countyscore
34.7
County Score
Property Tax 82.9Income & Jobs 79.2Weather & 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.

2040608010082.936.76.731.312.579.216.436.642.7Tax82.9Cost36.7Safety6.7Health31.3Schools12.5Income79.2Risk16.4Water36.6Weather42.734.7/100
This county
National avg
2 above average7 below average

Eddy County DNA

Foverall

How Eddy County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Eddy County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Property Tax (82.9/100) but notably weak in Safety (6.7/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
82.9+30.900000000000006
Cost
36.7-11.299999999999997
Safety
6.7-48.3
Health
31.3-18.7
Schools
12.5-41.5
Income
79.2+28.200000000000003
Risk
16.4-30.6
Water
36.6-21.4
Weather
42.7-13.299999999999997
Sponsored

Compare mortgage rates in Eddy County

Whether buying or refinancing in Eddy County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

See Today's Rates

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$212,600

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$1,245/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$212,600/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$49,800/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $78,426/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

11.5

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
Compare Eddy County with Miller County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Miller County
Arkansas
Median income: $48,836
34.7
Riley County
Kansas
Median income: $61,098
34.7
Hall County
Nebraska
Median income: $69,251
34.7
Ottawa County
Oklahoma
Median income: $49,947
34.7
Vermilion County
Illinois
Median income: $56,877
34.8
Reno County
Kansas
Median income: $60,645
34.8
Ouachita Parish
Louisiana
Median income: $54,688
34.8
Guilford County
North Carolina
Median income: $68,642
34.8

Nearby counties

Loving County
Texas
40.1
Lea County
New Mexico
36.5
Chaves County
New Mexico
36.7
Culberson County
Texas
56.9
Reeves County
Texas
42
Winkler County
Texas
52.8
Otero County
New Mexico
44
Gaines County
Texas
47.9

Deep Dives

Eddy County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

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

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 34.7 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 #28 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 $1,095, with an effective tax rate of 0.52%. This earns Eddy County a tax score of 82.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Eddy County?
The median household income in Eddy County, New Mexico is $78,426 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Eddy County earns an income score of 79.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Eddy County, New Mexico a good place to live?
Eddy County scores 34.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #28 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.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.