Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Doña Ana County, New Mexico
Doña Ana County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,073 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $934 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $20.63 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,073
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 16% less than in New Mexico
- Typical rent
- $934
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 12% less than in New Mexico
- Wage needed
- $20.63
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $42,920 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 54%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 8% more than in New Mexico
Only here
Renting in Doña Ana County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
-
Nearby, in Luna County, the typical rent is $650: 30% less than in Doña Ana County ($934).
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau (Average 2020–2024).
Fair market rent
What HUD sets for each size
Every year HUD (the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) publishes a Fair Market Rent (FMR) for each home size in Doña Ana County. It is used to work out how much a Section 8 voucher covers. The table shows what you need to earn to pay it without spending more than 30% of income.
The fair market rent covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone. HUD generally sets it at the 40th percentile: 4 in 10 standard-quality homes rented recently cost less. 24 CFR §888.113(a)
According to Zillow (ZORI), the typical asking rent in Doña Ana County was $1,472 a month in September 2026: 3.2% more than 12 months ago. It is an index of market listings, not a HUD limit. Zillow data
| Size | Fair rent per month | Hourly wage | Income needed per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $790 | $15.19 | $31,600 |
| 1 bedroom | $975 | $18.75 | $39,000 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,073 | $20.63 | $42,920 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,461 | $28.10 | $58,440 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,692 | $32.54 | $67,680 |
HUD area: Las Cruces, NM MSA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2027
By ZIP code
The fair market rent for your ZIP code
HUD also publishes fair market rents by ZIP code (Small Area FMRs) for 24 ZIP codes in Doña Ana County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,010 in 87937 to $1,520 in 88002. 7 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,073).
Where HUD designates these areas, or where the housing agency chooses to use them, the voucher is figured on the ZIP code's rent instead of the county's. Ask your agency which one it uses. 24 CFR §982.503(a)(1)
| 87936 | Las Cruces, NM | $790 | $970 | $1,070 | $1,460 | $1,690 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 87936 | Sierra County, NM | $790 | $970 | $1,070 | $1,460 | $1,690 |
| 87937 | Las Cruces, NM | $750 | $920 | $1,010 | $1,390 | $1,610 |
| 87940 | Las Cruces, NM | $820 | $1,010 | $1,110 | $1,510 | $1,750 |
| 87941 | Las Cruces, NM | $790 | $970 | $1,070 | $1,460 | $1,690 |
| 88001 | Las Cruces, NM | $790 | $970 | $1,070 | $1,460 | $1,690 |
| 88002 | Las Cruces, NM | $1,120 | $1,380 | $1,520 | $2,070 | $2,400 |
| 88003 | Las Cruces, NM | $790 | $970 | $1,070 | $1,460 | $1,690 |
| 88004 | Las Cruces, NM | $780 | $960 | $1,060 | $1,440 | $1,670 |
| 88005 | Las Cruces, NM | $780 | $960 | $1,060 | $1,440 | $1,670 |
| 88007 | Las Cruces, NM | $750 | $920 | $1,010 | $1,390 | $1,610 |
| 88008 | Las Cruces, NM | $990 | $1,220 | $1,340 | $1,820 | $2,110 |
| 88011 | Las Cruces, NM | $890 | $1,100 | $1,210 | $1,650 | $1,910 |
| 88012 | Las Cruces, NM | $1,060 | $1,310 | $1,440 | $1,960 | $2,270 |
| 88021 | Las Cruces, NM | $750 | $920 | $1,010 | $1,390 | $1,610 |
| 88024 | Las Cruces, NM | $750 | $920 | $1,010 | $1,390 | $1,610 |
| 88027 | Las Cruces, NM | $750 | $920 | $1,010 | $1,390 | $1,610 |
| 88044 | Las Cruces, NM | $770 | $930 | $1,050 | $1,410 | $1,620 |
| 88046 | Las Cruces, NM | $780 | $960 | $1,060 | $1,440 | $1,670 |
| 88047 | Las Cruces, NM | $800 | $980 | $1,080 | $1,470 | $1,700 |
| 88048 | Las Cruces, NM | $750 | $920 | $1,010 | $1,390 | $1,610 |
| 88052 | Las Cruces, NM | $950 | $1,170 | $1,290 | $1,750 | $2,030 |
| 88063 | Las Cruces, NM | $750 | $920 | $1,010 | $1,390 | $1,610 |
| 88072 | Las Cruces, NM | $750 | $920 | $1,010 | $1,390 | $1,610 |
- 87936 · Las Cruces, NM $1,070$1,460
- 87936 · Sierra County, NM $1,070$1,460
- 87937 · Las Cruces, NM $1,010$1,390
- 87940 · Las Cruces, NM $1,110$1,510
- 87941 · Las Cruces, NM $1,070$1,460
- 88001 · Las Cruces, NM $1,070$1,460
- 88002 · Las Cruces, NM $1,520$2,070
- 88003 · Las Cruces, NM $1,070$1,460
- 88004 · Las Cruces, NM $1,060$1,440
- 88005 · Las Cruces, NM $1,060$1,440
- 88007 · Las Cruces, NM $1,010$1,390
- 88008 · Las Cruces, NM $1,340$1,820
- 88011 · Las Cruces, NM $1,210$1,650
- 88012 · Las Cruces, NM $1,440$1,960
- 88021 · Las Cruces, NM $1,010$1,390
- 88024 · Las Cruces, NM $1,010$1,390
- 88027 · Las Cruces, NM $1,010$1,390
- 88044 · Las Cruces, NM $1,050$1,410
- 88046 · Las Cruces, NM $1,060$1,440
- 88047 · Las Cruces, NM $1,080$1,470
- 88048 · Las Cruces, NM $1,010$1,390
- 88052 · Las Cruces, NM $1,290$1,750
- 88063 · Las Cruces, NM $1,010$1,390
- 88072 · Las Cruces, NM $1,010$1,390
Source: Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD) Fiscal year 2027 Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD) (external site)
Rent burden
How many households spend too much
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Doña Ana County, 54% of renter households are in that position; in New Mexico, 50%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).
Paying too much rent leaves little for food, transportation and savings. If that is you, the agencies below can guide you for free.
54%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
29,315 households rent in Doña Ana County
- Spend half or more of their income 27%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 27%
- Spend less than 30% 46%
Compared with the state and the country
- Doña Ana 54%
- New Mexico 50%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Doña Ana County
HUD lists 42 properties with homes for low-income households in Doña Ana County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC), HUD-assisted buildings and public housing. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest.
- with tax credits (LIHTC)
- 30
- HUD-assisted
- 12
- public housing
- 2
2,223 homes in all; 2,115 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Walnut Grove Public housing 1102 E Mulberry Ave, Las Cruces 88001 248 low-income homes · Run by Mesilla Valley Public Housing Authority · Average payment: $349 a month · Average wait: 28 months · (575) 528-2000
- Desert Palms Tax credit (LIHTC) 2405 W Picacho Ave, Las Cruces 88007 100 low-income homes · Studio: 30 · 1 bd: 20 · 2 bd: 40 · 3 bd: 10 · In service since 2005
- Cimmaron Apts II Tax credit (LIHTC) 801 N Fourth St, Anthony 88021 83 low-income homes
- Montana Meadows Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 201 Montana Ave, Las Cruces 88005 81 homes, 80 low-income · 1 bd: 81 · In service since 2002 · For older adults · (575) 524-1873
- Vista Montana Tax credit (LIHTC) 316 E Foster Rd, Las Cruces 88005 80 homes, 79 low-income · 2 bd: 24 · 3 bd: 40 · 4 bd: 16 · In service since 2005
- Dona Ana Park I Apartments HUD-assisted 1900 N Solano Dr, Las Cruces 88001 73 low-income homes · For families · (575) 524-2524
- Stone Mountain Place Tax credit (LIHTC) 930 E Boutz Rd, Las Cruces 88001 84 homes, 72 low-income · 2 bd: 28 · 3 bd: 56 · In service since 2007
- Falcon Ridge Tax credit (LIHTC) 20 S Chile Capital Ln, Hatch 87937 71 low-income homes
- Montana Senior Village II Tax credit (LIHTC) 355 Montana Ave, Las Cruces 88005 84 homes, 60 low-income · 1 bd: 60 · 2 bd: 24 · In service since 2003 · For older adults
- Mira Vista Villas Tax credit (LIHTC) 2141 N Solano Dr, Las Cruces 88001 76 homes, 60 low-income · 1 bd: 76 · In service since 2003 · For older adults
- Santa Teresa Family Homes Tax credit (LIHTC) 100 Comerciantes BLVD, Santa Teresa 88008 74 homes, 60 low-income · 3 bd: 74 · In service since 2004
- Four Hills Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 2595 Mars Ave, Las Cruces 88012 72 homes, 60 low-income · 2 bd: 20 · 3 bd: 52 · In service since 2005 · For families
- Los Altos Villas Tax credit (LIHTC) 2301 El Camino Real, Las Cruces 88007 72 homes, 60 low-income · 2 bd: 18 · 3 bd: 54 · In service since 2007
- Robledo Ridge Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 1571 Medina Dr, Las Cruces 88007 71 homes, 60 low-income · For families · (575) 556-9820
- Cimmaron Apts I Tax credit (LIHTC) 825 N Fourth St, Anthony 88021 60 low-income homes · 2 bd: 28 · 3 bd: 32 · In service since 2006 · For families
- Dona Ana Park II Apartments HUD-assisted 1900 N Solano Dr, Las Cruces 88001 59 low-income homes · For families · (575) 524-2524
- Alta Tierra Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1500 E Madrid Ave, Las Cruces 88001 56 low-income homes
- Highland Park HUD-assisted 2013 S Triviz Dr, Las Cruces 88001 50 low-income homes · For families · (575) 522-4868
- Montana Senior Village I Tax credit (LIHTC) 370 Montana Ave, Las Cruces 88005 49 homes, 48 low-income · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 37 · In service since 2000
- Mesquite Village (las Cruces) Tax credit (LIHTC) 1851 N Mesquite St, Las Cruces 88001 48 low-income homes · 2 bd: 16 · 3 bd: 16 · 4 bd: 16 · In service since 2005
- Playa Apts Phase II Tax credit (LIHTC) 6301 Valle Vista DR, Sunland Park 88063 44 low-income homes
- Saint Genevieves Village HUD-assisted 1700 Mulberry Avenue, Las Cruces 88001 42 homes, 41 low-income · For older adults · (575) 523-5906
- Chaparral Senior Housing HUD-assisted 2350 Nevada Ave, Las Cruces 88001 40 low-income homes · For older adults · (575) 526-8333
- City of Sunland Park Housing Authority Public housing 101A Concepcion Ln, Sunland Park 88063 40 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Sunland Park · Average payment: $452 a month · Average wait: 74 months · (575) 589-9414
- Jardines Verdes HUD-assisted 1404 Burley Ct, Las Cruces 88005 40 low-income homes · For families · (575) 528-2000
- Loma del Norte Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 940 N Fourth ST, Anthony 88021 40 low-income homes · In service since 1991
- Playa Apts Phase I Tax credit (LIHTC) 142 Linda Vista Dr, Sunland Park 88063 36 low-income homes · In service since 1993
- Valle Verde I Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 350 Bianes Street, Placitas 87937 36 low-income homes · 1 bd: 6 · 2 bd: 12 · 3 bd: 16 · 4 bd: 2 · In service since 2019 · For families
- Valle Verde Apartments HUD-assisted 346 Baines St, Hatch 87937 35 low-income homes · For families · (575) 267-4308
- Villa del Sol Senior Housing HUD-assisted 5925 Valle Vista, Sunland Park 88063 30 low-income homes · For older adults · (575) 589-1627
- Franklin Vista Apts V Tax credit (LIHTC) 505 Curry Ct, Anthony 88021 29 homes, 28 low-income · 2 bd: 24 · 3 bd: 5 · In service since 2002
- Franklin Vista Apts III Tax credit (LIHTC) 840 Hettinga St, Anthony 88021 28 low-income homes · In service since 1992
- Meadow Vista Homes Tax credit (LIHTC) 329 Meadow Vista Blvd, Sunland Park 88063 27 low-income homes · In service since 1997
- Valle Verde Apts II Tax credit (LIHTC) 360 Bianes St, Hatch 87937 25 homes, 24 low-income · 2 bd: 6 · 3 bd: 11 · 4 bd: 8 · In service since 2003
- Franklin Vista Apts Vi Tax credit (LIHTC) 855 Clark Ave, Anthony 88021 24 low-income homes
- Franklin Vista Apts Vii Tax credit (LIHTC) 855 Clark Ave, Anthony 88021 24 low-income homes
- Franklin Vista Apts IV Tax credit (LIHTC) 705 Curry Ct, Anthony 88021 21 low-income homes · 1 bd: 5 · 2 bd: 16 · In service since 1999
- Meadow Vista Apts II Tax credit (LIHTC) 327 Meadow Vista Blvd, Sunland Park 88063 16 low-income homes · 2 bd: 8 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 1999
- Abode Group Home HUD-assisted 1845 Sexton St, Las Cruces 88001 15 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (575) 523-2219
- Brooks Hindes Tax credit (LIHTC) 5241 Stagecoach LN, Las Cruces 88011 15 low-income homes
- Casa de Corazones HUD-assisted 701 Stull Dr, Las Cruces 88001 15 homes, 14 low-income · For people with disabilities · (575) 523-5730
- Valle Verde Apts III Tax credit (LIHTC) 360 Bianes St, Hatch 87937 10 low-income homes · 3 bd: 6 · 4 bd: 4 · In service since 2003
2 properties have two programs at the same address and appear once. Search HUD's map
Source: HUD, retrieved November 6, 2026. LIHTC database, updated May 14, 2025; Assisted multifamily properties, updated October 23, 2026; Public housing developments, updated October 23, 2026.
Section 8
The Section 8 voucher in Doña Ana County
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. Your public housing agency runs it. 2 agencies serve in Doña Ana County. Here is what the rules say:
The rules, with their source
-
You apply at the public housing agency. If you qualify, your name usually goes on a waiting list. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or noncitizens with eligible status as HUD defines it. Source: HUD
-
Generally, your family must have very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income, by family size (the middle column of the table). Source: 24 CFR §5.603, §982.201(b)
-
Each year, at least 75% of the families an agency admits from its list must have extremely low income (the 30% column). Source: 24 CFR §982.201(b)(2)
-
If the rent is below the payment standard, the family generally pays 30% of its adjusted monthly income. If it is above, the family pays more. Source: 24 CFR §982.1(a)(3)
-
When you move in, if the rent is above the payment standard, your share cannot go over 40% of your adjusted monthly income. Source: 24 CFR §982.508
-
Each agency sets a payment standard for each size. Without asking HUD, it can go from 90% to 110% of the fair market rent. Source: 24 CFR §982.503(b), (c)
| People | Extremely low (30%) | Very low (50%) | Low |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $16,350 | $27,200 | $43,550 |
| 2 people | $21,640 | $31,100 | $49,750 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $35,000 | $55,950 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $38,850 | $62,150 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $42,000 | $67,150 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $45,100 | $72,100 |
| 7 people | $48,200 | $48,200 | $77,100 |
| 8 people | $51,300 | $51,300 | $82,050 |
Area median income: $79,900. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Las Cruces, NM MSA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $711 – $869
- 1 bedroom $878 – $1,073
- 2 bedrooms $966 – $1,180
- 3 bedrooms $1,315 – $1,607
- 4 bedrooms $1,523 – $1,861
The range the rule allows: 90% to 110% of the county's fair market rent. Your agency publishes its own.
Housing agencies that serve this place
- Mesilla Valley Public Housing Authority Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 1,686 vouchers · 248 public housing units (575) 528-2000 Mesilla Valley Public Housing Authority: jolvera@mvpha.org
- Housing Authority of the City of Sunland Park Public housing · 40 public housing units (575) 589-9414 Housing Authority of the City of Sunland Park: Martha.Portillo@sunlandpark-nm.gov
Housing agencies in New Mexico Source: HUD, Retrieved November 6, 2026
Your rights as a tenant in New Mexico
What New Mexico law says about deposits, notices and eviction, with the citation for each rule.
See your rights, rule by ruleCompare these rules with other states →
A summary of state law, not legal advice. Cities may have additional rules.
- If I fall behind on rent, what notice must I get?
- 3 days
- NMSA 1978, §47-8-33(D)
- How much notice ends a month-to-month rental?
- 30 days
- NMSA 1978, §47-8-37(A)-(B)
- Only a court order can remove youNMSA 1978, §47-8-36; §47-8-33
Help
Where to get help with rent in Doña Ana County
This HUD-approved agency has an office in Doña Ana County. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
Tierra del Sol Housing
210 E Idaho Ave, Las Cruces · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 7 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Doña Ana County. Change the rent, the deposit and the fees to yours: the numbers stay in your browser.
Count power on top of the rent: in New Mexico, the average home bill was $93 a month in 2024 (EIA). See electricity and gas costs
Your move
We use the place's fair market rent and the state's deposit rule.
Adjust advanced details
Let's do the math
Cash to move in
$2,146
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,073
- Security deposit
- $1,073
- Total
- $2,146
When you'll have it
Enter what you can set aside each month to see how long it takes.
What helps
- Ask for a receipt for every payment and keep a copy of the lease.
- On move-in day, walk through the home and take dated photos.
- Never send money for a home you haven't seen or a lease you haven't read.
This is a planning estimate, not a price. What you are asked for depends on the landlord, your lease and your state's and city's rules. It is not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
What is the fair market rent in Doña Ana County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $790; 1 bedroom: $975; 2 bedrooms: $1,073; 3 bedrooms: $1,461; 4 bedrooms: $1,692. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Doña Ana County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,073) without spending more than 30% of income takes $20.63 an hour full time, or $42,920 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Doña Ana County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $38,850 a year (Fiscal year 2026). The family usually pays 30% of its adjusted monthly income. You apply at the housing agency.
How much does Section 8 pay in Doña Ana County?
The voucher pays up to your housing agency's payment standard, minus your share. The rule lets the agency set it between 90% and 110% of the fair market rent: for 2 bedrooms here, between $966 and $1,180 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Doña Ana County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,010 in 87937 to $1,520 in 88002. Where HUD designates these areas, or where the housing agency chooses to use them, the voucher is figured on the ZIP code's rent instead of the county's. Ask your agency which one it uses.
How many low-income apartments are there in Doña Ana County?
HUD lists 42 properties with homes for low-income households in Doña Ana County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC), HUD-assisted buildings and public housing. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest. For tax-credit apartments and HUD-assisted buildings, you apply directly at the building's management office. They tell you whether units are open and how to apply; HUD does not have that information.
How many households spend too much on rent in Doña Ana County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Doña Ana County, 54% of renter households are in that position; in New Mexico, 50%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).