Catron County scores 76.6 out of 100, placing it well above the national median of 50.0 and in the upper tier of American counties. This exceptional composite score reflects particular strength in cost and tax dimensions that resonate with value-conscious households.
2 / 5
Second-best in New Mexico
Catron's 76.6 score ranks it second among New Mexico counties, outperforming the state average of 69.8 by a significant margin. Only a handful of New Mexico counties match this level of livability strength.
3 / 5
Ultra-low taxes, rock-bottom housing costs
Catron boasts the lowest effective tax rate in the state at 0.339%, earning a tax score of 92.7, plus exceptional housing affordability with a cost score of 89.1 and median home value of just $171,800. Risk management is also strong at 63.4, suggesting stable conditions for long-term residents.
4 / 5
Income and wages lag substantially
The county's income score of 13.7 is among the lowest in the state, with median household income at $46,439—well below state and national averages. Limited job opportunities and lower-wage employment dominate the local economy.
5 / 5
Ideal for retirees and remote workers
Catron County is a haven for those with income from pensions, Social Security, or remote employment seeking maximum affordability and minimal tax burden. Rural character and outdoor access appeal to those prioritizing lifestyle over career advancement and local wage growth.
Catron County scores 76.6 out of 100, placing it well above the national median of 50.0 and in the upper tier of American counties. This exceptional composite score reflects particular strength in cost and tax dimensions that resonate with value-conscious households.
Second-best in New Mexico
Catron's 76.6 score ranks it second among New Mexico counties, outperforming the state average of 69.8 by a significant margin. Only a handful of New Mexico counties match this level of livability strength.
Ultra-low taxes, rock-bottom housing costs
Catron boasts the lowest effective tax rate in the state at 0.339%, earning a tax score of 92.7, plus exceptional housing affordability with a cost score of 89.1 and median home value of just $171,800. Risk management is also strong at 63.4, suggesting stable conditions for long-term residents.
Income and wages lag substantially
The county's income score of 13.7 is among the lowest in the state, with median household income at $46,439—well below state and national averages. Limited job opportunities and lower-wage employment dominate the local economy.
Ideal for retirees and remote workers
Catron County is a haven for those with income from pensions, Social Security, or remote employment seeking maximum affordability and minimal tax burden. Rural character and outdoor access appeal to those prioritizing lifestyle over career advancement and local wage growth.
Score breakdown
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🏛92.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.