countyscore
36.1
County Score
Property Tax 69.2Cost of Living 64.7Water Quality 58.1

County Report Card

About Chaves County, New Mexico

Chaves County Faces National Livability Gaps

Chaves County receives a composite score of 36.1, which is notably lower than the national median of 50.0. This score reflects the challenges the county faces in providing a competitive quality of life on a national scale.

Trailing the New Mexico State Average

The county's 36.1 score falls short of the New Mexico state average of 49.1. Despite its regional importance, Chaves County ranks in the lower tiers for overall livability within the state.

Strong Tax Benefits and Water Security

Strengths include a tax score of 69.2 and a water score of 58.1, indicating reliable resources and a manageable tax burden. Housing is also relatively affordable with a cost score of 64.7 and a median home value of $141,900.

Significant Safety and Education Concerns

The county struggles with safety, earning a score of only 5.7, and education, with a school score of 19.8. Environmental risk is another pain point, with a dimension score of 12.4.

Best for Budget-Conscious Individuals

Chaves County is most appropriate for residents focused on low living costs and favorable tax rates. However, those with school-aged children or high safety concerns may find the current scores challenging.

Score breakdown

Tax69.2Cost64.7Safety5.7Health26.1Schools19.8Income18.6Risk12.4Water58.1Weather53.3
🏛69.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠64.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼18.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡5.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤26.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓19.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡12.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧58.1
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤53.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱20
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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Nearby counties

Eddy County
New Mexico
36
Roosevelt County
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41.9
De Baca County
New Mexico
58.6
Lincoln County
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Cochran County
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Yoakum County
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Otero County
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Deep Dives

Chaves County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Chaves County

via TaxByCounty

Chaves taxes exceed national median by 8.4 percent

Chaves County's effective tax rate of 0.645% runs above the national median of 0.595%, placing it slightly above average nationally. The median property tax of $915 is just one-third of the national median of $2,690, reflecting Chaves' lower median home values of $141,900.

Chaves ranks in the middle of state rates

Chaves County's 0.645% effective rate stands about 8% above the New Mexico average of 0.595%, positioning it firmly in the state's mid-range. The median tax of $915 approaches the state average of $1,043, reflecting modest tax obligations within New Mexico.

Chaves sits between rural and moderate-tax counties

Chaves County's 0.645% rate falls between Catron's low 0.339% and Cibola's higher 0.819%, reflecting its mid-range position in regional tax competition. Its median home value of $141,900 is among the region's lowest, keeping absolute tax bills manageable.

A $141,900 home costs $915 annually

The typical Chaves County homeowner with a median-valued property of $141,900 pays approximately $915 in annual property taxes. Those with mortgages pay more due to escrow, averaging around $1,171 per year.

Assessment appeals can offset rate increases

Many Chaves County homeowners may be overassessed and should explore appealing their property valuations to reduce tax liability. Even modest assessment reductions can yield meaningful annual savings in a county where absolute tax bills remain relatively modest.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Chaves County

via CostByCounty

Chaves balances modest incomes with affordable housing

Chaves County renters dedicate 19.3% of income to rent, nearly aligned with the national standard, though median household income of $52,029 falls 30% short of the national average of $74,755. The county's $838 median rent remains accessible even for lower-wage households.

Mid-pack affordability in New Mexico's rural corridor

Chaves ranks slightly above the state average for rent burden at 19.3% compared to New Mexico's 19.4%, with rents of $838 sitting midway between expensive metros and ultra-cheap rural counties. This Southeastern region offers moderate housing costs for those seeking a middle ground.

Chaves costs less than Bernalillo, more than rural peers

Chaves's $838 rent falls between Bernalillo's $1,087 and the cheapest rural counties like Catron ($740) and Cibola ($724). This Roswell-anchored county provides more housing supply and affordability than the state's largest metro without sacrificing all amenities.

Housing spans nearly one-fifth of Chaves incomes

Renters in Chaves spend $838 monthly while homeowners pay $660—making ownership 21% cheaper, a pattern common in rural New Mexico. At $52,029 median income, housing consumes between 15-19% of most households' annual earnings.

Chaves suits those balancing affordability and access

Chaves County offers a measured option for families wanting lower costs than Albuquerque but more services and opportunity than isolated rural counties. Consider this region if you value a small-city feel with manageable rent and a stable rental market.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Chaves County

via IncomeByCounty

Chaves household income trails nation widely

Chaves County's median household income of $52,029 falls 30% short of the U.S. median of $74,755, placing it in the bottom 30% of American counties. This shortfall reflects limited employment opportunities outside agriculture and energy sectors.

Below-average income within New Mexico

Chaves County's median household income of $52,029 runs 6% below New Mexico's state average of $55,469. The county sits in the middle-to-lower tier statewide, competing economically with other rural counties.

Similar income to other rural peers

Chaves County's $52,029 income closely mirrors Cibola County ($51,765) and Colfax County ($52,690), but trails Curry County ($56,259) by $4,000. The similarity reflects shared rural economic challenges across southeastern and north-central New Mexico.

Housing costs stable, but margins tight

At 19.3%, Chaves' rent-to-income ratio sits just below the 30% affordability ceiling, meaning housing costs consume nearly one-fifth of median income. The median home value of $141,900 is achievable, but leaves limited cushion for savings or other obligations.

Leverage employer benefits for wealth building

Chaves County workers should maximize any employer-sponsored retirement plans or matching contributions—even small matches provide instant returns. Automatic payroll deductions for savings accounts or low-cost index funds ensure consistent wealth building without requiring large upfront decisions.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Chaves County

via CrimeByCounty

Higher Crime Than National Benchmarks

Chaves County records a total crime rate of 3,343.1 per 100K, which exceeds the national average of 2,385.5. This elevated activity results in a local safety score of 94.7.

Ranking Below State Safety Levels

With a safety score of 94.7, Chaves County trails the New Mexico state average of 97.4. The total crime rate here is nearly double the statewide average of 1,638.5 per 100K.

More Activity Than Nearby Counties

Chaves County's crime rate of 3,343.1 is higher than neighbor Eddy County at 3,147.0 and significantly higher than De Baca County. This suggests a more active criminal landscape in the Roswell area than in surrounding rural sectors.

Analyzing the Crime Composition

Property crime is the most frequent issue, occurring at a rate of 2,599.7 per 100K. Violent crime, while lower at 743.4, still stays well above the national average of 369.8.

Proactive Steps for Homeowners

High property crime rates mean homeowners should be diligent about locking vehicles and securing garages. Installing visible security cameras can act as a powerful deterrent against opportunistic theft.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Chaves County

via HealthByCounty

Chaves struggles with health outcomes

Chaves County residents live an average of 72.2 years, nearly 1.5 years below the U.S. average of 73.5 years. With 23.8% of residents reporting poor or fair health—the highest rate among these eight counties—Chaves faces significant health challenges.

Lowest life expectancy in the region

Chaves County's 72.2-year life expectancy falls 1.5 years below New Mexico's 73.7-year average, ranking among the state's worst. The county's 11% uninsured rate exceeds the state average of 10.2%, leaving more residents vulnerable to healthcare disruptions.

Fewer providers than comparable counties

With just 62 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Chaves has fewer than Bernalillo (106) but matches Cibola and Curry. The county's 156 mental health providers per 100,000 ranks in the middle range regionally, suggesting some behavioral health capacity despite broader health struggles.

Double burden: uninsured and underserved

One in nine Chaves residents (11%) lack any health insurance, creating barriers to both preventive and emergency care. Limited primary care capacity—62 providers per 100,000—means residents often travel far for routine doctor visits, delaying care.

Getting insured could save your life

Health coverage directly improves your chances of catching and treating serious conditions early—especially important in Chaves where access is stretched thin. Explore subsidized plans through New Mexico's marketplace; many working families qualify for reduced-cost options.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Chaves County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Regional Hub for Southeastern Education

Chaves County features 33 public schools, including 17 elementary and 8 high schools, serving 11,035 students. Five school districts manage this network, providing a mix of town and rural learning environments.

Academic Challenges and Lower Spending

The graduation rate of 73.9% trails the New Mexico state average of 79%. Funding stands at $6,942 per pupil, which is roughly $1,000 less than the state average and nearly half the national benchmark.

Roswell Schools Manage the Majority

Roswell Independent Schools is the primary provider, educating 9,701 students across 22 schools. Charter schools have a minimal presence here, accounting for only 3% of the county's total schools.

A Balance of Town and Country

The county is split between 18 rural and 15 town schools, with an average enrollment of 345 students. Roswell High is the largest campus with 1,438 students, representing the heart of the town’s educational life.

Establish Roots Near Roswell’s Schools

Families moving to the area often look for homes near the established middle and high schools in Roswell. Explore local real estate to find a property that puts your children close to these central campus hubs.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Chaves County

via RiskByCounty

Chaves County faces moderate-to-high risk

With a composite risk score of 87.63, Chaves County exceeds New Mexico's state average (58.92) and sits in the relatively moderate risk tier. The county's southeastern location exposes it to unique hazard combinations, including flood and wildfire threats that affect the region simultaneously.

Third-riskiest county in New Mexico

Chaves ranks third statewide for overall disaster risk, behind Doña Ana and Bernalillo counties. The county's exposure to multiple concurrent hazards—particularly flooding and wildfire—drives this elevated ranking.

Notably higher risk than eastern peers

Chaves's score of 87.63 substantially exceeds Curry County (61.83) and De Baca County (4.07) to its northeast. This positions Chaves as the higher-risk anchor in the southeastern plains region.

Floods and wildfires create compound threat

Flood risk (92.33) and wildfire risk (92.46) are nearly equal and both extreme, making Chaves particularly vulnerable to back-to-back disasters that can overwhelm response capacity. Hurricane risk (39.01), while modest compared to Gulf states, adds a secondary water hazard during storm season.

Flood and wildfire insurance critical

Obtain separate flood insurance immediately—it's not included in standard policies and claims often exceed expectations in Chaves County. Also verify wildfire coverage and consider additional protection for property in wildland-adjacent areas.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Chaves County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm Temperatures in Chaves County

Chaves County averages 58.9°F annually, placing it significantly warmer than the national median. This arid region receives only 13.3 inches of rain, reflecting a classic Western plains climate.

A Heat Leader in the State

The county's annual average of 58.9°F is much higher than the state average of 54.8°F. It experiences some of the most consistent heat in New Mexico's eastern plains.

Arid Plains and Low Moisture

With 13.3 inches of rain, Chaves is slightly drier than the New Mexico average of 14.0 inches. It shares this dry, breezy profile with other counties in the Pecos River Valley.

Intense Summer Heat and Minimal Snow

Residents endure 84 days of extreme heat over 90°F, with July temperatures averaging a sweltering 78.3°F. Snow is rare, totaling only 9.1 inches over the winter months.

Focus on High-Efficiency Cooling

Strong air conditioning is a necessity given the 77.0°F summer average and frequent extreme heat days. Winter gear can remain light as January averages a relatively mild 39.6°F.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Chaves County

via SoilByCounty

Pecos Valley Soil Basics

Dominant taxonomic orders are currently unrecorded for Chaves, though the valley floor is historically defined by alluvial deposits. Expect pH levels to mirror the state’s alkaline average of 7.48.

A Mixture of River Deposits

Specific sand and clay percentages are missing from the current dataset. In this agricultural hub, soil texture varies from sandy loam near the river to heavier clays in the flats.

Managing Water in the Basin

Available water capacity remains unmapped, making local testing vital for irrigation planning. Adding organic matter to reach the state average of 1.27% will help your garden thrive in the desert heat.

Complex Hydrologic Patterns

No single drainage class dominates the county records, reflecting a varied landscape of plains and river basins. Proper drainage is the key to preventing salt buildup in these arid agricultural soils.

Pecans and Peppers Paradise

Zone 7b supports a wide range of crops, from commercial pecans to backyard chile patches. The long, warm summers provide ample time for heat-intensive plants to reach full maturity.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Chaves County

via LawnByCounty

Navigating Extreme Heat in Chaves

Chaves County is one of the more difficult places for lawn care, with a score of 20.0 compared to the state average of 30.2. Maintaining green space here is a major undertaking that requires constant attention to heat and water. In Hardiness Zone 7b, the climate demands specialized turf choices.

The 84-Day Heat Wave

Lawns in Chaves must survive 84 days of temperatures exceeding 90°F, far surpassing the state average of 58 days. With only 13.3 inches of annual rainfall, the 4,425 growing degree days place immense stress on even the hardiest grasses. The growing season is long, stretching from April 20 to October 30, requiring extended irrigation schedules.

Amending Arid Soils

Although specific soil metrics are not available for Chaves, the region's desert soils often struggle with low organic matter. Adding several inches of compost before seeding can help the soil hold onto the 13.3 inches of rain it receives. Ensuring your soil can breathe is vital for root health during the intense summer heat.

Conserving Water in the Heat

While only 2.4% of the county is in D2+ severe drought, the entire region has been abnormally dry for 53 consecutive weeks. Efficient water use is mandatory to keep lawns alive through the 84 extreme heat days. Consider using subsurface drip irrigation for lawn areas to minimize evaporation losses.

Heat-Loving Grass for Zone 7b

Warm-season grasses like Bermudagrass or Zoysia are the only viable long-term options for this climate. Aim to establish your lawn shortly after the last frost on April 20 so it can root before the summer heat peaks. These varieties thrive on the 4,425 growing degree days available in the Pecos Valley.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Chaves County's county score?
Chaves County, New Mexico has a composite county score of 36.1 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 Chaves County rank among counties in New Mexico?
Chaves County ranks #25 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 Chaves County, New Mexico?
The median annual property tax in Chaves County is $915, with an effective tax rate of 0.64%. This earns Chaves County a tax score of 69.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Chaves County?
The median household income in Chaves County, New Mexico is $52,029 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Chaves County earns an income score of 18.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Chaves County, New Mexico a good place to live?
Chaves County scores 36.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #25 in New Mexico. The best way to evaluate Chaves 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 Chaves County with other counties side by side.

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