CountyScore

Luna County

New Mexico · NM

#19 in New Mexico
68.9
County Score

County Report Card

About Luna County, New Mexico

Luna County outperforms national average

Luna County's composite score of 68.9 significantly exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 69th percentile nationally. This strong performance suggests Luna offers livability advantages compared to most U.S. counties.

Slightly below New Mexico average

With a score of 68.9, Luna County ranks slightly below the New Mexico state average of 69.8. Among the state's counties, Luna holds a competitive middle-tier position.

Exceptional affordability and low taxes

Luna County shines with a cost score of 87.7—reflecting a median home value of just $112,500 and rental rates of $685/month. Its tax score of 86.1 is bolstered by an exceptionally low effective tax rate of 0.576%, among the lowest in the state.

Income and economic opportunity lag

The county's income score of just 8.1 reflects a median household income of $37,917, the lowest among these eight counties. Health outcomes (53.7) and risk indicators (48.4) also show room for improvement.

Best for budget-conscious retirees

Luna County suits individuals and families prioritizing affordability above all else, with minimal tax burden and rock-bottom housing costs. It's an excellent fit for retirees or remote workers whose income comes from outside the county.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax86.1Cost87.7SafetyComing SoonHealth53.7SchoolsComing SoonIncome8.1Risk48.4WaterComing Soon
🏛86.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠87.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼8.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤53.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡48.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Luna County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Coffee County
Alabama
68.9
Median income: $64,672
Walker County
Alabama
68.9
Median income: $54,509
Arkansas County
Arkansas
68.9
Median income: $60,831
Jackson County
Arkansas
68.9
Median income: $41,215
Sevier County
Arkansas
68.9
Median income: $51,641

Deep Dives

Luna County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Luna County

via TaxByCounty

Luna County taxes rank low nationally

Luna County's effective tax rate of 0.576% sits well below the national median property tax of $2,690 on a $281,900 home. At this rate, Luna homeowners pay roughly $1,622 annually on a median-valued home—less than 61% of what the typical American household pays. This places Luna in the bottom third of counties nationwide for tax burden.

Below-average taxes for New Mexico

Luna County's 0.576% rate slightly undercuts New Mexico's state average of 0.595%, positioning it as a moderate-tax county within the state. The median tax bill of $648 is about 38% lower than the state median of $1,043, reflecting both the lower effective rate and Luna's modest median home values.

Luna compares favorably to peers

Luna County's 0.576% rate edges out Mora County (0.535%) but falls between Otero (0.563%) and Quay (0.617%). Among this cluster of rural counties, Luna's tax burden remains moderate and affordable, especially for homeowners with modest incomes.

Median Luna home: $648 annual tax

A home worth $112,500—Luna's median value—generates approximately $648 in annual property taxes at the current rate. Homeowners with mortgages typically pay $697 after insurance and fees, while those owning outright pay around $588, making Luna one of the most accessible counties in the state for housing costs.

Appeal your assessment if overvalued

Many New Mexico homeowners discover their properties are assessed above market value, triggering excessive tax bills. If your home's assessed value seems inflated compared to recent sales nearby, filing an appeal with Luna County's assessor's office could reduce your burden at no cost.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Luna County

via CostByCounty

Luna County rents strain tight budgets

Luna County residents spend 21.7% of their income on rent, compared to a national average closer to 28%, but earn just $37,917 annually—half the national median of $74,755. While the rent-to-income ratio looks better than the U.S. average, residents' lower incomes mean housing costs still consume a meaningful share of stretched household budgets.

Above average housing pressure statewide

Luna County's 21.7% rent-to-income ratio ranks above New Mexico's 19.4% state average, placing it among the less affordable counties in the state. At $685 monthly rent, Luna County is notably below the state median of $876, yet residents' lower incomes push the affordability burden higher.

Comparable to rural New Mexico peers

Luna County's $685 rent aligns closely with Quay County ($752) and Mora County ($785), making it one of the cheapest rental markets in rural New Mexico. However, McKinley County offers slightly higher rents ($810) with lower homeownership costs, presenting a trade-off for renters versus buyers.

Renters stretch further than buyers

Luna County renters pay $685 monthly while homeowners spend $560—a rare case where ownership costs less than renting. With median household income at $37,917 annually, renters dedicate 21.7% of gross income to housing, while homeowners at the median spend roughly 17.7% on mortgages.

Affordable rent, but consider income

Luna County offers some of New Mexico's cheapest rents, making it attractive for remote workers or retirees with external income sources. Before relocating, compare your income expectations with the $37,917 county median to ensure your housing costs won't outpace local wage opportunities.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Luna County

via IncomeByCounty

Luna lags far behind national earnings

Luna County's median household income of $37,917 sits roughly 49% below the national median of $74,755, placing it among the lowest-earning counties nationwide. This gap reflects Luna's economic challenges and limited high-wage employment opportunities compared to more prosperous U.S. regions.

Lowest earners in New Mexico

Luna County ranks last among New Mexico's 33 counties with a median household income well below the state average of $55,469—a gap of $17,552 per household. The county's per capita income of $21,871 also trails the state average of $32,602 by 33%.

Struggling alongside regional peers

Luna's $37,917 median income trails most neighboring counties, though it closely resembles Quay County ($43,698) and McKinley County ($44,496), both similarly economically distressed. Rio Arriba ($53,901) and San Juan ($53,020) counties nearby demonstrate what stronger regional earning potential looks like.

Rent remains affordable despite low wages

Luna County's rent-to-income ratio of 21.7% suggests housing costs are manageable relative to earnings, staying close to the 20% affordability benchmark. However, with median income so far below living costs elsewhere in America, Luna households face significant affordability pressures across other necessities.

Build financial stability from where you are

Luna County residents can leverage lower housing costs to prioritize savings and emergency funds, crucial steps when household income is constrained. Consider exploring local workforce development programs, skilled trades training, and remote work opportunities to supplement household earnings and build long-term wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Luna County

via HealthByCounty

Luna County's Life Expectancy Gap

At 72.1 years, Luna County residents live nearly 6 years shorter than the U.S. average of 78.1 years. Nearly 30% of the county reports poor or fair health, compared to the national average of 18%, signaling deeper health challenges in this southwestern community.

Below State Average but Not Alone

Luna County's 72.1-year life expectancy falls 1.6 years below New Mexico's state average of 73.7 years. The county ranks in the lower half statewide for health outcomes, with a poor/fair health rate of 29.7%—significantly higher than the state's typical burden.

Healthier Than Some, Challenged Overall

Luna County's life expectancy edges out neighboring McKinley County (63.9 years) but trails healthier New Mexico counties like Mora (76.1 years) and Otero (74.9 years). The 3-year gap to Otero reflects the health disparities across the state's rural regions.

Primary Care Shortage in Desert Communities

Only 16 primary care providers serve 100,000 Luna County residents—well below state capacity needs and leaving many families traveling long distances for routine care. At 12.3% uninsured, Luna County exceeds the state average of 10.2%, meaning one in eight residents lacks health coverage.

Check Your Coverage Options Today

If you're uninsured or underinsured, Luna County residents can explore New Mexico's marketplace plans at Healthcare.gov or contact local community health centers for sliding-scale care. Getting covered now means better access to preventive care and protection against unexpected medical costs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Luna County

via RiskByCounty

Luna County's risk: Below average nationally

Luna County scores 51.59 on composite risk, placing it in the Relatively Low category and well below the national average. This modest risk profile reflects a community less exposed to multiple hazards simultaneously compared to the typical U.S. county.

Middle of the pack in New Mexico

Luna County ranks in the middle tier statewide with a composite score of 51.59, compared to New Mexico's average of 58.92. The county's risk profile sits below the state median, making it one of the safer counties in the region.

Less risky than surrounding counties

Luna County's 51.59 score is lower than neighboring Hidalgo County and other southwestern counties. Among nearby communities, Luna faces relatively modest multi-hazard exposure, though wildfire remains a shared concern across the region.

Wildfire and earthquakes top the list

Wildfire risk dominates at 82.12, making it Luna County's primary natural hazard concern and a significant threat to residents and property. Earthquake risk ranks second at 54.04, though flood risk at 57.54 also merits attention given the county's arid southwestern landscape.

Prioritize wildfire and earthquake coverage

Luna County residents should secure comprehensive homeowners insurance with wildfire coverage, as blazes pose the greatest threat to structures and livelihoods. Consider earthquake insurance as well, especially if your home is older or not recently retrofitted for seismic safety.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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