Quay County, New Mexico

Income Data

-21% vs. New Mexico average
$43,698
Median Household Income
$27,087
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$43,698
-21% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$27,087
-31% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
53.2%
income as % of home value
Rank in New Mexico
#28 / 33
by median household income

How Quay County Compares

Quay County$43,698
New Mexico Average$55,469
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$43,698
Median Household Income
$27,087
Per Capita Income
$82,200
Median Home Value
53.2%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Quay County, New Mexico

Quay earns 42% below national median

Quay County's median household income of $43,698 lags the U.S. median of $74,755 by 42%, ranking it among America's lowest-earning counties. This substantial gap reflects Quay's dependence on agriculture and energy sectors with limited economic diversification.

Third-lowest earner in New Mexico

Quay County ranks third from last among New Mexico's 33 counties, with median household income of $43,698 versus the state average of $55,469—a gap of $11,771 per household. Per capita income of $27,087 also falls 17% below New Mexico's average of $32,602.

Part of low-income eastern corridor

Quay's $43,698 median places it between Luna ($37,917) and McKinley ($44,496) in New Mexico's economically weakest cluster. The three counties share similar challenges: rural location, agriculture/energy dependence, and limited employment diversification.

Affordable housing offsets low wages

Quay County's rent-to-income ratio of 20.6% sits near the affordability threshold, and median home values of $82,200 remain among the lowest in the state. While housing remains affordable, the combination of low income and high cost of living elsewhere limits household financial cushion.

Invest in skills for higher earnings potential

Quay residents should prioritize workforce training in healthcare, renewable energy, and skilled trades, where wage premiums can substantially exceed local medians. Pursuing education credentials while maintaining lower housing costs offers the fastest path to breaking out of Quay's low-income trajectory.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Quay County, New Mexico?
The median household income in Quay County, New Mexico is $43,698, 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 Quay County?
The per capita income in Quay County is $27,087, 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 $43,698.
How does Quay County compare to the New Mexico average?
Quay County's median household income of $43,698 is lower than the New Mexico state average of $55,469. The per capita income is $27,087, compared to the state average of $32,602.
What is the per capita income in Quay County, New Mexico?
The per capita income in Quay County, New Mexico is $27,087, 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 Quay County a low-income area in New Mexico?
Quay County's median household income of $43,698 is below the New Mexico average of $55,469. The per capita income of $27,087 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 Quay County rank for income in New Mexico?
Quay County ranks #28 out of 33 counties in New Mexico by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $43,698 and per capita income of $27,087, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Quay County

$
1.00x

Your income is above the Quay County median

County median: $43,698 per year

vs. County Median

+0%

vs. State Average

-21%

vs. National Median

-42%

vs. Quay County MedianAbout equal
vs. New Mexico Average21% below
vs. National Median42% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent4.8x

Your monthly income ($3,642) vs. median rent ($752/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

Sponsored

Grow Your Wealth

See how your income stacks up in Quay County, New Mexico? Start investing smarter with a robo-advisor that builds a diversified portfolio for you.

Start Investing

Counties with Similar Income Levels

Sponsored

Compare Financial Products in New Mexico

Compare savings accounts, CDs, and money market rates from top banks to make the most of your earnings.

Compare Rates

Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.