countyscore
63.5
County Score
Property Tax 82.3Cost of Living 78.7Schools 65.3

County Report Card

About Mora County, New Mexico

Leading the National Median

Mora County achieves a 63.5 composite score, far exceeding the national median of 50.0. This high ranking suggests a quality of life that competes well with established counties nationwide.

A Top-Tier New Mexico Performer

At 63.5, Mora County sits well above the New Mexico average of 49.1. It is a regional leader, providing a robust mix of low taxes and strong public institutions.

Low Taxes and Solid Schools

The county excels with a tax score of 82.3, supported by a low 0.535% effective tax rate. Education is also a highlight, with a school score of 65.3 that outpaces many neighboring areas.

Water and Income Constraints

Water security is a primary concern with a score of only 2.5. Economic opportunity also remains low, reflected in an income score of 14.9 and a median household income of $50,178.

Best for Education-Focused Families

Mora County is an excellent fit for families who value quality schools and a low tax burden. It is ideal for those who can manage limited water resources in exchange for a high-value educational environment.

Score breakdown

Tax82.3Cost78.7Safety63Health54.3Schools65.3Income14.9Risk61.2Water2.5Weather54.6
🏛82.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠78.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼14.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡63
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤54.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓65.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡61.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧2.5
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤54.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱45.2
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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Nearby counties

San Miguel County
New Mexico
45.9
Colfax County
New Mexico
54.4
Taos County
New Mexico
48.2
Santa Fe County
New Mexico
35.3
Harding County
New Mexico
71.2
Los Alamos County
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68.6
Rio Arriba County
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60.6
Costilla County
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62.6

Deep Dives

Mora County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Mora County

via TaxByCounty

Mora's taxes rank among the lowest nationally

Mora County's effective tax rate of 0.535% places it in the lowest tier of American counties for property tax burden. The median tax bill of $642 is nearly 76% lower than the national median of $2,690, making Mora an exceptionally affordable county for homeowners nationwide.

Mora undercuts New Mexico's average

Mora County's 0.535% rate is the lowest in the state, trailing New Mexico's average of 0.595% by a meaningful margin. At just $642 in median annual taxes, Mora residents pay 38% less than the state median, making it the most tax-friendly county in New Mexico.

Mora offers the region's lowest rates

Mora's 0.535% rate edges below Luna (0.576%) and significantly undercuts Otero (0.563%), Quay (0.617%), and McKinley (1.889%). For rural New Mexico, Mora represents the most favorable tax environment across this cluster of comparable counties.

Median Mora home: $642 annual tax

A home valued at $119,900—Mora's median—generates approximately $642 in annual property taxes, one of the lowest figures in the state. Homeowners with mortgages typically pay $724 after insurance and fees, while those owning outright pay around $563.

Appeal if your home is overassessed

Even in Mora's low-tax environment, some homeowners overpay due to inflated assessments that don't reflect current market values. Filing an appeal with the county assessor is free and can further reduce your already modest tax burden if your home is valued above comparable recent sales.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Mora County

via CostByCounty

Mora County leads statewide affordability

Mora County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.8% is the strongest in New Mexico and approaches the national average, supported by a median household income of $50,178. At $785 monthly rent, Mora County residents enjoy relative affordability despite earning 33% less than the national median of $74,755.

Most affordable rental county in state

Mora County ranks as New Mexico's most affordable county for renters, with an 18.8% rent-to-income ratio below the state average of 19.4%. This rare combination of reasonable rents and relatively stable incomes makes Mora a standout for cost-conscious households in rural New Mexico.

Sweet spot between rural and affordable

Mora County's $785 rent and 18.8% affordability ratio position it between cheaper markets like Quay ($752) and pricier ones like San Juan ($917). Rio Arriba County matches Mora's affordability advantage, making both northeastern counties the most livable for renters in this rural cluster.

Renters and owners find balance

Mora County renters spend $785 monthly while homeowners spend $544—both reasonable proportions of the $50,178 median income. Renters dedicate 18.8% of gross income to housing; homeowners at median spend roughly 13%, making both tenure options accessible.

New Mexico's affordability sweet spot

Mora County combines the state's best rental affordability with stable median incomes, making it ideal for relocators prioritizing cost of living over urban amenities. With strong homeownership values at $119,900 and balanced renter affordability, Mora supports both long-term buyers and temporary residents.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Mora County

via IncomeByCounty

Mora earns one-third below national median

Mora County's median household income of $50,178 sits 33% below the national median of $74,755, placing it in America's lower-income tier. However, Mora outperforms Luna and McKinley counties, suggesting a slightly more diversified local economy.

Middle-tier earner among New Mexico counties

Mora County ranks in the middle range among New Mexico's 33 counties, with median household income of $50,178 compared to the state average of $55,469—just $5,291 below. Its per capita income of $34,616 notably exceeds the state average of $32,602, suggesting more equitable income distribution.

Outearns western peers, trails eastern rivals

Mora's $50,178 median income exceeds McKinley ($44,496) and Quay ($43,698) but trails Rio Arriba ($53,901) and San Juan ($53,020) counties. The spread reflects varying degrees of economic opportunity across New Mexico's rural northeast.

Most affordable housing relative to earnings

Mora County offers the best rent-to-income ratio among these eight counties at 18.8%, comfortably under the 20% affordability threshold. This favorable housing climate provides Mora households with more flexibility to save and invest compared to neighbors facing tighter housing pressures.

Leverage low housing costs for wealth building

With housing costs well-controlled, Mora residents are positioned to prioritize retirement savings, education, and investment—critical steps to building generational wealth. Consider maximizing employer retirement plans and exploring side income opportunities to accelerate wealth accumulation beyond median earnings.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Mora County

via CrimeByCounty

Mora County Outperforms National Safety Benchmarks

With a total crime rate of 855.5 per 100K, Mora County is significantly safer than the national average of 2,385.5. This earns the county an impressive safety score of 98.6.

Leading the State in Public Safety

Mora County's 98.6 safety score easily beats the New Mexico average of 97.4. Its total crime rate is nearly half the state average of 1638.5 per 100K.

Mora County vs Northern Neighbors

The crime rate here is much lower than nearby San Miguel County, which sees 1778.5 incidents per 100K. Mora stands out as a relatively quiet rural enclave in Northern New Mexico.

Low Crime Rates with Cautionary Data

The violent crime rate is 308.9 per 100K, which is lower than the national average of 369.8. Because only one agency reports data here, these statistics may not capture every local incident.

Maintaining Security in Rural Mora County

Low crime rates offer peace of mind, but distance from law enforcement makes home security essential. Simple deadbolts and driveway alarms provide an extra layer of protection for remote properties.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Mora County

via HealthByCounty

Mora County Defies State Health Trends

Mora County residents live 76.1 years on average—3 years longer than the national average of 73.1 and among the healthiest in New Mexico. Just 23.1% report poor or fair health, well below the U.S. benchmark of 18%, reflecting better chronic disease management across this northern county.

Healthiest County in New Mexico

Mora County leads New Mexico with a life expectancy of 76.1 years—2.4 years above the state average of 73.7 and the highest in the state. The county's 23.1% poor/fair health rate ranks among the lowest statewide, demonstrating exceptional community health outcomes.

Model for Rural Health Success

Mora County's 76.1-year life expectancy significantly outpaces nearby Rio Arriba County (69.3 years) and San Juan County (69.8 years), a 6- to 7-year advantage that marks it as a health leader in New Mexico's rural north. Even compared to Quay County (70.3 years), Mora residents enjoy substantially longer, healthier lives.

Lowest Uninsured Rate, Limited Primary Data

Mora County's 6.4% uninsured rate is the lowest in New Mexico and 3.8 points below the state average, ensuring broad health coverage and preventive care access. While primary care provider data is limited, the county maintains 170 mental health providers per 100K, supporting robust behavioral health services.

Stay Covered, Stay Healthy

Mora County's exceptional health outcomes partly reflect strong insurance uptake; residents should maintain or enroll in coverage at Healthcare.gov to preserve the county's health advantage. Even in well-insured communities, regular check-ups and preventive screenings keep the county thriving.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Mora County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small-Scale Education in Mora County

Mora County maintains a small, focused education system with only six public schools serving a total of 516 students. The landscape is split between two school districts and contains three elementary schools, one middle school, and two high schools. There are currently no charter schools operating within the county.

High Graduation Rates and Local Investment

Mora County excels with a 90.0% graduation rate, significantly outperforming both the state average of 79.0% and the national average of 87.0%. The county invests $9,159 per pupil, which is over $1,200 more than the New Mexico average. These strong metrics result in a school score of 58.2, well above the state median.

Mora Independent Schools Leads the Way

Mora Independent Schools is the primary district, enrolling 433 students across four schools. Wagon Mound Public Schools serves the remainder of the county with two schools and 83 students. Mora Elementary is the largest single campus in the county, though it only has 168 students, highlighting the intimate school environment.

A Purely Rural Educational Experience

Every single school in Mora County is classified in a rural locale, offering a very small-town educational atmosphere. The average school size is just 86 students, ensuring high levels of individual attention for every child. Even the largest school, Mora High, has only 125 students, fostering a tight-knit community feel.

Invest in a Community with High Results

With graduation rates exceeding national averages, Mora County is an attractive option for families prioritizing academic outcomes. Homes in the Mora Independent district offer access to some of the region's best-performing small schools. Consider this rural gem if you value small class sizes and a proven track record of student success.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Mora County

via RiskByCounty

Mora County: New Mexico's safest hazard profile

Mora County scores 38.77 on composite risk, earning a Very Low rating and ranking well below the national average. This modest risk level reflects a community with limited exposure to multiple simultaneous natural hazards.

Lowest composite risk in the state

Mora County's 38.77 score ranks it as one of New Mexico's least hazard-exposed counties, far below the state average of 58.92. The county benefits from its geographic position and landscape characteristics that minimize multi-hazard vulnerability.

Safest risk profile in its region

Mora County ranks significantly safer than neighboring Rio Arriba and San Juan counties, which face much higher composite risks. Its 38.77 score positions it as one of the region's most resilient communities from a natural hazard perspective.

Wildfire is Mora's defining threat

Wildfire risk dominates at 95.90, representing Mora County's most significant natural hazard concern despite the county's overall low composite risk. Flood risk at 50.73 ranks second, while earthquake and tornado risks remain comparatively modest.

Prioritize wildfire protection measures

Mora County residents should ensure homeowners insurance includes robust wildfire coverage and invest in defensible space around structures. Standard homeowners insurance should be sufficient for most residents, but verify that wildfire-specific perils are explicitly covered in your policy.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Mora County

via WeatherByCounty

Cold Peaks and Heavy Snow

Mora County is one of the cooler regions in the nation with an annual average of 47.7°F. It receives a robust 20.2 inches of precipitation, largely driven by significant mountain snowfall.

High Altitude Moisture Leader

Mora's 20.2 inches of precipitation sits well above the New Mexico average of 14.0 inches. Its average temperature of 47.7°F makes it much colder than the state's 54.8°F baseline.

The Snow Capital of the Region

Mora County sees 62.1 inches of snow annually, dwarfing the 37.6 inches in neighboring Rio Arriba County. It records only 8 days of extreme heat, compared to 82 days in Roosevelt County.

Brief Summers and Frozen Winters

July averages a cool 65.8°F, and the county rarely sees extreme heat. Winters are long and snowy, with an average temperature of 32.4°F and over five feet of total snowfall.

Prioritize Insulation and Snow Removal

Heavy-duty snow tires and reliable heating systems are vital for navigating the 62.1-inch annual snowfall. Air conditioning is rarely a priority here, given the county only averages 8 days above 90°F.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Mora County

via SoilByCounty

Mountain and Meadow Soil Identity

Mora County lacks specific taxonomic and pH data in the current database, though mountain soils here often vary based on elevation. In the absence of local figures, the state average pH of 7.48 provides a general reference for the region.

Diverse Textures Across the Landscape

Measurements for sand, silt, and clay are not provided for this specific area. The county’s geography transitions from plains to mountains, meaning textures likely range from silty loams in valleys to more rocky compositions at higher altitudes.

Fertility in a Changing Climate

With specific organic matter percentages unavailable, local growers should aim to meet or exceed the state average of 1.27%. High-altitude soils in this region often benefit from nitrogen-fixing cover crops to boost natural fertility.

Observing Natural Water Flow

Official drainage data is currently limited for Mora County. Because the landscape includes significant slopes, monitoring how water moves during snowmelt and summer storms is essential for preventing soil erosion.

Cool-Season Success in Zone 6a

In the cool climate of hardiness zone 6a, Mora County is perfect for berries, hardy greens, and short-season root vegetables. The crisp air and mountain water create a unique environment for specialized high-altitude gardening.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Mora County

via LawnByCounty

Mora County’s Favorable Growing Conditions

Mora County stands out with a lawn difficulty score of 45.2, significantly outperforming the New Mexico state average of 30.2. While still slightly below the national median of 50.0, this 6a hardiness zone is one of the region's more hospitable areas.

Ample Rainfall and Mild Summers

The county enjoys 20.2 inches of annual precipitation, which is much closer to ideal levels than its neighbors. With only 8 extreme heat days per year, grass faces less thermal stress and has a more manageable watering schedule.

Preparing Your Garden Foundation

Specific soil data for Mora County is limited, but the region's mountain valleys typically offer more organic matter than the southern deserts. Homeowners should focus on testing their specific site to optimize the growing environment for zone 6a.

Strong Resilience to Drought

Mora County shows better resilience than most, with 0% of its area in severe drought and only 23 weeks of drought over the past year. Maintaining a taller mowing height can help shade the soil and further protect this natural moisture.

Take Advantage of the July Rain

Fine fescues and Kentucky bluegrass thrive here if established between the May 26 last frost and the September 26 first frost. The mild July average of 65.8°F provides an excellent environment for root development.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mora County's county score?
Mora County, New Mexico has a composite county score of 63.5 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 Mora County rank among counties in New Mexico?
Mora County ranks #4 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 Mora County, New Mexico?
The median annual property tax in Mora County is $642, with an effective tax rate of 0.54%. This earns Mora County a tax score of 82.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Mora County?
The median household income in Mora County, New Mexico is $50,178 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Mora County earns an income score of 14.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Mora County, New Mexico a good place to live?
Mora County scores 63.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #4 in New Mexico. The best way to evaluate Mora 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 Mora 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.