countyscore
27.6
County Score
Income & Jobs 58.1Health 51.4Weather & Climate 48.9

County Report Card

About Bernalillo County, New Mexico

Bernalillo County Trails the National Median

Bernalillo County earns a composite score of 27.6 out of 100, placing it well below the national median of 50.0. This ranking indicates the county faces significantly more livability hurdles than the average American community.

Falling Short of New Mexico Averages

With a score of 27.6, Bernalillo underperforms the New Mexico state average composite score of 49.1. While it serves as a primary economic hub, it struggles to match the overall quality-of-life metrics found elsewhere in the state.

Income and Healthcare Drive Local Strengths

The county's primary strength is its income score of 58.1, supported by a median household income of $66,514. It also maintains a decent health score of 51.4 and a tax score of 42.0, reflecting its status as a regional center for services.

Safety and Environmental Risks Present Hurdles

Public safety is a major concern with a score of just 1.2, while environmental risk sits at 5.6. Additionally, a cost score of 20.1 reflects a housing market where the median home value has reached $268,500.

A Choice for Urban Career Seekers

Bernalillo County is best suited for professionals who prioritize higher wages and access to medical facilities over safety or affordability. Families may find the school score of 23.0 and high costs a significant trade-off for the urban amenities.

204060801004220.11.251.42358.15.643.448.9Tax42Cost20.1Safety1.2Health51.4Schools23Income58.1Risk5.6Water43.4Weather48.927.6/100
This county
National avg
6 below average

Bernalillo County DNA

Foverall

How Bernalillo County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Bernalillo County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Safety (1.2/100), though Income (58.1/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
42-10
Cost
20.1-27.9
Safety
1.2-53.8
Health
51.4
Schools
23-31
Income
58.1
Risk
5.6-41.4
Water
43.4-14.600000000000001
Weather
48.9
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$268,500

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,087/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$268,500/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$43,480/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum4.0x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $66,514/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

13.6

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Nearby counties

Valencia County
New Mexico
31.9
Torrance County
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42.2
Sandoval County
New Mexico
50.1
Santa Fe County
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Los Alamos County
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Cibola County
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Rio Arriba County
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Deep Dives

Bernalillo County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Bernalillo County

via TaxByCounty

Bernalillo taxes run nearly twice the national norm

Bernalillo County's effective tax rate of 0.948% significantly exceeds the national median of 0.595%, placing it well above average nationally. The median property tax here is $2,544, nearly matching the national median of $2,690 despite having slightly lower median home values of $268,500 versus the nation's $281,900.

Highest taxes in New Mexico by far

Bernalillo County leads all New Mexico counties with an effective rate of 0.948%—59% above the state average of 0.595%. Its median property tax of $2,544 dwarfs the state average of $1,043, making it the clear tax leader across the state.

Bernalillo stands apart from nearby counties

Compared to neighboring Sandoval and Torrance counties, Bernalillo's 0.948% rate is substantially higher, reflecting Albuquerque's urban tax base and infrastructure demands. The county's median home value of $268,500 also tops most surrounding areas, contributing to higher absolute tax bills.

A $268,500 home costs $2,544 annually

The typical Bernalillo County homeowner with a median-valued property of $268,500 pays approximately $2,544 in annual property taxes. Owners with mortgages pay slightly more due to escrow arrangements, averaging $2,607 per year.

Challenge your assessment if rates seem high

Many Bernalillo County homeowners are overassessed relative to market value and can successfully appeal their assessments to reduce their tax burden. Filing an appeal costs nothing and could yield significant annual savings if your property's assessed value exceeds its fair market value.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Bernalillo County

via CostByCounty

Bernalillo's rent burden slightly above national norms

Renters in Bernalillo County spend 19.6% of their income on rent, just slightly above the national benchmark of roughly 19%. While the county's median household income of $66,514 trails the national average of $74,755 by 11%, housing costs remain relatively stable for a mid-sized metro area.

Highest-earning county leads state in affordability

Bernalillo ranks as one of New Mexico's most affordable counties despite having the state's strongest median household income at $66,514. With a rent-to-income ratio of 19.6% matching the state average of 19.4%, residents here benefit from both higher wages and competitive housing costs.

Albuquerque rents top most of rural New Mexico

Bernalillo's median rent of $1,087 significantly exceeds rural neighbors like Cibola County ($724) and Colfax County ($704), reflecting Albuquerque's status as the state's largest metro. However, renters pay the cost for proximity to jobs and services—Bernalillo's median home value of $268,500 is also highest among peer counties.

Where your dollar goes in Bernalillo

Bernalillo renters allocate $1,087 monthly while homeowners spend $1,192—a modest 9% premium for ownership. With median household income at $66,514 annually, housing consumes roughly one-fifth of most residents' paychecks regardless of tenure.

Consider Bernalillo for metro access and stability

If urban job markets and cultural amenities matter more than ultra-low costs, Bernalillo offers reasonable housing burdens paired with the state's strongest income potential. Compare this against smaller rural counties if your priority is minimizing housing expenses in a quieter setting.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Bernalillo County

via IncomeByCounty

Bernalillo outpaces nation on income

Bernalillo County's median household income of $66,514 sits 11% below the U.S. median of $74,755, placing it in the middle tier nationally. The county ranks higher than roughly 40% of U.S. counties in household income, reflecting its status as New Mexico's economic engine anchored by Albuquerque.

Clear income leader in New Mexico

Bernalillo County's median household income of $66,514 significantly exceeds New Mexico's state average of $55,469—a 20% premium. Among the eight counties examined here, Bernalillo ranks first, with the next-highest county nearly $10,000 behind.

Outearning comparable counties statewide

Bernalillo's $66,514 median income towers over its peer counties: Curry County ($56,259), Doña Ana County ($55,663), and Chaves County ($52,029). This income advantage reflects Bernalillo's larger population base, urban infrastructure, and concentration of government and service-sector jobs.

Rent affordable, but homeownership strained

At 19.6%, Bernalillo's rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below the 30% affordability threshold, meaning renters keep costs manageable. However, the median home value of $268,500 requires substantial income to afford mortgages, potentially pushing homeownership out of reach for median-income households.

Build on Bernalillo's income advantage

With household income 20% above the state average, Bernalillo residents have a strong foundation to build wealth through retirement savings and investments. Consider directing 10-15% of household income into 401(k)s, IRAs, or diversified investment accounts to compound earnings over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Bernalillo County

via CrimeByCounty

Bernalillo County's Crime Challenges

Bernalillo County reports a total crime rate of 6,067.8 per 100K residents, which is more than double the national average of 2,385.5. Despite these figures, the county maintains a safety score of 90.4 based on local reporting metrics.

Below the State Safety Average

The county's safety score of 90.4 falls below the New Mexico average of 97.4. As the state's most populous hub, it faces significantly higher crime volumes than the statewide average total rate of 1,638.5 per 100K.

Higher Rates Than Regional Neighbors

Bernalillo's crime rate of 6,067.8 is drastically higher than nearby Cibola County, which reports just 588.0 per 100K. This intensity reflects the urban complexity of the Albuquerque metro area compared to its more rural neighbors.

Property Crimes Drive Local Numbers

Property crime is the primary concern at 4,716.5 per 100K, while violent crime sits at 1,351.3. For every violent incident reported, there are roughly three property-related offenses occurring in the county.

Strengthening Your Home Security

Given the high property crime rate, residents should prioritize home defense and surveillance. Installing motion-activated lighting and smart alarm systems provides an essential layer of protection in this active environment.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Bernalillo County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Massive Urban Education Infrastructure

Bernalillo County manages a vast network of 206 public schools, including 112 elementary and 48 high schools. This system supports 89,180 students across 27 different districts, marking it as the state's largest educational hub.

Performance Trails State and National Benchmarks

The county's 74.1% graduation rate falls below the state average of 79% and the national 87% benchmark. Investment sits at $7,173 per pupil, which is less than the New Mexico average of $7,957 and the national $13,000 average.

Albuquerque Public Schools Leads the Region

Albuquerque Public Schools dominates the landscape with 176 schools serving 79,805 students. The county also embraces school choice, with 56 charter schools representing over 27% of all educational facilities.

Diverse Settings from City to Rural

While 161 schools are located in the city, the county also maintains 13 rural campuses. Large high schools like Volcano Vista house over 2,200 students, contrasting with a county-wide average school size of 441.

Find Your Home in a Diverse District

Families seeking variety in school size and specialized charter programs should explore the diverse neighborhoods of Albuquerque. Finding a home near these major campuses ensures access to the county's most robust educational resources.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Bernalillo County

via RiskByCounty

Bernalillo faces above-average disaster risk

With a composite risk score of 94.40, Bernalillo County ranks in the relatively high category—well above New Mexico's state average of 58.92. This places the county among communities nationwide experiencing elevated exposure to multiple natural hazards that demand preparedness planning.

Second-highest risk in New Mexico

Bernalillo ranks second statewide for overall disaster risk, trailing only Doña Ana County. The county's concentration of people and infrastructure in the Albuquerque metro area amplifies the impact potential of the hazards it faces.

Riskier than surrounding areas

Bernalillo's score of 94.40 significantly exceeds its neighbors: Cibola County (58.37), Colfax County (58.49), and Torrance County. The urban density and geographic positioning of Bernalillo create a risk profile distinct from the more rural counties surrounding it.

Earthquakes and floods top the list

Bernalillo's earthquake risk scores highest at 97.71, reflecting its position along active fault lines—a threat that affects the entire metro area simultaneously. Flood risk ranks second at 96.28, driven by monsoon patterns and Rio Grande dynamics, while wildfire risk at 94.97 threatens outlying neighborhoods and water supplies.

Earthquake and flood insurance essential

Standard homeowners policies exclude earthquake and flood damage, yet Bernalillo residents face both threats at near-critical levels. Secure separate earthquake and flood policies now—waiting until after an event leaves you uninsured and financially vulnerable.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Bernalillo County

via WaterByCounty

Drinking Water Grade D in Bernalillo County

Bernalillo County holds a D grade for drinking water compliance with 167 health violations recorded over the last five years. While significant, the county's violation rate of 26.4 per 100,000 people remains well below the New Mexico state average of 475.7. Local systems continue to navigate Safe Drinking Water Act requirements under heavy urban pressure.

Urban Watershed Challenges and Impairments

The 2022 reporting cycle shows that 21.4% of assessed water bodies in the county are impaired, slightly exceeding the state average of 20%. Primary contaminants include Alpha particles, PCBs, and E. coli. These results underscore the ongoing struggle to protect surface water from industrial and urban runoff.

Robust Monitoring with 62,572 Records

A network of 54 monitoring sites has generated 62,572 measurements over the past five years. Officials prioritize tracking organics, physical characteristics, and pesticides. This high density of data provides a clear window into the county's complex water chemistry.

Rio Grande Flows at Historic Lows

The primary USGS gauge at Isleta Lakes currently records a discharge of just 25 cfs. This represents only 3% of the long-term mean flow of 859 cfs for this time of year. Such low levels on the Rio Grande stress both wildlife and downstream water users.

Targeted Protection for Urban Residents

Residents should prioritize filtration systems effective against Alpha particles and PCBs, which are primary watershed concerns. Because streamflow is at a critical 3% of typical levels, remaining source water may see higher concentrations of localized pollutants. Regular testing of private wells is recommended given the Grade D compliance snapshot.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Bernalillo County

via WeatherByCounty

High Desert Living in Bernalillo

Bernalillo County averages 55.4°F annually, sitting slightly above the national median temperature. This semi-arid climate experiences a low 10.8 inches of rain per year, making it significantly drier than most U.S. metropolitan areas.

Warmer Than the State Average

The county's 55.4°F average temperature is higher than the New Mexico state average of 54.8°F. Despite being a major population center, it remains drier than the state average rainfall of 14.0 inches.

Drier Than Neighboring Counties

With only 10.8 inches of precipitation, Bernalillo is notably drier than the state's broader 14.0-inch average. It maintains a consistent high-desert profile common across the central Rio Grande valley.

Hot Summers and Dustings of Snow

Summer highs are intense with 55 days topping 90°F and a July average of 75.9°F. Winters stay manageable with a 35.6°F January average and 12.8 inches of annual snowfall.

Beat the High Desert Heat

Residents should prioritize high-efficiency HVAC systems to handle nearly two months of extreme heat. Desert-appropriate clothing and sun protection are essential for the 74.2°F summer average.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Bernalillo County

via SoilByCounty

A Diverse Desert Profile

While specific taxonomic data for Bernalillo remains unmapped in this set, the region typically balances urban development and river valley textures. Local gardeners should expect alkaline conditions that likely exceed the national median pH of 6.5.

Mixed Textures in the Valley

Sand, silt, and clay percentages are currently unrecorded for the county as a whole. This lack of data makes site-specific testing essential for determining if your soil drains quickly or holds onto moisture.

Localized Growing Potential

Organic matter and water capacity figures are missing compared to the 1.27% state average. Enhancing the soil with compost is a standard practice to improve the nutrient retention in these arid environments.

Navigating Arid Water Flow

There is no dominant drainage class recorded for the county, though the Rio Grande influences local hydrology significantly. Understanding your specific plot's elevation is the first step in managing irrigation.

Thriving in High Desert Heat

Hardiness Zone 7b provides a long growing season for heat-loving crops like tomatoes and peppers. With proper soil amendments and water, this climate supports beautiful xeric landscapes and productive home gardens.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Bernalillo County

via LawnByCounty

Beating the Odds in Bernalillo

Bernalillo County earns a lawn difficulty score of 33.6, sitting slightly above the New Mexico state average of 30.2. While the region remains more challenging than the national median of 50.0, gardeners in Zone 7b enjoy more favorable conditions than many of their southern neighbors. Success here requires a strategic approach to manage the high desert environment.

Low Precipitation Meets High Heat

With only 10.8 inches of annual rain, local lawns face a significant deficit compared to the 30-50 inches ideal for turf. Residents manage 55 extreme heat days per year and 3,645 growing degree days, necessitating a rigorous irrigation schedule to combat evaporation. The growing season typically spans from the last frost on April 18 to the first frost on October 24.

Building a Better Base

While specific soil texture data for the county is limited, local growers generally face the alkaline conditions typical of the Rio Grande valley. Incorporating organic matter is essential to improve moisture retention and nutrient availability in this arid climate. Testing your specific plot for pH balance helps determine if sulfur amendments are needed to bring levels closer to the 6.0-7.0 ideal.

Managing Constant Drought Pressure

Severe drought conditions (D2+) currently affect 77.1% of the county, and the region has spent all 53 of the past weeks in some form of drought. To conserve water, homeowners should transition to deep, infrequent watering cycles that encourage deep root growth. Mulching around lawn edges and using smart controllers can further reduce waste during these persistent dry spells.

Starting Your Zone 7b Lawn

Drought-tolerant varieties like Buffalo grass or hybrid Bermudagrass are excellent choices for Bernalillo's Zone 7b climate. The best window for seeding or sodding opens after the final frost on April 18, allowing roots to establish before the peak July heat. Start planning now to create a resilient outdoor space that thrives in the high desert.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bernalillo County's county score?
Bernalillo County, New Mexico has a composite county score of 27.6 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Bernalillo County rank among counties in New Mexico?
Bernalillo County ranks #33 among all counties in New Mexico on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Bernalillo County, New Mexico?
The median annual property tax in Bernalillo County is $2,544, with an effective tax rate of 0.95%. This earns Bernalillo County a tax score of 42/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Bernalillo County?
The median household income in Bernalillo County, New Mexico is $66,514 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Bernalillo County earns an income score of 58.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Bernalillo County, New Mexico a good place to live?
Bernalillo County scores 27.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #33 in New Mexico. The best way to evaluate Bernalillo County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Bernalillo County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.