countyscore
52.9
County Score
Cost of Living 89.5Safety 75.4Property Tax 51.6

County Report Card

About Cibola County, New Mexico

Cibola County Rises Above National Median

With a composite score of 52.9, Cibola County sits slightly above the national median of 50.0. This performance suggests a baseline of livability that is competitive with many areas across the country.

Outperforming the New Mexico Average

Cibola County's score of 52.9 beats the state average of 49.1. This makes it a strong contender for those looking for a balanced lifestyle within New Mexico's borders.

Excellent Housing Costs and Public Safety

Cibola shines in affordability with a cost score of 89.5, supported by median rents of just $724. It also maintains a very high safety score of 75.4, making it one of the more secure areas in the region.

Weak Water Infrastructure and Healthcare

Water access is a primary concern with a score of 12.1, while health outcomes lag at 23.5. Economic mobility remains difficult, reflected in an income score of 18.0.

A Secure Haven for Budget Living

Cibola County is an excellent fit for retirees or individuals on a fixed income who prioritize safety and low housing costs. It is less suited for those requiring frequent specialized healthcare or high-paying local employment.

Score breakdown

Tax51.6Cost89.5Safety75.4Health23.5Schools29.1Income18Risk41.6Water12.1Weather46
🏛51.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠89.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼18
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡75.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤23.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓29.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡41.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧12.1
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤46
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱29.8
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

Cibola County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Cibola County

via TaxByCounty

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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Cibola County

via CostByCounty

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Cibola County

via IncomeByCounty

Cibola trails national income benchmark

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Cibola County

via CrimeByCounty

Top-Tier Safety in Cibola County

Cibola County is exceptionally safe, boasting a safety score of 99.1. Its total crime rate of 588.0 per 100K is roughly one-fourth of the national average of 2,385.5.

A Statewide Leader in Safety

The county's safety score of 99.1 is significantly higher than the New Mexico average of 97.4. Its total crime rate is also much lower than the state average of 1,638.5 per 100K.

Safer Than Urban Neighbors

Cibola’s crime rate of 588.0 is a fraction of the 6,067.8 rate seen in neighboring Bernalillo County. Residents here enjoy a much quieter public safety environment than those in the Albuquerque metro.

Low Rates Across All Categories

Violent crime is low at 216.8 per 100K, and property crime is remarkably low at 371.2. These figures are well below both state and national averages, indicating a very secure community.

Maintaining a Secure Property

Even in low-crime areas, maintaining basic security habits like using deadbolts and exterior lighting is wise. Staying connected with neighbors helps ensure this high level of safety continues.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Cibola County

via HealthByCounty

Cibola faces the nation's worst health outcomes

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.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Cibola County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Unified County-Wide District

Cibola County supports 3,221 students across 14 public schools, including 7 elementary and 5 high schools. Education here is centralized, with a single district overseeing the entire county's academic infrastructure.

Graduation Rates Below State Average

The county graduation rate is 70.0%, falling short of the 79% state average and 87% national benchmark. Per-pupil expenditure is $7,707, which aligns closely with the state average of $7,957.

Grants-Cibola County Schools Lead Alone

Grants-Cibola County Schools manages 12 schools and nearly all of the county's 3,211 students. There are no charter schools in the county, maintaining a focus on traditional consolidated public education.

Equally Distributed Town and Rural Schools

The locale mix is perfectly balanced with 7 town and 7 rural schools, averaging 230 students per campus. Grants High School serves as the county's largest educational center with 843 students.

Find Your Home Near Grants Schools

For those researching the Grants area, home-buying decisions are often tied to proximity to these community-focused schools. Start your search near Mesa View Elementary or Grants High for a central location.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Cibola County

via RiskByCounty

Cibola sits near the national average

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Cibola County

via WeatherByCounty

Moderate Temps in Cibola County

Cibola County averages 49.9°F annually, staying cooler than the national median. It is a dry region, receiving just 12.2 inches of annual precipitation.

Staying Cool Above the State Average

The county's 49.9°F average is significantly cooler than the New Mexico average of 54.8°F. This temperature gap highlights the county's higher elevation and plateau geography.

A Dry High-Altitude Climate

Cibola's 12.2 inches of precipitation falls short of the 14.0-inch state average. It shares this dry profile with other high-desert counties in the northwestern part of the state.

Brisk Winters and Plenty of Snow

Winters are cold with a January average of 30.8°F and a notable 26.7 inches of annual snow. Summers are pleasant, featuring only 25 days with temperatures reaching 90°F.

Invest in Winter Weather Gear

Snow removal equipment and insulated clothing are essential for the nearly 27 inches of annual snowfall. Cooling needs are minimal during the mild 68.3°F summer season.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Cibola County

via SoilByCounty

Volcanic and Plateau Soils

Cibola’s soil identity is shaped by its diverse geology, though specific taxonomic data is currently limited. Most soils here are expected to be more alkaline than the 6.5 national pH median.

Textures of the High Plains

Sand and silt percentages are unrecorded, requiring gardeners to perform a simple mason jar test to determine their specific mix. Knowing your texture is critical for managing the workability of these high-desert lands.

Building Fertile High-Altitude Soil

Organic matter levels aren't precisely mapped, but they likely hover near the state average of 1.27%. Increasing this content is the best way to improve water retention in this dry climate.

Surface Flow in the West

No dominant hydrologic group is listed, making site-specific drainage assessments a priority for any new construction. Proper management ensures that infrequent heavy rains soak in rather than washing away topsoil.

Resilient Gardening in Zone 6a

A hardiness zone of 6a means you should focus on short-season crops and frost protection. Hardy perennials and cool-season vegetables like kale and carrots perform exceptionally well here.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Cibola County

via LawnByCounty

High Desert Lawn Challenges

Cibola County scores a 29.8 on the lawn difficulty scale, nearly matching the New Mexico state average of 30.2. In Zone 6a, growers face a difficult battle against limited rainfall and a short growing season. This score indicates that maintenance is significantly more labor-intensive than the national average.

Limited Rain and Cool Nights

Cibola receives just 12.2 inches of annual precipitation, which is less than the state average and far below the ideal 30-50 inches. With a late last frost on May 29 and an early first frost on October 1, the window for turf growth is narrow. Low heat stress, with only 25 days over 90°F, is the only major climatic advantage for local lawns.

Managing Soil Structure

Local data for soil pH and texture is currently limited, but Cibola's landscape often features volcanic and sandstone-derived soils. These conditions typically require the addition of organic amendments to improve water retention and nutrient cycling. Testing for alkaline pH levels is highly recommended before any major planting projects.

Severe Drought Conditions Persist

Severe drought (D2+) currently covers 68.6% of the county, creating a high-stress environment for non-native grasses. The region has experienced 53 straight weeks of drought conditions, necessitating strict adherence to water conservation. Focus on deep-rooting techniques and avoid mowing during the hottest afternoon hours.

Short Season Success

In Zone 6a, hardy cool-season grasses like Fine Fescue are often the best bet for the short, 125-day growing season. Plan your seeding for early June, immediately following the last frost, to maximize the 2,421 available growing degree days. With careful planning, you can maintain a resilient green space despite the arid conditions.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cibola County's county score?
Cibola County, New Mexico has a composite county score of 52.9 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 Cibola County rank among counties in New Mexico?
Cibola County ranks #17 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 Cibola County, New Mexico?
The median annual property tax in Cibola County is $983, with an effective tax rate of 0.82%. This earns Cibola County a tax score of 51.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Cibola County?
The median household income in Cibola County, New Mexico is $51,765 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Cibola County earns an income score of 18/100 on CountyScore.
Is Cibola County, New Mexico a good place to live?
Cibola County scores 52.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #17 in New Mexico. The best way to evaluate Cibola 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 Cibola County with other counties side by side.

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🏛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.