Cost of Living in Lincoln County, New Mexico
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Lincoln County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Lincoln County ranks #752 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 24%)
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.
Cost of Living Advisory: Lincoln County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Lincoln County is affordable. The median rent is $883/month against a median household income of $51,643, putting rent at 20.5% of income.
Rent vs. Own
At $883/month rent versus $699/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $184/month cheaper — a 21% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $35,320/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $29,957/year. With a median household income of $51,643, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 33.0% of renter households in Lincoln County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Lincoln County sits 9% more expensive than Grant County ($810/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Lincoln County
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
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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