Cost of Living in Quay County, New Mexico
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Quay County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Quay County ranks #1,267 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 40%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Quay County, New Mexico
Quay County rents affordable, incomes modest
Quay County's 20.6% rent-to-income ratio sits above New Mexico's 19.4% state average, reflecting modest incomes of $43,698 against the national $74,755. At $752 monthly rent, Quay County offers among New Mexico's cheapest housing, yet residents' lower wages still create affordability pressure.
Low rents, moderate affordability challenge
Quay County rents of $752 rank among New Mexico's lowest, yet the 20.6% rent-to-income ratio exceeds the state 19.4% average due to below-median county incomes. This reveals a common rural pattern: cheap housing insufficient to offset tight family budgets.
Cheapest rents in rural peer group
Quay County's $752 rent is undercut only by Luna County at $685, making it one of the most affordable rental markets in the region. McKinley and Mora counties match Quay's prices near $810 and $785, while San Juan ($917) and Otero ($926) represent pricier alternatives.
Renters and owners face similar burdens
Quay County renters spend $752 monthly while homeowners spend $527—both modest by state standards but significant for the $43,698 median income. Renters dedicate 20.6% of gross income to housing; homeowners spend roughly 14.5%, showing homeownership provides modest financial relief.
Bargain rents for remote-income relocators
Quay County offers some of New Mexico's cheapest rents and home values of just $82,200, making it ideal for remote workers or retirees with external income. If relocating with local job expectations, verify that available positions match your financial needs, as county median income remains modest at $43,698.
Cost of Living Advisory: Quay County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Quay County is affordable. The median rent is $752/month against a median household income of $43,698, putting rent at 20.7% of income.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Quay County pay $752/month on average, compared to $527/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 30%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $30,080/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $22,586/year. With a median household income of $43,698, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 24.0% of renter households in Quay County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Hidalgo County where rent averages $803/month, Quay County is approximately 6% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Quay County
Rent Burden
20.7%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,020
per month
Owner Cost Burden
14.5%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Quay County
Median home value is $82,200. Estimated monthly cost: $656 vs. your max of $1,020.
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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