Average Rent in Los Alamos County, NM↑ Rents rising 3.4% YoY🔺 2nd priciest in NM
HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 19,374
Market Overview
Los Alamos County, NM has rental prices ranging from $997/month to $2,366/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $1,074/month — 23% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $143,188/year, spending $1,074/month on a 1-bedroom represents 9% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.
How Los Alamos County Compares
With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,409/month, Los Alamos County ranks #2 most expensive of the 30 cities tracked in New Mexico — pricier than 90% of all US cities in our data.
The Los Alamos County Rental Market
The Los Alamos County, NM area has a population of about 19,374 and 26% of households renting rather than owning. That renter share runs below the US average of ~34%, a more homeowner-heavy market where rental inventory can be limited.
Rent Trends
2-bedroom rents in Los Alamos County, NM have risen by $46/month (3.4%) over the past year, from $1,363 to $1,409. This modest growth is consistent with broader inflationary trends seen across US rental markets.
Affordability
To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Los Alamos County, NM without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $42,960. The local median household income of $143,188 exceeds that threshold by $100,228, making Los Alamos County relatively accessible compared to local wages.
Economy & Jobs
Los Alamos County, NM has an unemployment rate of 2.7%, 1.2 percentage points below the national average of 3.9%. Strong employment conditions typically sustain rental demand, as workers relocate to the area and local residents maintain stable housing.
Fair Market Rents
HUD FY2025Is Los Alamos County, NM Affordable?
Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.
Affordability Index(30% income rule)
Nearby Cities in NMlargest metros in the state
| City | Studio | 1BR | 2BR | 3BR | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Albuquerque | $913 | $1,084 | $1,331 | $1,865 | — |
| Las Cruces | $741 | $940 | $1,041 | $1,447 | — |
| Santa Fe | $1,235 | $1,368 | $1,627 | $2,057 | — |
| Farmington | $841 | $855 | $1,034 | $1,449 | — |
| Lea County | $806 | $862 | $1,131 | $1,397 | — |
| McKinley County | $652 | $799 | $951 | $1,169 | — |
Rent or Buy in Los Alamos County?
Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.
Should I Rent or Buy?
Break-even analysis using real Los Alamos County data
Buying breaks even after 1 year — worth it if you stay 1+ years.
Living in Los Alamos County
Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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💵Rent Affordability in Los Alamos CountySalary needed to afford rent here
🗺️All Cities in NMSee how Los Alamos County ranks statewide
⚖️Compare Los Alamos CountySide-by-side rent & cost of living with any city
📋NM Tenant RightsDeposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections