Stretched

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Lake Arthur?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Lake Arthur, you need to earn at least $54,200/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $51,429, which means the typical resident is $2,771 below the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 527

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$948	$3,160	$37,920	$-13,509
1 Bedroom	$1,125	$3,750	$45,000	$-6,429
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,355	$4,517	$54,200	+$2,771
3 Bedroom	$1,653	$5,510	$66,120	+$14,691
4 Bedroom	$2,033	$6,777	$81,320	+$29,891

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$51,429

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$54,200

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

-$2,771

Deficit

Verdict

Stretched

Ratio: 31.6%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in Lake Arthur

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Lake Arthur's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,286

Studio

$948/mo

1 BR

$1,125/mo

2 BR

$1,355/mo

3 BR

$1,653/mo

4 BR

$2,033/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in Lake Arthur.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Lake Arthur

Renting in Lake Arthur is stretched but not impossible. The gap is a relatively narrow $2,771, suggesting that households slightly above median can find workable arrangements — especially with studios at $948/month.

If you're relocating to Lake Arthur, target the studio or 1-bedroom tier ($948–$1,125/month) unless your income exceeds $54,200. A roommate splitting a 2-bedroom effectively halves the individual rent burden to $678/month.

The break-even salary for comfortable living in Lake Arthur is approximately $81,300. 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 Lake Arthur, New Mexico.

With a total population of 527, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 275 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $54,200 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

275

Active civilian employees in Lake Arthur

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Lake Arthur

What salary do I need to live in Lake Arthur, New Mexico?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Lake Arthur under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $54,200. The median household income in Lake Arthur is $51,429.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Lake Arthur on $51,429?

The affordability verdict for Lake Arthur is "Stretched". The rent-to-income ratio is 31.6%, meaning there's a $2,771 income gap.

What is the average rent in Lake Arthur compared to median income?

The median gross rent in Lake Arthur is $1,125/month. With a median household income of $51,429, residents spend approximately 31.6% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Lake Arthur?

A studio in Lake Arthur rents for approximately $948/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $37,920 to afford this.

Is Lake Arthur considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the deficit of $2,771 and an affordability verdict of "Stretched", Lake Arthur is considered a stretched rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $54,200 to the local median household income.

How Lake Arthur Compares

Other cities in New Mexico with salary requirements