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City Report · NM

Roswell

Pop. 47,638·11th most expensive in New Mexico·Roswell rents are up 9.9% over the past year
Median rent (all units)
$1,399/mo
Year-over-Year
+9.9%
Month-over-Month
+5.5%
vs US Median
-$566
Rising (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Roswell · $1,399
More affordable than 82% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Rent Reality Score
43/100
Fairly priced
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 4% above what Roswell's 10-year trend predicts — running hotter than its own history.

Actual rent
$1,399/mo
Expected by trend
$1,351/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Roswell's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$750
1 BR
$800
2 BR
$1,030
3 BR
$1,330
4 BR+
$1,530
Research median
$1,030/mo

Bedroom estimates are gross rents that include essential utilities (electricity, water, gas, sewer, trash).

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: July 20, 2026

Annual cost
$16,788/yr
At $1,399/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Strong Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are up 9.9% year-over-year. Expect competition, and move quickly to lock in terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+9.9% YoY, +5.5% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Roswell, NM is majority owner-occupied, has a median income below the national average, 18.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
47,638
Median income
$51,583
Median age
37.1
Renters
31.4%
Age distribution
24.7%
23.2%
24.5%
16%
Under 1824.7%
18–3423.2%
35–5424.5%
55–6411.6%
65+16%
Gender
49.6%
50.4%
Male49.6%
Female50.4%
Race & ethnicity
52.3%
60.7%
White52.3%
Black1.9%
Hispanic60.7%
Asian2%
Education (25+)
18.9%
29.3%
33.2%
18.6%
No HS diploma18.9%
HS diploma29.3%
Some college33.2%
Bachelor's+18.6%
Housing tenure
68.6%
31.4%
Owner68.6%
Renter31.4%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates

2023 vs 2026

How Roswell, NM has changed in 5 years

Rent
$1,283 → $1,399
up 9.0%
Income
$46,034 → $51,583
up 12.1%
Population
48,347 → 47,638
down 1.5%
Renter share
36.5% → 31.4%
-5.1 pts
Bachelor's+
17.8% → 18.6%
+0.8 pts
Median age
35.3 → 37.1
+1.8 yrs

The median rent in Roswell, NM stood at $1,283 in 2023 and currently runs about $1,399, reflecting a 9.0% increase over the period. On the earnings side, the typical household in Roswell, NM now reports about $51,583, up from $46,034 in 2021. On paper, paychecks moved up faster than rent, which softens the affordability squeeze versus the 2021 baseline. The population has contracted by 1.5% since 2021, moving from about 48,347 residents to roughly 47,638. Renters now make up 31.4% of households, compared with 36.5% five years ago. For context, the 2023 to 2026 window covers an unusually volatile run for US rents nationally, and Roswell, NM reflects that arc in its own way.

Community

Discussions about Roswell

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View Roswell rent history (2015–2026) →
Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in Roswell on your salary?

At $1,399/mo, how Roswell rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Roswell rent by bedroom count

Median rent for each apartment size in Roswell. Click any size for full breakdown.

Local insights

Tips for renters in Roswell

About renting in Roswell, NM

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Roswell is $1,399/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $750/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $1,030/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $800/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $1,330/mo.

At 33% of local median household income ($51,583/yr), Roswell ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 9.9% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Roswell an affordable city for renters?

Roswell is considered moderate for renters. At $1,399/mo, rent takes approximately 33% of the local median household income ($51,583/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Roswell slightly exceeds that threshold, so budgeting carefully matters here.

How much income do you need to rent in Roswell?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $56,000/year (~$27/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,399/mo in Roswell. The local median household income is $51,583/yr, meaning the typical Roswell household falls short of that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Roswell?

Rent in Roswell has increased 9.9% over the past year as of July 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

How does Roswell rent compare to other cities in New Mexico?

Roswell is one of the more affordable cities in New Mexico for rent, ranking #11 out of 15 tracked cities at $1,399/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Roswell?

Portales is nearby and more affordable at $862/mo, which is $537 less than Roswell.

What percentage of Roswell residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 31.4% of Roswell households are renters, while 68.6% are owner-occupied. Roswell leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does Roswell rent compare to the national average?

Roswell's median rent of $1,399/mo is $566 (29%) below the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within New Mexico, it ranks #11 out of 15 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
33%
MODERATE

At $1,399/mo, rent takes ~33% of Roswell's median household income ($51,583/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Roswell 33%Benchmark 30%
State income tax1.7–5.9%
Run the Roswell affordability calculator →
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Roswell, NM

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