Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Maxwell?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Maxwell, you need to earn at least $24,080/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $37,813, which means the typical resident is $13,733 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 482

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$421	$1,403	$16,840	$-20,973
1 Bedroom	$500	$1,667	$20,000	$-17,813
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$602	$2,007	$24,080	$-13,733
3 Bedroom	$734	$2,447	$29,360	$-8,453
4 Bedroom	$903	$3,010	$36,120	$-1,693

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$37,813

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$24,080

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$13,733

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 19.1%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in Maxwell

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Maxwell's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$945

Studio

$421/mo

1 BR

$500/mo

2 BR

$602/mo

3 BR

$734/mo

4 BR

$903/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in Maxwell.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Maxwell

Living in Maxwell is well within reach for most median-income earners. With a $13,733 cushion between what residents earn and what a 2-bedroom requires, households in Maxwell typically have meaningful financial flexibility after housing costs.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Maxwell, a studio at $421/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $734/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $29,360.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $36,120 would position you well — though many residents in Maxwell manage on less given the favorable rent-to-income dynamics.

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 Maxwell, New Mexico.

With a total population of 482, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 119 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $24,080 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

119

Active civilian employees in Maxwell

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Maxwell

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Maxwell under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $24,080. The median household income in Maxwell is $37,813.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Maxwell on $37,813?

The affordability verdict for Maxwell is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 19.1%, meaning median earners have a $13,733 surplus.

What is the average rent in Maxwell compared to median income?

The median gross rent in Maxwell is $500/month. With a median household income of $37,813, residents spend approximately 19.1% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Maxwell?

A studio in Maxwell rents for approximately $421/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $16,840 to afford this.

Is Maxwell considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $13,733 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Maxwell is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $24,080 to the local median household income.

How Maxwell Compares

Other cities in New Mexico with salary requirements