countyscore
41
County Score
Property Tax 64.9Weather & Climate 48.9Cost of Living 45.1

County Report Card

About Doña Ana County, New Mexico

Doña Ana Below National Averages

Doña Ana County scores a 41.0 on the composite index, falling short of the national median of 50.0. This indicates that the county faces more significant livability obstacles than the typical U.S. county.

Trailing the New Mexico State Average

The county's score of 41.0 is below the New Mexico state average of 49.1. While it is a major population center, its overall quality-of-life metrics lag behind state leaders.

Competitive Taxes and Solid Healthcare

The county's strengths lie in its tax score of 64.9 and a health score of 41.3. It also maintains a moderate cost score of 45.1, keeping the median home value around $205,400.

Environmental Risks and School Ratings

Environmental risk is a major concern with a very low score of 3.9, and the school score is modest at 24.3. Data for safety and water dimensions are currently unavailable, leaving some gaps in the profile.

Best for Health-Conscious Urbanites

Doña Ana County suits those who value access to regional healthcare and manageable taxes in a larger community. Residents must be comfortable with higher environmental risks and a median income level of $55,663.

Score breakdown

Tax64.9Cost45.1SafetyComing SoonHealth41.3Schools24.3Income26.9Risk3.9WaterComing SoonWeather48.9
🏛64.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠45.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼26.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤41.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓24.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡3.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤48.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱12.9
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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Compare Doña Ana County with Plumas County →Share on X

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Nearby counties

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Sierra County
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Otero County
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Luna County
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Deep Dives

Doña Ana County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Doña Ana County

via TaxByCounty

Doña Ana taxes exceed the national median

Doña Ana County's effective tax rate of 0.683% runs above the national median of 0.595%, placing it above average nationally. The median property tax of $1,404 is slightly below the national median of $2,690, reflecting Doña Ana's lower median home value of $205,400.

Doña Ana ranks in the upper-middle of state rates

Doña Ana County's 0.683% effective rate is 14.8% above the New Mexico average of 0.595%, positioning it among the state's higher-tax counties. The median tax of $1,404 exceeds the state average of $1,043, reflecting above-average tax burden within New Mexico.

Doña Ana taxes higher than most border region counties

Doña Ana's 0.683% rate exceeds many surrounding southern New Mexico counties, reflecting Las Cruces' urban infrastructure needs and higher tax base. Its median home value of $205,400 is among the region's highest, contributing to elevated absolute tax bills.

A $205,400 home costs $1,404 annually

The typical Doña Ana County homeowner with a median-valued property of $205,400 pays approximately $1,404 in annual property taxes. Owners with mortgages pay more due to escrow, averaging around $1,583 per year.

Challenge assessments in this higher-tax county

Given Doña Ana County's above-average tax rates, homeowners should strongly consider appealing their property assessments to reduce tax liability. Many assessments exceed fair market values, and successful appeals could yield significant annual savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Doña Ana County

via CostByCounty

Doña Ana mirrors national housing affordability closely

Doña Ana County renters spend 19.5% of income on rent, nearly identical to the national benchmark of roughly 19%, despite median household income of $55,663 running 26% below the national average of $74,755. This southern county offers balanced affordability for lower-wage households.

Doña Ana ranks slightly above state average burden

Doña Ana's rent-to-income ratio of 19.5% slightly exceeds New Mexico's state average of 19.4%, with median rent at $903—3% above the state mean of $876. This Las Cruces-anchored county sits in the middle range of New Mexico's affordability spectrum.

Doña Ana balances cost and metro-adjacent services

Doña Ana's $903 median rent falls between rural counties like Chaves ($838) and Bernalillo's $1,087, positioning this southern region as a middle-ground option for those seeking El Paso area access. Median home value of $205,400 reflects stronger housing demand than interior rural counties.

Homeownership carries modest premium in Doña Ana

Doña Ana renters pay $903 monthly while homeowners spend $842—a 7% ownership discount unusual in New Mexico, suggesting a relatively balanced ownership-rental market. At $55,663 median income, housing consumes roughly 19-20% of household budgets for both tenures.

Doña Ana suits those balancing access and affordability

Doña Ana County offers stable, near-national-average affordability metrics paired with proximity to El Paso job markets and services, appealing to those seeking balance. Consider Doña Ana if you want lower costs than major metros without sacrificing entirely for rural isolation.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Doña Ana County

via IncomeByCounty

Doña Ana trails national income moderately

Doña Ana County's median household income of $55,663 falls 26% below the U.S. median of $74,755, placing it in the bottom 35% of American counties. The income gap reflects the county's mix of lower-wage service and agricultural employment alongside some professional jobs.

Barely below state average, mid-tier rank

Doña Ana County's median household income of $55,663 sits just 0.3% below New Mexico's state average of $55,469, essentially at parity. Among the eight counties examined, Doña Ana ranks third, trailing only Bernalillo and Curry counties.

Income mirrors neighboring rural counties

Doña Ana County's $55,663 income closely matches Curry County ($56,259) and sits slightly above Chaves County ($52,029). The similarity reflects shared labor market characteristics across south-central and southern New Mexico.

Housing costs manageable, home values moderate

At 19.5%, Doña Ana's rent-to-income ratio is just below the 30% affordability threshold, meaning housing consumes roughly one-fifth of median income. The median home value of $205,400 is notably higher than most peer counties, reflecting Doña Ana's larger population and economic activity.

Doña Ana households can build solid wealth

With income at state average and manageable housing costs, Doña Ana County residents have opportunity to save meaningfully for retirement and investments. Direct 5-10% of household income to retirement accounts and consider homeownership as a long-term wealth-building strategy.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Doña Ana County

via HealthByCounty

Doña Ana outperforms national health averages

Doña Ana County residents live to an average of 76.0 years, exceeding the U.S. average of 73.5 years by 2.5 years. With 21.2% reporting poor or fair health—slightly above the national average of 19.2%—the county shows strong longevity despite some underlying health challenges.

Leading life expectancy in New Mexico

Doña Ana's 76.0-year life expectancy ranks among the state's best, outpacing New Mexico's 73.7-year average by 2.3 years. The county's 12.1% uninsured rate exceeds the state average of 10.2%, suggesting pockets of vulnerable populations despite overall strong outcomes.

Moderate access to primary and mental health

With 62 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Doña Ana matches Chaves County and exceeds more rural peers like Cibola or Curry. The county's 374 mental health providers per 100,000 provides solid behavioral health services comparable to mid-range counties.

Strong outcomes, persistent insurance gaps

Doña Ana's high life expectancy reflects good health infrastructure, yet 12.1% of residents remain uninsured—notably higher than some wealthier counties. The gap suggests wealth disparities within the county, where lower-income residents struggle with insurance access.

Affordable coverage available for all

If you're uninsured in Doña Ana, explore subsidized plans through New Mexico's marketplace—many residents qualify for free or low-cost coverage. Getting insured ensures you can take advantage of the county's good healthcare infrastructure.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Doña Ana County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Large, Diverse Educational Network

Doña Ana County supports 37,364 students across 81 public schools, including 45 elementary and 18 high schools. This massive infrastructure is managed by 11 distinct school districts.

Graduation Rates Exceed State Average

The graduation rate is 82.0%, outperforming the New Mexico state average of 79%. Per-pupil expenditure is $6,852, which remains below the state average of $7,957 and the national $13,000 benchmark.

Las Cruces and Gadsden Lead the Way

Las Cruces Public Schools is the largest district with 23,075 students, followed by Gadsden Independent Schools with 12,551. Seven charter schools provide specialized options for 8.6% of the county's schools.

A Blend of City Hubs and Rural Outposts

The county features 31 city schools and 28 rural schools, with an average school size of 473 students. Organ Mountain High is the largest campus, serving nearly 2,000 students in Las Cruces.

Settle Near High-Performing Schools

With graduation rates higher than the state average, Doña Ana County is a top choice for families. Explore homes in Las Cruces or the Gadsden area to find a neighborhood near these growing school districts.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Doña Ana County

via RiskByCounty

Doña Ana faces the highest statewide risk

With a composite risk score of 96.09, Doña Ana County ranks as New Mexico's riskiest community and well above the national average for disaster exposure. The county's southern border location and Rio Grande valley geography create extreme vulnerability to multiple concurrent hazards.

Highest-risk county in New Mexico

Doña Ana County ranks first statewide for overall disaster risk, exceeding even Bernalillo County (94.40). The county's combination of seismic, flood, and wildfire threats creates a uniquely challenging risk landscape.

Riskier than any nearby county

Doña Ana's 96.09 score substantially exceeds Luna County (59.37) to the west and Sierra County to the north. The county stands apart regionally for its extreme composite risk profile.

Floods and earthquakes pose twin threats

Flood risk (98.38) reaches maximum severity in Doña Ana, driven by Rio Grande dynamics and monsoon exposure, while earthquake risk (91.22) reflects active fault lines throughout the county. Wildfire risk (86.58) and even modest hurricane risk (36.55) add secondary but real dangers.

Flood and earthquake insurance mandatory

Doña Ana residents must obtain both separate flood and earthquake insurance immediately—these threats are not covered by standard policies and losses often exceed expectations. Review and update coverage annually, as the county's extreme risk profile demands maximum protection.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Doña Ana County

via WeatherByCounty

Southern Heat in Doña Ana

Doña Ana County averages 61.3°F annually, placing it among the warmest counties in the nation. This desert region is very dry, with only 10.0 inches of annual precipitation.

The Warmest Corner of the State

With a 61.3°F annual average, this county is significantly warmer than the New Mexico average of 54.8°F. It is a leader in extreme heat days for the state.

Minimal Rainfall in the Chihuahuan Desert

The county receives just 10.0 inches of precipitation, well below the state average of 14.0 inches. It is one of the driest inhabited regions in New Mexico.

A Century of Triple-Digit Days

Summer dominates with a staggering 103 days reaching 90°F or higher. Winters are very mild, with only 1.4 inches of snow and a January average of 41.8°F.

Sun Protection and Water Conservation

Extreme heat safety and high-performance cooling are essential for the 79.6°F summer average. Winter gear is rarely needed as snowfall is almost non-existent.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Doña Ana County

via SoilByCounty

Famous Desert Valley Soils

Doña Ana's taxonomic identity is defined by the fertile Mesilla Valley, though specific dataset records are currently limited. You can expect high alkalinity well above the 6.5 national pH median.

Alluvial Mixes and River Clay

Sand and clay percentages aren't precisely mapped here, but the river-fed valley is known for its heavy, nutrient-rich sediments. These soils provide a strong foundation for some of the state's most productive farms.

Harnessing the Rio Grande

Missing data for organic matter and water capacity means local farmers rely on time-tested irrigation from the river. Boosting organic levels above the 1.27% state average is a common goal for backyard growers.

Managing Valley Water

No dominant drainage class is recorded, though the valley floor often requires laser-leveling to manage irrigation flow. Proper drainage is essential to prevent salt accumulation in this intense sun.

Pecans and Chiles Thrive

The warm Zone 8b climate allows for a massive variety of crops, including the world-famous Hatch chiles and pecans. This is a gardener’s paradise where the long season supports multiple harvests if you keep the soil fed.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Doña Ana County

via LawnByCounty

The State's Toughest Turf Challenge

Doña Ana County is the most difficult place in this group for lawn care, with a score of just 12.9. This is less than half the state average of 30.2 and far below the national median. In Zone 8b, the environment is defined by extreme heat and very little natural moisture.

Over 100 Days of Extreme Heat

Lawns must endure a staggering 103 days of extreme heat (≥90°F) and 4,977 growing degree days. With only 10.0 inches of annual precipitation, supplemental irrigation is not just helpful—it is mandatory for survival. The growing season is exceptionally long, lasting from late April through mid-November.

Combating Desert Soil Limits

While specific county-wide soil data is missing, local desert soils are typically very low in organic matter and high in salts. Grasses often struggle to establish roots without significant amendments like peat moss or aged manure. Proper drainage is essential to prevent salt buildup, which can be toxic to sensitive turf varieties.

Perpetual Drought Awareness

The county has been in drought for all 53 of the past weeks, and 100% of the area remains abnormally dry. Although severe drought (D2+) is currently localized to 0.1%, the 10.0-inch rainfall limit requires extreme water efficiency. Smart irrigation and choosing native grass alternatives are the best ways to stay green.

Choosing Heat-Hardy Grass

In Zone 8b, only the most heat-tolerant warm-season grasses like St. Augustine or Bermuda grass will survive the 103 days of heat. The optimal planting time is late April, giving the grass a head start before the summer sun becomes intense. Be prepared to provide consistent water to help your lawn thrive in this 12.9-score environment.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Doña Ana County's county score?
Doña Ana County, New Mexico has a composite county score of 41 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 Doña Ana County rank among counties in New Mexico?
Doña Ana County ranks #24 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 Doña Ana County, New Mexico?
The median annual property tax in Doña Ana County is $1,404, with an effective tax rate of 0.68%. This earns Doña Ana County a tax score of 64.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Doña Ana County?
The median household income in Doña Ana County, New Mexico is $55,663 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Doña Ana County earns an income score of 26.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Doña Ana County, New Mexico a good place to live?
Doña Ana County scores 41/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #24 in New Mexico. The best way to evaluate Doña Ana 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 Doña Ana 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.