Cibola County scores 68.8 out of 100, substantially outperforming the national median of 50.0 and placing it in the upper echelon of American counties. The county's strengths in affordability and tax policy drive this solid national standing.
2 / 5
At New Mexico's state average
Cibola's 68.8 score matches almost exactly with New Mexico's state average of 69.8, positioning it as a representative county within the state. It performs in line with typical New Mexico livability patterns.
3 / 5
Housing is exceptionally affordable
Cibola's standout feature is cost affordability (88.6), with the lowest median home value among these eight counties at just $120,000 and rent at $724/month. The tax score of 79.2 with an effective rate of 0.819% adds further financial relief.
4 / 5
Income and health metrics are weak
The county's income score of 17.2 reflects median household income of $51,765, among the lowest in the region, while health outcomes at 58.4 lag significantly. These gaps suggest limited earning capacity and healthcare access barriers.
5 / 5
Perfect for extreme bargain hunters
Cibola County appeals to those with fixed or external income seeking the absolute lowest housing costs and minimal tax obligation. Remote workers and retirees will find exceptional value here, though healthcare and employment opportunities require careful planning.
Cibola County scores 68.8 out of 100, substantially outperforming the national median of 50.0 and placing it in the upper echelon of American counties. The county's strengths in affordability and tax policy drive this solid national standing.
At New Mexico's state average
Cibola's 68.8 score matches almost exactly with New Mexico's state average of 69.8, positioning it as a representative county within the state. It performs in line with typical New Mexico livability patterns.
Housing is exceptionally affordable
Cibola's standout feature is cost affordability (88.6), with the lowest median home value among these eight counties at just $120,000 and rent at $724/month. The tax score of 79.2 with an effective rate of 0.819% adds further financial relief.
Income and health metrics are weak
The county's income score of 17.2 reflects median household income of $51,765, among the lowest in the region, while health outcomes at 58.4 lag significantly. These gaps suggest limited earning capacity and healthcare access barriers.
Perfect for extreme bargain hunters
Cibola County appeals to those with fixed or external income seeking the absolute lowest housing costs and minimal tax obligation. Remote workers and retirees will find exceptional value here, though healthcare and employment opportunities require careful planning.
Score breakdown
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🏛79.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Cibola's rate exceeds national average by 37.6 percent
Cibola County's effective tax rate of 0.819% substantially exceeds the national median of 0.595%, making it one of higher-taxed counties relative to the national baseline. The median property tax of $983 reflects lower home values of $120,000—the lowest in New Mexico—combined with the county's aggressive tax rate.
Cibola ranks among New Mexico's highest-tax counties
Cibola County's 0.819% effective rate is 37.6% above the state average of 0.595%, placing it among the state's highest-taxed jurisdictions. The median tax of $983 approaches the state average of $1,043 despite having the state's lowest median home values.
Cibola's rate towers over most surrounding counties
Cibola's 0.819% effective rate significantly exceeds those of nearby Catron (0.339%), Bernalillo (0.948%), and most surrounding rural counties, reflecting unique local budget pressures. Its median home value of $120,000 is the lowest in the state, yet the county maintains high tax rates.
A $120,000 home costs $983 annually
The typical Cibola County homeowner with a median-valued property of $120,000 pays approximately $983 in annual property taxes. Owners with mortgages pay more due to escrow, averaging around $1,188 per year.
Appeal assessments in this high-tax county
Given Cibola County's elevated tax rates, homeowners should seriously consider appealing their property assessments to ensure valuations reflect fair market values. A successful appeal could provide substantial relief in a county where effective rates are among the state's highest.
Cibola's housing burden ranks among nation's lowest
Cibola County residents spend just 16.8% of income on rent—well below the national benchmark of roughly 19%—despite earning $51,765 annually. This remote northwestern county delivers genuine housing affordability, with median rent at just $724 monthly.
State's most affordable housing burden overall
Cibola's rent-to-income ratio of 16.8% ranks it as New Mexico's most housing-affordable county, beating the state average of 19.4% by 2.6 percentage points. At $724 median rent—17% below the state mean—Cibola offers exceptional cost relief for lower-income households.
Cibola competes with Catron for state's cheapest rents
Cibola's $724 median rent nearly matches Catron County's $740, making this western region home to New Mexico's most budget-friendly rental markets. Both counties serve remote, stable populations prioritizing minimal housing expense over proximity to metros.
Ownership costs far below rental market in Cibola
Cibola homeowners pay just $450 monthly—38% less than renters at $724—a dramatic gap reflecting the county's older, lower-value housing stock with median home value of $120,000. For households earning $51,765 annually, housing costs consume roughly 17% of income whether renting or owning.
Cibola rewards those seeking absolute housing minimums
If lowest possible housing costs matter most, Cibola delivers the state's best rent-to-income ratio and some of America's cheapest rents. The county suits retirees, remote workers, and those with minimal service needs seeking maximum housing savings.
Cibola County's median household income of $51,765 lags the U.S. median of $74,755 by 31%, placing it among the bottom 30% of American counties. The income gap reflects the county's reliance on smaller-scale employment in retail, services, and government.
Below-average but stable state ranking
Cibola County's median household income of $51,765 sits 7% below New Mexico's state average of $55,469. The county ranks in the lower-middle tier statewide, with several rural counties experiencing similar income constraints.
Income on par with surrounding rural counties
Cibola County's $51,765 income closely aligns with Chaves County ($52,029) and Colfax County ($52,690), though both are slightly higher. This income clustering among rural counties reflects regional economic similarities and limited wage growth opportunities.
Lowest rent burden, most affordable housing
Cibola County boasts the lowest rent-to-income ratio (16.8%) among the eight counties examined, meaning housing costs are highly manageable. The median home value of $120,000 is the lowest in the group, offering genuine affordability for median-income households.
Capitalize on Cibola's housing affordability
With affordable housing and reasonable rent burdens, Cibola County residents can direct savings toward wealth building rather than housing costs. Consider homeownership as a wealth-building tool—at current median values, mortgages are achievable for median-income households.
Cibola County's 70.7-year life expectancy is nearly 3 years below the U.S. average of 73.5 years—among the lowest in the nation. With 26.4% of residents in poor or fair health, the county struggles with chronic disease, preventable illness, and limited healthcare access.
New Mexico's lowest life expectancy
Cibola's 70.7-year life expectancy ranks as the poorest in New Mexico, trailing the state average by 3 years. The county's 9.2% uninsured rate, while slightly better than state average, masks deeper problems with healthcare infrastructure and chronic disease.
Severe primary care shortage
Cibola has only 48 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—the lowest in this eight-county group—forcing residents to travel for basic medical care. The county's 373 mental health providers per 100,000 suggests some behavioral health capacity, but cannot compensate for absent primary care.
Sparse doctors, widespread illness
Fewer than one doctor per 2,000 residents leaves most Cibola residents traveling 30+ miles for routine checkups, delaying preventive care. High rates of poor/fair health suggest residents struggle with unmanaged chronic conditions and limited access to preventive services.
Insurance opens doors to distant care
Health insurance helps cover the cost of traveling for care in underserved Cibola County, including mileage reimbursement in some plans. Explore options through New Mexico's marketplace and ask about telemedicine services that bring remote doctor visits to your home.
With a composite risk score of 58.37, Cibola County nearly matches New Mexico's state average (58.92) and falls into the relatively low risk category. This west-central county experiences moderate hazard exposure that requires attention but remains more resilient than several neighboring areas.
Middle-of-the-road for state risk
Cibola ranks mid-range among New Mexico counties for disaster risk, neither among the highest nor lowest. Its score reflects a balanced hazard portfolio typical of central New Mexico's transitional geography.
Comparable risk to nearby counties
Cibola's 58.37 score aligns closely with Colfax County (58.49), making them risk peers in the state's moderate tier. Both exceed De Baca County's minimal risk but fall well below Bernalillo and Doña Ana.
Earthquakes and wildfires lead threats
Wildfire risk (83.11) tops Cibola's hazard list, while earthquake risk (70.74) creates a secondary but significant threat from the state's fault systems. Flood risk (73.44) completes the trio, with tornado risk (9.03) remaining minimal.
Earthquake and wildfire readiness key
Bundle earthquake insurance with your policy—Cibola's 70.74 earthquake score demands this protection. Also ensure wildfire coverage is adequate and maintain defensible space around your home as a first line of defense.