Chaves County, New Mexico
Income Data
At a Glance
How Chaves County Compares
Detailed Income Statistics
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
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Income Comparison Calculator
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Your income is above the Chaves County median
County median: $52,029 per year
vs. County Median
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vs. State Average
-6%
vs. National Median
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Income Adequacy
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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Compare RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.