countyscore
29.2
County Score
Cost of Living 79.6Weather & Climate 42Schools 33.4

County Report Card

About McKinley County, New Mexico

Facing National Headwinds

McKinley County scores a 29.2 overall, trailing well behind the national median score of 50.0. This indicates significant structural challenges compared to the average American county.

Below the New Mexico Average

The county’s score of 29.2 sits significantly below the New Mexico state average of 49.1. It ranks as one of the more challenging environments in the state across several key livability dimensions.

Deep Housing Affordability

The county’s primary strength is its cost score of 79.6, driven by a median home value of only $72,100. This makes it one of the most accessible real estate markets for first-time buyers.

High Taxes and Low Health Scores

Tax burden is a major concern with a tax score of 4.3 and an effective rate of 1.889%. Additionally, a health score of 7.9 and a water score of 13.3 highlight critical infrastructure and wellness needs.

Suited for Ultra-Low Cost Living

McKinley County best serves individuals who need the lowest possible entry price for homeownership. It requires residents to navigate a high-tax environment in exchange for very affordable land and housing.

Score breakdown

Tax4.3Cost79.6Safety18Health7.9Schools33.4Income6.7Risk21.8Water13.3Weather42
🏛4.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠79.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼6.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡18
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤7.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓33.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡21.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧13.3
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤42
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱28
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

McKinley County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in McKinley County

via TaxByCounty

McKinley's tax rate far exceeds national norms

McKinley County's effective tax rate of 1.889% is more than three times the national median, making it one of the highest-taxed counties in America. On the national median home value of $281,900, this rate would generate $5,324 annually—nearly double the national median tax bill of $2,690. McKinley homeowners shoulder a significantly heavier property tax burden than most Americans.

McKinley leads New Mexico in tax rates

At 1.889%, McKinley County's effective rate towers over New Mexico's state average of 0.595%—more than three times higher. McKinley's median tax of $1,362 is 31% above the state median of $1,043, reflecting both the county's elevated rate and its deliberate funding strategy for schools and services.

McKinley stands apart from regional peers

McKinley's 1.889% rate dwarfs all nearby counties: San Juan (0.675%), Luna (0.576%), and Quay (0.617%) are all significantly lower. McKinley's aggressive tax policy is a regional outlier, driven by local investment priorities that distinguish it from surrounding rural counties.

Median McKinley home: $1,362 annual tax

On McKinley's median home value of $72,100, property owners pay approximately $1,362 in annual taxes—among the highest effective burdens for homes of this price in the state. Homeowners with mortgages typically pay $1,607 after insurance and fees, while those without mortgages pay around $1,036.

Review your assessment for overvaluation

With McKinley's high tax rate, even small errors in home assessment compound into substantial overpayments. Homeowners should request a recent comparable sales analysis and file an appeal if their assessed value exceeds similar properties sold in the county within the past year.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in McKinley County

via CostByCounty

McKinley County renters face tight affordability

McKinley County's rent-to-income ratio of 21.8% exceeds the U.S. average affordability threshold, driven by a median household income of just $44,496 against the national $74,755. Renters here pay $810 monthly, leaving limited breathing room in budgets already 40% below national median earnings.

Least affordable rental market in state

McKinley County ranks among New Mexico's least affordable counties for renters, with a 21.8% rent-to-income ratio exceeding the state average of 19.4%. Despite rents at $810—below the state median of $876—residents' lower incomes push affordability stress higher than most New Mexico peers.

Priciest rents in rural New Mexico cluster

McKinley County's $810 rent ties with Mora County and exceeds most rural neighbors like Quay ($752) and Luna ($685). San Juan County ($917) and Otero County ($926) push rents even higher, making McKinley's market relatively mid-range for the region.

Homeownership dramatically cheaper here

McKinley County presents an unusual affordability profile: renters spend $810 monthly while homeowners spend just $351, among the lowest ownership costs in the state. For homeowners with median incomes of $44,496, that translates to just 9.5% of gross income toward housing—a sharp contrast to renters at 21.8%.

Home buyers find bargains; renters beware

McKinley County's median home value of $72,100 offers exceptional buying opportunity for those with down payment savings, but renters face above-average affordability pressure. If relocating, budget $810+ monthly for rent or prioritize homeownership programs to access the county's dramatic ownership cost advantages.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in McKinley County

via IncomeByCounty

McKinley earns 40% below national median

McKinley County's median household income of $44,496 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by roughly 40%, reflecting limited high-wage sectors in the county's economy. This gap places McKinley among America's lower-earning counties, though slightly above some peers in rural New Mexico.

Second-lowest earners in New Mexico

McKinley County ranks second-worst among New Mexico's 33 counties, with median income of $44,496 versus the state average of $55,469—a $10,973 shortfall per household. Per capita income of $19,580 is the lowest in the state, 40% below New Mexico's average of $32,602.

Income similar to rural northwestern peers

McKinley's $44,496 median closely matches Quay County ($43,698) and falls between Luna ($37,917) and Rio Arriba ($53,901). These three counties form New Mexico's lowest-income cluster, each dependent on agriculture, energy, or government employment with limited diversification.

Housing costs squeeze limited earnings

At 21.8% of income, McKinley's rent-to-income ratio hovers just above the affordability threshold, though median home values of $72,100 remain relatively low. The combination of modest income and tight housing ratios leaves little margin for unexpected expenses or savings.

Strategic skills training unlocks better earnings

McKinley residents can target high-demand fields like healthcare, skilled trades, and renewable energy, where regional wage premiums exceed county averages significantly. Pursuing certifications or community college credentials in these sectors offers the most direct path to breaking the cycle of below-average earnings.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in McKinley County

via CrimeByCounty

McKinley County Remains Below National Crime Averages

McKinley County reports a total crime rate of 2181.1 per 100K residents, sitting below the national average of 2,385.5. The county maintains a safety score of 96.6 out of 100.

Comparing McKinley to New Mexico Safety Trends

The county's safety score of 96.6 is slightly lower than the New Mexico state average of 97.4. Its total crime rate of 2181.1 is significantly higher than the state average of 1638.5.

Safety Trends Across the Northwest Region

McKinley's crime rate of 2181.1 is very similar to Roosevelt County's 2173.2. However, it stays lower than neighboring San Juan County, which reports a rate of 2091.2 per 100K with higher violent crime.

Analyzing Violent and Property Crime Risks

The violent crime rate of 538.3 exceeds the national average of 369.8, indicating a need for personal safety awareness. Property crime accounts for 1642.8 incidents per 100K residents.

Taking Action to Secure Your McKinley Home

Visible security measures like motion-sensor lights and cameras can deter property crimes. Residents should remain vigilant and report suspicious activity to one of the two local reporting agencies.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in McKinley County

via HealthByCounty

McKinley County Faces Significant Health Crisis

At 63.9 years, McKinley County has the lowest life expectancy in New Mexico and trails the U.S. average of 78.1 years by 14 years—a profound gap that reflects decades of health inequities. Over 31% of residents report poor or fair health, nearly double the national average of 18%.

Lowest Life Expectancy in New Mexico

McKinley County's 63.9-year life expectancy ranks dead last among New Mexico's 33 counties, falling nearly 10 years behind the state average of 73.7 years. With a 31.6% poor/fair health rate, the county faces the steepest health burden in the state.

Stark Disparity From Surrounding Counties

McKinley County's 63.9-year life expectancy is catastrophically lower than nearby San Juan County (69.8 years) and Luna County (72.1 years), a 5- to 8-year gap that underscores localized health crises. Even Rio Arriba County, another struggling rural region, averages 69.3 years—still 5 years ahead.

Provider Access Better Than Raw Numbers Show

McKinley County has 82 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—above state capacity—yet the county's 13.8% uninsured rate exceeds New Mexico's 10.2% average, suggesting insurance barriers limit actual access. Mental health support is available at 192 providers per 100K, but geographic isolation and economic hardship create gaps in care-seeking.

Breaking Barriers to Health Coverage

McKinley County residents can apply for Medicaid or marketplace plans at Healthcare.gov or visit local federally qualified health centers for affordable care regardless of insurance status. Getting covered is the first step toward addressing the county's health crisis and accessing preventive services that save lives.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in McKinley County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Large Rural School Network

McKinley County operates a vast network of 41 public schools serving 13,685 students across six districts. The system includes 17 elementary schools and 14 high schools, making it one of the state's more robust rural education infrastructures. Four charter schools operate here, representing nearly 10% of the total school inventory.

Performance Matches State Benchmarks

With a 78.4% graduation rate, McKinley County nearly matches the New Mexico state average of 79.0%. Per-pupil expenditure is $7,785, which stays close to the state average but remains roughly $5,200 below the national average. The county achieves a school score of 49.1, placing it near the state median of 49.8.

Gallup-McKinley County Schools Leads Enrollment

Gallup-McKinley County Schools dominates the landscape with 11,709 students across 33 different schools. Zuni Public Schools follows as the second-largest district, supporting 1,095 students. Notable institutions like Hozho Academy showcase the county's charter school options, serving 616 students in an 'other' level configuration.

Diverse Locales from Town to Rural

The county features a heavy rural presence with 24 schools situated in rural locales and 17 in town settings. While the average school size is 351 students, Miyamura High School serves as a major hub with 1,393 students. This mix offers families a choice between large town-based high schools and smaller, community-focused rural campuses.

Finding a Home in the Gallup Region

As you search for a home in McKinley County, school district boundaries play a vital role in community life. High-enrollment areas near Gallup offer more urban amenities, while Zuni and rural districts provide a quieter lifestyle. Use school performance and locale data to guide your home-buying journey in this expansive county.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in McKinley County

via RiskByCounty

McKinley County faces above-average risk

McKinley County scores 78.24 on composite risk, placing it in the Relatively Low category but well above the national average. This elevated score reflects significant exposure to multiple hazards, particularly flooding and wildfire.

Among New Mexico's higher-risk counties

McKinley County ranks above the state average of 58.92 with a composite score of 78.24, placing it in the upper tier of risk-exposed counties. This positioning reflects substantial multi-hazard vulnerability compared to other New Mexico communities.

Riskier than many nearby counties

McKinley County's 78.24 score exceeds those of Luna and Quay counties to the east. The county faces notably higher flood and earthquake risks than several neighboring communities, making it one of the region's more hazard-exposed areas.

Flooding and wildfire dominate McKinley

Flood risk reaches 86.80, making it McKinley County's top hazard and a serious concern for residents in vulnerable zones. Wildfire risk at 78.69 compounds the threat, while earthquake risk at 77.58 rounds out the county's significant multi-hazard exposure.

Flood and wildfire insurance essential

McKinley County residents in flood-prone areas should carry flood insurance, which standard homeowners policies do not cover. Wildfire coverage is equally critical—ensure your policy explicitly includes protection against wildfire damage and consider defensible space maintenance around your property.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in McKinley County

via WeatherByCounty

Cool High Desert Conditions

McKinley County features an annual average temperature of 49.0°F, which is cooler than the national median. The region is semi-arid, receiving 12.8 inches of precipitation and substantial winter snowfall.

Cooler Than the State Average

At 49.0°F, McKinley County stays significantly cooler than the New Mexico average of 54.8°F. Its 12.8 inches of annual rain is slightly lower than the statewide average of 14.0 inches.

Snowier Than Its Eastern Neighbors

McKinley receives 26.6 inches of snow, nearly triple the amount found in San Juan County. While it is cooler than Quay County, it avoids the triple-digit heat frequency found in the state's lower elevations.

Chilly Winters and Mild Summers

Winter temperatures average a cold 30.8°F, supported by over two feet of annual snowfall. Summers are pleasant with a 68.1°F average and only 29 days reaching above 90°F.

Invest in Cold Weather Gear

With 26.6 inches of snow and sub-freezing winter averages, reliable heating and snow removal tools are essential. High-altitude sun protection is also necessary despite the relatively mild 68.1°F summer average.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in McKinley County

via SoilByCounty

High Plateau Soil Profiles

While specific pH and taxonomic data for McKinley County are currently unavailable, regional soils typically lean toward the alkaline side of the scale. Land managers should benchmark against the state average pH of 7.48 when planning local projects.

Variable High-Desert Textures

Detailed percentages for sand, silt, and clay are not recorded in the current dataset for this region. The varied terrain of the Colorado Plateau suggests a mix of rocky outcrops and alluvial deposits that require on-site testing for accuracy.

Potential for Productivity

Specific organic matter and water capacity figures are missing, but the state average of 1.27% organic matter serves as a local baseline. Improving these levels is a primary goal for any grower looking to enhance the productivity of the high-desert soil.

Managing Water on the Mesa

Comprehensive drainage and hydrologic classifications are currently limited for this area. Residents should perform simple percolation tests to understand how water moves through their specific plot before starting construction or large-scale planting.

Hardy Crops for Zone 6a

McKinley County sits in hardiness zone 6a, which is well-suited for cold-hardy vegetables like kale, potatoes, and garlic. The shorter growing season rewards those who use greenhouses or row covers to protect young plants from late spring frosts.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in McKinley County

via LawnByCounty

High-Desert Hurdles in McKinley County

With a lawn difficulty score of 28.0, maintaining a green space here is more difficult than the national average but nears the state benchmark of 30.2. The cold 6a hardiness zone presents unique challenges for winter survival and spring green-up.

Short Seasons and High Aridity

Annual precipitation is low at 12.8 inches, requiring supplemental watering to keep roots healthy. The growing season is restricted by late spring frosts occurring through May 29, leaving a narrow window for natural growth.

Test Your High-Altitude Ground

While specific soil metrics are unavailable for this county, local high-desert soils often vary between heavy clay and rocky deposits. We recommend a professional soil test to determine if your lawn needs pH adjustments or drainage improvements.

Severe Water Shortages Persist

A staggering 92.4% of the county currently faces severe drought, and the region has been in drought for 53 consecutive weeks. Practical conservation involves choosing native grass alternatives and utilizing mulch to keep soil temperatures stable.

Planting for Cold Winters and Dry Summers

Hardy cool-season grasses or native Buffalo grass work best in zone 6a. Plan to seed after May 29, but ensure the lawn is established before the first fall frost arrives early on September 28.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is McKinley County's county score?
McKinley County, New Mexico has a composite county score of 29.2 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 McKinley County rank among counties in New Mexico?
McKinley County ranks #32 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 McKinley County, New Mexico?
The median annual property tax in McKinley County is $1,362, with an effective tax rate of 1.89%. This earns McKinley County a tax score of 4.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in McKinley County?
The median household income in McKinley County, New Mexico is $44,496 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. McKinley County earns an income score of 6.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is McKinley County, New Mexico a good place to live?
McKinley County scores 29.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #32 in New Mexico. The best way to evaluate McKinley 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 McKinley County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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