CountyScore

McKinley County

New Mexico · NM

#33 in New Mexico
55.6
County Score

County Report Card

About McKinley County, New Mexico

McKinley County above national median

McKinley County's composite score of 55.6 exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 55th percentile nationally. While above average, the county ranks lower than most of its New Mexico neighbors.

Below state average among New Mexico counties

At 55.6, McKinley County scores below the New Mexico state average of 69.8 and ranks among the lower performers of these eight counties. The gap suggests limited overall livability advantages compared to state peers.

Outstanding housing affordability

McKinley County's cost score of 88.5 ranks highest in this group, with median home values of just $72,100 and rents at $810/month. This exceptional affordability is the county's standout livability asset.

Economic weakness and health concerns

The income score of 12.4 reflects a median household income of $44,496, among the state's lowest. Health outcomes (43.8) and especially risk indicators (21.8) present significant challenges relative to other counties.

For those prioritizing lowest housing costs

McKinley County appeals to buyers seeking minimal home prices and those with stable external income sources. However, weaker economic conditions and health metrics warrant careful consideration before relocating.

Score breakdown

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

Tax49.1Cost88.5SafetyComing SoonHealth43.8SchoolsComing SoonIncome12.4Risk21.8WaterComing Soon
🏛49.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠88.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼12.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤43.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡21.8
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 McKinley County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Cattaraugus County
New York
55.6
Median income: $58,248
Ellis County
Texas
55.6
Median income: $95,898
Solano County
California
55.7
Median income: $99,994
Bell County
Texas
55.5
Median income: $66,051
McLennan County
Texas
55.5
Median income: $63,888

Deep Dives

McKinley County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

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.