Otero County, New Mexico

Income Data

-5% vs. New Mexico average
$52,717
Median Household Income
$28,186
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$52,717
-5% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$28,186
-29% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
35.3%
income as % of home value
Rank in New Mexico
#13 / 33
by median household income

How Otero County Compares

Otero County$52,717
New Mexico Average$55,469
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$52,717
Median Household Income
$28,186
Per Capita Income
$149,500
Median Home Value
35.3%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

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

What is the median household income in Otero County, New Mexico?
The median household income in Otero County, New Mexico is $52,717, 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 Otero County?
The per capita income in Otero County is $28,186, 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 $52,717.
How does Otero County compare to the New Mexico average?
Otero County's median household income of $52,717 is lower than the New Mexico state average of $55,469. The per capita income is $28,186, compared to the state average of $32,602.
What is the per capita income in Otero County, New Mexico?
The per capita income in Otero County, New Mexico is $28,186, 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 Otero County a low-income area in New Mexico?
Otero County's median household income of $52,717 is below the New Mexico average of $55,469. The per capita income of $28,186 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 Otero County rank for income in New Mexico?
Otero County ranks #13 out of 33 counties in New Mexico by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $52,717 and per capita income of $28,186, it falls in the middle third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

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County median: $52,717 per year

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vs. State Average

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vs. National Median

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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.