IncomeBy County

McKinley County, New Mexico

Income Data

-20% vs. New Mexico average
$44,496
Median Household Income
$19,580
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$44,496
-20% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$19,580
-50% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
61.7%
income as % of home value
Rank in New Mexico
#27 / 33
by median household income

How McKinley County Compares

McKinley County$44,496
New Mexico Average$55,469
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$44,496
Median Household Income
$19,580
Per Capita Income
$72,100
Median Home Value
61.7%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in McKinley County, New Mexico

McKinley earns 40% below national median

McKinley County's median household income of $44,496 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by roughly 40%, reflecting limited high-wage sectors in the county's economy. This gap places McKinley among America's lower-earning counties, though slightly above some peers in rural New Mexico.

Second-lowest earners in New Mexico

McKinley County ranks second-worst among New Mexico's 33 counties, with median income of $44,496 versus the state average of $55,469—a $10,973 shortfall per household. Per capita income of $19,580 is the lowest in the state, 40% below New Mexico's average of $32,602.

Income similar to rural northwestern peers

McKinley's $44,496 median closely matches Quay County ($43,698) and falls between Luna ($37,917) and Rio Arriba ($53,901). These three counties form New Mexico's lowest-income cluster, each dependent on agriculture, energy, or government employment with limited diversification.

Housing costs squeeze limited earnings

At 21.8% of income, McKinley's rent-to-income ratio hovers just above the affordability threshold, though median home values of $72,100 remain relatively low. The combination of modest income and tight housing ratios leaves little margin for unexpected expenses or savings.

Strategic skills training unlocks better earnings

McKinley residents can target high-demand fields like healthcare, skilled trades, and renewable energy, where regional wage premiums exceed county averages significantly. Pursuing certifications or community college credentials in these sectors offers the most direct path to breaking the cycle of below-average earnings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in McKinley County, New Mexico?
The median household income in McKinley County, New Mexico is $44,496, 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 McKinley County?
The per capita income in McKinley County is $19,580, 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 $44,496.
How does McKinley County compare to the New Mexico average?
McKinley County's median household income of $44,496 is lower than the New Mexico state average of $55,469. The per capita income is $19,580, compared to the state average of $32,602.
What is the per capita income in McKinley County, New Mexico?
The per capita income in McKinley County, New Mexico is $19,580, 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 McKinley County a low-income area in New Mexico?
McKinley County's median household income of $44,496 is below the New Mexico average of $55,469. The per capita income of $19,580 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 McKinley County rank for income in New Mexico?
McKinley County ranks #27 out of 33 counties in New Mexico by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $44,496 and per capita income of $19,580, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

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County median: $44,496 per year

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vs. State Average

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Income Adequacy

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Counties with Similar Income Levels

Howard County
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$44,492
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Choctaw County
Alabama
$44,483
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Ashley County
Arkansas
$44,481
+0%
Bladen County
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$44,528
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Red River Parish
Louisiana
$44,539
+0%
Braxton County
West Virginia
$44,449
+0%
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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.

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