Cannon AFB PCS Guide: BAH Rates, Housing, Schools & Eastern New Mexico Living

BLUF (Bottom Line Up Front)

Cannon AFB is home to the 27th Special Operations Wing (AC-130 gunships, MC-130 special ops aircraft, MQ-9 Reapers) with 3,500 active duty personnel. This is a SPECIAL OPERATIONS mission—supporting worldwide special ops in Eastern New Mexico. Low cost of living, decent schools, but HIGH deployment tempo.

Key Numbers:

• BAH vs. Rent: Excellent fit (E5 BAH covers median 3BR house with $700+ buffer)
• Median 3BR Rent: $950/month (very affordable for New Mexico)
• School Quality: Clovis Municipal Schools (6-7/10) is decent
• HIGH deployments: Special operations tempo - 4-6 months regularly

What This Guide Covers: Housing with real prices, school ratings, Clovis Eastern New Mexico intel, and special operations mission realities.

Want real-time data? This guide provides 2025 rates and static intel. For live housing prices, current school ratings, and personalized recommendations, use Base Navigator → (Premium)

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Quick Facts

Installation Overview:

• Official Name: Cannon Air Force Base
• Location: Clovis, NM (Curry County) - Eastern New Mexico high plains
• Size: 25,663 acres
• Population: 3,500 active duty + 8,000 total (civilians + families)
• Branch: Air Force (AFSOC - Air Force Special Operations Command)
• Major Units: 27th Special Operations Wing (AC-130J Ghostrider gunships, MC-130J Commando II special ops aircraft, MQ-9 Reaper drones)
• Climate: Semi-arid high desert—HOT/dry summers (90-100°F), cold winters (25-45°F, wind)
• Nearest Major City: Clovis, NM (adjacent, 40K people), Lubbock, TX (2 hours south, 260K people), Albuquerque, NM (4 hours west)

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BAH Rates

BAH rates sourced from Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS), updated annually. See official source →

Key Insight: BAH generously covers rent in all neighborhoods—Clovis Municipal Schools (6-7/10) are decent. E5 BAH (~$1,650) covers median rent ($950) with $700 left over. This is a HIGH savings post—low cost of living + generous BAH + NO New Mexico state income tax (for military) = save $8,000-9,000/year. HIGH deployment tempo is the trade-off.

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Housing Neighborhoods (Ranked)

🏆 Tier 1 - Best for Families (Live Here)

North Clovis (Near Clovis High School):

• Median 3BR Rent: $975/month
• Commute: 10-15 minutes to gate
• Schools: 7/10 (Clovis Municipal Schools—best schools)
• Vibe: Small city (40K people), newer development
• Best Areas: Near Clovis High School, Parkview Elementary
• Why: Best schools, pocket $675/month

West Clovis:

• Median 3BR Rent: $925/month
• Commute: 5-10 minutes to gate
• Schools: 6-7/10 (Clovis Municipal Schools)
• Vibe: Closer to base, established neighborhoods
• Why: Pocket $725/month, very close

On-Base Housing (Privatized - Balfour Beatty):

• Cost: Free (BAH auto-deducted)
• Wait Time: 4-8 months (moderate)
• Quality: 7-8/10 (renovated, good)
• Schools: Bus to Clovis Municipal Schools (6-7/10)
• Why: Convenience, deployment support, no commute

⚠️ Tier 2 - Livable But Research Carefully

South Clovis:

• Median 3BR Rent: $875/month
• Commute: 15-20 minutes to gate
• Schools: 6/10 (Clovis Municipal Schools—older schools)
• Vibe: Older areas, mixed neighborhoods
• Trade-off: Cheapest ($775 buffer) but schools weaker

❌ Tier 3 - Avoid Unless You Know What You're Doing

Downtown Clovis:

• Some older infrastructure, limited housing options

Pro Tip: North Clovis (7/10 schools, newer) is the gold standard—best schools in area, 10-15 min commute, pocket $675. West Clovis (6-7/10 schools) pocket $725, very close to base. On-base waitlist 4-8 months, quality 7-8/10, excellent deployment support (MAJOR benefit with high deployment tempo). This is a HIGH savings post despite deployments.

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Schools

Top Elementary Schools

• Parkview Elementary (Clovis) - 7/10 - Best elementary near base
• Mesa Elementary (Clovis) - 7/10 - Strong
• Bella Vista Elementary (Clovis) - 6/10 - Decent

Top Middle Schools

• Gattis Middle (Clovis) - 7/10 - Best middle school near base
• Yucca Middle (Clovis) - 6/10 - Average

Top High Schools

• Clovis High School (Clovis) - 7/10 - Best high school near base
• Clovis Online High School (Clovis) - 6/10 - Alternative

Private Schools

• Clovis Christian School (Clovis) - 6/10 - Christian (K-12, $5K-7K/year)

Schools to Avoid

• South Clovis schools - 5-6/10 - Older, struggling

School District Strategy: Clovis Municipal Schools (6-7/10) are decent—Parkview/Mesa Elementary, Gattis Middle, Clovis High (all 7/10) are best. Private schools very limited—Clovis Christian (6/10, $5K-7K/year) is only option. Schools are solid but not exceptional. HIGH deployment tempo makes school stability important.

For live school ratings and neighborhood analysis: Base Navigator →

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Local Intel (What You Actually Need to Know)

Cost of Living

Overall: -16% lower — Eastern New Mexico affordability
Housing: -24% lower — BAH covers rent with $700+ buffer
Groceries: -10% lower — Commissary + off-base savings
Utilities: +8% higher — HOT summers, AC runs constantly

Monthly Budget for E5 with 2 Kids:

• Rent (3BR off-base in West Clovis): $925
• Utilities (electric + AC): $175 (summer: $235-275)
• Groceries: $740
• Gas (commute + errands): $145
• Internet/Streaming: $82
• Kids (activities, daycare part-time): $280

Total: ~$2,347/month (summer: ~$2,447 with higher AC)
E5 BAH + BAS: ~$3,500/month (covers housing + food, pocket $1,053-1,153)

State Taxes

• New Mexico: NO state income tax for military (federal law exemption)
• Sales Tax: 7.3% (state + local)
• Military Benefit: Active duty exempt from NM state income tax

BAH Reality: E5 with dependents BAH (~$1,650) covers Clovis rent ($925-975) with $675-725 left over. On-base is free (BAH auto-deducted). Budget $235-275/month for summer AC (HOT Eastern New Mexico summers).

Pro Tip: North Clovis or West Clovis = sweet spot (pocket $675-725/month, 6-7/10 schools). NO New Mexico state income tax for military = save $2,500-3,500/year. LOW cost of living + generous BAH = save $8,000-9,000/year. Budget extra $700-900/year for summer AC spike. HIGH savings despite HIGH deployment tempo. Use pre-deployment time to max TSP.

Traffic & Commute

• Rush Hour: 7-8am, 4:30-5:30pm (minimal—small city)
• Best Routes: US-60/70, NM-209
• Worst: None—traffic is light year-round
• Pro Tip: 5-20 minute commute from Clovis, zero traffic jams

Commissary & BX

• Best Times: Weekday mornings, early afternoons
• Worst Times: Weekends (busier), paydays
• Off-Base Alternative: Walmart, United Supermarkets (Clovis)

Things You Should Know

• Special operations mission: 27th Special Operations Wing—AC-130 gunships, MC-130 special ops aircraft, MQ-9 Reapers
• AC-130 gunships: Close air support for special operations forces worldwide
• MC-130 special ops: Infiltration/exfiltration of special operators
• MQ-9 Reapers: Armed drones for ISR and strike
• HIGH deployment tempo: Special operations = 4-6 months regularly, multiple deployments per assignment
• Deployment locations: Middle East, Africa, South America, worldwide
• Family support: Strong because of deployment tempo (base knows how to support families)
• Remote location: 2 hours from Lubbock, 4 hours from Albuquerque (isolation)
• HOT summers: 90-100°F, dry heat
• Cold winters: 25-45°F, wind
• Clovis: Small city (40K people), limited nightlife/dating
• High altitude: 4,300 feet elevation

Hidden Gems

• Oasis State Park (30 min) - Lake, fishing, swimming
• Norman Petty Recording Studios (Clovis) - Where Buddy Holly recorded (music history)
• Clovis Depot Model Train Museum (Clovis) - Historic railroad museum
• Blackwater Draw National Historic Landmark (20 min) - Paleo-Indian archaeological site
• Lubbock, TX (2 hours) - Larger city (260K), Texas Tech, entertainment
• Carlsbad Caverns (3.5 hours) - World-famous caves, National Park
• Albuquerque (4 hours) - State capital, balloon fiesta, entertainment

Areas to Avoid

• Some parts of south Clovis at night (limited crime)

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What's It Like to Live at Cannon AFB?

Cannon AFB is home to the 27th Special Operations Wing—one of the most elite operational wings in the Air Force. If you're here, you're either flying AC-130 Ghostrider gunships (close air support for special operations forces), MC-130 Commando II aircraft (infiltration/exfiltration of special operators), MQ-9 Reaper drones (ISR and strike), or supporting special operations. The mission is SPECIAL OPERATIONS—providing air power for Army Rangers, Green Berets, SEALs, and other special operators worldwide. Deployment tempo is HIGH (4-6 months regularly), but the mission is ELITE and the community is TIGHT-KNIT. This is an operational mission in Eastern New Mexico—low cost of living, HIGH savings, but HIGH deployment tempo is the major trade-off.

Mission Reality:

• 27th Special Operations Wing (AC-130, MC-130, MQ-9): Special operations air support worldwide
• HIGH deployment tempo: 4-6 months regularly, multiple deployments per assignment
• Elite community: Special operations = best of the best, tight-knit brotherhood
• Deployment locations: Middle East, Africa, South America, worldwide (classified locations)
• Support/Mx: HIGH deployment tempo also

Quality of Life:

• LOW cost of living: Pocket $675-725/month from BAH, save $8,000-9,000/year
• NO New Mexico state income tax: For military (major win)
• Schools: Clovis Municipal Schools (6-7/10) are decent
• HIGH deployment tempo: 4-6 months regularly (MAJOR trade-off, not stable assignment)
• Strong family support: Base knows how to support families during deployments
• Remote: 2 hours from Lubbock, 4 hours from Albuquerque (isolation)
• Clovis: Small city (40K people), limited nightlife/dating
• HOT summers: 90-100°F, dry heat
• Cold winters: 25-45°F, wind
• Elite mission: Special operations community, prestigious

The Good:

• Elite special operations mission (prestigious, tight-knit, best of the best)
• HIGH savings (pocket $675-725/month, save $8,000-9,000/year)
• NO New Mexico state income tax for military (major win)
• Strong family support (base excellent at deployment support)
• Clovis schools decent (6-7/10)
• LOW traffic (5-20 min commute)
• Norman Petty Studios (Buddy Holly music history)
• Carlsbad Caverns 3.5 hours (world-famous)

The Not-So-Good:

• HIGH deployment tempo (4-6 months regularly, MAJOR trade-off, not stable)
• Remote location (2 hours from Lubbock, 4 hours from Albuquerque, isolation)
• Clovis is small (40K people, limited nightlife/dating)
• HOT summers (90-100°F, AC runs constantly)
• Schools are 6-7/10 (decent but not great)
• Cold winters (25-45°F, wind)
• Family separation frequent (deployment-heavy)

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Cost of Living Breakdown

Cost of Living

Overall: -16% lower — Eastern New Mexico affordability
Housing: -24% lower — BAH covers rent with big buffer
Groceries: -10% lower — Commissary saves 20-30%
Utilities: +8% higher — HOT summers, AC runs constantly

Monthly Budget for E5 with 2 Kids:

• Rent (3BR off-base in West Clovis): $925
• Utilities (electric + AC): $175 (summer: $235-275)
• Groceries: $740
• Gas (commute + errands): $145
• Internet/Cable: $82
• Childcare (part-time): $280
• Car Insurance: $105 (NM is moderate)
• Misc (restaurants, entertainment): $115

Total: ~$2,567/month (summer: ~$2,667 with higher AC)
E5 BAH + BAS: ~$3,500/month (covers housing + food, pocket $833-933)

BAH Coverage: E5 BAH (~$1,650) covers Clovis rent ($925-975) with $675-725 left over. On-base is free (BAH auto-deducted).

Savings Potential: HIGH—pocket $675-725/month in good neighborhoods. NO New Mexico state income tax for military (major win). Low cost of living + generous BAH = save $8,000-9,000/year. Budget extra $700-900/year for summer AC spike. HIGH savings despite HIGH deployment tempo. Use pre-deployment time to max TSP, build emergency fund for family during deployments.

Pro Tips:

• North Clovis or West Clovis = sweet spot (pocket $675-725/month, 6-7/10 schools)
• NO New Mexico state income tax for military (major win)
• Commissary saves 20-30% vs off-base (Walmart, United)
• LOW cost of living = save $8,000-9,000/year (max TSP contributions)
• Budget extra $700-900/year for summer AC
• Use pre-deployment time to automate finances, build 6-month emergency fund

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Spouse Employment & Family Life

Job Market Reality: Clovis (40K people) has a small-city economy—Cannon AFB, healthcare, retail, agriculture, Clovis Community College. Civilian jobs are LIMITED and lower-paying. Remote work is CRITICAL—most spouses work remotely.

Top Spouse Employers:

1. Healthcare: Plains Regional Medical Center (RN $54K-68K, admin $28K-42K)
2. On-Base Contractors: Limited (admin, IT - $36K-52K)
3. Education: Clovis Municipal Schools, Clovis Community College (teachers start $42K)
4. Clovis Community College: Staff, admin ($24K-38K)
5. Retail: Walmart, United Supermarkets (manager $26K-38K)
6. Remote Work: BEST option ($42K-70K)

Average Spouse Salaries:

• Healthcare (RN): $54,000-68,000
• On-base contractor (admin/IT): $36,000-52,000
• Teaching (NM): $42,000-54,000
• College staff: $24,000-38,000
• Remote work (varies): $42,000-70,000

Military Spouse Preference:

• Cannon AFB has NAF jobs (CDC, fitness, MWR)
• Airman & Family Readiness has job assistance programs (EXCELLENT deployment support)
• MyCAA grants available for education/certifications
• Clovis job market VERY limited—remote work is essential

Childcare Situation:

• CDC Waitlist: 4-8 months (moderate wait)
• Off-Base Daycare: $85-125/week per child (affordable)
• FCC (Family Child Care): On-base home providers, $75-115/week
• School-Age: Before/after school programs $55-95/week
• Deployment support: Base prioritizes childcare for deploying families

For Families:

• Schools: Clovis Municipal Schools (6-7/10) are decent
• Activities: Oasis State Park (30 min), Norman Petty Studios, Lubbock (2 hours), Carlsbad Caverns (3.5 hours)
• Support: EXCELLENT family support due to HIGH deployment tempo—base knows how to help families during deployments

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Common Questions About Cannon AFB

Q: Is Cannon AFB a good duty station? A: YES, if you can handle HIGH deployment tempo and value elite mission + savings. Special operations mission is ELITE (prestigious, tight-knit), pocket $675-725/month from BAH, save $8,000-9,000/year, NO New Mexico income tax for military, Clovis schools decent (6-7/10). Trade-offs: HIGH deployment tempo (4-6 months regularly, MAJOR trade-off), remote (2 hours from Lubbock, 4 hours from Albuquerque, isolation), Clovis is small (40K people, limited nightlife), HOT summers (90-100°F). GREAT for special operators prioritizing mission over stability.

Q: Should I live on-base or off-base? A: On-base for deployment support. On-base housing provides EXCELLENT support during deployments (community, childcare priority, quick access to family readiness), quality 7-8/10, waitlist 4-8 months. Off-base: North Clovis or West Clovis (6-7/10 schools) pocket $675-725. Both good—on-base better for HIGH deployment tempo.

Q: How bad are the deployments? A: HIGH. Special operations tempo = 4-6 months regularly, multiple deployments per assignment. AC-130, MC-130, MQ-9 crews deploy to Middle East, Africa, South America, worldwide. This is NOT a stable assignment—expect frequent separation. Plan ahead, build strong family support network, automate finances.

Q: Can my spouse find work? A: Challenging. Clovis (40K people) has LIMITED jobs—healthcare (RN $54K-68K), on-base contractors ($36K-52K), teaching ($42K-54K), Clovis Community College staff ($24K-38K). Remote work is CRITICAL ($42K-70K). Job market is very small—remote work essential. Plan ahead.

Q: What's special operations like? A: ELITE but demanding. Special operations community is best of the best—AC-130 gunships support Army Rangers/Green Berets/SEALs worldwide. Mission is PRESTIGIOUS, tight-knit brotherhood, career-defining. But HIGH deployment tempo (4-6 months regularly) = frequent family separation. Choose this if mission matters more than stability.

Q: Can I save money at Cannon? A: YES. Pocket $675-725/month from BAH, NO New Mexico state income tax for military, LOW cost of living = save $8,000-9,000/year. Use pre-deployment time to max TSP, automate finances, build 6-month emergency fund for family. HIGH savings despite HIGH deployment tempo.

Q: Is the base family-friendly despite deployments? A: YES. Cannon AFB is EXCELLENT at supporting families during deployments—childcare priority, family readiness programs, strong spouse community, deployment support groups. Base knows how to help because deployment tempo is HIGH. You're not alone—community supports each other.

Q: Is Clovis boring? A: Yes. Clovis (40K people) is small city—limited nightlife/dating. Norman Petty Studios (Buddy Holly music history), Oasis State Park (30 min). Lubbock 2 hours (Texas Tech, entertainment), Carlsbad Caverns 3.5 hours (world-famous). Good for families focused on mission/savings, not entertainment. HIGH deployment tempo means you'll be gone frequently anyway.

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Next Steps: Your PCS Toolkit

This guide gave you the local intel. Now use our premium tools to execute:

1. Interactive Data (Live Updates)

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Official Resources & References

This guide synthesizes data from official Department of Defense sources. For additional information:

• Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) - Official military pay and allowances
• Joint Travel Regulations (JTR) - PCS entitlements and regulations
• MilitaryOneSource - Free 24/7 counseling and family support
• Defense Travel Management Office - Official BAH rates and per diem

Last verified: 2025-01-15. Garrison Ledger is an independent resource and is not affiliated with the Department of Defense.