Colfax County scores 71.7 out of 100, well above the national median of 50.0 and in the upper 40th percentile nationally. This solid performance reflects consistent strength across multiple livability dimensions.
2 / 5
Above state average, strong showing
At 71.7, Colfax outperforms New Mexico's state average of 69.8, ranking it among the stronger counties statewide. The county shows balanced strength across tax, cost, and health dimensions.
3 / 5
Balanced excellence in costs and taxes
Colfax ranks high in tax burden (86.1) with an effective rate of 0.576%, and in housing cost (85.6) with median home value of $161,000 and rent at $704/month. Health performance is respectable at 66.8, supporting quality of life.
4 / 5
Income remains the weak point
Income scores just 17.8 with median household income of $52,690, limiting earning potential for job seekers. Risk management at 41.5 suggests some stability concerns that may affect long-term planning.
5 / 5
Ideal for value-conscious moderate-income families
Colfax County suits families earning moderate incomes who value tax relief and affordable housing in a balanced county environment. The profile works best for those with stable employment or external income sources who can operate comfortably on $50,000-plus household income.
Colfax County scores 71.7 out of 100, well above the national median of 50.0 and in the upper 40th percentile nationally. This solid performance reflects consistent strength across multiple livability dimensions.
Above state average, strong showing
At 71.7, Colfax outperforms New Mexico's state average of 69.8, ranking it among the stronger counties statewide. The county shows balanced strength across tax, cost, and health dimensions.
Balanced excellence in costs and taxes
Colfax ranks high in tax burden (86.1) with an effective rate of 0.576%, and in housing cost (85.6) with median home value of $161,000 and rent at $704/month. Health performance is respectable at 66.8, supporting quality of life.
Income remains the weak point
Income scores just 17.8 with median household income of $52,690, limiting earning potential for job seekers. Risk management at 41.5 suggests some stability concerns that may affect long-term planning.
Ideal for value-conscious moderate-income families
Colfax County suits families earning moderate incomes who value tax relief and affordable housing in a balanced county environment. The profile works best for those with stable employment or external income sources who can operate comfortably on $50,000-plus household income.
Score breakdown
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🏛86.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.