IncomeBy County

Otero County, Colorado

Income Data

U.S. Census Bureau ACS
-27% vs. Colorado average
$54,897
Median Household Income
$28,634
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$54,897
-27% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$28,634
-27% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
34.2%
income as % of home value
Rank in Colorado
#51 / 64
by median household income

Economic Indicators

Unemployment Rate
N/A
Labor Force Participation
N/A

How Otero County Compares

Otero County$54,897
Colorado Average$74,792
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$54,897
Median Household Income
$28,634
Per Capita Income
$160,700
Median Home Value
34.2%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Income Advisory: Otero County

Income Verdict

Otero County has a median household income of $54,897 and per capita income of $28,634 — a gap of $26,263, suggesting a typical mix of dual-income and single-earner households.

Housing Affordability

With median gross rent at $796/month and a median household income of $54,897, rent consumes approximately 17.4% of monthly income — well within affordable thresholds.

Economic Context

With a median household income of $54,897, residents of Otero County likely face budget constraints in higher-cost regions but may find cost of living manageable locally. Per capita income of $28,634 suggests below-average individual earnings, which may reflect local employment mix or industrial composition.

Neighbor Context

Otero County earns approximately 26.6% below the Colorado state median household income of $74,792.

Data Story

About Household Income in Otero County, Colorado

Otero County Significantly Below U.S. Average

Otero County's median household income of $54,897 lags the national median of $74,755 by nearly $20,000, or 26%. This substantial gap reflects the county's limited economic base and dependence on agriculture and small-scale manufacturing.

Among Colorado's Lowest-Income Counties

Otero County ranks substantially below Colorado's $74,792 state median by $19,895, placing it in the lowest income quartile statewide. The county faces economic headwinds that limit wage growth and employment diversity.

Struggling Economy on Colorado Plains

Otero County's $54,897 income ranks lowest among its regional peers, trailing Morgan ($75,407) by over $20,000 and Montezuma ($63,005) by $8,000. A per capita income of just $28,634 indicates concentrated poverty and limited individual earning potential.

Low Housing Costs Provide Some Relief

Otero County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.4% is exceptionally low, with residents dedicating just one-sixth of income to housing. Median home values of $160,700 are the most affordable in the state, offering genuine homeownership opportunity despite modest incomes.

Prioritize Financial Stability and Education

Otero County residents should establish emergency reserves of at least 6 months given income volatility and limited local opportunities. Invest in skills development, trade certifications, and remote work capabilities to increase earning potential beyond county boundaries.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Otero County, Colorado?
The median household income in Otero County, Colorado is $54,897, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. This represents the midpoint of all household incomes in the county.
How much do people earn in Otero County?
The per capita income in Otero County is $28,634, which represents the average income per person across the entire county population. The median household income — which accounts for all earners in a household — is $54,897.
How does Otero County compare to the Colorado average?
Otero County's median household income of $54,897 is lower than the Colorado state average of $74,792. The per capita income is $28,634, compared to the state average of $43,584.
What is the per capita income in Otero County, Colorado?
The per capita income in Otero County, Colorado is $28,634, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. Per capita income is calculated by dividing total personal income by total population, providing an average income figure per resident.
Is Otero County a low-income area in Colorado?
Otero County's median household income of $54,897 is below the Colorado average of $74,792. The per capita income of $28,634 is also lower than the state average of $43,584. Lower incomes can reflect the local economic base, rural vs. urban location, and employment opportunities available in the area.
How does Otero County rank for income in Colorado?
Otero County ranks #51 out of 64 counties in Colorado by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $54,897 and per capita income of $28,634, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Otero County

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Your income is above the Otero County median

County median: $54,897 per year

vs. County Median

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vs. State Average

-27%

vs. National Median

-27%

vs. Otero County MedianAbout equal
vs. Colorado Average▼ 27% below
vs. National Median▼ 27% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent5.7x

Your monthly income ($4,575) vs. median rent ($796/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

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San Saba County
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$54,855
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$54,945
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$54,842
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By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.

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