Stretched

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Agua Fria?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Agua Fria, you need to earn at least $53,000/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $42,411, which means the typical resident is $10,589 below the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 2,523

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$927	$3,090	$37,080	$-5,331
1 Bedroom	$1,100	$3,667	$44,000	+$1,589
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,325	$4,417	$53,000	+$10,589
3 Bedroom	$1,617	$5,390	$64,680	+$22,269
4 Bedroom	$1,988	$6,627	$79,520	+$37,109

Affordability Breakdown

Where the required salary line crosses above Agua Fria's median income — housing becomes unaffordable for the typical resident.

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$42,411

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$53,000

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

-$10,589

Deficit

Verdict

Stretched

Ratio: 37.5%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in Agua Fria

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Agua Fria's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,060

Studio

$927/mo

1 BR

$1,100/mo

2 BR

$1,325/mo

3 BR

$1,617/mo

4 BR

$1,988/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in Agua Fria.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

Bars left of the marker line are affordable for Agua Fria's median earner. Bars to the right require above-median income.

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Agua Fria

Agua Fria's rental market puts real pressure on median earners. A 2-bedroom at $1,325/month requires $53,000/year — about $10,589 more than the median household income. Roommates or dual incomes significantly change the equation.

If you're relocating to Agua Fria, target the studio or 1-bedroom tier ($927–$1,100/month) unless your income exceeds $53,000. A roommate splitting a 2-bedroom effectively halves the individual rent burden to $663/month.

The break-even salary for comfortable living in Agua Fria is approximately $79,500. Below this threshold, expect housing to consume a disproportionate share of your budget, limiting discretionary spending and savings capacity.

Economic Outlook

Local Job Market & Housing Dynamics

Affording rent isn't just about housing prices—it's heavily dependent on local employment opportunities and the strength of the job market in Agua Fria, New Mexico.

With a total population of 2,523, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 1,229 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $53,000 annual salary. The ratio of employed residents to the total population provides insight into the local economic health and competition for both jobs and housing.

Employed Workforce

1,229

Active civilian employees in Agua Fria

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Agua Fria

What salary do I need to live in Agua Fria, New Mexico?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Agua Fria under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $53,000. The median household income in Agua Fria is $42,411.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Agua Fria on $42,411?

The affordability verdict for Agua Fria is "Stretched". The rent-to-income ratio is 37.5%, meaning there's a $10,589 income gap.

What is the average rent in Agua Fria compared to median income?

The median gross rent in Agua Fria is $1,100/month. With a median household income of $42,411, residents spend approximately 37.5% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Agua Fria?

A studio in Agua Fria rents for approximately $927/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $37,080 to afford this.

Is Agua Fria considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the deficit of $10,589 and an affordability verdict of "Stretched", Agua Fria is considered a stretched rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $53,000 to the local median household income.

How Agua Fria Compares

Other cities in New Mexico with salary requirements