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County in New Mexico

Bernalillo County, New Mexico

With 673,930 residents, Bernalillo County is the most populous county in New Mexico. In Bernalillo County, the FHA loan limit for a one-unit home is $541,287, and a typical home is worth $292,900. To rent a 2-bedroom apartment at Fair Market Rent ($1,384 a month) without going over 30% of your income, you need to earn about $26.62 an hour.

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  • Typical home price

    $292,900

    +18% vs. New Mexico −12% vs. U.S.

    Half of owner-occupied homes are worth more and half are worth less.

    • Bernalillo
    • New Mexico
    • United States

    Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Average 2020–2024

  • Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms

    $1,384 a month

    +8% vs. New Mexico −21% vs. U.S.

    HUD's reference rent for a two-bedroom apartment, with basic utilities.

    • Bernalillo
    • New Mexico
    • United States

    Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2027

  • FHA limit 2026, 1 unit

    $541,287

    FHA national floor limit

    The most you can borrow with an FHA loan for a one-unit home here.

    • Bernalillo
    • Floor
    • Ceiling

    Source: HUD, 2026 data

  • Property tax

    0.90% of value per year

    +29% vs. New Mexico −4% vs. U.S.

    $2,629 a year for the typical owner

    • Bernalillo
    • New Mexico
    • United States

    Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Average 2020–2024

Market now, with Zillow data

Zillow data
Typical home value
$347,674
1.7% more than 12 months ago
Typical rent
$1,452 a month
1.4% more than 12 months ago

From Zillow (ZHVI/ZORI), September 2026. The Census figures above are 5-year averages (2020–2024).

Data from October 2026

In short

What is housing like in Bernalillo County today?

With an FHA loan and the minimum down payment, a typical home would cost about $2,420 a month: 42% of the typical household income here. For that payment to be 28% of income, a household would need to earn about $103,694 a year; the typical income here is $69,473. The typical home value is 18% more than in New Mexico overall. 65% of households own their home, fewer than in New Mexico (70%). The typical property tax is $2,629 a year (about 0.9% of home value), higher than in New Mexico.

52% of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on housing.

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau (Average 2020–2024).

Only here

What sets Bernalillo County apart

  1. Nearby, in Socorro County, the typical home value is $137,500: 53% less than in Bernalillo County ($292,900).

  2. Among the neighboring counties, Socorro County has the lowest typical rent ($691), 40% below the $1,144 in Bernalillo County.

  3. At 0.9%, Bernalillo County ranks 2nd among the 31 counties in New Mexico with this figure for the highest effective property tax rate.

  4. Bernalillo County has the 3rd lowest homeownership rate of the 33 counties in New Mexico (65%).

  5. From 2020 to 2025, home prices in Bernalillo County rose 53% on FHFA's index, faster than in New Mexico (50%).

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau (Average 2020–2024); FHFA (2025 data).

The homes here

Housing in Bernalillo County

What homes there are in Bernalillo County, what they cost, how that changed and how people live, from Census figures (2020–2024).

What homes there are

U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year, 2020–2024

Kind of home

The detached house is the most common home in Bernalillo County: 64% of homes, near the figure in New Mexico (65%).

Year built

In Bernalillo County, half of the homes were built before 1982; in New Mexico, before 1985.

Much as in New Mexico, 61% of homes in Bernalillo County have 3 bedrooms or more.

All homes, occupied or empty. A figure the Census cannot measure precisely enough here is not shown.

Census tables: B25024, B25034, B25035, B25041

What it costs here

U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year, 2020–2024

Value of owner-occupied homes

About 88% of owner-occupied homes in Bernalillo County are worth less than the FHA loan limit for this county ($541,287).

Monthly rent with utilities

About 65% of rented homes in Bernalillo County cost less than HUD's 2-bedroom fair market rent for this county ($1,384); the rest cost more.

With a mortgage

$1,615 a month

New Mexico: $1,564 a month

Without a mortgage

$538 a month

New Mexico: $451 a month

Owners with a mortgage

63%

New Mexico: 52%

Owning costs about the same in Bernalillo County as in New Mexico: with a mortgage, $1,615 a month; without one, $538.

Value: what owners think their home is worth. Rent: rent plus utilities, for homes of every size. The FHA limit is the most an FHA loan (Federal Housing Administration) lends for a one-unit home; the fair market rent (FMR) is the one HUD uses for housing vouchers.

Census tables: B25075, B25063, B25088, B25081

How it changed

U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year, 2015–2019 and 2020–2024

Change since 2015–2019

The typical home value in Bernalillo County rose 47% since 2015–2019, about the same as in New Mexico (45%).

The typical rent in Bernalillo County rose 31% over the same time; in New Mexico, it rose 26%.

To compare: typical income in Bernalillo County rose 30%; the home, +47%; the rent, +31%.

Change between two 5-year periods that do not overlap, in each period's dollars, not adjusted for inflation.

Census tables: B25077, B25064, B19013

How people live

U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year, 2020–2024

MeasureBernalillo CountyNew MexicoUnited States
Rental vacancy 5.6%5.9%5.5%
Homeowner vacancy 0.7%1.0%0.9%
More than one person per room 2.7%3.3%3.4%
People per household 2.322.482.53
Drive alone 71%74%69%
Carpool 10%10%9%
Public transit 1%1%3%
Walk or bike 3%2%3%
Work from home 15%12%15%
Other means 1%1%2%
Typical commute 20 to 29 minutes10 to 19 minutes20 to 29 minutes

Much as in New Mexico, the rental vacancy rate in Bernalillo County is 5.6%.

More than one person per room: that is how 2.7% of households in Bernalillo County live, near the figure in New Mexico (3.3%).

Fewer people live in each home here: 2.32 on average, against 2.48 in New Mexico.

To get to work, 71% of workers in Bernalillo County drive alone; in New Mexico, 74%.

Vacancy: empty homes offered for rent or for sale. Rooms: every room in the home, not only bedrooms. Commute: the minute range of the typical worker.

Census tables: B25004, B25003, B25014, B25010, B08301, B08303

Do the math

What would you pay each month in Bernalillo County?

A typical home costs more than the typical income allows

We start with a typical home of $292,900, an FHA loan with 3.5% down and the latest average rate (7.18%). That payment would take 42% of the typical household income here, which is $69,473 a year. For that payment to be 28% of income, a household would need to earn about $103,694 a year.

Your numbers

Local data
$

Starts at the typical home value in Bernalillo County. Change it to the price you have in mind.

Loan type
Your credit score

Your score changes which loans apply and FHA's minimum down payment. Your real rate also depends on your credit.

Down payment
%

That is $10,252 (3.5% of the price). The usual minimum for this loan is 3.5%.

This week's average ± a quarter or half point.

Term

National average as of November 5, 2026 (Freddie Mac); your rate may be different.

Adjust advanced details

Estimated monthly payment

Local data

$2,420

at 7.18% · 30 years

Loan amount
$287,594
Total interest
$413,781
Paid off in
November 2056

Includes $4,946 FHA upfront mortgage insurance premium.

Does it fit the income?

  • Comfortable

    up to $1,621 a month

  • Tight

    $1,621 to $2,084 a month

  • Hard

    more than $2,084 a month

    Your payment · 42%

Compared with the typical household income in Bernalillo County ($69,473 a year). Reference: HUD calls paying more than 30% of income for housing a cost burden.

Show the result as
per month$2,420
Principal & interest$1,948
Property tax$220
Home insurance$122
FHA mortgage insurance (MIP)$130

You need at least $10,252 for the down payment, plus closing costs.

Next step

This is an estimate to give you an idea, not a loan offer. Your real payment depends on your rate, your credit, and the insurance and taxes on the home you buy.

Buying a home

Buying a home in Bernalillo County

Here you'll see how prices have changed, how Bernalillo County compares with New Mexico and the country, and what you'd pay each month with four kinds of loans.

How have home prices changed?

According to the FHFA House Price Index, home prices in Bernalillo County rose 86% in the 10 years through 2025. FHFA's index follows the price of the same homes over the years.

Period Here New Mexico United States
In 2025 +2.9% +3.1% +2.9%
5 years (2020–2025) +53% +50% +47%
10 years (2015–2025) +86% +82% +85%
See each year's change

The index follows the prices of the same homes over time (sales and appraisals on loans bought or guaranteed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac). It is not the average price of a home. FHFA considers its annual county indexes experimental. Source: FHFA, 2025 data

Bernalillo County compared with New Mexico and the United States

Home value, rent and household income, side by side. "Typical" is the median: half are above it and half below.

Typical home value
  • Bernalillo $292,900
  • New Mexico $248,100
  • United States $332,700
Typical rent a month
  • Bernalillo $1,144
  • New Mexico $1,067
  • United States $1,413
Typical household income a year
  • Bernalillo $69,473
  • New Mexico $64,059
  • United States $80,734
See the full table
Bernalillo compared with New Mexico and the United States
MeasureHereNew MexicoU.S.
Residents673,9302,120,246334,922,499
Typical home value$292,900$248,100$332,700
Typical household income$69,473$64,059$80,734
Typical rent$1,144$1,067$1,413
Fair Market Rent (2 bedrooms)$1,384$1,282$1,750
Hourly wage to rent a 2-bedroom$26.62$24.65$33.65
Typical property tax$2,629$1,731$3,119
Effective tax rate0.9%0.7%0.94%
Households that own their home65%70%65%
Renters spending 30% or more on rent52%50%51%
FHA limit (1 unit)*$541,287$541,287$541,287

FHA limit: New Mexico shows the median of its counties; the United States, the national floor. Download CSV

Four ways to pay for a typical home in Bernalillo County

For a typical $292,900 home at Freddie Mac's average rate (7.18% as of November 5, 2026) over 30 years. The monthly payment adds principal and interest, the county's property tax, an example homeowners insurance and mortgage insurance when it applies.

Loan Monthly payment Down payment Loan amount Rate Mortgage insurance Cash to close Minimum score
FHA, 3.5% down $2,420 $10,252 $287,595 7.18% FHA MIP · $130 $19,039 580
Conventional, 5% down $2,366 $14,645 $278,255 7.18% PMI · $139 $23,432 620*
Conventional, 20% down, no PMI $1,929 $58,580 $234,320 7.18% None $67,367 620*
ITIN, 15% down (example) $2,200 $43,935 $248,965 8.18% None $52,722 Set by the lender
  • Cash to close = down payment plus 3% of the price in closing costs (example).
  • Minimum score: FHA requires 580 or higher for the minimum down payment (HUD Handbook 4000.1). * Fannie Mae requires 620 when a loan is underwritten by hand; its automated system has no fixed minimum.
  • The ITIN row is an example with a rate 1 percentage point higher: ITIN loans follow no federal rule and each lender sets its own down payment and rate. Nothing in this table promises an approval.

Everything about buying in Bernalillo County: income, limits and help How much house can I afford? Closing costs

Loan limits

FHA loans in Bernalillo County use the national floor limit: it isn't a high-cost area. If the loan you need is above these amounts, it doesn't fit FHA or it becomes a "jumbo" loan.

VA loans. If you have full VA entitlement, VA doesn't cap the loan amount. If you've used part of your entitlement, the calculation uses the county limit ($832,750 for one unit). VA loan limits (va.gov)

USDA loans. They're for homes in eligible rural areas and households with incomes within USDA's limit. Check whether the address and your income qualify on the official site. USDA eligibility (usda.gov)

Home type FHA limit Conforming limit
1 unit $541,287 $832,750
2 units $693,050 $1,066,250
3 units $837,700 $1,288,800
4 units $1,041,125 $1,601,750

Source: HUD, 2026 data · Source: FHFA, 2026 data

Taxes and risks

Property tax and flooding in Bernalillo County

Two costs that change a lot from place to place and that a house payment does include: property tax and, in risk zones, flood insurance.

Property tax

In Bernalillo County, the typical owner pays $2,629 a year: about 0.90% of the home's value. That is more than the rest of New Mexico and close to the national average.

  • Bernalillo 0.90%
  • New Mexico 0.70%
  • United States 0.94%

What New Mexico publishes 3 percent cap on the yearly increase in your home's taxable value (New Mexico Legislative Finance Committee ("Property Taxes in New Mexico" brief))

Exemptions and deadlines in New Mexico

Is there a flood risk?

According to FEMA, in Bernalillo County 0.9% of homes (2,123) are in a high-risk flood zone. Of those homes, 29% have NFIP flood insurance.

  • A high-risk zone (Special Flood Hazard Area) has a 1% or greater chance of flooding each year. (44 CFR 59.1)
  • If the home is in that zone and the loan comes from a regulated lender, federal law requires flood insurance for the life of the loan, in communities that take part in the NFIP. (42 U.S.C. 4012a)
  • Most homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage. (FEMA, FloodSmart)

Source: FEMA, As of August 3, 2026

Look up your address on FEMA’s map

Owning a home here

Owning a home in Bernalillo County

The natural hazards FEMA measures in Bernalillo County, a maintenance plan for your climate and what the trades earn in your area.

Risks to your home

FEMA, National Risk Index 1.20.0 (December 2025)

According to FEMA, the natural hazard risk in Bernalillo County is relatively high.

To rate it, FEMA weighs the expected loss with social vulnerability and community resilience.

In all, FEMA estimates natural hazards cause about $154 million in losses a year in Bernalillo County, across buildings, people and crops.

Of all the hazards, FEMA expects inland flooding to do the most damage to buildings: about $88.9 million a year.

Loss FEMA expects each year to homes and buildings, by hazard
  1. Inland floodingRelatively high $88.9 million a year
  2. EarthquakeRelatively moderate $24.7 million a year
  3. WildfireRelatively moderate $3.1 million a year
  4. TornadoRelatively low $731,025 a year
  5. Winter weatherVery high $105,001 a year

What it means for your home

The ratings are FEMA's own. FEMA says its data is meant for planning and does not replace a local study. Drought is not shown: FEMA counts its loss in crops only.

National Risk Index, version 1.20.0 (December 2025), retrieved November 6, 2026

FEMA notice: This product uses the Federal Emergency Management Agency's National Risk Index dataset API or downloadable datasets but is not endorsed by FEMA. The Federal Government or FEMA cannot vouch for the data or analyses derived from these data after the data have been retrieved from the Agency's website(s).

Climate and upkeep

Department of Energy (PNNL), 2021 IECC zones

The home energy code (IECC) puts Bernalillo County in zone 4B: mixed and dry.

The zone's number says how hot or cold it gets; the letter says how humid: A is moist, B is dry and C is marine.

  • Spring

    • Book the air conditioner's check-up before the heat: ENERGY STAR advises checking the cooling system in the spring, because contractors get busy once summer comes. ENERGY STAR (EPA)
    • Check that the ground slopes away from the house, so water does not collect around the foundation. EPA

  • Summer

    • Before extreme heat: cover windows with drapes or shades, weather-strip doors and windows, and insulate around window air conditioners. Ready.gov (FEMA)
    • Keep the air conditioner's drip pan clean and its drain line flowing: a plugged drain can cause water damage in the house. ENERGY STAR (EPA)

  • Fall

    • Book the heating check-up in the fall. If it runs on gas or oil, the technician should check the connections: faulty ones are a fire hazard. ENERGY STAR (EPA)
    • Clean and repair the roof gutters. EPA

  • Winter

    • Get the house ready for the cold with insulation, caulking and weather stripping, and learn how to keep pipes from freezing. Ready.gov (FEMA)
    • Look for drafts at windows and doors: close the window on a piece of paper; if it moves back and forth easily, it needs thicker weather stripping. ENERGY STAR (EPA)

All year

  • Check the air filter every month, especially in heavy-use months. If it looks dirty, change it; change it at least every 3 months. ENERGY STAR (EPA)
  • Test the smoke alarms every month and replace their batteries at least once a year. USFA (FEMA)

Each task comes from the official page beside it. The spring air-conditioning and fall heating check-ups are the timing ENERGY STAR advises; the rest is a suggested order.

Climate zones by county, 2021 IECC

What the trades charge here

BLS, wages for May 2025

TradeTypical hourly wage8 in 10 earn between
Electricians$28.43$17.62 and $39.09
Plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters$30.72$17.93 and $42.27
Heating, air conditioning and refrigeration mechanics$27.46$18.36 and $36.43
Roofers$22.01$17.97 and $36.83
Carpenters$28.89$20.00 and $38.20
Painters, construction and maintenance$22.21$18.35 and $30.50
Maintenance and repair workers, general$22.55$16.44 and $37.68

According to BLS, an electrician earns about $28.43 an hour in the Albuquerque, NM area; a plumber, about $30.72.

These are workers' hourly wages, not the price of a job.

Need help paying for a repair?

Renting

Renting in Bernalillo County

The typical rent in Bernalillo County is $1,144 a month. HUD also publishes a “fair market rent” by unit size: it's the one programs like Section 8 use.

52% of renter households in Bernalillo County spend 30% or more of their income on housing. 28% spend half or more.

Fair market rent by size

To pay the fair market rent without spending more than 30% of income, working full time (40 hours a week).

Size Fair rent a month Hourly wage Income needed per year
Studio $977 $18.79 $39,080
1 bedroom $1,112 $21.38 $44,480
2 bedrooms $1,384 $26.62 $55,360
3 bedrooms $1,902 $36.58 $76,080
4 bedrooms $2,242 $43.12 $89,680

Includes basic utilities. It isn't the lowest or highest rent: it's a reference point. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2027

Free help in Bernalillo County

Programs and counseling in Bernalillo County

There are 4 HUD-approved housing counseling agencies in Bernalillo County. They can help you get ready to buy, with your credit, with rent, or if you've fallen behind on payments.

Official programs for the down payment and loans for buyers. Check which ones you might qualify for with your income and your county.

A father and mother walk their son by the hand down the sidewalk.

HUD counseling is free or low-cost

New Mexico down payment programs

  1. FirstDown

    New Mexico state agency fixed-rate second mortgage for the down payment and closing costs of first-time buyers, together with the FirstHome mortgage

    First-time buyers only. Run by Housing New Mexico (New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority, MFA).

    Repayable Verified November 5, 2026

  2. HomeNow

    New Mexico state agency fixed $7,000 second mortgage for the down payment and closing costs of low-income first-time buyers; no monthly payments and forgivable after 10 years

    First-time buyers only. Run by Housing New Mexico (New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority, MFA).

    Forgivable Verified November 5, 2026

  3. FirstDown Plus

    New Mexico state agency fixed $10,000 third loan at 0%, for the down payment only, added to FirstDown or HomeNow; repaid in monthly installments over 15 years

    First-time buyers only. Run by Housing New Mexico (New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority, MFA).

    Repayable Verified November 5, 2026

Which programs do I qualify for? See all New Mexico programs

Help in Spanish in Bernalillo County

1 of the 4 agencies on this list says it serves in Spanish.

Ask for service in Spanish

When you call, say “Spanish, please” or ask if someone speaks Spanish. If not, ask whether they offer an interpreter.

Public housing agencies

They run public housing and Section 8 vouchers (Housing Choice Vouchers) in this county.

  • City of Albuquerque Housing Authority Public housing and Section 8 vouchers (505) 764-3920
  • Bernalillo County Housing Department Public housing and Section 8 vouchers (505) 314-0200

Free legal help

If you have a problem with your landlord, an eviction notice or a scam, the Legal Services Corporation (LSC) search shows the free legal aid offices that serve your area.

Find legal aid (lsc.gov)

Housing counseling nearby

These agencies have an office in Bernalillo County. The full list is on the New Mexico counselors page. Official HUD list. Confirm hours and fees with the agency before you go.

  • Homewise, Inc.

    500 2nd St. SW, Albuquerque · Spanish

    Also serves in American Sign Language (ASL).

    • Budget and credit workshops
    • Pre-purchase counseling
    • and 1 more
    (505) 243-6566

  • Southwest Neighborhood Housing Services, Inc.

    6301 4th St NW Ste 5, Los Ranchos

    • Mortgage delinquency and default
    • Mortgage delinquency workshops
    • and 7 more
    (505) 243-5511

  • Tiwa Lending Services

    117A Tribal Road 40, Isleta

    • Mortgage delinquency and default
    • Budget and financial counseling
    • and 6 more
    (505) 916-0556
See every agency in New Mexico

Places

Cities in Bernalillo County

Each city has its own page with prices, rents and help. These are the largest.

See all 4 cities of Bernalillo County

Nearby counties

Each row compares its typical value, typical rent and FHA limit with Bernalillo County.

Read next

Guides that help here

We picked them by this county's numbers: what weighs most here is what's worth understanding first.

Frequently asked questions

What is the FHA loan limit in Bernalillo County in 2026?

Bernalillo County has an FHA limit of $541,287 for a one-unit home. For 2 units it's $693,050, for 3 it's $837,700 and for 4 it's $1,041,125. It's the national floor limit.

What is the conforming loan limit in Bernalillo County?

Bernalillo County has a conforming limit of $832,750 for one-unit conventional loans in 2026. A bigger loan is a “jumbo” loan.

How much does a typical home cost in Bernalillo County?

The typical home value in Bernalillo County is $292,900 (Average 2020–2024, U.S. Census). Across New Mexico it's $248,100.

How much does it cost to rent in Bernalillo County?

Bernalillo County has a typical rent of $1,144 a month (Average 2020–2024, U.S. Census). HUD's fair market rent for a 2-bedroom apartment is $1,384 (Fiscal year 2027).

How much do you need to earn to rent a 2-bedroom apartment in Bernalillo County?

About $26.62 an hour working full time (2,080 hours a year), or $55,360 a year, so the fair market rent of $1,384 stays under 30% of income.

Sources: American Community Survey (Average 2020–2024); FHA mortgage limits (2026 data); Conforming loan limits (2026 data); Fair Market Rents (Fiscal year 2027); Income Limits (Fiscal year 2026); HUD-approved housing counseling agencies (Retrieved November 6, 2026); Public Housing Agencies (Retrieved November 6, 2026); Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey (As of November 5, 2026); FHFA House Price Index (2025 data); Homes with flood insurance (As of August 3, 2026); National Risk Index (2025 data); IECC climate zones by county (2021 data); Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (2025 data); Census Bureau cartographic boundary files (2024 data).