Cost of Living in Catron County, New Mexico
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Catron County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Catron County ranks #321 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 10%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Catron County, New Mexico
Catron's ultra-affordable rents defy national trends
Renters in Catron County spend just 19.1% of income on rent, essentially matching the national baseline, despite earning only $46,439 annually—38% below the national median. This rural county's $740 median rent is remarkably low, making housing one of the least burdensome expenses for households here.
Rural gem ranks among state's most affordable
Catron County's rent-to-income ratio of 19.1% ranks it among New Mexico's best for affordability, beating the state average of 19.4%. With median rent at $740—15% below the state average of $876—this remote southwestern county offers genuine economic relief for cost-conscious families.
Catron competes on price with isolated rural areas
Catron's $740 rent undercuts nearby Cibola County ($724) by just $16, placing both among New Mexico's cheapest housing markets. This rural pocket rivals De Baca County ($727) for lowest median rent, though all three counties share limited job markets and services.
Ownership costs drop dramatically in Catron
While renters pay $740 monthly, homeowners in Catron spend just $397—making ownership 46% cheaper than renting, an unusual reversal of typical patterns. At median income of $46,439, housing consumes roughly 19% of household budgets whether renting or owning.
Catron appeals to remote workers prioritizing low costs
If you can work remotely or bring income from elsewhere, Catron's rock-bottom housing and living expenses offer exceptional savings potential. The trade-off is geographic isolation and a small job market—ideal for retirees, freelancers, or those seeking an off-grid lifestyle.
Cost of Living Advisory: Catron County
Affordability Verdict
Catron County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $740/month — about 19.1% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
At $740/month rent versus $397/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $343/month cheaper — a 46% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $29,600/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $17,014/year. With a median household income of $46,439, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 17.0% of renter households in Catron County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Catron County sits 8% more expensive than Luna County ($685/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Catron County
Rent Burden
19.1%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,084
per month
Owner Cost Burden
10.3%
of gross income
The median home in Catron County may be a stretch
Median home value is $171,800. Estimated monthly cost: $1,372 vs. your max of $1,084.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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