countyscore
64
County Score
Property Tax 96.8Cost of Living 88.3Disaster Risk 63.4

County Report Card

About Catron County, New Mexico

Catron County Exceeds National Standards

Catron County boasts a robust composite score of 64.0, comfortably outpacing the national median of 50.0. This high ranking suggests an exceptional level of livability compared to the rest of the country.

A Top Performer in New Mexico

Catron County significantly outperforms the New Mexico state average of 49.1. Its overall score of 64.0 highlights it as one of the state's most attractive areas for those seeking quality of life.

Unmatched Tax and Housing Affordability

The county excels with a near-perfect tax score of 96.8, fueled by a very low 0.339% effective tax rate. Affordability is also a major draw, with a cost score of 88.3 and median gross rents of just $740.

Water Access and Low Local Incomes

The county faces a critical challenge in water access, represented by a score of only 1.1. Economic opportunities are also limited, with an income score of 8.9 and a median household income of $46,439.

Ideal for Retirees and Remote Workers

Catron County is a paradise for those with outside income who want to minimize their tax burden and housing costs. It suits anyone looking for a low-risk, safe environment who can navigate the local water and economic constraints.

Score breakdown

Tax96.8Cost88.3Safety56.9Health56.1Schools51.2Income8.9Risk63.4Water1.1Weather45.8
🏛96.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠88.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼8.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡56.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤56.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓51.2
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡63.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧1.1
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤45.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱28.2
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Deep Dives

Catron County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Catron County

via TaxByCounty

Catron's tax burden ranks among the lowest nationally

Catron County's effective tax rate of 0.339% sits far below the national median of 0.595%, making it one of America's lowest-taxed counties. With a median property tax of just $583, Catron residents pay roughly a quarter of the national median of $2,690.

Catron is New Mexico's most tax-friendly county

Catron County's 0.339% effective rate is less than 57% of the state average of 0.595%, the most favorable rate in New Mexico. The median property tax of $583 represents just 56% of the state average of $1,043, providing exceptional tax relief.

Catron outpaces rural county tax rates across the region

Catron's 0.339% rate is notably lower than most surrounding rural New Mexico counties, including Socorro and Cibola, reflecting its smaller tax base and lower service demands. Its median home value of $171,800 remains affordable while keeping tax obligations minimal.

A $171,800 home costs just $583 annually

The typical Catron County homeowner with a median-valued property of $171,800 pays only $583 in annual property taxes. This represents exceptional affordability compared to national and state averages.

Even low assessments warrant periodic review

While Catron County maintains low overall tax rates, some homeowners may still be overassessed relative to actual market conditions and should consider appealing their valuations. A successful appeal could provide additional tax relief and ensure assessments reflect true property values.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Catron County

via CostByCounty

Catron's ultra-affordable rents defy national trends

Renters in Catron County spend just 19.1% of income on rent, essentially matching the national baseline, despite earning only $46,439 annually—38% below the national median. This rural county's $740 median rent is remarkably low, making housing one of the least burdensome expenses for households here.

Rural gem ranks among state's most affordable

Catron County's rent-to-income ratio of 19.1% ranks it among New Mexico's best for affordability, beating the state average of 19.4%. With median rent at $740—15% below the state average of $876—this remote southwestern county offers genuine economic relief for cost-conscious families.

Catron competes on price with isolated rural areas

Catron's $740 rent undercuts nearby Cibola County ($724) by just $16, placing both among New Mexico's cheapest housing markets. This rural pocket rivals De Baca County ($727) for lowest median rent, though all three counties share limited job markets and services.

Ownership costs drop dramatically in Catron

While renters pay $740 monthly, homeowners in Catron spend just $397—making ownership 46% cheaper than renting, an unusual reversal of typical patterns. At median income of $46,439, housing consumes roughly 19% of household budgets whether renting or owning.

Catron appeals to remote workers prioritizing low costs

If you can work remotely or bring income from elsewhere, Catron's rock-bottom housing and living expenses offer exceptional savings potential. The trade-off is geographic isolation and a small job market—ideal for retirees, freelancers, or those seeking an off-grid lifestyle.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Catron County

via IncomeByCounty

Catron significantly lags national income

Catron County's median household income of $46,439 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by 38%, placing it in the bottom 20% of American counties. This income gap reflects limited job diversity and economic opportunities in this sparsely populated, rural county.

Second-lowest income among state counties

Catron County's median household income of $46,439 sits 16% below New Mexico's already modest state average of $55,469. Only De Baca County ranks lower, highlighting the economic challenges facing remote rural areas in the state.

Income gap widens toward urban centers

Catron County's $46,439 income lags all neighboring or similar counties: Curry County ($56,259), Colfax County ($52,690), and Chaves County ($52,029). The gap reflects Catron's isolation and dependence on limited sectors like ranching and mining.

Housing affordable despite tight budgets

Catron's 19.1% rent-to-income ratio remains comfortably below the 30% threshold, and the median home value of $171,800 is achievable for median-income households. However, the lower median income leaves less room for unexpected expenses or emergencies.

Prioritize emergency savings first

In counties with tighter household budgets, building a 3-6 month emergency fund should precede aggressive investing. Once that foundation is solid, even modest contributions to retirement accounts—starting at 3-5% of income—create meaningful long-term wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Catron County

via CrimeByCounty

Rural Safety in Catron County

Catron County enjoys a high safety score of 98.4, significantly outperforming the national benchmark. Its total crime rate of 990.4 per 100K is less than half of the national average of 2,385.5.

Outpacing New Mexico Safety Averages

The county is safer than the state average, beating the New Mexico safety score of 97.4. However, with only one reporting agency, these statistics represent a limited snapshot of local law enforcement activity.

Comparative Safety in the Region

Catron’s crime rate of 990.4 per 100K is higher than neighboring Cibola County’s 588.0, but still very low by national standards. The vast, rural landscape helps keep property crime incidents relatively rare.

A Shift Toward Violent Incidents

Violent crime in Catron stands at 412.7 per 100K, which is slightly above the national average of 369.8. Conversely, property crime is exceptionally low at 577.7, suggesting that theft is a minor concern for residents.

Staying Vigilant in Remote Areas

In a single-agency county, law enforcement response times can be longer due to geography. Residents can enhance their safety by establishing neighborhood watch groups and securing perimeter fences.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Catron County

via HealthByCounty

Catron's unexpected longevity edge

Catron County residents achieve a life expectancy of 77.2 years, ranking in the nation's top tier and exceeding the U.S. average of 73.5 years by nearly 4 years. Despite this longevity advantage, 22% of residents report poor or fair health, hinting that longer life doesn't always mean healthier years.

New Mexico's healthiest life expectancy

At 77.2 years, Catron County leads New Mexico by 3.5 years compared to the state average of 73.7 years. The county's below-average uninsured rate of 7.5% ranks among the state's best, suggesting strong insurance penetration in this rural area.

Limited primary care, stronger mental health reach

Primary care provider data for Catron is unavailable, reflecting challenges common in rural New Mexico counties. The county offers 78 mental health providers per 100,000—fewer than larger counties but meaningful for a sparse population.

High insurance coverage in rural isolation

Catron's 7.5% uninsured rate is exceptional for a rural county, suggesting strong community health program reach or employer-based coverage. However, limited provider data points to potential gaps in accessing primary care despite high insurance rates—a common rural paradox.

Verify coverage for your needs

Even with strong insurance rates in Catron, verify your plan covers the primary care services you need in this remote area. Contact local community health centers to confirm access before choosing or renewing a plan.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Catron County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small-Scale Education in a Rural Setting

Catron County operates a lean educational network of just 5 schools, consisting of three elementary and two high schools. This specialized system serves a total of 273 students across two local districts.

High Investment and Strong Results

The county spends $13,747 per pupil, exceeding both the state average and the $13,000 national benchmark. This investment yields a school score of 60.2, significantly outperforming the New Mexico average of 49.8.

Two Districts Serve the Local Community

Quemado Independent Schools is the largest district, managing three schools and 168 students. The county focuses entirely on traditional public education with no charter schools currently in operation.

An Intimate Rural Learning Environment

All five schools are classified as rural, creating an average school size of just 55 students. Quemado Elementary is the largest campus with 86 students, while Datil Elementary serves just 11.

Discover Quiet Living Near Personal Schools

If you value small class sizes and high per-pupil investment, Catron County offers a unique rural advantage. Research local homes to join a community where every student receives individualized attention.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Catron County

via RiskByCounty

Catron has minimal disaster risk overall

At 36.64, Catron County's composite risk score falls well below both the New Mexico average (58.92) and the national median, earning a very low risk rating. This rural southwestern county benefits from low population density and favorable positioning relative to most major hazard zones.

Among New Mexico's safest counties

Catron ranks near the bottom statewide for composite disaster risk, making it one of New Mexico's lowest-risk communities. Only De Baca County scores lower, reflecting Catron's remote location and sparse development patterns.

Safer than similar southwestern counties

Catron's 36.64 score compares favorably to neighbors like Grant and Hidalgo counties, though it faces higher wildfire risk than some peers. The county's modest population and distance from urban centers keep overall disaster exposure minimal.

Wildfire dominates Catron's hazard profile

Wildfire risk reaches 96.34 in Catron—an extreme score that reflects the county's forest coverage and dry climate, despite low overall composite risk. Flood risk (41.13) and earthquake risk (22.90) remain manageable, while tornado and hurricane threats are negligible.

Prioritize wildfire protection measures

Focus your preparedness efforts on wildfire mitigation: clear defensible space, use fire-resistant roofing, and maintain evacuation readiness. Standard homeowners insurance typically covers wildfire, but verify your policy limits and review them annually as fire seasons intensify.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Catron County

via WeatherByCounty

Cool Mountain Air in Catron

Catron County averages 51.3°F annually, which is cooler than the national median. The high-altitude environment receives 15.2 inches of precipitation, making it wetter than the typical desert landscape.

A Chilly Outlier in New Mexico

The county's average temperature of 51.3°F is well below the New Mexico state average of 54.8°F. It stands out as one of the cooler regions in the state due to its rugged, elevated terrain.

More Rain Than the Neighbors

At 15.2 inches of annual precipitation, Catron receives more moisture than the state average of 14.0 inches. This additional water supports its vast forest lands compared to drier neighboring basins.

Mild Summers and Snowy Winters

Summer heat is moderate with only 33 days hitting 90°F. Winters bring significant snow, averaging 19.6 inches annually, with a chilly January average of 34.4°F.

Prepare for the Mountain Winter

Reliable home heating and winter vehicle kits are vital for nearly 20 inches of snow. The mild 68.0°F summer average means residents often trade air conditioning for open windows.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Catron County

via SoilByCounty

Rugged Mountain Soil Identity

Catron's diverse terrain means taxonomic data varies wildly across its peaks and valleys. Like most of New Mexico, these soils likely lean alkaline compared to the national 6.5 pH median.

Composition Awaits Detailed Mapping

The specific balance of sand and clay remains unquantified for this vast rural area. Growers often find rocky textures that require careful management to ensure proper root penetration and workability.

Seeking Organic Enrichment

With organic matter data unavailable, local farmers look to the state average of 1.27% as a baseline for improvement. The high-altitude environment often requires adding mulch to boost moisture retention.

High-Elevation Water Movement

Hydrologic groups are not documented for this county, but steep slopes generally dictate fast surface runoff. Careful terracing or contour planting can help manage water in these rugged landscapes.

Hardy Crops for High Altitudes

Zone 6a dictates a shorter growing season, making cold-hardy greens and root vegetables the best choice. Start your garden with frost-resistant varieties to make the most of the mountain summer.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Catron County

via LawnByCounty

The High-Altitude Lawn Challenge

Catron County presents a difficult environment for traditional turf, scoring just 28.2 on our lawn difficulty index. This is below the state average of 30.2 and significantly tougher than the national median of 50.0. In Hardiness Zone 6a, gardeners must contend with shorter seasons and intense mountain sun.

Brief Seasons and Dry Air

Annual precipitation of 15.2 inches is slightly higher than the state average but remains far below the 30-inch minimum for most grasses. A late last frost on May 30 and an early first frost on October 3 create a narrow window for growth. With only 33 extreme heat days, the primary challenge is the dry air rather than scorching temperatures.

Preparing Mountain Soils

Specific soil data for Catron is unavailable, but high-altitude New Mexico soils are often rocky or heavy with clay. Successful lawn establishment requires significant topsoil preparation and the addition of compost to improve drainage and aeration. Testing your soil remains the best way to identify specific nutrient gaps before the May planting window.

Adapting to 100% Severe Drought

The entire county is currently under D2+ severe drought conditions, and has been in drought for the full 53-week period. Water conservation is critical, making xeriscaping or very small turf footprints the most responsible choice. Focus on high-efficiency irrigation that delivers water directly to the roots during the coolest parts of the day.

Choosing Rugged Grass Varieties

Cool-season grasses like Fine Fescue or Bluegrass blends can work in Zone 6a if they are supplemented with consistent water. Planting should wait until June to avoid the risk of late-spring freezes that often linger in the mountains. Start your prep work now to make the most of the limited 2,485 growing degree days.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Catron County's county score?
Catron County, New Mexico has a composite county score of 64 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 Catron County rank among counties in New Mexico?
Catron County ranks #3 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 Catron County, New Mexico?
The median annual property tax in Catron County is $583, with an effective tax rate of 0.34%. This earns Catron County a tax score of 96.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Catron County?
The median household income in Catron County, New Mexico is $46,439 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Catron County earns an income score of 8.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Catron County, New Mexico a good place to live?
Catron County scores 64/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #3 in New Mexico. The best way to evaluate Catron 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 Catron County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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