Chaves County, New Mexico

Income Data

-6% vs. New Mexico average
$52,029
Median Household Income
$28,273
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$52,029
-6% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$28,273
-28% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
36.7%
income as % of home value
Rank in New Mexico
#16 / 33
by median household income

How Chaves County Compares

Chaves County$52,029
New Mexico Average$55,469
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$52,029
Median Household Income
$28,273
Per Capita Income
$141,900
Median Home Value
36.7%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Chaves County, New Mexico

Chaves household income trails nation widely

Chaves County's median household income of $52,029 falls 30% short of the U.S. median of $74,755, placing it in the bottom 30% of American counties. This shortfall reflects limited employment opportunities outside agriculture and energy sectors.

Below-average income within New Mexico

Chaves County's median household income of $52,029 runs 6% below New Mexico's state average of $55,469. The county sits in the middle-to-lower tier statewide, competing economically with other rural counties.

Similar income to other rural peers

Chaves County's $52,029 income closely mirrors Cibola County ($51,765) and Colfax County ($52,690), but trails Curry County ($56,259) by $4,000. The similarity reflects shared rural economic challenges across southeastern and north-central New Mexico.

Housing costs stable, but margins tight

At 19.3%, Chaves' rent-to-income ratio sits just below the 30% affordability ceiling, meaning housing costs consume nearly one-fifth of median income. The median home value of $141,900 is achievable, but leaves limited cushion for savings or other obligations.

Leverage employer benefits for wealth building

Chaves County workers should maximize any employer-sponsored retirement plans or matching contributions—even small matches provide instant returns. Automatic payroll deductions for savings accounts or low-cost index funds ensure consistent wealth building without requiring large upfront decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Chaves County, New Mexico?
The median household income in Chaves County, New Mexico is $52,029, 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 Chaves County?
The per capita income in Chaves County is $28,273, 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 $52,029.
How does Chaves County compare to the New Mexico average?
Chaves County's median household income of $52,029 is lower than the New Mexico state average of $55,469. The per capita income is $28,273, compared to the state average of $32,602.
What is the per capita income in Chaves County, New Mexico?
The per capita income in Chaves County, New Mexico is $28,273, 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 Chaves County a low-income area in New Mexico?
Chaves County's median household income of $52,029 is below the New Mexico average of $55,469. The per capita income of $28,273 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 Chaves County rank for income in New Mexico?
Chaves County ranks #16 out of 33 counties in New Mexico by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $52,029 and per capita income of $28,273, it falls in the middle third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Chaves County

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Your income is above the Chaves County median

County median: $52,029 per year

vs. County Median

+0%

vs. State Average

-6%

vs. National Median

-30%

vs. Chaves County MedianAbout equal
vs. New Mexico Average6% below
vs. National Median30% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent5.2x

Your monthly income ($4,336) vs. median rent ($838/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.