
well above AMI · 30% monthly budget $3,500
33 affordable
High income · $200,000/yr
top quartile nationally · 30% monthly budget $5,000
33 affordable
Median owner cost statewide
$1,308
Census ACS, with-mortgage households.
Median household income
$52,604
Census ACS, state-level.

Browse other states

All states and the nationwide affordability map →

Frequently asked questions

How many counties in New Mexico are affordable on a $60k income?

At $60k household income, about 27 out of 33 New Mexico counties with reported data keep median owner cost under the 30% rule (roughly $1,500/mo).

What share of New Mexico households are cost burdened?

HUD CHAS 2017-2021 shows 38.5% of New Mexico households pay 30% or more of income on housing, with 18.5% severely burdened at 50% or more.

What counts as median income in New Mexico?

HUD's area median income for a 4-person household in New Mexico is $81,200 (most recent HUD Income Limits release). 80% AMI: $64,950; 50% AMI: $40,600.

How is affordability calculated on this page?

For each county, we compare the Census ACS median monthly owner cost with mortgage against 30% of monthly household income at five income brackets. Counties with monthly costs at or below the budget are counted as 'affordable' at that income.

Data sources

Disclaimer. HomeRule is not a real estate agent, lender, appraiser, or financial advisor. This content is for educational and informational purposes only. Actual costs vary significantly by property, location, and individual circumstances. Consult qualified professionals for personalized advice.