CountyScore

Bernalillo County

New Mexico · NM

#32 in New Mexico
62.3
County Score

County Report Card

About Bernalillo County, New Mexico

Above average, but room to climb

Bernalillo County scores 62.3 out of 100 on the CountyScore composite index, placing it well above the national median of 50.0. This puts the county in the upper half nationally, though specific percentile ranking reflects its position as a mid-tier performer in livability metrics.

Trailing New Mexico average

At 62.3, Bernalillo scores below New Mexico's state average of 69.8, ranking it in the lower half of the state's counties. As the most populous county in New Mexico, home to Albuquerque, Bernalillo's composite score suggests livability challenges that outweigh some of its urban advantages.

Taxes and affordability stand out

Bernalillo excels in tax burden (75.6) with an effective rate of just 0.948%, and maintains solid housing affordability (70.5) at a median home value of $268,500. Health outcomes are respectable at 69.0, reflecting access to medical services in the metro area.

Income gap is the real concern

The county's weakest dimension is income, scoring just 26.8 with a median household income of $66,514—significantly below state and national averages. This income-to-cost mismatch creates financial stress, even as housing remains relatively affordable compared to national peers.

Good for cost-conscious urban dwellers

Bernalillo suits families and workers drawn to metro amenities who can manage on modest incomes and value low tax burden over high earning potential. The county offers reasonable costs and services, but job seekers and higher earners should compare opportunities carefully before relocating.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax75.6Cost70.5SafetyComing SoonHealth69SchoolsComing SoonIncome26.8Risk5.6WaterComing Soon
🏛75.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠70.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼26.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤69
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡5.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Bernalillo County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Boulder County
Colorado
62.3
Median income: $102,772
Hardee County
Florida
62.3
Median income: $54,231
Martin County
Florida
62.3
Median income: $80,701
Okaloosa County
Florida
62.3
Median income: $79,097
Cumberland County
Maine
62.3
Median income: $92,983

Deep Dives

Bernalillo County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

Health in Bernalillo County

via HealthByCounty

Bernalillo's life expectancy beats the nation

Bernalillo residents live to an average of 75.1 years, nearly 2 years longer than the U.S. average of 73.5 years. With a 17.8% poor/fair health rate, the county performs better than the national average of 19.2%, suggesting residents here report stronger overall health than typical Americans.

Leading health outcomes in New Mexico

Bernalillo County's 75.1-year life expectancy ranks among the state's best, outpacing New Mexico's 73.7-year average by 1.4 years. The county's below-state-average uninsured rate of 9.9% versus New Mexico's 10.2% reflects stronger healthcare access for many residents.

Albuquerque's advantage in provider access

Bernalillo offers 106 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—significantly more than rural neighbors like Chaves County (62) or Cibola County (48). With 567 mental health providers per 100,000, Bernalillo substantially exceeds most peer counties, making behavioral health services readily available.

Strong access, but 1 in 10 uninsured

One in ten Bernalillo residents (9.9%) lack health insurance, slightly better than the state average. The county's high provider-to-population ratio means most residents can find primary and mental health care within reasonable distance, though insurance gaps still affect access for vulnerable populations.

Check your coverage options today

If you're among the uninsured in Bernalillo County, health insurance options exist at every budget level through state and federal marketplaces. Visit your local community health center or New Mexico's insurance portal to explore plans that fit your needs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

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

ByCounty Network

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