Otero County, New Mexico
Income Data
At a Glance
How Otero County Compares
Detailed Income Statistics
Data Story
About Household Income in Otero County, New Mexico
Otero earns 29% below national median
Otero County's median household income of $52,717 falls 29% below the U.S. median of $74,755, reflecting limited wage opportunities in this southern New Mexico region. This gap, while significant, positions Otero above several neighboring rural counties in the state.
Upper-middle earner in New Mexico
Otero County ranks in the upper half of New Mexico's 33 counties, with median household income of $52,717 just $2,752 below the state average of $55,469. Per capita income of $28,186 remains 13% below the state average, suggesting some income inequality within the county.
Strongest earner in southern cluster
Otero's $52,717 median exceeds Luna County ($37,917) by 39% and outpaces McKinley ($44,496) and Quay ($43,698), ranking it as a relative income leader in southern New Mexico. Proximity to the military and government employment likely supports this regional advantage.
Housing costs manageable for median earners
Otero's rent-to-income ratio of 21.1% sits slightly above the affordability ideal, though median home values of $149,500 are higher than most county peers. The county offers reasonable housing affordability relative to median income, supporting moderate household financial stability.
Build on regional wage advantages
Otero residents can leverage their relative income advantage to build emergency savings and invest in education or skill development. Exploring career advancement within government, military, and healthcare sectors—strong local employers—offers the most direct path to exceeding county median earnings.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Income Comparison Calculator
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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.