Cost of Living in McKinley County, New Mexico

$810/mo

Median Monthly Rent

$72,100

Median Home Value

8% below state averageUnaffordable

At a Glance

Median Monthly Rent

$810/mo

8% below state average

Median Home Value

$72,100

74% below national

Rent-to-Income Ratio

22.0%

% 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 McKinley County Compares

Median monthly rent comparison

McKinley County$810/mo

New Mexico Average$876/mo

National Median$1,163/mo

Detailed Housing Stats

$810/mo

Median Gross Rent

$72,100

Median Home Value

$351/mo

Monthly Owner Cost

22.0%

Rent-to-Income Ratio

Data Story

About Cost of Living in McKinley County, New Mexico

McKinley County renters face tight affordability

McKinley County's rent-to-income ratio of 21.8% exceeds the U.S. average affordability threshold, driven by a median household income of just $44,496 against the national $74,755. Renters here pay $810 monthly, leaving limited breathing room in budgets already 40% below national median earnings.

Least affordable rental market in state

McKinley County ranks among New Mexico's least affordable counties for renters, with a 21.8% rent-to-income ratio exceeding the state average of 19.4%. Despite rents at $810—below the state median of $876—residents' lower incomes push affordability stress higher than most New Mexico peers.

Priciest rents in rural New Mexico cluster

McKinley County's $810 rent ties with Mora County and exceeds most rural neighbors like Quay ($752) and Luna ($685). San Juan County ($917) and Otero County ($926) push rents even higher, making McKinley's market relatively mid-range for the region.

Homeownership dramatically cheaper here

McKinley County presents an unusual affordability profile: renters spend $810 monthly while homeowners spend just $351, among the lowest ownership costs in the state. For homeowners with median incomes of $44,496, that translates to just 9.5% of gross income toward housing—a sharp contrast to renters at 21.8%.

Home buyers find bargains; renters beware

McKinley County's median home value of $72,100 offers exceptional buying opportunity for those with down payment savings, but renters face above-average affordability pressure. If relocating, budget $810+ monthly for rent or prioritize homeownership programs to access the county's dramatic ownership cost advantages.

Affordability Calculator

See how your income compares to housing costs in McKinley County

Your Annual Household Income

Rent Burden

21.8%

of gross income

Max Housing (28% Rule)

$1,038

per month

Owner Cost Burden

9.5%

of gross income

You can likely afford the median home in McKinley County

Median home value is $72,100. Estimated monthly cost: $576 vs. your max of $1,038.

Rent Affordability Guide

Your rent-to-income ratio21.8%

Recommended max30.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

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

McKinley County, New Mexico has a median monthly rent of $810/mo and a median home value of $72,100. The affordability rating is Unaffordable, with rent making up approximately 22.0% of median household income.

What is the median rent in McKinley County?

The median gross rent in McKinley County is $810/mo. This is 8% below state average for New Mexico.

Is McKinley County affordable?

McKinley County is rated Unaffordable based on rent-to-income ratio of 22.0%. Spending over 50% of income on rent is generally considered unaffordable.

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

McKinley County's median rent of $810/mo is 8% below state average of $876/mo for New Mexico.

What is the median home value in McKinley County?

The median home value in McKinley County, New Mexico is $72,100. This is 74% below the national median home value of $281,900.