Cost of Living in Curry County, New Mexico
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Curry County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Curry County ranks #2,948 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 6%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Curry County, New Mexico
Curry's housing burden exceeds national and state norms
Curry County renters spend 21.1% of income on rent—significantly above the national benchmark of roughly 19% and the state average of 19.4%. Despite median household income of $56,259, residents here face one of New Mexico's tightest housing-affordability gaps, with median rent at $987 monthly.
Curry ranks among state's most strained housing markets
Curry County's rent-to-income ratio of 21.1% ranks it among New Mexico's least affordable counties, exceeding the state average by 1.7 percentage points. With median rent at $987—12% above the state mean of $876—Curry residents face above-average cost pressures.
Curry's rents rival Bernalillo's despite lower incomes
Curry's $987 median rent nearly matches Bernalillo's $1,087, yet Curry households earn $10,000 less annually, creating sharper affordability strain. This Clovis-anchored county occupies an unusual position: metro-level rents paired with rural-level incomes.
Homeownership offers modest relief in Curry
Curry renters pay $987 monthly while homeowners spend $879—an 11% discount that still leaves ownership among the state's pricier options, with median home value of $160,800. At $56,259 median income, housing consumes 21% of renters' earnings and 19% of owners' budgets.
Curry suits those with stable income or ownership plans
Curry County's above-average rents demand careful budgeting for renters, but the county appeals to those relocating with established employment or seeking affordable homeownership. Consider Curry if you have income stability and plan to buy rather than rent.
Cost of Living Advisory: Curry County
Affordability Verdict
Curry County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $987/month — about 21.1% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Curry County pay $987/month on average, compared to $879/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 11%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $39,480/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $37,671/year. With a median household income of $56,259, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 29.0% of renter households in Curry County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Otero County where rent averages $926/month, Curry County is approximately 7% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Curry County
Rent Burden
21.1%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,313
per month
Owner Cost Burden
18.7%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Curry County
Median home value is $160,800. Estimated monthly cost: $1,284 vs. your max of $1,313.
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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