Special Interest
Housing in Otero County
Both Census and HUD figures represent gross rent — contract rent plus estimated utility costs for electricity, heat, water, and sewer.
Rent in Otero County averages $962/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 28% of household income on rent, below the national average of 32%.
HUD 2026 50th Percentile Rent Estimates for Otero County FMR Area are $692 for a studio, $817 for 1‑bedroom, $1,003 for 2‑bedroom, $1,395 for 3‑bedroom, and $1,683 for 4‑bedroom.
HUD 2026 Rent Estimates reflect market movement since 2024 Census data — a $41 increase for a 2-bedroom in Otero County shows a 4% rise over that period.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics annual unemployment rate for Otero County was 4.4% in 2024, compared to New Mexico at 4.1% and the national rate of 4.0%.
