Sierra County, New Mexico

Income Data

-32% vs. New Mexico average
$37,840
Median Household Income
$24,882
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$37,840
-32% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$24,882
-37% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
26.1%
income as % of home value
Rank in New Mexico
#33 / 33
by median household income

How Sierra County Compares

Sierra County$37,840
New Mexico Average$55,469
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$37,840
Median Household Income
$24,882
Per Capita Income
$144,800
Median Home Value
26.1%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Sierra County, New Mexico

Sierra faces steep national income gap

Sierra County's median household income of $37,840 lags the U.S. median of $74,755 by $36,915—nearly 50% below national average. The county ranks among the lowest-income areas in the nation.

New Mexico's lowest-income county

Sierra County's median household income of $37,840 falls $17,629 below New Mexico's state average of $55,469. Its per capita income of $24,882 also ranks lowest in the state, nearly $8,000 below the state mean.

Significantly behind all surrounding counties

Sierra's $37,840 trails every neighboring county profiled, with the nearest rival, Torrance County, earning $8,410 more. The economic gap reflects rural isolation and limited employment opportunities.

Housing absorbs significant income share

Sierra County's rent-to-income ratio of 22.0% is the highest in this group, indicating housing costs consume a larger percentage of already-limited earnings. Median home value of $144,800 remains modest but represents substantial burden relative to income.

Every dollar counts toward security

Sierra County residents benefit most from targeting emergency savings first—three to six months of expenses—before investing. Low-cost automated savings plans and employer matches, if available, build wealth steadily even from modest incomes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Sierra County, New Mexico?
The median household income in Sierra County, New Mexico is $37,840, 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 Sierra County?
The per capita income in Sierra County is $24,882, 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 $37,840.
How does Sierra County compare to the New Mexico average?
Sierra County's median household income of $37,840 is lower than the New Mexico state average of $55,469. The per capita income is $24,882, compared to the state average of $32,602.
What is the per capita income in Sierra County, New Mexico?
The per capita income in Sierra County, New Mexico is $24,882, 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 Sierra County a low-income area in New Mexico?
Sierra County's median household income of $37,840 is below the New Mexico average of $55,469. The per capita income of $24,882 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 Sierra County rank for income in New Mexico?
Sierra County ranks #33 out of 33 counties in New Mexico by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $37,840 and per capita income of $24,882, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Sierra County

$
1.00x

Your income is above the Sierra County median

County median: $37,840 per year

vs. County Median

+0%

vs. State Average

-32%

vs. National Median

-49%

vs. Sierra County MedianAbout equal
vs. New Mexico Average32% below
vs. National Median49% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent4.5x

Your monthly income ($3,153) vs. median rent ($695/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 Sierra 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.