countyscore
33.5
County Score
Property Tax 79.7Weather & Climate 53.1Water Quality 41.1

County Report Card

About Curry County, New Mexico

Curry County Falls Below National Median

Curry County holds a composite score of 33.5, which is significantly lower than the national median of 50.0. This score highlights the broad livability challenges facing the county today.

Struggling Against State Benchmarks

Curry County's 33.5 score is well below the New Mexico state average of 49.1. It ranks among the more challenging counties in the state for overall quality-of-life metrics.

Favorable Taxes and Resource Stability

Taxation is a bright spot with a score of 79.7, and the county maintains a decent water score of 41.1. It also manages environmental risk fairly well, earning a score of 38.2 in that category.

Education and Safety Need Attention

The county faces steep challenges in education with a school score of 9.8 and safety with a score of 8.5. Economic scores are also low, with income sitting at 28.2 and costs becoming a burden at 36.5.

Suitable for Resource-Focused Households

Curry County may work for individuals who prioritize low taxes and stable water access over school quality or safety. It is likely a difficult environment for young families seeking top-tier educational opportunities.

Score breakdown

Tax79.7Cost36.5Safety8.5Health35.5Schools9.8Income28.2Risk38.2Water41.1Weather53.1
🏛79.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠36.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼28.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡8.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤35.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓9.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡38.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧41.1
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤53.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱41
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

Quay County
New Mexico
53.3
Parmer County
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42.8
Deaf Smith County
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30.6
Bailey County
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Roosevelt County
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Castro County
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Lamb County
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De Baca County
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Deep Dives

Curry County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Curry County

via TaxByCounty

Curry's tax rate sits slightly below national median

Curry County's effective tax rate of 0.555% runs modestly below the national median of 0.595%, placing it near the bottom third nationally. The median property tax of $893 represents just one-third of the national median of $2,690, reflecting Curry's lower median home value of $160,800.

Curry ranks among New Mexico's lower-tax counties

Curry County's 0.555% effective rate is about 6.7% below the New Mexico average of 0.595%, making it one of the state's most tax-friendly jurisdictions. The median tax of $893 trails the state average of $1,043, providing favorable tax treatment within New Mexico.

Curry competes well with surrounding rural counties

Curry's 0.555% rate is lower than most peer counties across eastern New Mexico and the panhandle region, offering competitive advantage for property owners. Its median home value of $160,800 aligns with other rural counties while maintaining lower effective tax rates.

A $160,800 home costs $893 annually

The typical Curry County homeowner with a median-valued property of $160,800 pays approximately $893 in annual property taxes. Owners with mortgages pay more due to escrow, averaging around $1,254 per year.

Assessment appeals remain worthwhile even at low rates

While Curry County maintains relatively low tax rates, homeowners should still consider appealing assessments if they believe valuations exceed fair market values. Even in favorable tax environments, successful appeals can provide additional relief.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Curry County

via CostByCounty

Curry's housing burden exceeds national and state norms

Curry County renters spend 21.1% of income on rent—significantly above the national benchmark of roughly 19% and the state average of 19.4%. Despite median household income of $56,259, residents here face one of New Mexico's tightest housing-affordability gaps, with median rent at $987 monthly.

Curry ranks among state's most strained housing markets

Curry County's rent-to-income ratio of 21.1% ranks it among New Mexico's least affordable counties, exceeding the state average by 1.7 percentage points. With median rent at $987—12% above the state mean of $876—Curry residents face above-average cost pressures.

Curry's rents rival Bernalillo's despite lower incomes

Curry's $987 median rent nearly matches Bernalillo's $1,087, yet Curry households earn $10,000 less annually, creating sharper affordability strain. This Clovis-anchored county occupies an unusual position: metro-level rents paired with rural-level incomes.

Homeownership offers modest relief in Curry

Curry renters pay $987 monthly while homeowners spend $879—an 11% discount that still leaves ownership among the state's pricier options, with median home value of $160,800. At $56,259 median income, housing consumes 21% of renters' earnings and 19% of owners' budgets.

Curry suits those with stable income or ownership plans

Curry County's above-average rents demand careful budgeting for renters, but the county appeals to those relocating with established employment or seeking affordable homeownership. Consider Curry if you have income stability and plan to buy rather than rent.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Curry County

via IncomeByCounty

Curry below national income, upper tier statewide

Curry County's median household income of $56,259 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by 25%, placing it in the bottom 35% of American counties. Despite the national gap, Curry ranks among New Mexico's better-performing counties economically.

Above-average income within New Mexico

Curry County's median household income of $56,259 exceeds New Mexico's state average of $55,469 by about 1%, placing it slightly ahead statewide. Among the eight counties examined, Curry ranks second, trailing only Bernalillo County by $10,000.

Curry leads peer rural counties

Curry County's $56,259 income ranks first among rural peer counties, outpacing Colfax County ($52,690), Chaves County ($52,029), and Cibola County ($51,765). This advantage reflects Curry's relative economic stability and more diverse employment base.

Housing costs rise relative to income

At 21.1%, Curry County's rent-to-income ratio is the highest among the eight counties, approaching the 30% affordability threshold. The median home value of $160,800 is manageable, but renters should monitor budget carefully to ensure housing costs don't crowd out other necessities.

Optimize budget to free savings capacity

With a relatively tight rent-to-income ratio, Curry County residents should audit monthly expenses for discretionary cuts—streaming services, dining out, subscriptions. Even finding $50-75 monthly in cuts enables meaningful retirement savings or debt reduction.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Curry County

via CrimeByCounty

Curry County Crime Above National Average

Curry County’s total crime rate of 2,919.7 per 100K is higher than the national average of 2,385.5. This activity level results in a local safety score of 95.4.

Trailing the State Safety Average

The county's safety score of 95.4 is below the New Mexico average of 97.4. Its total crime rate of 2,919.7 is also nearly double the state average of 1,638.5 per 100K.

How Curry Compares Locally

Curry’s crime rate is lower than neighboring Chaves County at 3,343.1, but higher than De Baca County. It represents a middle ground for crime intensity in the eastern New Mexico region.

Significant Property Crime Volume

Property crime is the primary driver of local statistics at 2,340.3 per 100K. Violent crime also sits above national levels at 579.4, indicating a need for consistent community vigilance.

Practical Defense for Your Home

With property crime as the leading concern, residents should focus on securing valuables and garage entries. Motion sensors and automatic timers for indoor lights can help deter potential intruders.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Curry County

via HealthByCounty

Curry trails national health averages

Curry County residents achieve a life expectancy of 72.6 years, falling about 1 year short of the U.S. average of 73.5 years. With 19.5% reporting poor or fair health—slightly above the national average of 19.2%—Curry shows mixed health outcomes for a rural area.

Below-average health within New Mexico

Curry's 72.6-year life expectancy sits below New Mexico's 73.7-year average, indicating weaker health outcomes than the state norm. The county's 11.1% uninsured rate exceeds the state average of 10.2%, suggesting significant access barriers for vulnerable populations.

Primary care shortage, mental health support

With 42 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Curry ranks among the lowest in primary care access—forcing many to travel for routine care. The county offers 690 mental health providers per 100,000, indicating solid behavioral health capacity relative to peers.

Insurance gaps drive healthcare disparities

One in nine Curry residents (11.1%) lack health insurance, creating access barriers compounded by limited primary care availability. The combination of low provider density and high uninsured rates leaves many residents unable to access preventive or urgent care.

Health insurance is within reach

Many Curry County residents qualify for subsidized coverage that makes insurance affordable, especially through New Mexico's marketplace. With limited local doctors, having insurance helps ensure you can travel for necessary care without devastating medical bills.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Curry County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Growing Town and Rural Network

Curry County features 27 public schools, including 14 elementary and 6 middle schools, serving 8,684 students. These schools are distributed across four districts that cover both town and rural areas.

Spending and Graduation Rates Lag

The graduation rate is 71.3%, trailing the New Mexico state average of 79%. The county spends $6,167 per pupil, which is significantly lower than the state’s $7,957 average and the national $13,000 average.

Clovis Municipal Schools Anchor the County

Clovis Municipal Schools is the dominant district, managing 18 schools and 7,664 students. The county relies entirely on traditional public districts, as there are currently no charter schools in operation.

Mid-Sized Schools in Town Settings

Most students attend one of the 16 town-based schools, where the average campus size is 322 students. Clovis High is the largest institution by a wide margin, enrolling 1,544 students.

Make Your Home in the Clovis Hub

Proximity to the Clovis High Freshman Academy and other central schools is a major draw for local families. Research homes in Clovis to find a property near the county’s primary educational and town amenities.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Curry County

via RiskByCounty

Curry County near national average risk

With a composite risk score of 61.83, Curry County slightly exceeds New Mexico's state average (58.92) and earns a relatively low risk rating. This eastern plains county faces moderate hazard exposure, with unique challenges from both storms and wildfires.

Below-average risk for New Mexico

Curry ranks in the lower half of New Mexico counties for overall disaster risk, well below counties like Bernalillo and Doña Ana. The county's plains geography provides some natural buffering against extreme hazard concentration.

Safer than Chaves County to south

Curry's 61.83 score runs notably lower than Chaves County (87.63) despite both occupying the eastern plains region. This difference reflects Curry's somewhat lower flood and wildfire exposure.

Wildfire and tornado as dual threats

Wildfire risk (95.71) and tornado risk (58.91) dominate Curry's hazard profile—an unusual pairing that reflects the county's position at the convergence of plains storms and dry forest zones. Flood risk (52.48) ranks lower but still merits attention during heavy precipitation events.

Dual preparedness for fire and storms

Prepare your home for both wildfire and severe weather: secure a safe room, maintain defensible space, and have evacuation plans ready for fire season. Verify that your homeowners policy covers both wildfire and wind damage, as both are real threats in Curry County.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Curry County

via WeatherByCounty

Sunny Skies Over Curry County

Curry County averages 58.2°F annually, which is warmer than the national median. It receives a healthy 18.0 inches of precipitation, leaning toward a semi-humid plains climate.

Consistent Heat on the High Plains

The county's 58.2°F average is higher than the state average of 54.8°F. It serves as one of New Mexico's wetter eastern outposts, exceeding the state precipitation average by four inches.

Abundant Moisture for the Region

At 18.0 inches of rain and snow, Curry is much wetter than the state's 14.0-inch average. This moisture supports the agriculture that defines this region of the High Plains.

Long Summers and Moderate Snowfall

Summers are hot with 75 days reaching 90°F and a July average of 78.1°F. Winter brings 11.0 inches of snow and a January average of 38.5°F.

Plan for High Plains Summers

Air conditioning is essential for the 76.8°F summer average and high number of heat days. Residents should also prepare for variable winter storms that bring 11 inches of snow.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Curry County

via SoilByCounty

Productive High Plains Ground

Curry County is a powerhouse of New Mexico agriculture, though its specific taxonomic data remains unrecorded in this set. Expect alkaline soil conditions typical of the Llano Estacado region.

Fine Textures for Farming

While specific sand and clay ratios are missing, the region is known for its fine-textured loams. These soils are historically prized for their ability to support large-scale dryland and irrigated farming.

Untapped Organic Potential

Local organic matter figures aren't available, but keeping levels above the state’s 1.27% average is key for crop success. Richness in these soils often depends on careful rotation and conservation practices.

Infiltration on the Plains

The lack of recorded hydrologic groups makes it important for local growers to monitor how water moves across the flat landscape. Efficient water use is paramount in this wind-swept agricultural zone.

Wheat and Sorghum Territory

Zone 7a supports hardy grains and a variety of garden vegetables like squash and beans. With the right irrigation, the soil here can be incredibly productive for home and commercial growers alike.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Curry County

via LawnByCounty

Plains Gardening in Curry County

Curry County achieves a lawn difficulty score of 41.0, making it one of the more hospitable areas in the state. Though it trails the national average of 50.0, it is considerably easier to maintain a lawn here than the state average of 30.2. Zone 7a offers a robust growing season for those who can manage the heat.

Rainy Summers and High Heat

Lawns benefit from 18.0 inches of annual precipitation, the highest in this group of counties. However, 75 extreme heat days and 4,299 growing degree days mean water evaporates quickly. The long growing season begins early on April 17 and lasts until the first frost on October 26.

Eastern Plains Soil Needs

While specific texture data is unavailable, the soils in this region are often productive but require careful moisture management. High temperatures can lead to soil crusting, which prevents water from reaching the root zone. Regular applications of organic mulch can help maintain soil health and improve water infiltration.

Resilient in Dry Spells

Curry County has faced only 11 weeks of drought in the past year, faring much better than its western neighbors. While 100% of the area is currently 'abnormally dry,' there is no severe (D2+) drought present. Standard irrigation during the 75 high-heat days is usually sufficient to keep local turf green.

Establishing Your Zone 7a Turf

Warm-season grasses like Buffalograss are ideal for Curry County, utilizing the high number of growing degree days. The long season allows for a successful start as early as mid-April. Focus on varieties that can handle the 75+ days of intense heat while taking advantage of the relatively high 18-inch rainfall.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Curry County's county score?
Curry County, New Mexico has a composite county score of 33.5 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 Curry County rank among counties in New Mexico?
Curry County ranks #29 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 Curry County, New Mexico?
The median annual property tax in Curry County is $893, with an effective tax rate of 0.56%. This earns Curry County a tax score of 79.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Curry County?
The median household income in Curry County, New Mexico is $56,259 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Curry County earns an income score of 28.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Curry County, New Mexico a good place to live?
Curry County scores 33.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #29 in New Mexico. The best way to evaluate Curry 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 Curry 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.