Catron County, New Mexico
Income Data
U.S. Census Bureau ACSAt a Glance
Economic Indicators
How Catron County Compares
Detailed Income Statistics
Income Advisory: Catron County
Income Verdict
Catron County has a median household income of $46,439 and per capita income of $29,980 — a gap of $16,459, suggesting a higher share of single-earner or non-family households.
Housing Affordability
With median gross rent at $740/month and a median household income of $46,439, rent consumes approximately 19.1% of monthly income — well within affordable thresholds.
Economic Context
With a median household income of $46,439, residents of Catron County likely face budget constraints in higher-cost regions but may find cost of living manageable locally. Per capita income of $29,980 suggests below-average individual earnings, which may reflect local employment mix or industrial composition.
Neighbor Context
Catron County earns approximately 16.3% below the New Mexico state median household income of $55,469.
Data Story
About Household Income in Catron County, New Mexico
Catron significantly lags national income
Catron County's median household income of $46,439 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by 38%, placing it in the bottom 20% of American counties. This income gap reflects limited job diversity and economic opportunities in this sparsely populated, rural county.
Second-lowest income among state counties
Catron County's median household income of $46,439 sits 16% below New Mexico's already modest state average of $55,469. Only De Baca County ranks lower, highlighting the economic challenges facing remote rural areas in the state.
Income gap widens toward urban centers
Catron County's $46,439 income lags all neighboring or similar counties: Curry County ($56,259), Colfax County ($52,690), and Chaves County ($52,029). The gap reflects Catron's isolation and dependence on limited sectors like ranching and mining.
Housing affordable despite tight budgets
Catron's 19.1% rent-to-income ratio remains comfortably below the 30% threshold, and the median home value of $171,800 is achievable for median-income households. However, the lower median income leaves less room for unexpected expenses or emergencies.
Prioritize emergency savings first
In counties with tighter household budgets, building a 3-6 month emergency fund should precede aggressive investing. Once that foundation is solid, even modest contributions to retirement accounts—starting at 3-5% of income—create meaningful long-term wealth.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Income Comparison Calculator
See how your household income compares in Catron County
Your income is above the Catron County median
County median: $46,439 per year
vs. County Median
+0%
vs. State Average
-16%
vs. National Median
-38%
Income Adequacy
Your monthly income ($3,870) vs. median rent ($740/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.
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Compare RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.