Unaffordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Highland Meadows?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Highland Meadows, you need to earn at least $38,760/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $26,339, which means the typical resident is $12,421 below the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 411

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$678	$2,260	$27,120	+$781
1 Bedroom	$804	$2,680	$32,160	+$5,821
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$969	$3,230	$38,760	+$12,421
3 Bedroom	$1,182	$3,940	$47,280	+$20,941
4 Bedroom	$1,454	$4,847	$58,160	+$31,821

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$26,339

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$38,760

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

-$12,421

Deficit

Verdict

Unaffordable

Ratio: 44.1%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in Highland Meadows

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Highland Meadows's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$658

Studio

$678/mo

1 BR

$804/mo

2 BR

$969/mo

3 BR

$1,182/mo

4 BR

$1,454/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in Highland Meadows.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Highland Meadows

Renting in Highland Meadows is unaffordable for most median earners. The $12,421 income gap means a 2-bedroom at $969/month requires significant above-median earnings or a dual-income household to be sustainable.

For those committed to Highland Meadows, the realistic options are: (1) target a studio at $678/month, which requires $27,120/year — closer to the median; (2) find a roommate for a 2-bedroom, cutting individual costs to ~$485/month; or (3) negotiate remote work and live in a more affordable New Mexico city.

To live comfortably in Highland Meadows without financial strain, you realistically need a household income of $58,140 or higher. This isn't just about rent — it accounts for New Mexico's overall cost of living including transportation, food, and healthcare.

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 Highland Meadows, New Mexico.

With a total population of 411, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 74 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $38,760 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

Active civilian employees in Highland Meadows

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Highland Meadows

What salary do I need to live in Highland Meadows, New Mexico?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Highland Meadows under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $38,760. The median household income in Highland Meadows is $26,339.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Highland Meadows on $26,339?

The affordability verdict for Highland Meadows is "Unaffordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 44.1%, meaning there's a $12,421 income gap.

What is the average rent in Highland Meadows compared to median income?

The median gross rent in Highland Meadows is $804/month. With a median household income of $26,339, residents spend approximately 44.1% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Highland Meadows?

A studio in Highland Meadows rents for approximately $678/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $27,120 to afford this.

Is Highland Meadows considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the deficit of $12,421 and an affordability verdict of "Unaffordable", Highland Meadows is considered a unaffordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $38,760 to the local median household income.

How Highland Meadows Compares

Other cities in New Mexico with salary requirements