CountyScore

Mora County

New Mexico · NM

#7 in New Mexico
74
County Score

County Report Card

About Mora County, New Mexico

Mora County well above national standard

Mora County's composite score of 74.0 substantially exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 74th percentile nationally. This strong performance reflects well-balanced livability across multiple dimensions.

Tops state peers in overall livability

At 74.0, Mora County ranks highest among these eight New Mexico counties and exceeds the state average of 69.8. It stands out as a livability leader within its region.

Balanced excellence in taxes and health

Mora County excels with a tax score of 87.2 (0.535% effective rate) and health score of 68.3, both among the state's best. Combined with strong cost affordability (86.1), the county offers a well-rounded livable environment.

Limited income growth opportunities

The income score of 16.1, with median household income of $50,178, is Mora's primary weakness relative to other strengths. Risk indicators (61.2) also lag the strongest performers, suggesting some economic uncertainty.

Ideal for health-conscious, tax-aware families

Mora County suits families and retirees who value good health infrastructure, affordable living costs, and low taxes over maximum income potential. It's particularly attractive to those seeking rural character with solid community services.

Score breakdown

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

Tax87.2Cost86.1SafetyComing SoonHealth68.3SchoolsComing SoonIncome16.1Risk61.2WaterComing Soon
🏛87.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠86.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼16.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤68.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡61.2
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 Mora County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Bibb County
Alabama
74
Median income: $51,215
Crenshaw County
Alabama
74
Median income: $49,040
Fremont County
Idaho
74
Median income: $72,767
Metcalfe County
Kentucky
74
Median income: $48,572
Trimble County
Kentucky
74
Median income: $67,813

Deep Dives

Mora County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

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.