countyscore
54.4
County Score
Cost of Living 79.5Property Tax 77.3Weather & Climate 48.1

County Report Card

About Colfax County, New Mexico

Colfax County Performs Well Nationally

Colfax County earns a composite score of 54.4, placing it above the national median of 50.0. This indicates a high level of overall livability relative to the rest of the United States.

Leading the Way in New Mexico

With a 54.4 score, Colfax County outperforms the New Mexico state average of 49.1. It stands out as a high-ranking county for those seeking a stable and affordable environment in the state.

High Marks for Taxes and Costs

The county features an impressive cost score of 79.5 and a tax score of 77.3, driven by an effective tax rate of 0.576%. Median gross rents are very low at $704, providing significant financial breathing room for residents.

Critical Gaps in Water Access

Water availability is the county's weakest point, with a score of just 2.0. Economic growth is also stagnant, as shown by an income score of 20.1 and a median household income of $52,690.

Ideal for Independent, Cost-Conscious Residents

Colfax County is perfect for those who want to maximize their purchasing power and enjoy a low-tax lifestyle. It is a great match for people who can manage their own water needs and don't rely on a high-growth local job market.

Score breakdown

Tax77.3Cost79.5Safety46.2Health45.3Schools44.5Income20.1Risk41.5Water2Weather48.1
🏛77.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠79.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼20.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡46.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤45.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓44.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡41.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧2
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤48.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨38.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱44
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

Colfax County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Colfax County

via TaxByCounty

Colfax tax rate runs slightly below national median

Colfax County's effective tax rate of 0.576% falls just under the national median of 0.595%, placing it nearly in line with the nation's typical experience. The median property tax of $927 remains far below the national median of $2,690, reflecting much lower median home values of $161,000.

Colfax sits near the middle of New Mexico rates

Colfax County's 0.576% effective rate is essentially in line with the state average of 0.595%, positioning it squarely in the mid-range of New Mexico counties. The median tax of $927 falls below the state average of $1,043, offering modest tax obligations within the state's context.

Colfax balances modest rates with nearby counties

Colfax County's 0.576% rate compares favorably to Cibola (0.819%) but sits above Catron (0.339%) and Curry (0.555%), reflecting its balanced position in regional tax dynamics. Its median home value of $161,000 keeps absolute tax burdens manageable across the northern region.

A $161,000 home costs $927 annually

The typical Colfax County homeowner with a median-valued property of $161,000 pays approximately $927 in annual property taxes. Those with mortgages pay more due to escrow arrangements, averaging around $1,080 per year.

Explore appeals to lower Colfax assessments

Many Colfax County homeowners may be overassessed and could benefit from appealing their property valuations to reduce annual tax bills. Filing an appeal is free and could yield measurable savings over time.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Colfax County

via CostByCounty

Colfax renters enjoy exceptional affordability ratios

Colfax County renters spend just 16.0% of income on rent, significantly better than the national baseline of roughly 19%, despite median household income of $52,690—29% below the national average. This northeastern county combines low wages with even lower housing costs, creating genuine savings.

Second-best affordability ranking in New Mexico

Colfax's rent-to-income ratio of 16.0% ranks second only to Cibola County in New Mexico's affordability standings, beating the state average of 19.4%. With median rent at $704—20% below the state mean—Colfax emerges as a housing-cost champion among rural counties.

Colfax undercuts most neighbors on monthly rent

Colfax's $704 median rent ranks among the state's lowest, undercutting all but Catron ($740) and Cibola ($724). This Raton-area county competes directly with other remote rural regions for residents prioritizing extreme cost minimization.

Renters pay slightly more than owners in Colfax

Colfax renters spend $704 monthly while homeowners pay $675—a rare scenario where ownership costs nearly match rentals, reflecting modest property values averaging $161,000. At $52,690 median income, housing consumes roughly 16% of household budgets regardless of tenure.

Colfax targets budget-minded residents seeking stability

Colfax County delivers both the state's second-best affordability ratio and genuine ownership-renting parity, appealing to those seeking long-term cost control. Consider Colfax if you value historic small-town charm paired with among America's lowest housing burdens.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Colfax County

via IncomeByCounty

Colfax income trails U.S. average significantly

Colfax County's median household income of $52,690 falls 30% below the U.S. median of $74,755, ranking in the bottom third of American counties. The gap reflects limited job growth and a smaller employment base in this predominantly rural county.

Below New Mexico average, mid-tier rank

Colfax County's median household income of $52,690 runs 5% below New Mexico's state average of $55,469. Among the eight counties examined, Colfax ranks fifth, alongside several other rural counties with similar income levels.

Income comparable to peer rural counties

Colfax County's $52,690 income closely matches Chaves County ($52,029) and Cibola County ($51,765), reflecting shared rural economic challenges. Curry County leads this peer group at $56,259, though the difference remains modest.

Housing highly affordable for renters and buyers

At 16.0%, Colfax's rent-to-income ratio is among the lowest examined, meaning renters enjoy significant financial breathing room. The median home value of $161,000 aligns with median incomes, making homeownership realistic for many households.

Build savings with low housing burden

Colfax County's low rent-to-income ratio frees up cash for retirement and investment accounts. Start with automatic transfers of $50-100 monthly to a high-yield savings account or low-cost index fund—small consistent contributions compound meaningfully over decades.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Colfax County

via CrimeByCounty

Secure Living in Colfax County

Colfax County reports a safety score of 98.1, placing it above the national standard for security. The total crime rate of 1,204.6 per 100K is significantly lower than the U.S. average of 2,385.5.

Beating the New Mexico Average

The county's safety score of 98.1 exceeds the state average of 97.4. Its total crime rate of 1,204.6 is also comfortably below the New Mexico average of 1,638.5 per 100K.

Regional Comparison of Crime

Colfax County maintains a lower crime rate than neighboring De Baca County, which sits at 1,710.9. This makes it one of the more secure areas in the northeastern part of the state.

Property Concerns Over Violence

Violent crime is quite low at 218.3 per 100K, well below the national mark. Property crime accounts for the majority of incidents at 986.3, though this is still less than half the national average.

Investing in Household Safety

While crime is low, protecting your home remains a smart investment for peace of mind. Simple upgrades like reinforced window locks and package delivery boxes can prevent common property crimes.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Colfax County

via HealthByCounty

Colfax slightly exceeds national health benchmarks

Colfax County residents live to 75.2 years, outpacing the U.S. average of 73.5 years by nearly 2 years. With a 20% poor/fair health rate, the county sits slightly above the national average of 19.2%, indicating generally solid health outcomes for a rural county.

Strong longevity, strong mental health services

Colfax's 75.2-year life expectancy exceeds New Mexico's 73.7-year average by 1.5 years, ranking among the state's best. The county's 10.2% uninsured rate matches the state average exactly, suggesting comparable healthcare access for its residents.

Exceptional mental health, limited primary care

Colfax's 1,020 mental health providers per 100,000 residents far exceeds any county in this group, likely reflecting a major institutional presence like a psychiatric facility. However, only 40 primary care providers per 100,000 suggests limited routine medical services despite strong behavioral health infrastructure.

Mental health hub with primary care gaps

Residents in Colfax have exceptional access to mental health services but face challenges finding primary care physicians for everyday medical needs. The 40 primary care providers per 100,000 means scheduling routine appointments may require advance planning and travel.

Ensure your plan covers primary care

When selecting coverage in Colfax, prioritize plans with strong primary care networks or telemedicine options to compensate for limited local doctors. Review which providers accept your insurance before enrolling to avoid surprises when you need routine care.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Colfax County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small Districts Serving Northern New Mexico

Colfax County operates 16 public schools across four districts, serving a total student body of 1,462. The landscape includes 7 elementary schools and 6 high schools, primarily in rural settings.

Strong Graduation Rates and High Investment

The 81.7% graduation rate outpaces the New Mexico state average of 79%. Per-pupil spending is robust at $8,809, which is significantly higher than the $7,957 state average.

Raton Schools Form the County Core

Raton Public Schools is the largest district, serving 844 students across 3 schools. While most schools are traditional, one charter school provides alternative options for about 6% of the student population.

Small-Scale, Rural Learning Environments

Thirteen of the county's 16 schools are rural, contributing to a very small average school size of 97 students. Raton High is the largest facility, yet it maintains an intimate feel with only 359 students.

Invest in a Community with Results

With graduation rates exceeding the state average, Colfax County is an attractive option for families. Look for homes in Raton or Cimarron to enjoy a high-investment, small-school environment.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Colfax County

via RiskByCounty

Colfax County near national average risk

At 58.49, Colfax County's composite risk score nearly mirrors New Mexico's state average (58.92) and ranks in the relatively low category. This northeastern county's moderate exposure to multiple hazards reflects its transitional position between the plains and mountains.

Middle-ranked for statewide risk

Colfax ranks mid-range among New Mexico counties, neither high nor low on the risk spectrum. This positioning reflects balanced hazard exposure across its geography.

Risk similar to county neighbors

Colfax's 58.49 score closely matches Cibola County (58.37) and significantly exceeds Union County to the east. The county's risk profile remains relatively consistent across its territory.

Wildfire poses exceptional threat

Wildfire risk reaches 97.52 in Colfax—an extreme score driven by extensive forest coverage and seasonal dry conditions. Flood risk (58.56) and earthquake risk (35.56) remain secondary concerns, while tornado risk (16.06) stays low.

Wildfire prevention is priority one

Invest in defensible space maintenance and fire-resistant materials—Colfax's 97.52 wildfire score demands aggressive prevention. Verify that your homeowners insurance covers wildfire damage and review coverage annually.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Colfax County

via WeatherByCounty

The Cold Peaks of Colfax

Colfax County averages a crisp 47.5°F annually, making it much cooler than the national median. It receives 17.7 inches of precipitation, significantly more than typical desert counties.

Among New Mexico's Coldest Counties

With an average temperature of 47.5°F, Colfax is far cooler than the 54.8°F state average. It is one of the state's northern strongholds for cold weather and moisture.

Significant Snowfall Compared to Neighbors

The county receives 17.7 inches of precipitation annually, surpassing the state average of 14.0 inches. This moisture frequently arrives as snow, defining the region's mountain character.

Heavy Snow and Few Hot Days

Colfax is a winter powerhouse with a massive 57.7 inches of annual snowfall. Extreme heat is rare, with only 15 days a year reaching 90°F.

Winter Readiness is Key Here

Heavy-duty winter clothing and snow tires are mandatory for the 57.7-inch annual snowfall. Residents can largely skip air conditioning given the cool 65.2°F summer average.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Colfax County

via SoilByCounty

Near-Neutral Mountain Soils

Colfax soils feature a pH of 7.06, which is remarkably close to neutral compared to the state average of 7.48. This makes it more hospitable to a wider variety of plants than many neighboring counties.

A Balanced Loamy Mix

The soil contains 40.2% sand, 35.0% silt, and 22.4% clay. This balanced composition offers a good compromise between easy workability and the ability to hold onto vital nutrients.

High Organic Matter Leads

At 1.93%, the organic matter content is nearly double the state average and approaches the national benchmark of 2.0%. The water capacity of 0.135 in/in also beats the state average, signaling high growing potential.

Water-Retentive and Heavy

The soil is classified as 'Very poorly drained' and belongs to Hydrologic Group D. This means water moves slowly through the profile, making it prone to saturation during wet spells.

Diverse Options for Zone 6a

This moisture-retentive, fertile soil is perfect for forage crops and hardy berries in Zone 6a. Start a garden today with confidence, as your soil holds more life-giving organic matter than most of New Mexico.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Colfax County

via LawnByCounty

Best Growing Conditions in the Region

Colfax County offers the best lawn-growing conditions among its neighbors, with a difficulty score of 44.0. While this is still below the national average of 50.0, it is much higher than the state average of 30.2. The combination of higher rainfall and lower heat makes Zone 6a here relatively manageable.

Cooler Temps and Higher Rainfall

At 17.7 inches of annual precipitation, Colfax is significantly wetter than the average New Mexico county. The area only sees 15 extreme heat days per year, minimizing the risk of turf scorch during the summer months. The growing season starts later, with the last frost typically occurring on May 17.

Handling Very Poorly Drained Soil

Soil here has a pH of 7.06, which is nearly perfect for most grasses, but the drainage is classified as very poor. With 22.4% clay and 40.2% sand, the ground can become waterlogged easily. Aeration and adding grit or organic matter are essential steps to prevent root rot in these heavy soils.

Moderate Drought Pressure

Currently, 0% of the county is in severe drought (D2+), and it has seen only 26 weeks of drought over the last year. This is significantly better than much of the state, though 96.2% of the area remains abnormally dry. You can maintain a healthy lawn with standard supplemental watering during the peak summer weeks.

Maximizing the Colfax Season

Cool-season grasses like Kentucky Bluegrass or Tall Fescue thrive in Colfax’s temperate Zone 6a climate. The 2,001 growing degree days are best utilized by planting in late May once the threat of frost has passed. Take advantage of the favorable 7.06 soil pH to establish a lush lawn this year.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Colfax County's county score?
Colfax County, New Mexico has a composite county score of 54.4 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 Colfax County rank among counties in New Mexico?
Colfax County ranks #12 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 Colfax County, New Mexico?
The median annual property tax in Colfax County is $927, with an effective tax rate of 0.58%. This earns Colfax County a tax score of 77.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Colfax County?
The median household income in Colfax County, New Mexico is $52,690 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Colfax County earns an income score of 20.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Colfax County, New Mexico a good place to live?
Colfax County scores 54.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #12 in New Mexico. The best way to evaluate Colfax 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 Colfax 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.