Cost of Living in De Baca County, New Mexico

$727/mo
Median Monthly Rent
$158,000
Median Home Value

At a Glance

Median Monthly Rent
$727/mo
17% below state average
Median Home Value
$158,000
44% below national
Rent-to-Income Ratio
37.0%
% of income spent on rent

Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)

Affordability Rating
Unaffordable
Rent over 50% of income

How De Baca County Compares

Median monthly rent comparison

De Baca County$727/mo
New Mexico Average$876/mo
National Median$1,163/mo

Detailed Housing Stats

$727/mo
Median Gross Rent
$158,000
Median Home Value
$503/mo
Monthly Owner Cost
37.0%
Rent-to-Income Ratio

National Ranking

Affordability Rank

De Baca County ranks #718 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 23%)

Most AffordableLeast Affordable

Data Story

About Cost of Living in De Baca County, New Mexico

De Baca's housing burden peaks for lowest incomes

De Baca County renters spend 21.4% of income on housing—above both the national baseline of roughly 19% and the state average of 19.4%—while earning just $40,804 annually, the state's lowest median household income. This southeast county's $727 median rent strains already-limited household budgets significantly.

State's most vulnerable housing affordability crisis

De Baca County ranks as New Mexico's least affordable county by rent-to-income ratio at 21.4%, exacerbated by the state's lowest median household income of $40,804. The combination of low earnings and $727 median rent creates the state's most acute affordability pressure.

De Baca rents cheap but incomes cheaper still

De Baca's $727 median rent matches other rural counties like Cibola ($724) and Colfax ($704), yet De Baca households earn 21% less than Cibola residents. This income-cost mismatch makes De Baca's housing percentages hurt most among all counties studied.

De Baca rents consume highest share of incomes

De Baca renters spend $727 monthly while homeowners pay $503—a 31% ownership discount—yet both tenure groups face the state's tightest affordability. At $40,804 median income, renters allocate 21% while homeowners dedicate 15% to housing.

De Baca demands careful planning for relocators

De Baca County's combination of rock-bottom incomes and moderate rents creates real affordability stress, making relocation here advisable only with guaranteed income from outside sources. Remote workers, retirees, and those with existing assets will find genuine value; wage-dependent renters may struggle.

Cost of Living Advisory: De Baca County

Affordability Verdict

For renters in De Baca County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $727/month in gross rent, with 37.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.

Rent vs. Own

Renters in De Baca County pay $727/month on average, compared to $503/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 31%.

Income Needed

To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $29,080/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $21,557/year. With a median household income of $40,804, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 37.0% of renter households in De Baca County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.

Regional Context

De Baca County sits 7% less expensive than Mora County ($785/month) in terms of median gross rent.

Affordability Calculator

See how your income compares to housing costs in De Baca County

$

Rent Burden

21.4%

of gross income

Max Housing (28% Rule)

$952

per month

Owner Cost Burden

14.8%

of gross income

The median home in De Baca County may be a stretch

Median home value is $158,000. Estimated monthly cost: $1,261 vs. your max of $952.

Rent Affordability Guide

Your rent-to-income ratio21.4%
Recommended max30.0%

Income Needed Calculator

See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing

$
Rent Affordability

$0/yr

Needed to stay within recommended threshold

Median income:$0/yr
Can you afford it? Yes
Your income: $40,804Needed: $29,080
Owner Cost Affordability

$0/yr

Needed to stay within recommended threshold

Median income:$0/yr
Can you afford it? Yes
Your income: $40,804Needed: $21,557
Mortgage Affordability

$0/yr

Needed to stay within recommended threshold

Median income:$0/yr
Can you afford it? Yes
Your income: $40,804Needed: $36,771

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

What is the cost of living in De Baca County, New Mexico?
De Baca County, New Mexico has a median monthly rent of $727/mo and a median home value of $158,000. The affordability rating is Unaffordable, with rent making up approximately 37.0% of median household income.
What is the median rent in De Baca County?
The median gross rent in De Baca County is $727/mo. This is 17% below state average for New Mexico.
Is De Baca County affordable?
De Baca County is rated Unaffordable based on rent-to-income ratio of 37.0%. Spending over 50% of income on rent is generally considered unaffordable.
How does De Baca County's rent compare to the state average?
De Baca County's median rent of $727/mo is 17% below state average of $876/mo for New Mexico.
What is the median home value in De Baca County?
The median home value in De Baca County, New Mexico is $158,000. This is 44% below the national median home value of $281,900.

Counties with Similar Housing Costs

Sponsored

Planning a Move?

Researching the cost of living in De Baca County, New Mexico? Compare moving quotes from top providers and save on your relocation.

Compare Moving Quotes
Sponsored

Compare Mortgage Rates in De Baca County

Whether you're buying your first home or refinancing, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

See Today's Rates
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.

CostByCounty participates in affiliate programs. We may earn a commission when you use our links, at no extra cost to you.