Cost of Living in Guadalupe County, New Mexico
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Guadalupe County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Guadalupe County ranks #585 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 19%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Guadalupe County, New Mexico
Guadalupe punches above its weight
Guadalupe County residents enjoy a remarkably low rent-to-income ratio of just 15.4%, among the best in the state and well below the national average. Despite a median household income of $40,149—46% below the national median—the county's tiny rents ($515/month) create surprising affordability for those who live here.
New Mexico's most affordable housing market
Guadalupe County boasts the lowest rent-to-income ratio among New Mexico's counties at 15.4%, a full 4 percentage points better than the state average of 19.4%. This ranking places it at the top of the state's affordability ladder despite having among the lowest median incomes.
Uniquely affordable for lowest incomes
Guadalupe's $515 monthly rent dramatically undercuts Grant County ($810), Harding County ($700), and Hidalgo County ($803)—and the median home value of just $107,200 reflects an ultra-rural, economically isolated market. For low-income households, Guadalupe offers unmatched affordability.
Tiny costs, tiny incomes, balanced ratio
Renters pay just $515 monthly while owners pay $511, with median home values around $107,200—reflecting a deeply rural economy. At $40,149 household income, housing consumes only 15.4% of gross income, the county's greatest affordability advantage.
Guadalupe: extreme affordability, extreme isolation
If rock-bottom housing costs are your priority, Guadalupe County delivers. However, the tiny rents reflect a very small, rural job market; relocate here for lifestyle and community, not career advancement or urban amenities.
Cost of Living Advisory: Guadalupe County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Guadalupe County is affordable. The median rent is $515/month against a median household income of $40,149, putting rent at 15.4% of income.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Guadalupe County is $515/month, while owner costs run $511/month. Owning saves approximately $4/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $20,600/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $21,900/year. With a median household income of $40,149, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 25.0% of renter households in Guadalupe County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within New Mexico, Guadalupe County is less affordable than Union County by roughly 21% ($515/mo vs $650/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Guadalupe County
Rent Burden
15.4%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$937
per month
Owner Cost Burden
15.3%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Guadalupe County
Median home value is $107,200. Estimated monthly cost: $856 vs. your max of $937.
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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