Cost of Living in Union County, New Mexico
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Union County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Union County ranks #521 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 17%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Union County, New Mexico
Union's low rents anchor northeast affordability
Union County's 17.2% rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below the national baseline, with median rent of just $650—New Mexico's lowest. However, median household income of $45,319 trails the U.S. average by $29,436, meaning proportional savings are relative to modest local earnings.
Among New Mexico's most affordable counties
Union ranks among New Mexico's most affordable markets, with a 17.2% rent-to-income ratio well below the state average of 19.4%. The county's rural character and low demand keep housing costs remarkably accessible.
Cheapest rents in the region by far
Union's $650 median rent represents the region's lowest, barely edging Socorro's $653 and substantially undercutting all northern and central competitors. Home values ($135,900) match Socorro's accessibility, making Union the region's most affordable overall.
Budget-friendly living with clear tradeoffs
Union residents earning $45,319 annually dedicate just $650 monthly to rent (17.2% of income), freeing substantial earnings for other essentials. Homeowners spend $635 monthly toward affordable properties, though the county's remote location limits local job opportunities.
Union delivers affordability with isolation tradeoff
If remote work or retirement income provides financial stability, Union County offers New Mexico's most affordable housing with low rent and home cost burdens. The northeast location requires comfort with isolation but rewards residents with genuine financial breathing room.
Cost of Living Advisory: Union County
Affordability Verdict
Union County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $650/month representing approximately 17.2% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 26.0%.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Union County is $650/month, while owner costs run $635/month. Owning saves approximately $15/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $26,000/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $27,214/year. With a median household income of $45,319, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 26.0% of renter households in Union County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within New Mexico, Union County is less affordable than Colfax County by roughly 8% ($650/mo vs $704/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Union County
Rent Burden
17.2%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,057
per month
Owner Cost Burden
16.8%
of gross income
The median home in Union County may be a stretch
Median home value is $135,900. Estimated monthly cost: $1,085 vs. your max of $1,057.
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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