Unaffordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in University Park?

To afford a 2-bedroom in University Park, you need to earn at least $37,920/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $23,375, which means the typical resident is $14,545 below the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 2,744

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$664	$2,213	$26,560	+$3,185
1 Bedroom	$787	$2,623	$31,480	+$8,105
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$948	$3,160	$37,920	+$14,545
3 Bedroom	$1,157	$3,857	$46,280	+$22,905
4 Bedroom	$1,422	$4,740	$56,880	+$33,505

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$23,375

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$37,920

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

-$14,545

Deficit

Verdict

Unaffordable

Ratio: 48.7%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in University Park

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with University Park's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$584

Studio

$664/mo

1 BR

$787/mo

2 BR

$948/mo

3 BR

$1,157/mo

4 BR

$1,422/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in University Park.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to University Park

Renting in University Park is unaffordable for most median earners. The $14,545 income gap means a 2-bedroom at $948/month requires significant above-median earnings or a dual-income household to be sustainable.

For those committed to University Park, the realistic options are: (1) target a studio at $664/month, which requires $26,560/year — closer to the median; (2) find a roommate for a 2-bedroom, cutting individual costs to ~$474/month; or (3) negotiate remote work and live in a more affordable New Mexico city.

To live comfortably in University Park without financial strain, you realistically need a household income of $56,880 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 University Park, New Mexico.

With a total population of 2,744, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 1,058 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $37,920 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

1,058

Active civilian employees in University Park

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in University Park

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in University Park under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $37,920. The median household income in University Park is $23,375.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in University Park on $23,375?

The affordability verdict for University Park is "Unaffordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 48.7%, meaning there's a $14,545 income gap.

What is the average rent in University Park compared to median income?

The median gross rent in University Park is $787/month. With a median household income of $23,375, residents spend approximately 48.7% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in University Park?

A studio in University Park rents for approximately $664/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $26,560 to afford this.

Is University Park considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the deficit of $14,545 and an affordability verdict of "Unaffordable", University Park is considered a unaffordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $37,920 to the local median household income.

How University Park Compares

Other cities in New Mexico with salary requirements