Cost of Living in Lincoln County, New Mexico

$883/mo

Median Monthly Rent

$212,200

Median Home Value

1% above state averageUnaffordable

At a Glance

Median Monthly Rent

$883/mo

1% above state average

Median Home Value

$212,200

25% below national

Rent-to-Income Ratio

33.0%

% 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 Lincoln County Compares

Median monthly rent comparison

Lincoln County$883/mo

New Mexico Average$876/mo

National Median$1,163/mo

Detailed Housing Stats

$883/mo

Median Gross Rent

$212,200

Median Home Value

$699/mo

Monthly Owner Cost

33.0%

Rent-to-Income Ratio

Data Story

About Cost of Living in Lincoln County, New Mexico

Lincoln's hidden housing pressure

Lincoln County renters spend 20.5% of household income on rent, exceeding both the national comfort zone and New Mexico's state average of 19.4%. With a median household income of $51,643—31% below the national median—residents face a compressed budget despite moderate absolute rents of $883.

Above-average burden in low-income county

Lincoln County's rent-to-income ratio of 20.5% ranks among the state's higher burdens, placing it in the less affordable half of New Mexico's counties. This pressure reflects the county's struggle to match rising housing costs with local income growth.

Moderate rents, but modest incomes strain

Lincoln's $883 median rent is mid-range among this cluster, but the median income of $51,643 is substantially lower than Eddy County ($79,605) or Lea County ($68,750). The result: a 20.5% burden ratio that rivals Grant County's financial squeeze.

Scenic county, budget-constrained residents

Renters pay $883 monthly while owners pay $699, with median home values around $212,200—surprisingly high for a low-income county. At $51,643 median household income, housing consumes 20.5% of gross income, leaving limited flexibility for other expenses.

Lincoln: beautiful but budget-tight

Lincoln County offers mountain scenery and moderate rents, but income levels are modest relative to housing costs. Consider relocating here if you have remote work or retirement income; relying solely on local jobs may create financial strain.

Affordability Calculator

See how your income compares to housing costs in Lincoln County

Your Annual Household Income

Rent Burden

20.5%

of gross income

Max Housing (28% Rule)

$1,205

per month

Owner Cost Burden

16.2%

of gross income

The median home in Lincoln County may be a stretch

Median home value is $212,200. Estimated monthly cost: $1,694 vs. your max of $1,205.

Rent Affordability Guide

Your rent-to-income ratio20.5%

Recommended max30.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Lincoln County, New Mexico?

Lincoln County, New Mexico has a median monthly rent of $883/mo and a median home value of $212,200. The affordability rating is Unaffordable, with rent making up approximately 33.0% of median household income.

What is the median rent in Lincoln County?

The median gross rent in Lincoln County is $883/mo. This is 1% above state average for New Mexico.

Is Lincoln County affordable?

Lincoln County is rated Unaffordable based on rent-to-income ratio of 33.0%. Spending over 50% of income on rent is generally considered unaffordable.

How does Lincoln County's rent compare to the state average?

Lincoln County's median rent of $883/mo is 1% above state average of $876/mo for New Mexico.

What is the median home value in Lincoln County?

The median home value in Lincoln County, New Mexico is $212,200. This is 25% below the national median home value of $281,900.