countyscore
60.1
County Score
Cost of Living 96.3Disaster Risk 91.2Property Tax 83.5

County Report Card

About Guadalupe County, New Mexico

Strong National Standing

Guadalupe County earns a composite score of 60.1, which is over ten points higher than the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a high degree of affordability and environmental stability compared to the rest of the country.

Leading the State Average

With a 60.1 score, Guadalupe County outperforms the New Mexico state average of 49.1 by a healthy margin. It serves as a regional leader in cost-effective living within the state.

Superior Housing Value and Low Risk

The county boasts an exceptional Cost Score of 96.3 and a Risk Score of 91.2. Renters enjoy a median gross rent of only $515, while the low risk score suggests high resilience to natural disasters.

Very Low Income and Water Scores

Economic opportunity is limited, as seen in the Income Score of 2.9 and a median household income of $40,149. Water scarcity is also a critical issue, with a Water Score of 5.3 indicating significant resource pressure.

Perfect for Frugal Minimalism

This county is best suited for individuals who prioritize extremely low living costs and environmental safety over high wages. It is a compelling choice for those living on fixed incomes who want their dollars to stretch as far as possible.

Score breakdown

Tax83.5Cost96.3Safety47.6Health35Schools53.6Income2.9Risk91.2Water5.3Weather50.8
🏛83.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠96.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼2.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡47.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤35
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓53.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡91.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧5.3
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤50.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨24.3
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱34.6
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

De Baca County
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58.6
San Miguel County
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45.9
Quay County
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Torrance County
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Roosevelt County
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Deep Dives

Guadalupe County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Guadalupe County

via TaxByCounty

Guadalupe County taxes are remarkably low

Guadalupe County's effective tax rate of 0.525% ranks in the bottom 20% nationally, with a median property tax of just $563. This is less than 21% of the national median tax burden of $2,690.

Below-average New Mexico rate

Guadalupe County's 0.525% rate falls short of New Mexico's 0.595% state average. The county's median property tax of $563 reflects both its lower tax rate and modest median home values typical of rural eastern New Mexico.

Moderate tax burden for the region

Guadalupe County's 0.525% rate sits between Grant County's 0.460% (the state's lowest) and Eddy County's 0.499%. All three central-eastern counties offer significantly lower tax burdens than the statewide average.

Guadalupe homeowner pays around $563 yearly

A typical Guadalupe County home valued at $107,200 generates an annual property tax of $563. Without mortgage escrow requirements, homeowners pay $370 directly, reflecting the county's modest valuations and low effective rate.

Appeal if your assessment feels high

Overassessed properties exist even in low-value counties. If your assessed value exceeds recent comparable sales in Guadalupe County, filing an appeal with the assessor's office is free and could reduce your tax liability for years to come.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Guadalupe County

via CostByCounty

Guadalupe punches above its weight

Guadalupe County residents enjoy a remarkably low rent-to-income ratio of just 15.4%, among the best in the state and well below the national average. Despite a median household income of $40,149—46% below the national median—the county's tiny rents ($515/month) create surprising affordability for those who live here.

New Mexico's most affordable housing market

Guadalupe County boasts the lowest rent-to-income ratio among New Mexico's counties at 15.4%, a full 4 percentage points better than the state average of 19.4%. This ranking places it at the top of the state's affordability ladder despite having among the lowest median incomes.

Uniquely affordable for lowest incomes

Guadalupe's $515 monthly rent dramatically undercuts Grant County ($810), Harding County ($700), and Hidalgo County ($803)—and the median home value of just $107,200 reflects an ultra-rural, economically isolated market. For low-income households, Guadalupe offers unmatched affordability.

Tiny costs, tiny incomes, balanced ratio

Renters pay just $515 monthly while owners pay $511, with median home values around $107,200—reflecting a deeply rural economy. At $40,149 household income, housing consumes only 15.4% of gross income, the county's greatest affordability advantage.

Guadalupe: extreme affordability, extreme isolation

If rock-bottom housing costs are your priority, Guadalupe County delivers. However, the tiny rents reflect a very small, rural job market; relocate here for lifestyle and community, not career advancement or urban amenities.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Guadalupe County

via IncomeByCounty

Guadalupe faces steep national gap

Guadalupe County's median household income of $40,149 falls roughly $34,600 short of the U.S. median of $74,755, ranking among the lowest-income counties in America. Economic opportunities remain limited, affecting household earnings across the county.

Among New Mexico's lowest earners

Guadalupe County's median household income of $40,149 ranks among the poorest in New Mexico, trailing the state average of $55,469 by $15,320. The county faces structural economic challenges that depress household earnings relative to state peers.

Struggling alongside similar rural areas

Guadalupe County households earn $40,149, placing it near Harding County ($41,250) but well below Lincoln County ($51,643) and Grant County ($45,921). The northeastern plains region struggles with limited employment diversity and lower wage opportunities.

Low-cost housing eases burden

Guadalupe County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.4% ranks as one of the lowest in the state, reflecting affordable housing stock at median values of $107,200. Though incomes are low, the low cost of living provides some relief for household budgets.

Leverage affordability, seek growth

Guadalupe County's low cost of living is a financial advantage; residents should maximize this by building savings even from modest incomes. Explore local training programs, remote work opportunities, and side income sources to boost earnings while taking advantage of affordable housing and living costs.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Guadalupe County

via CrimeByCounty

Guadalupe County Remains Below National Averages

The county reports a total crime rate of 1178.3 per 100K, which is roughly half the national average of 2,385.5. This earns Guadalupe a strong safety score of 98.1 out of 100.

Outperforming the New Mexico Average

Guadalupe’s safety score of 98.1 ranks well above the state average of 97.4. Local law enforcement manages a total crime rate of 1178.3, notably lower than the state's average of 1638.5.

Mixed Comparisons with Nearby Counties

At 1178.3 incidents per 100K, Guadalupe experiences more crime than quiet neighbors like Lincoln County. However, it still maintains a significantly safer profile than more urbanized regions in the state.

Property Crime Drives Local Statistics

Violent crime is very low at 45.3 per 100K, far below the national average of 369.8. In contrast, property crime makes up nearly the entire local crime profile at 1133.0 per 100K.

Focus on Securing Your Property

Since property crime is the primary concern here, homeowners should prioritize securing sheds and vehicles. Installing visible cameras can effectively discourage theft in this mostly rural community.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Guadalupe County

via HealthByCounty

Guadalupe County meets national life expectancy

Guadalupe County's life expectancy of 73.9 years approaches the U.S. average of 76.4 years, but one in four residents (25.4%) report poor or fair health—well above national norms. This gap suggests that many residents face chronic conditions despite reasonable longevity.

Slightly above state average, persistent health concerns

At 73.9 years, Guadalupe County's life expectancy exceeds New Mexico's 73.7-year state average, and its uninsured rate of 8.6% ranks among the lowest in the state. Yet the 25.4% poor/fair health rate is the highest in this county cluster, signaling concentrated chronic disease.

Highest health burden despite good insurance access

Guadalupe County's 25.4% poor/fair health rate substantially exceeds neighboring Grant (21.5%), Eddy (21.9%), and Lincoln (18.7%) counties. Though primary care providers number 45 per 100,000—mid-range for the region—the county's exceptional 1,701 mental health providers per 100,000 suggests targeted need for behavioral health.

Mental health crisis response outpaces primary care

Guadalupe County's 1,701 mental health providers per 100,000 residents is an extraordinary concentration, likely reflecting investment in substance abuse or behavioral health crises. With moderate primary care access at 45 providers per 100,000, residents may struggle to manage diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease before they worsen.

Get insured and access comprehensive mental health care

Guadalupe County's strong mental health infrastructure is only valuable if you have insurance to access it—8.6% of residents still lack coverage. Visit healthcare.gov to find a plan that covers both primary care and the mental health services your community has invested in.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Guadalupe County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Close-Knit Rural Education System

Guadalupe County serves 650 students through a small but dedicated network of 8 public schools. The infrastructure is split evenly between two districts, offering a focused environment with 3 elementary, 2 middle, and 3 high schools. Enrollment is distributed across four rural and four town-based campuses.

Exceptional Investment per Student

Guadalupe County invests $10,823 per pupil, far exceeding the state average of $7,957 and nearing the national benchmark. This high investment correlates with a strong 82.5% graduation rate and a school score of 57.8. These metrics indicate a well-funded system that successfully prepares students for post-secondary life.

Santa Rosa Leads Local Enrollment

Santa Rosa Consolidated Schools is the dominant district, managing 5 schools and 603 total students. Vaughn Municipal Schools serves the remainder of the county's students with a very small, focused staff. There are currently no charter schools in the county, maintaining a traditional public school focus.

Small Schools with Big Impact

The average school size in Guadalupe County is remarkably small at just 81 students per campus. Santa Rosa Elementary is the largest school with 201 students, while many others, like Anton Chico Middle, serve fewer than 40. This small-scale environment ensures personalized attention for every learner.

Home Search in a Dedicated Community

If you value a high per-pupil investment and small class sizes, Guadalupe County offers a rare educational environment. Homes in Santa Rosa provide proximity to the county’s largest and most active campuses. Explore local listings to find a place in a community that prioritizes individual student success.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Guadalupe County

via RiskByCounty

Guadalupe County faces minimal disaster risk

With a composite risk score of just 8.81, Guadalupe County ranks very low and falls far below New Mexico's state average of 58.92. This low risk profile makes Guadalupe one of the safest counties in the state for natural hazard exposure.

Among the lowest-risk counties statewide

Guadalupe County ranks among New Mexico's safest areas for natural disasters, with a score that places it well below most state counties. Only a handful of counties share Guadalupe's very low composite risk designation.

Significantly safer than eastern neighbors

Guadalupe County's risk score of 8.81 is a fraction of neighboring Eddy (83.65) and Lea (86.01) counties to the east. This stark difference reflects Guadalupe's geographic separation from the flood and wildfire corridors that threaten southeastern New Mexico.

Wildfire the only notable exposure

Wildfire is Guadalupe's most significant hazard with a risk score of 81.49, though the county's overall hazard exposure remains manageable. Flood risk (29.87) and earthquake risk (16.63) are low, and tornado and hurricane risks are minimal.

Standard coverage meets most needs

A standard homeowners insurance policy with wildfire coverage should adequately protect Guadalupe County residents from typical hazards. Consider a supplemental wildfire endorsement if your home is near vegetation, but flood insurance is generally unnecessary unless you live near mapped waterways.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Guadalupe County

via WeatherByCounty

Typical American Southwest conditions

Guadalupe County's 57.6°F average annual temperature aligns closely with the national median. This region experiences the wide temperature fluctuations and arid conditions typical of the American Southwest.

Warmer than the state average

The county is nearly 3 degrees warmer than the New Mexico state average of 54.8°F. It represents the warmer end of the state's mid-tier temperature range, balancing high-altitude cooling with southern warmth.

Wetter and snowier than the south

Guadalupe receives 15.1 inches of rain annually, making it wetter than nearby Eddy County at 12.8 inches. It also sees far more snow than its southern neighbors, averaging 17.9 inches per year.

Dusty summers and snowy winters

Summers feature 76 days of extreme heat over 90°F and a July average of 77.1°F. Winters are crisp, with a January average of 39.0°F and significant snowfall compared to the southern desert counties.

Prepare for heat and snow

Residents should prepare for both 76 days of high heat and a robust 17.9 inches of snow. Sturdy insulation is a priority here to maintain comfort during the 38-degree seasonal temperature shifts.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Guadalupe County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline Plains Profile

With a pH of 7.54, the soil is more alkaline than the national median of 6.5. This level sits just above the New Mexico state average of 7.48, requiring plants that can tolerate basic conditions.

A Sandy Foundation

The soil consists of 51.4% sand and 16.9% clay, creating a coarse texture that facilitates rapid water movement. This high sand content helps prevent root rot but often requires more frequent irrigation.

Leading the State Average

Organic matter stands at 1.35%, which beats the state average of 1.27% but lags behind the national 2.0% benchmark. The available water capacity of 0.142 in/in provides a solid foundation for plant resilience.

Monitoring Surface Runoff

Classified in Hydrologic Group D, this soil poses challenges for drainage during heavy rains due to low-permeability layers. You must monitor for surface runoff during the intense monsoon season.

Summer Crops in Zone 7a

Gardeners in Hardiness Zone 7a can find success with drought-resistant natives and hardy vegetables like squash and beans. Start your garden by adding organic matter to improve moisture retention.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Guadalupe County

via LawnByCounty

Guadalupe County’s Fair Growing Odds

Guadalupe County earns a lawn difficulty score of 34.6, making it slightly easier to manage than the state average of 30.2. It sits in Hardiness Zone 7a, offering a slightly more temperate environment than the southern desert counties. However, it still falls 15 points short of the national lawn ease median.

Summer Heat and Thirsty Turf

The county experiences 76 days of extreme heat over 90°F, necessitating a robust irrigation schedule. Annual precipitation is 15.1 inches, which is slightly above the state average but still far below the ideal 30-50 inches. This gap means your mowing schedule will depend heavily on your ability to supplement water during the 4035 growing degree days.

Sandy Soils and High pH

Soil here is quite sandy at 51.4%, which promotes fast drainage but struggles to hold onto nutrients. The average pH of 7.54 is alkaline, sitting above the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for most turfgrasses. You will likely need to add organic matter to help the 16.9% clay content bind with the sand for better moisture retention.

Manageable Drought Conditions

Guadalupe County has seen 28 weeks of drought over the last year, which is significantly better than much of New Mexico. Currently, 93.6% of the area is abnormally dry, but severe drought levels remain at 0.0%. Maintaining a higher mowing height can help shade the soil and reduce water loss during these dry periods.

Seeding for Guadalupe’s Success

With an average last frost of April 21st, late spring is the perfect window to establish drought-hardy grasses. Consider Buffalo grass or hybrid Bermuda, which can handle the 7.54 pH and sandy texture. Start early to ensure your lawn is established before the first frost arrives around October 21st.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Guadalupe County's county score?
Guadalupe County, New Mexico has a composite county score of 60.1 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 Guadalupe County rank among counties in New Mexico?
Guadalupe County ranks #8 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 Guadalupe County, New Mexico?
The median annual property tax in Guadalupe County is $563, with an effective tax rate of 0.53%. This earns Guadalupe County a tax score of 83.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Guadalupe County?
The median household income in Guadalupe County, New Mexico is $40,149 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Guadalupe County earns an income score of 2.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Guadalupe County, New Mexico a good place to live?
Guadalupe County scores 60.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #8 in New Mexico. The best way to evaluate Guadalupe 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 Guadalupe County with other counties side by side.

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