Cost of Living in Doña Ana County, New Mexico
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Doña Ana County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Doña Ana County ranks #2,470 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 21%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Doña Ana County, New Mexico
Doña Ana mirrors national housing affordability closely
Doña Ana County renters spend 19.5% of income on rent, nearly identical to the national benchmark of roughly 19%, despite median household income of $55,663 running 26% below the national average of $74,755. This southern county offers balanced affordability for lower-wage households.
Doña Ana ranks slightly above state average burden
Doña Ana's rent-to-income ratio of 19.5% slightly exceeds New Mexico's state average of 19.4%, with median rent at $903—3% above the state mean of $876. This Las Cruces-anchored county sits in the middle range of New Mexico's affordability spectrum.
Doña Ana balances cost and metro-adjacent services
Doña Ana's $903 median rent falls between rural counties like Chaves ($838) and Bernalillo's $1,087, positioning this southern region as a middle-ground option for those seeking El Paso area access. Median home value of $205,400 reflects stronger housing demand than interior rural counties.
Homeownership carries modest premium in Doña Ana
Doña Ana renters pay $903 monthly while homeowners spend $842—a 7% ownership discount unusual in New Mexico, suggesting a relatively balanced ownership-rental market. At $55,663 median income, housing consumes roughly 19-20% of household budgets for both tenures.
Doña Ana suits those balancing access and affordability
Doña Ana County offers stable, near-national-average affordability metrics paired with proximity to El Paso job markets and services, appealing to those seeking balance. Consider Doña Ana if you want lower costs than major metros without sacrificing entirely for rural isolation.
Cost of Living Advisory: Doña Ana County
Affordability Verdict
Doña Ana County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $903/month representing approximately 19.5% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 33.0%.
Rent vs. Own
At $903/month rent versus $842/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $61/month cheaper — a 7% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $36,120/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $36,086/year. With a median household income of $55,663, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 33.0% of renter households in Doña Ana County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Torrance County where rent averages $845/month, Doña Ana County is approximately 7% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Doña Ana County
Rent Burden
19.5%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,299
per month
Owner Cost Burden
18.2%
of gross income
The median home in Doña Ana County may be a stretch
Median home value is $205,400. Estimated monthly cost: $1,640 vs. your max of $1,299.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
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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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