Catron County, New Mexico

Income Data

-16% vs. New Mexico average
$46,439
Median Household Income
$29,980
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$46,439
-16% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$29,980
-24% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
27.0%
income as % of home value
Rank in New Mexico
#23 / 33
by median household income

How Catron County Compares

Catron County$46,439
New Mexico Average$55,469
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$46,439
Median Household Income
$29,980
Per Capita Income
$171,800
Median Home Value
27.0%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

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

What is the median household income in Catron County, New Mexico?
The median household income in Catron County, New Mexico is $46,439, 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 Catron County?
The per capita income in Catron County is $29,980, 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 $46,439.
How does Catron County compare to the New Mexico average?
Catron County's median household income of $46,439 is lower than the New Mexico state average of $55,469. The per capita income is $29,980, compared to the state average of $32,602.
What is the per capita income in Catron County, New Mexico?
The per capita income in Catron County, New Mexico is $29,980, 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 Catron County a low-income area in New Mexico?
Catron County's median household income of $46,439 is below the New Mexico average of $55,469. The per capita income of $29,980 is also lower than the state average of $32,602. Lower incomes can reflect the local economic base, rural vs. urban location, and employment opportunities available in the area.
How does Catron County rank for income in New Mexico?
Catron County ranks #23 out of 33 counties in New Mexico by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $46,439 and per capita income of $29,980, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Catron County

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Your income is above the Catron County median

County median: $46,439 per year

vs. County Median

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vs. State Average

-16%

vs. National Median

-38%

vs. Catron County MedianAbout equal
vs. New Mexico Average16% below
vs. National Median38% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent5.2x

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