Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Raton?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Raton, you need to earn at least $32,080/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $40,899, which means the typical resident is $8,819 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 6,046

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$561	$1,870	$22,440	$-18,459
1 Bedroom	$666	$2,220	$26,640	$-14,259
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$802	$2,673	$32,080	$-8,819
3 Bedroom	$978	$3,260	$39,120	$-1,779
4 Bedroom	$1,203	$4,010	$48,120	+$7,221

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$40,899

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$32,080

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$8,819

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 23.5%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Raton's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,022

Studio

$561/mo

1 BR

$666/mo

2 BR

$802/mo

3 BR

$978/mo

4 BR

$1,203/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Raton

Living in Raton is well within reach for most median-income earners. With a $8,819 cushion between what residents earn and what a 2-bedroom requires, households in Raton typically have meaningful financial flexibility after housing costs.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Raton, a studio at $561/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $978/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $39,120.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $48,120 would position you well — though many residents in Raton 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 Raton, New Mexico.

With a total population of 6,046, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 2,670 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $32,080 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

2,670

Active civilian employees in Raton

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Raton

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Raton under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $32,080. The median household income in Raton is $40,899.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Raton on $40,899?

The affordability verdict for Raton is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 23.5%, meaning median earners have a $8,819 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Raton is $666/month. With a median household income of $40,899, residents spend approximately 23.5% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Raton?

A studio in Raton rents for approximately $561/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $22,440 to afford this.

Is Raton considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $8,819 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Raton is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $32,080 to the local median household income.

How Raton Compares

Other cities in New Mexico with salary requirements