Cost of Living in Harding County, New Mexico
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Harding County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Harding County ranks #47 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 1%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Harding County, New Mexico
Harding's affordability hinges on low rents
Harding County renters spend 20.4% of household income on rent, slightly above New Mexico's state average of 19.4% and noticeably higher than the national comfort zone. A median household income of $41,250—45% below the national median—means residents stretch modest incomes across all basic needs.
Below-average affordability for the state
Harding County's rent-to-income ratio of 20.4% exceeds New Mexico's 19.4% average, placing it in the less affordable half of the state's counties. The combination of low income and tight ratios suggests housing pressure despite comparatively low absolute rents.
Middle-ground rents, bottom-tier incomes
Harding's $700 monthly rent falls between Guadalupe County's $515 and Grant County's $810, but the median income of $41,250 is among the state's lowest. The result: a 20.4% burden ratio that strains household budgets more than the low rents alone suggest.
Tight budgets despite modest housing costs
Renters pay $700 monthly while owners pay $474, with median home values around $86,500—among the state's lowest. At just $41,250 median household income, housing consumes 20.4% of gross income, leaving limited flexibility for savings or unexpected expenses.
Harding: affordable but economically limited
Harding offers low rents and rock-bottom home prices, but the local economy is tightly constrained. Consider moving here only if you have remote income, a pension, or strong ties to the rural ranching community that sustains the county.
Cost of Living Advisory: Harding County
Affordability Verdict
Harding County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $700/month — about 20.4% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Harding County is $700/month, while owner costs run $474/month. Owning saves approximately $226/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $28,000/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $20,314/year. With a median household income of $41,250, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 11.0% of renter households in Harding County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within New Mexico, Harding County is less affordable than Quay County by roughly 7% ($700/mo vs $752/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Harding County
Rent Burden
20.4%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$963
per month
Owner Cost Burden
13.8%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Harding County
Median home value is $86,500. Estimated monthly cost: $691 vs. your max of $963.
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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