countyscore
54.1
County Score
Disaster Risk 91.1Property Tax 89.7Cost of Living 76.5

County Report Card

About Hidalgo County, New Mexico

Above the National Median

Hidalgo County posts a composite score of 54.1, which is slightly higher than the national median of 50.0. It maintains a competitive position by offering a stable environment and low tax burdens.

Surpassing the State Average

The county's score of 54.1 is well above the New Mexico state average of 49.1. It provides a more balanced profile than many of its neighboring counties in the southern part of the state.

Low Risk and Tax Burden

Strengths include a high Risk Score of 91.1 and a Tax Score of 89.7. Housing is also quite affordable, with a Cost Score of 76.5 and a median home value of $114,000.

Critical Water and Income Gaps

The county struggles with a very low Water Score of 1.9, signaling severe supply issues. Additionally, the Income Score of 12.7 indicates that local high-paying jobs are scarce.

A Solid Choice for Resilience

Hidalgo County attracts those who want to avoid natural disasters and high taxes while living affordably. It is best for residents who have secured their own water solutions or work in specific local sectors.

Score breakdown

Tax89.7Cost76.5Safety35.8Health35.8Schools47Income12.7Risk91.1Water1.9Weather48.3
🏛89.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠76.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼12.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡35.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤35.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓47
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡91.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧1.9
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤48.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨13.4
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱15.8
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

Hidalgo County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Hidalgo County

via TaxByCounty

Hidalgo County ranks among the lowest nationally

Hidalgo County's effective tax rate of 0.461% places it in the bottom 20% of U.S. counties by tax burden. The median property tax of $526 is less than 20% of the national median of $2,690.

Third-lowest rate in New Mexico

Hidalgo County's 0.461% effective rate ranks third-lowest statewide, trailing only Harding (0.379%) and Grant (0.460%). The median property tax of $526 undercuts the state average of $1,043 by more than half.

Competitive with Grant and Eddy counties

Hidalgo County's 0.461% rate virtually matches Grant County's 0.460% and falls below Eddy County's 0.499%. Southwestern New Mexico consistently offers some of the nation's lowest property tax burdens.

Hidalgo homeowner pays $526 annually

With a median home value of $114,000 and a 0.461% effective rate, the typical Hidalgo County homeowner pays $526 per year in property tax. Those with mortgages pay $554, while owners without mortgages pay $512.

Verify your assessment to stay ahead

Even in a low-tax county, assessment errors can compound over time. Hidalgo County homeowners should cross-check their assessed value against recent home sales in their area and consider appealing if the figures don't align.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Hidalgo County

via CostByCounty

Hidalgo balances affordability with tight incomes

Hidalgo County renters spend 19.6% of household income on rent, essentially matching New Mexico's state average of 19.4% while earning $49,076—34% below the national median. The near-average burden ratio masks the real squeeze: residents earn significantly less than Americans elsewhere.

Hidalgo sits right at state average

With a rent-to-income ratio of 19.6%, Hidalgo County essentially matches New Mexico's 19.4% state average, placing it squarely in the middle of the state's affordability distribution. Neither exceptional nor severely burdened, Hidalgo represents the state's median housing pressure.

Balanced between extremes

Hidalgo's $803 monthly rent and $49,076 income position it between wealthier Eddy County ($79,605 income) and poorer Guadalupe County ($40,149 income). The county offers a moderate mix of housing costs and local earning power—neither deal nor burden.

Moderate costs, moderate incomes

Renters pay $803 monthly while owners pay $537, with median home values around $114,000. At $49,076 median household income, housing consumes 19.6% of gross income, leaving residents roughly 80% of earnings for all other needs.

Hidalgo: the state's balanced option

If you're comparing New Mexico counties and want the mainstream experience—neither rock-bottom costs nor premium prices—Hidalgo delivers. It's a solid choice for families seeking affordable living without extreme rural isolation or boom-town energy.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Hidalgo County

via IncomeByCounty

Hidalgo falls short of national income

Hidalgo County's median household income of $49,076 lags the U.S. median of $74,755 by approximately $25,700, placing it well below national norms. Limited job diversity and lower average wages characterize the county's labor market.

Below New Mexico average

Hidalgo County's median household income of $49,076 trails the New Mexico state average of $55,469 by about $6,400. The county ranks in the lower-middle tier of New Mexico counties by household earning power.

Mid-range earner in the southwest

Hidalgo County households earn $49,076, ahead of Grant County ($45,921) and Guadalupe County ($40,149) but behind Lea County ($68,750). The southwestern counties cluster around modest income levels with limited high-wage sectors.

Rent burden within reasonable bounds

Hidalgo County's rent-to-income ratio of 19.6% and median home value of $114,000 indicate housing consumes a meaningful but manageable portion of household income. Residents have modest affordability relative to earnings.

Build wealth through discipline

At $49,076 median income, Hidalgo County households must practice disciplined spending and intentional saving to build wealth. Prioritize paying down high-interest debt, maximize any employer benefits like health savings accounts, and seek opportunities to boost household income through additional work or skill development.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Hidalgo County

via CrimeByCounty

Moderate Crime Levels in Hidalgo County

Hidalgo County maintains a safety score of 97.6, with a total crime rate of 1490.4 per 100K. This remains well below the national total crime rate of 2,385.5.

Slightly Above the State Average

The county’s safety score of 97.6 is just above the New Mexico average of 97.4. Total crime in Hidalgo is lower than the state average of 1638.5, indicating a relatively safe environment.

Comparing Rates with Local Peers

Hidalgo's rate of 1490.4 is significantly higher than Grant County’s 260.6, showing more reported activity in this region. Despite this, it remains far safer than counties experiencing urban crime spikes.

Elevated Violent Crime but Low Theft

Violent crime is higher than the national average at 480.8 per 100K. Conversely, property crime is much lower than the national mark, sitting at 1009.6 compared to 2,015.7 nationally.

Prioritize Personal and Home Security

Given the higher-than-average violent crime rate, residents should invest in smart home technology like video doorbells. Staying aware of your surroundings is key to personal safety in the county.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Hidalgo County

via HealthByCounty

Hidalgo County leads region in life expectancy

At 75.0 years, Hidalgo County's life expectancy tops the U.S. average of 76.4 years, placing it among New Mexico's healthier counties. However, nearly one in four residents (23.8%) report poor or fair health, indicating that longer lives don't guarantee better health quality.

Above-average longevity despite higher uninsured rate

Hidalgo County's life expectancy of 75.0 years exceeds New Mexico's 73.7-year state average, yet its uninsured rate of 10.8% ranks among the state's highest. This paradox suggests that some residents are achieving good health outcomes despite financial barriers to care.

Strongest life expectancy in southeastern cluster

Hidalgo County's 75.0-year life expectancy surpasses Eddy (72.7), Lea (72.6), Grant (74.3), and nearly matches Lincoln (75.8) and Guadalupe (73.9) counties. Yet its primary care capacity of just 25 per 100,000 is the lowest in the region, suggesting geographic or workforce constraints.

Thin primary care network strains daily access

With only 25 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Hidalgo County residents face significant travel and wait times for basic medical services. Mental health support is available at 177 providers per 100,000, but the primary care shortage limits access to preventive care and chronic disease management.

Insurance opens doors to scarce providers

Nearly one in eleven Hidalgo County residents (10.8%) lack health insurance, compounding the challenge of reaching a distant primary care provider. Check healthcare.gov to find coverage that reduces out-of-pocket costs for the care you do access.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Hidalgo County

via SchoolsByCounty

Rural Education in Hidalgo County

Hidalgo County educates 571 students through 7 public schools organized into two districts. The system includes 2 elementary schools, 3 middle schools, and 2 high schools. Every single campus in the county is situated in a rural locale, emphasizing the county's traditional agricultural and ranching roots.

Strong Outcomes with Steady Funding

The county boasts an 82.3% graduation rate, comfortably exceeding the New Mexico state average of 79.0%. Per-pupil expenditure stands at $9,044, which is also well above the state average of $7,957. A composite school score of 53.9 indicates a solid academic foundation compared to national and state peers.

Lordsburg and Animas Public Schools

Lordsburg Municipal Schools is the largest provider, serving 425 students across 4 schools. Animas Public Schools manages the remaining 3 schools with a total enrollment of 146. There are no charter schools in the county, with all students served by these two traditional public districts.

Small-Town Focus and Rural Reach

The average school size is 82 students, providing a personalized learning atmosphere for all ages. R.V. Traylor Elementary is the largest campus with 155 students, while many other schools serve fewer than 75. This small-scale rural setting fosters close student-teacher relationships across all grade levels.

Finding a Community for Your Family

Proximity to the Lordsburg schools makes the town a central hub for families moving to Hidalgo County. With graduation rates beating the state average, the local districts offer a reliable path for student success. Research homes in the area to find your place in this high-performing rural educational landscape.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Hidalgo County

via RiskByCounty

Hidalgo County ranks very low for risk

With a composite risk score of 8.94, Hidalgo County is rated very low and sits far beneath New Mexico's state average of 58.92. The county's minimal disaster exposure makes it one of the safer areas in the state for natural hazard concerns.

Among New Mexico's safest counties

Hidalgo County ranks among the lowest-risk areas statewide, with a score placing it well below most New Mexico counties for disaster vulnerability. Only a handful of counties match Hidalgo's protected status from major hazards.

Much safer than eastern neighbors

Hidalgo County's 8.94 score dwarfs those of neighboring Eddy (83.65) and Lea (86.01) counties to the east. This dramatic difference reflects Hidalgo's geographic distance from southeastern New Mexico's flood and fire corridors.

Wildfire poses manageable threat

Wildfire is Hidalgo's primary concern with a risk score of 83.02, reflecting the county's southwestern location and vegetation exposure. Earthquake risk (33.11) is moderate, while flood (14.92), tornado (2.42), and hurricane (7.13) risks remain quite low.

Focus on wildfire preparedness

Purchase homeowners insurance with wildfire coverage and maintain defensible space around your property by clearing brush and trimming trees. Flood and earthquake insurance are optional unless you live near mapped waterways or unstable terrain, given Hidalgo's overall safety profile.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Hidalgo County

via WeatherByCounty

Hot and dry desert conditions

Hidalgo County's 61.2°F average annual temperature is much warmer than the national median. It is one of the driest and most sun-drenched regions in the United States.

One of New Mexico's warmest

Hidalgo is one of the warmest counties in New Mexico, averaging over 6 degrees higher than the state mean of 54.8°F. Its climate is defined by intense solar radiation and minimal cloud cover.

Extreme heat in the panhandle

Receiving only 11.4 inches of rain, Hidalgo is drier than neighbors like Grant County at 13.8 inches. It experiences the same 109 days of extreme heat as Eddy County, marking it as a regional hotspot.

Dominant heat and scarce snow

Summer is dominated by 109 days above 90°F and a July average of 79.8°F. Winter is mild and dry, seeing only 3.6 inches of snow and a January average of 43.0°F.

Prioritize water and cooling

Water conservation is a lifestyle here given the low 11.4 inches of annual rainfall. With over 100 days of extreme heat, residents should ensure vehicles and homes are equipped for high-temperature endurance.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Hidalgo County

via SoilByCounty

Dominant Desert Aridisols

Aridisols define this landscape, reflecting a true desert environment with an alkaline pH of 7.74. This level is much higher than the national 6.5 median and the 7.48 state average.

Silty Clay Loam Balance

The silty clay loam texture features 44.5% sand and 21.2% clay. This mix offers a decent balance of workability and moisture retention for desert farming compared to sandier areas.

Thirsty Soil Profile

Organic matter is low at 0.83%, falling well below the state average of 1.27%. However, the water capacity of 0.131 in/in remains slightly above the state norm, helping plants survive dry spells.

Fast-Draining Desert Soils

This well-drained soil moves water away from roots effectively but remains prone to runoff under Hydrologic Group D. It is an ideal profile for crops that dislike 'wet feet' but need consistent irrigation.

Heat-Lovers in Zone 8a

Hardiness Zone 8a allows for a long season of heat-loving crops like melons and okra. Focus on heavy mulching to compensate for the low organic matter and high evaporation rates.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Hidalgo County

via LawnByCounty

Hidalgo County’s Arid Battle

Lawn care in Hidalgo County is a steep uphill climb, with a difficulty score of 15.8. This is roughly half as easy as the state average and significantly more difficult than the national median. Located in Hardiness Zone 8a, this region demands specialized knowledge of desert-hardy landscaping.

High Heat and Minimal Rain

Hidalgo County is tied for the most extreme heat in this group, enduring 109 days per year above 90°F. It is also the driest of the eight counties, receiving only 11.4 inches of annual precipitation. These conditions create a massive 19-inch deficit compared to the minimum water needs of traditional turfgrass.

Well-Drained Silty Clay Loam

The soil is classified as a well-drained silty clay loam with a high alkaline pH of 7.74. With 44.5% sand and 21.2% clay, the texture is relatively balanced, though the high pH can lock out essential nutrients like iron. Adding sulfur and organic matter is almost always necessary to bring the soil closer to the ideal 6.0-7.0 range.

Widespread Severe Drought

The county has faced 53 weeks of drought over the last year, and 80.4% of the area is currently in severe drought. This intense water stress makes traditional lawns nearly impossible to maintain without heavy irrigation. Xeriscaping or using very drought-tolerant native grasses is highly recommended for long-term sustainability.

Heat-Ready Grasses for Zone 8a

Only the most heat-tolerant species, such as Bermuda or Buffalo grass, should be considered for this climate. Wait until after the April 16th last frost to plant, as young shoots are vulnerable despite the high daytime heat. Given the October 30th first frost, focus on early summer establishment to ensure deep rooting before winter.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hidalgo County's county score?
Hidalgo County, New Mexico has a composite county score of 54.1 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 Hidalgo County rank among counties in New Mexico?
Hidalgo County ranks #14 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 Hidalgo County, New Mexico?
The median annual property tax in Hidalgo County is $526, with an effective tax rate of 0.46%. This earns Hidalgo County a tax score of 89.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Hidalgo County?
The median household income in Hidalgo County, New Mexico is $49,076 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Hidalgo County earns an income score of 12.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Hidalgo County, New Mexico a good place to live?
Hidalgo County scores 54.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #14 in New Mexico. The best way to evaluate Hidalgo 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 Hidalgo 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.