countyscore
58.3
County Score
Safety 92Property Tax 82Cost of Living 56.5

County Report Card

About Lincoln County, New Mexico

Healthy National Standing

Lincoln County earns a composite score of 58.3, outperforming the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a high degree of safety and moderate affordability compared to other American counties.

Beating the State Average

With a 58.3 composite score, Lincoln County ranks comfortably above the New Mexico average of 49.1. It is a desirable destination for those looking for a safer alternative within the state.

Outstanding Safety and Tax Scores

Safety is a premier feature here, with an elite score of 92.0. Residents also benefit from a high Tax Score of 82.0, keeping more of their income despite a higher-than-average median home value of $212,200.

Economic and Natural Risks

Challenges include a low Income Score of 17.9 and a Risk Score of 20.5. The county also faces water concerns, with a Water Score of 20.2 reflecting the region's environmental vulnerabilities.

A Secure Retreat for Families

Lincoln County is an excellent fit for safety-conscious families or retirees who prioritize a secure environment. It works best for those who have established careers or retirement savings to offset the limited local income opportunities.

204060801008256.59246.835.517.920.520.254.6Tax82Cost56.5Safety92Health46.8Schools35.5Income17.9Risk20.5Water20.2Weather54.658.3/100
This county
National avg
2 above average4 below average

Lincoln County DNA

Foverall

How Lincoln County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Lincoln County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Safety (92/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (20.2/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
82+30
Cost
56.5+8.5
Safety
92+37
Health
46.8
Schools
35.5-18.5
Income
17.9-33.1
Risk
20.5-26.5
Water
20.2-37.8
Weather
54.6
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$212,200

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$883/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$212,200/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$35,320/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum4.1x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $51,643/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

49.4

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
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Nearby counties

Otero County
New Mexico
44.4
Chaves County
New Mexico
36.1
Socorro County
New Mexico
54.4
Torrance County
New Mexico
42.2
De Baca County
New Mexico
58.6
Guadalupe County
New Mexico
60.1
Valencia County
New Mexico
31.9
Sierra County
New Mexico
53.1

Deep Dives

Lincoln County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Lincoln County

via TaxByCounty

Lincoln County taxes remain well below national median

Lincoln County's effective tax rate of 0.539% sits below the national burden typical of most U.S. counties. The median property tax of $1,143 is less than 43% of the national median of $2,690.

Slightly above New Mexico average

Lincoln County's 0.539% effective rate inches above New Mexico's 0.595% state average, placing it in the middle tier statewide. The median property tax of $1,143 runs roughly $100 above the state median of $1,043.

Higher than nearby counties to the east

Lincoln County's 0.539% rate exceeds Eddy County's 0.499% and Guadalupe County's 0.525%, though it remains competitive with Los Alamos. The variation reflects Lincoln's position as a bridge between rural eastern plains and more developed central New Mexico.

Lincoln homeowner pays $1,143 yearly

With a median home value of $212,200 and a 0.539% effective rate, the typical Lincoln County homeowner pays $1,143 annually. Homeowners with mortgages pay $1,435, while those without mortgages pay $882.

Appeal if your home seems overvalued

Lincoln County homeowners should verify their assessments against comparable property sales in their area. If your assessed value exceeds recent sales of similar homes, an appeal to the assessor can reduce your tax burden going forward.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Lincoln County

via CostByCounty

Lincoln's hidden housing pressure

Lincoln County renters spend 20.5% of household income on rent, exceeding both the national comfort zone and New Mexico's state average of 19.4%. With a median household income of $51,643—31% below the national median—residents face a compressed budget despite moderate absolute rents of $883.

Above-average burden in low-income county

Lincoln County's rent-to-income ratio of 20.5% ranks among the state's higher burdens, placing it in the less affordable half of New Mexico's counties. This pressure reflects the county's struggle to match rising housing costs with local income growth.

Moderate rents, but modest incomes strain

Lincoln's $883 median rent is mid-range among this cluster, but the median income of $51,643 is substantially lower than Eddy County ($79,605) or Lea County ($68,750). The result: a 20.5% burden ratio that rivals Grant County's financial squeeze.

Scenic county, budget-constrained residents

Renters pay $883 monthly while owners pay $699, with median home values around $212,200—surprisingly high for a low-income county. At $51,643 median household income, housing consumes 20.5% of gross income, leaving limited flexibility for other expenses.

Lincoln: beautiful but budget-tight

Lincoln County offers mountain scenery and moderate rents, but income levels are modest relative to housing costs. Consider relocating here if you have remote work or retirement income; relying solely on local jobs may create financial strain.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Lincoln County

via IncomeByCounty

Lincoln moderately below national mark

Lincoln County's median household income of $51,643 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by roughly $23,100, placing it in the lower-middle income range nationally. Limited economic scale and job concentration affect household earnings.

Slightly below state average

Lincoln County's median household income of $51,643 falls about $3,800 below New Mexico's state average of $55,469. The county ranks in the middle tier of New Mexico counties by household earning power.

Mid-range among surrounding counties

Lincoln County households earn $51,643, below Lea County ($68,750) and Eddy County ($79,605) but above Grant County ($45,921) and Guadalupe County ($40,149). The county holds a middle position in the region's income hierarchy.

Higher home values strain affordability

Lincoln County's rent-to-income ratio of 20.5% is moderate, but median home values of $212,200 represent a significant affordability challenge for households earning $51,643. Home purchases require careful financial planning and substantial down payments.

Balanced planning needed here

Lincoln County residents with $51,643 median income face a tension between modest earnings and higher housing costs, requiring deliberate financial choices. Build emergency savings aggressively, explore first-time homebuyer programs if purchasing, and seek professional guidance on balancing homeownership with broader wealth-building goals.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Lincoln County

via CrimeByCounty

Lincoln County Ranks Among the Safest

With a safety score of 99.8, Lincoln County is remarkably secure. Its total crime rate of 128.5 per 100K is tiny compared to the national average of 2,385.5.

Top-Tier Safety in New Mexico

Lincoln’s safety score far exceeds the New Mexico state average of 97.4. The total crime rate of 128.5 is incredibly low compared to the statewide average of 1638.5.

Quiet Comparison to Surrounding Areas

Lincoln County is a regional safety leader, reporting much lower crime than Guadalupe's 1178.3. This makes it one of the most tranquil counties in its part of the state.

Minimal Crime Across All Categories

Violent crime is nearly non-existent at 24.7 per 100K, while property crime is also low at 103.8. Residents are very unlikely to encounter serious criminal activity according to 2022 data.

Small Steps to Keep Lincoln Safe

Maintaining this safe environment is a community effort; continue locking your vehicle doors at night. Simple precautions ensure the county remains a peaceful place to live.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Lincoln County

via SchoolsByCounty

Education in the Mountain Communities

Lincoln County manages 14 public schools that serve 2,642 students through five different districts. The network includes 6 elementary, 3 middle, and 5 high schools, primarily located in rural settings. Only two of the county's schools are situated in town locales, reflecting the area's scenic, spread-out geography.

Competitive Results Across Rural Districts

The county reports an 81.7% graduation rate, which is higher than the state average of 79.0%. Per-pupil expenditure is $7,744, aligning closely with the New Mexico average. The school score of 50.8 is also slightly above the state mean, indicating consistent performance across its varied campuses.

Ruidoso Leads a Five-District System

Ruidoso Municipal Schools is the largest district, serving 1,820 students across 4 schools. Capitan and Carrizozo Municipal Schools provide essential education to smaller cohorts in the more rural parts of the county. No charter schools are currently operating, leaving education entirely in the hands of the local municipal districts.

Small Schools with Scenic Backdrops

The average school size is 189 students, though Ruidoso High is the local exception with 532 enrolled. Most campuses, like Capitan Elementary, offer a very personal feel with about 200 students or fewer. Twelve of the 14 schools are classified as rural, providing students with a quiet and focused environment.

Making a Home in Lincoln County

Families looking for a mountain lifestyle often prioritize homes in the Ruidoso or Capitan districts. The county's above-average graduation rates make it an attractive spot for those seeking high-quality public education. Explore properties that offer the perfect balance of rural peace and academic excellence.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Lincoln County

via RiskByCounty

Lincoln County faces elevated disaster risk

With a composite risk score of 79.48, Lincoln County ranks as relatively low but still exceeds New Mexico's state average of 58.92. The county's above-average exposure, particularly to wildfire and flooding, warrants serious preparedness attention.

Third-riskiest county in the state

Lincoln County ranks in the upper tier of New Mexico counties by disaster vulnerability, surpassed only by Lea (86.01) and Eddy (83.65). This ranking reflects the county's significant exposure to water and fire hazards.

Comparable risk to nearby counties

Lincoln County's 79.48 score falls between neighboring Eddy (83.65) and Grant (74.14), placing it firmly in the regional high-risk corridor. This geographic position in south-central New Mexico concentrates hazard exposure from multiple directions.

Wildfire and flooding lead threats

Wildfire risk reaches 98.76—the highest in the state—while flood risk scores 77.61, making these the dominant concerns for Lincoln County residents. Tornado (10.34), earthquake (25.54), and hurricane (14.98) risks remain secondary but measurable.

Wildfire and flood insurance critical

Purchase homeowners insurance with robust wildfire coverage and acquire separate flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program. Implement defensible space measures immediately—trim trees, clear brush, and maintain gutters—as wildfire is Lincoln County's most pressing natural hazard.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Lincoln County

via WaterByCounty

Health Violations Lead to Failing Water Grade

Lincoln County earns an F grade with 37 health violations recorded in the EPA SDWIS database over five years. The violation rate of 130.7 per 100,000 residents is lower than the New Mexico average, yet it highlights consistent compliance failures.

E. Coli and Temperature Impair Local Waters

Assessments from 2022 show that 18.0% of the county's 50 water bodies are impaired, slightly under the state average of 20.0%. Top threats to water quality include E. coli contamination and rising water temperatures.

Extensive Monitoring Coverage Across 45 Sites

With 45 sites and 8,502 measurements over five years, Lincoln County has a high density of water quality data. Monitoring focuses on inorganics, metals, and physical characteristics to track environmental health.

Rio Ruidoso Flows at 31% of Typical Mean

The USGS gauge on the Rio Ruidoso at Hollywood currently shows a discharge of 5 cfs. This is only 31% of the long-term mean of 17 cfs, indicating a significant drop in river volume.

Practice Caution with Surface Water Contact

Given the E. coli impairments and the low flow of the Rio Ruidoso, residents should avoid drinking or direct contact with untreated surface water. Testing well water for bacteria is recommended, especially as low river levels can affect groundwater quality.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Lincoln County

via WeatherByCounty

A perfect national temperature median

Lincoln County's 54.7°F average annual temperature matches the national median almost perfectly. This central mountain region offers a temperate climate that avoids the extreme heat of the lower deserts.

Standard New Mexico mountain weather

Lincoln is statistically a middle-of-the-road county, sitting right at the state average of 54.8°F. Its elevation provides a cool refuge compared to the nearby scorching plains.

Snowier than its southern peers

With 20.2 inches of annual snowfall, Lincoln is much whiter in winter than neighboring Lea or Eddy. It also receives 16.6 inches of rain, making it one of the wetter counties in the southern half of the state.

Pleasant summers and snowy winters

Summers are pleasant with only 35 days of extreme heat and a July average of 72.4°F. Winters are more rigorous, featuring a January average of 37.7°F and over 20 inches of snow.

Equip for mountain snow removal

Residents need reliable snow removal equipment and winter tires to navigate the 20.2 inches of annual snowfall. HVAC systems should be rated for both heating and cooling to handle the wide seasonal range.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Lincoln County

via SoilByCounty

Mountainous Soil Diversity

Lincoln County's varied mountain terrain means soil characteristics change quickly with elevation. Specific taxonomic and pH data are currently limited for this geographically complex region.

Rocky Mountain Textures

While specific sand and clay percentages are not recorded, the area typically features rocky soils with high mineral content. These well-aerated soils are common in the high-elevation pine forests.

Boosting Local Nutrients

Without local organic matter data, gardeners should aim to improve their garden beds beyond the state's 1.27% average. Healthy organic content is crucial for overcoming the limitations of rocky terrain.

Rapid Slope Runoff

Hydrological classifications vary by site, but the steep slopes found here generally ensure rapid water runoff. Proper soil stabilization is necessary to prevent erosion in residential landscaping.

High-Altitude Zone 7a

Hardiness Zone 7a is perfect for hardy fruit trees like cherries and mountain-adapted wildflowers. Local gardeners should test their specific plot to determine its unique mineral needs.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Lincoln County

via LawnByCounty

Lincoln County’s High-Altitude Advantage

Lincoln County offers a relatively favorable environment for New Mexico, with a difficulty score of 36.4. This is higher than the state average of 30.2, though still lower than the national benchmark of 50.0. In Hardiness Zone 7a, the cooler temperatures make lawn maintenance more manageable than in the southern deserts.

More Rain and Less Heat

Lincoln County enjoys 16.6 inches of annual precipitation, which is the second-highest in this set. It also stays cooler, with only 35 extreme heat days annually, well below the state average of 58. These factors reduce the evaporation rate and irrigation demand during the 3232 growing degree days.

Testing for Mountain Soil Success

Local soil data is not currently available, which is common in mountainous or varied terrain. Because soil can vary from rocky to loamy in this region, a professional soil test is highly recommended. Focus on monitoring drainage to ensure mountain runoff doesn't wash away your topsoil or nutrients.

Low Severe Drought Impact

While Lincoln County has seen 53 weeks of drought over the last year, only 0.7% of the area is currently in severe drought. The entire county remains abnormally dry, but the impact is less severe than in neighboring counties. Efficient watering early in the morning will help maintain resilience against these dry spells.

Preparing for the First Frost

Kentucky Bluegrass or Tall Fescue can perform well here if supplemented with water, given the cooler 35 heat days. Wait for the last spring frost on April 29th to begin your lawn projects. Be mindful of the early October 20th first fall frost, which limits the time young grass has to harden off.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lincoln County's county score?
Lincoln County, New Mexico has a composite county score of 58.3 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 Lincoln County rank among counties in New Mexico?
Lincoln County ranks #11 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 Lincoln County, New Mexico?
The median annual property tax in Lincoln County is $1,143, with an effective tax rate of 0.54%. This earns Lincoln County a tax score of 82/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Lincoln County?
The median household income in Lincoln County, New Mexico is $51,643 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Lincoln County earns an income score of 17.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Lincoln County, New Mexico a good place to live?
Lincoln County scores 58.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #11 in New Mexico. The best way to evaluate Lincoln 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 Lincoln County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & 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.