Special Interest
Housing in Sierra County
Both Census and HUD figures represent gross rent — contract rent plus estimated utility costs for electricity, heat, water, and sewer.
Rent in Sierra County averages $729/month for a 2‑bedroom in 2024, compared to the New Mexico median of $1,067 and the national median of $1,413. Local renters spend approximately 25% of household income on rent, below the national average of 32%.
HUD 2026 50th Percentile Rent Estimates for Sierra County FMR Area are $756 for a studio, $835 for 1‑bedroom, $1,096 for 2‑bedroom, $1,524 for 3‑bedroom, and $1,767 for 4‑bedroom.
HUD 2026 Rent Estimates reflect market movement since 2024 Census data — a $367 increase for a 2-bedroom in Sierra County shows a 50% rise over that period.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics annual unemployment rate for Sierra County was 6.1% in 2024, compared to New Mexico at 4.1% and the national rate of 4.0%.
