Key Economic Benchmarks
Median Household Income
$55,876$4,656 per month · U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-YearFair market rent & 30% rule in Otero County, NM
Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.
2026 HUD Fair Market Rent Schedule: Otero County, NM
Official FY2026 HUD Fair Market Rents for Otero County, NM. Under the federal 30% housing affordability standard, housing costs are sustainable when they consume 30% or less of gross household income.
| Unit Size | Monthly Rent | Annual Rent | 30% Rule Min. Income | % of Median Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / Efficiency | $671 | $8,052 | $26,840 | 14.4% |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment | $792 | $9,504 | $31,680 | 17% |
| 2-Bedroom ApartmentBenchmark | $973 | $11,676 | $38,920 | 20.9% |
| 3-Bedroom Home | $1,353 | $16,236 | $54,120 | 29.1% |
| 4-Bedroom Home | $1,632 | $19,584 | $65,280 | 35% |
50/30/20 Living Budget in Otero County, NM
Based on the local median household income of $55,876/year ($4,656/month), here is how a balanced budget allocates expenses:
Take-Home Pay & Tax Explorer in New Mexico
Explore net income after federal income tax, FICA, and New Mexico state income tax based on the local median baseline.
Related Regional & Financial Profiles
Compare earnings and living costs across New Mexico with official federal datasets:
Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Otero County, NM
What is the median household income in Otero County, NM?
According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year survey, the median household income in Otero County, NM is $55,876 per year (approximately $4,656 per month).
What is the average rent in Otero County, NM?
According to HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) benchmarks for 2026, standard monthly rents in Otero County, NM are $671 for a studio, $792 for 1 bedroom, $973 for 2 bedrooms, $1,353 for 3 bedrooms, and $1,632 for 4 bedrooms.
How does the cost of living in Otero County, NM compare to the national average?
Based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parity index, the general price level in Otero County, NM is 92.2 (7.8% lower than the U.S. national baseline of 100.0).
How much do you need to earn to comfortably afford rent in Otero County, NM?
Under the standard 30% housing affordability standard, renting a median 2-bedroom home ($973/month) in Otero County, NM requires a minimum gross household income of $38,920 per year ($3,243 per month).
What is a balanced 50/30/20 monthly budget in Otero County, NM?
For a typical household earning the median income of $55,876/year ($4,656/month) in Otero County, NM, a balanced 50/30/20 budget allocates $2,328/month to essential needs (rent, utilities, groceries), $1,397/month to discretionary spending, and $931/month to savings and debt repayment.
What are typical electricity and utility costs in Otero County, NM?
Residential electricity rates in New Mexico average 15.1¢ per kWh according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). For an average home using 900 kWh per month, the estimated electric bill is approximately $136 per month.