countyscore
36
County Score
Property Tax 85.9Income & Jobs 83.4Weather & Climate 42.7

County Report Card

About Eddy County, New Mexico

Eddy County Trails National Median

Eddy County earns a composite score of 36.0, which falls significantly below the national median of 50.0. This ranking reflects a lower-than-average performance across several key livability indicators on the national stage.

Below the New Mexico Average

The county's overall score of 36.0 sits roughly 13 points behind the New Mexico state average of 49.1. It struggles to compete with more balanced counties within the state despite its economic engine.

Strong Incomes and Low Taxes

The county excels in financial metrics with a high Tax Score of 85.9 and an Income Score of 83.4. Residents benefit from a median household income of $79,605 and a low effective tax rate of just 0.499%.

Significant Safety and School Hurdles

Public services face challenges, evidenced by a Safety Score of 6.7 and a School Score of 12.5. Additionally, the Risk Score of 16.4 indicates a vulnerability to environmental or economic volatility that residents must navigate.

A Haven for High Earners

Eddy County best suits career-focused individuals or industrial workers who prioritize high take-home pay over public amenities. Families may find the trade-offs in safety and school quality difficult to balance against the robust local economy.

Score breakdown

Tax85.9Cost39.9Safety6.7Health31.3Schools12.5Income83.4Risk16.4Water36.6Weather42.7
🏛85.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠39.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼83.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡6.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤31.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓12.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡16.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧36.6
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤42.7
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱9.4
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

Eddy County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Eddy County

via TaxByCounty

Eddy County taxes rank well nationally

Eddy County's effective tax rate of 0.499% sits well below the national median of $2,690 on a typical home. At this rate, Eddy homeowners pay roughly one-third the property tax burden of the average American county, placing the county in the bottom 25% of tax burden nationally.

Below average for New Mexico

Eddy County's 0.499% effective rate undershoots New Mexico's state average of 0.595% by a meaningful margin. Among all New Mexico counties, Eddy ranks in the lower-tax tier, with a median property tax of $995 compared to the statewide median of $1,043.

The most tax-friendly in southeast region

Compared to neighboring Lea County (0.468%) and Guadalupe County (0.525%), Eddy County's 0.499% rate is moderate for the region. All three counties undercut the state average, making southeastern New Mexico a relatively affordable area for property owners.

Eddy homeowner pays under $1,000 yearly

With a median home value of $199,400 and an effective rate of 0.499%, a typical Eddy County homeowner pays $995 annually in property tax. Homeowners with mortgages pay slightly more at $1,327 due to escrow requirements, while those without mortgages pay $721.

Check if your assessment is accurate

Many Eddy County homeowners may be paying taxes on inflated property valuations. If your home's assessed value seems high relative to recent sales in your area, you have the right to file an appeal with the county assessor—a simple process that could lower your annual tax bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Eddy County

via CostByCounty

Eddy outpaces national affordability

Eddy County renters spend 17.8% of household income on rent, well below the national sweet spot and significantly better than the state average of 19.4%. With a median household income of $79,605—6% above the national median of $74,755—residents here enjoy stronger purchasing power than most Americans.

Among New Mexico's most affordable

Eddy County ranks as one of the state's most housing-friendly markets, with a rent-to-income ratio that beats the state average of 19.4%. Median rent of $1,183 is higher than the state's $876, but incomes here are substantially stronger, making housing genuinely more accessible.

More expensive, but higher-earning

Eddy's $1,183 median rent exceeds nearby Lea County ($1,119) and Lincoln County ($883), but Eddy households also earn more—$79,605 compared to Lea's $68,750 and Lincoln's $51,643. This income advantage makes Eddy's higher rents proportionally less burdensome for residents.

Renters and owners both comfortable

Renters in Eddy spend roughly $1,183 monthly while owners pay $739, with median home values around $199,400. At a median household income of $79,605, housing costs consume only 17.8% of gross income—leaving most families breathing room in their budgets.

Relocating? Eddy offers balance

If you're comparing moves across New Mexico, Eddy County delivers solid income levels paired with manageable housing costs—neither the cheapest rent nor the highest prices. Consider it the state's pragmatic middle ground for families seeking stability without sacrificing local earning potential.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Eddy County

via IncomeByCounty

Eddy outpaces nation on income

Eddy County's median household income of $79,605 exceeds the U.S. median of $74,755 by about $4,850, placing it well above the national average. This stronger-than-average earning power reflects robust economic activity in the county, driven largely by energy sector employment.

Top earner in New Mexico

At $79,605, Eddy County ranks among the highest income counties in New Mexico, significantly ahead of the state average of $55,469. The county's median household income runs 43% higher than its state peers, signaling concentrated economic strength.

Clear income edge over nearby counties

Eddy County households earn $79,605, compared to $68,750 in neighboring Lea County and $51,643 in Lincoln County. Only Los Alamos County ($143,188) outpaces Eddy in the region, but Eddy remains the second-strongest earner among surrounding counties.

Housing costs stay manageable here

Eddy County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.8% sits below the national warning threshold of 30%, indicating housing remains affordable relative to earnings. With a median home value of $199,400 and strong median income, residents have healthy purchasing power for homeownership.

Build on Eddy's income strength

With median household income exceeding national and state averages, Eddy County residents have a solid foundation for savings and investment. Consider working with a financial advisor to develop a strategy that locks in retirement savings, builds home equity, and diversifies assets beyond the local energy economy.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Eddy County

via CrimeByCounty

Eddy County Exceeds National Crime Rate

Eddy County reports a total crime rate of 3,147.0 per 100K, which is higher than the national average of 2,385.5. The county currently maintains a safety score of 95.0.

Below the State Safety Average

The county's safety score of 95.0 falls short of the New Mexico average of 97.4. Its total crime rate is nearly double the statewide average of 1,638.5 per 100K.

Safer Than Neighboring Chaves

Eddy’s crime rate of 3,147.0 is lower than neighbor Chaves County's 3,343.1. However, it remains more active than Curry County, showing higher crime density in this part of the Permian Basin.

The Property and Violent Split

Property crime is high at 2,667.1 per 100K, accounting for the vast majority of local incidents. Violent crime stands at 479.9, which is also above the national average of 369.8.

Protecting Assets in Eddy County

High property crime rates suggest residents should take extra care to secure outdoor equipment and vehicles. Smart doorbells and improved outdoor lighting are effective ways to reduce theft risks.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Eddy County

via HealthByCounty

Eddy County lags behind national health benchmarks

At 72.7 years, Eddy County's life expectancy trails the U.S. average of 76.4 years by nearly four years. One in five residents (21.9%) report poor or fair health, slightly above national averages, signaling persistent challenges in chronic disease management and preventive care.

Below-average life expectancy for New Mexico

Eddy County ranks near the bottom of New Mexico counties with a life expectancy 1 year below the state average of 73.7 years. The county's uninsured rate of 10.7% exceeds New Mexico's 10.2% average, leaving more residents vulnerable to medical debt.

Health gaps versus nearby southeastern counties

Eddy County's life expectancy (72.7 years) falls short of neighboring Lea County (72.6 years is similar), Grant County (74.3 years), and significantly lags Lincoln County (75.8 years). Primary care access is particularly thin at just 30 providers per 100,000 residents—half the rate in Grant County.

Primary care deserts shape daily health access

With only 30 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Eddy County residents face long wait times and travel distances for basic medical care. Mental health support is more available at 151 providers per 100,000, but the primary care shortage means many health issues never reach a specialist.

Check your health coverage options today

One in ten Eddy County residents lack health insurance, making preventive care and early treatment less likely. Visit healthcare.gov or New Mexico's health marketplace to explore coverage options that fit your budget and health needs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Eddy County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Broad Educational Network in Eddy County

Eddy County manages a robust network of 26 public schools serving 11,453 students across three distinct districts. The infrastructure includes 14 elementary schools, 4 middle schools, and 4 high schools to support the growing region. Most students attend school in town-based settings, with six campuses located in rural areas.

Evaluating Performance and Resource Allocation

The county reports a 73.0% graduation rate, which sits below the state average of 79.0% and the national benchmark of 87.0%. Per-pupil expenditure is currently $6,354, trailing the New Mexico average of $7,957. Despite these figures, the county maintains a 43.2 composite school score as it works to narrow performance gaps.

Carlsbad Municipal Leads Local Districts

Carlsbad Municipal Schools stands as the largest district, educating 7,102 students across 14 separate schools. Artesia Public Schools also plays a significant role with 10 schools and 3,722 enrolled students. Charter options are limited, with just one school representing roughly 4% of the county's total public offerings.

Diverse School Sizes and Town Locales

School sizes vary significantly, from the massive Carlsbad High with 1,551 students to smaller community campuses. The average school enrollment is 458 students, though 20 of the 26 schools are situated in town locales. Large intermediate schools like PR Leyva Campus help bridge the gap between primary and secondary education.

Finding Your Home Near Eddy Schools

Families moving to the area often look toward the Carlsbad or Artesia districts for established educational programs. As you research local real estate, consider how proximity to major campuses like Desert Willow Elementary impacts home values. Explore the diverse neighborhoods that support this active New Mexico school system.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Eddy County

via RiskByCounty

Eddy County faces above-average disaster risk

With a composite risk score of 83.65, Eddy County ranks in the relatively moderate category—well above New Mexico's state average of 58.92. This elevated risk reflects significant exposure to water and fire hazards that threaten homes and infrastructure across the county.

Second-highest risk in New Mexico

Eddy County is among the state's riskiest counties, ranking second only to Lea County in overall disaster vulnerability. This high ranking reflects the county's pronounced exposure to floods and wildfires that regularly impact southeastern New Mexico.

Riskier than all adjacent counties

Eddy County's risk score of 83.65 substantially exceeds neighboring Lea County's 86.01 and Lincoln County's 79.48. Among regional peers, Eddy faces outsized hazard exposure, particularly from water and wildfire events.

Flooding and wildfire dominate hazards

Flood risk scores 90.68 and wildfire risk reaches 88.52 in Eddy County—both critical threats requiring serious preparation. Tornado risk is lower at 27.32, and earthquake and hurricane risks remain minimal, making flood and fire insurance your top priorities.

Secure flood and fire coverage now

Standard homeowners insurance rarely covers flooding; purchase a separate flood policy through the National Flood Insurance Program or private providers. Consider wildfire mitigation insurance or endorsements, especially if your home sits near vegetation, and keep gutters clear and landscaping trimmed to reduce fire exposure.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Eddy County

via WeatherByCounty

Eddy County experiences desert warmth

Eddy County's average annual temperature of 62.7°F sits well above the national median. This high temperature characterizes its semi-arid climate, which sees significantly more heat than the typical American county.

Ranking among the state's warmest

Eddy ranks among New Mexico's warmest counties, with an annual average nearly 8 degrees higher than the state mean of 54.8°F. Its consistently high temperatures define the southern Pecos River Valley experience.

Hotter and drier than neighbors

Compared to neighboring Lea County at 61.4°F, Eddy is slightly warmer and drier with only 12.8 inches of annual rain. It shares the intense heat of the Permian Basin but remains hotter than northern neighbors like Lincoln County.

Intense summers and mild winters

Summers are intense with 109 days hitting 90°F or higher and a July average of 81.4°F. Winters stay mild with a January average of 43.3°F and a light annual snowfall of just 2.9 inches.

Prepare for triple-digit heat

High-efficiency HVAC systems are essential here to manage over three months of potential triple-digit heat. Residents should prioritize water-wise landscaping, as the 12.8 inches of annual precipitation provides little natural irrigation.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Eddy County

via SoilByCounty

High Desert Identity

Eddy County lacks specific taxonomic data, but its desert location suggests alkaline levels typical of the region. Most southeastern New Mexico soils sit well above the national median pH of 6.5.

Rocky Desert Textures

Without local granular data for sand and clay, gardeners should expect the rocky, mineral-heavy textures common to this arid landscape. These soils often lack the balance of traditional garden loams.

Managing Arid Fertility

Organic matter levels remain unmeasured here, yet the county shares the arid challenges found across the state's 1.27% average. Improving the soil requires significant organic amendments to support healthy crops.

Understanding Local Flow

Hydrological data for this region is currently limited, making site-specific testing essential before major projects. Local drainage patterns often shift rapidly based on limestone and gypsum deposits.

Zone 8a Growing Potential

Located in Hardiness Zone 8a, this region supports heat-tolerant favorites like pecans, peppers, and cotton. With proper irrigation, your garden can thrive in the long, sunny growing season.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Eddy County

via LawnByCounty

Eddy County’s Extreme Lawn Challenge

Maintaining a lawn in Eddy County is exceptionally difficult, as evidenced by a lawn difficulty score of just 9.4. This score is significantly lower than the New Mexico average of 30.2 and far below the national median of 50.0. In Hardiness Zone 8a, growers face a harsh environment that requires constant attention and heavy resource management.

Scorching Heat and Limited Rain

Eddy County endures 109 extreme heat days per year where temperatures exceed 90°F, creating a high-stress environment for turf. The area receives just 12.8 inches of annual precipitation, falling short of the 30-50 inches lawns typically require to thrive. With 5429 growing degree days, the heat demand for plants is intense throughout the long summer.

Managing Unknown Soil Foundations

Local soil data is limited for this region, making it essential to conduct a home soil test before starting any project. Given the arid climate, New Mexico soils often trend toward alkaline pH levels and may require significant organic amendments. Focus on increasing water retention through compost or mulch to compensate for the lack of regional soil data.

A Year of Constant Drought

The county has spent all 53 weeks of the past year in drought conditions, with 100% of the area currently classified as abnormally dry. While only 5% of the area is in severe drought, water conservation remains a necessity. Homeowners should prioritize deep, infrequent watering at night to minimize evaporation loss.

Start Growing After the Spring Frost

Heat-tolerant grasses like Bermuda or Buffalo grass are the best bets for Zone 8a and this intense heat profile. Plan your seeding or sodding after the average last frost on April 2nd to ensure young roots aren't damaged. Although the climate is challenging, choosing the right native or desert-adapted species can create a sustainable green space.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Eddy County's county score?
Eddy County, New Mexico has a composite county score of 36 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 Eddy County rank among counties in New Mexico?
Eddy County ranks #27 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 Eddy County, New Mexico?
The median annual property tax in Eddy County is $995, with an effective tax rate of 0.50%. This earns Eddy County a tax score of 85.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Eddy County?
The median household income in Eddy County, New Mexico is $79,605 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Eddy County earns an income score of 83.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Eddy County, New Mexico a good place to live?
Eddy County scores 36/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #27 in New Mexico. The best way to evaluate Eddy 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 Eddy 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.