countyscore
44.4
County Score
Property Tax 79.2Cost of Living 58.5Weather & Climate 53.3

County Report Card

About Otero County, New Mexico

Slightly Below National Benchmarks

Otero County holds a 44.4 composite score, placing it just under the national median of 50.0. It remains competitive but faces specific environmental and institutional hurdles.

Consistent with State Performance

The county's 44.4 score is slightly below the New Mexico average of 49.1. It offers a profile typical of the state’s high-desert regions where affordability is balanced by environmental risk.

Tax Relief and Housing Access

A tax score of 79.2 and an effective tax rate of 0.563% make this an attractive spot for property owners. Housing remains attainable, with a cost score of 58.5 and a median home value of $149,500.

Risk and School Deficits

The county struggles with environmental risk (15.3) and school quality (18.8). Water scarcity is also a persistent issue, as reflected in the low water score of 15.8.

Suited for Tax-Conscious Individuals

Otero County is best for residents who prioritize low property taxes and affordable housing above all else. It suits those comfortable with a desert environment and independent school options.

2040608010079.258.538.843.618.820.115.315.853.3Tax79.2Cost58.5Safety38.8Health43.6Schools18.8Income20.1Risk15.3Water15.8Weather53.344.4/100
This county
National avg
2 above average5 below average

Otero County DNA

Foverall

How Otero County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Otero County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Property Tax (79.2/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (15.8/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
79.2+27.200000000000003
Cost
58.5+10.5
Safety
38.8-16.200000000000003
Health
43.6
Schools
18.8-35.2
Income
20.1-30.9
Risk
15.3-31.7
Water
15.8-42.2
Weather
53.3
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$149,500

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$926/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$149,500/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$37,040/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.8x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $52,717/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

10.3

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Deep Dives

Otero County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Otero County

via TaxByCounty

Otero's taxes stay well below the nation

Otero County's effective tax rate of 0.563% is substantially lower than the national median, with a typical homeowner paying $841 annually on the median property value. This represents a 69% savings compared to the national median tax bill of $2,690, placing Otero among the most affordable counties in America.

Otero slightly below state average

Otero County's 0.563% rate runs slightly below New Mexico's state average of 0.595%, with a median tax of $841 compared to the state median of $1,043. This positions Otero as a moderate-tax county within the state, offering reasonable property tax costs relative to state norms.

Otero's rate sits in the middle tier

Otero's 0.563% rate falls between Mora (0.535%) and Luna (0.576%), making it solidly mid-range for this cluster of rural southern New Mexico counties. Among its regional peers, Otero offers balanced tax rates without the extremes seen in McKinley or the lowest rates of Mora.

Median Otero home: $841 annual tax

On Otero's median home value of $149,500, property owners pay approximately $841 in annual taxes, reflecting the county's moderate rate and higher property values. Homeowners with mortgages typically pay $976 after insurance and fees, while those owning outright pay around $672.

Challenge your assessment if overstated

Otero homeowners with higher-value properties should verify that their assessments align with recent comparable sales in the area. If your home is assessed above market value, an appeal can recover hundreds of dollars in annual tax savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Otero County

via CostByCounty

Otero County rents stretch incomes

Otero County residents spend 21.1% of their income on rent, exceeding New Mexico's 19.4% state average and pushing toward affordability stress. At $926 monthly, Otero County rents rank among New Mexico's highest, yet median household income of $52,717 remains 30% below the national $74,755.

Above-average rental costs statewide

Otero County's 21.1% rent-to-income ratio exceeds New Mexico's state average, driven by above-median rents of $926 paired with modest incomes. This affordability gap places Otero among the state's more expensive counties for renters despite moderate local wages.

Priciest rental market in region

Otero County's $926 rent ranks second-highest among these eight counties, trailing only San Juan County at $917 and far exceeding rural neighbors like Quay ($752) and Luna ($685). This price premium reflects Otero's relatively stronger economic position in southern New Mexico.

Homeownership costs match high rents

Otero County renters pay $926 monthly while homeowners spend $628—both substantial figures that exceed most rural peers. With median income at $52,717, renters dedicate 21.1% to housing costs while homeowners spend roughly 14.3%, leaving homeowners with greater financial flexibility.

Premium pricing, but stronger stability

Otero County offers higher incomes than many rural New Mexico counties, justifying its premium rents and home values of $149,500. Relocators should consider the trade-off: higher costs balanced by stronger local wages and, if buying, access to more substantial housing stock.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Otero County

via IncomeByCounty

Otero earns 29% below national median

Otero County's median household income of $52,717 falls 29% below the U.S. median of $74,755, reflecting limited wage opportunities in this southern New Mexico region. This gap, while significant, positions Otero above several neighboring rural counties in the state.

Upper-middle earner in New Mexico

Otero County ranks in the upper half of New Mexico's 33 counties, with median household income of $52,717 just $2,752 below the state average of $55,469. Per capita income of $28,186 remains 13% below the state average, suggesting some income inequality within the county.

Strongest earner in southern cluster

Otero's $52,717 median exceeds Luna County ($37,917) by 39% and outpaces McKinley ($44,496) and Quay ($43,698), ranking it as a relative income leader in southern New Mexico. Proximity to the military and government employment likely supports this regional advantage.

Housing costs manageable for median earners

Otero's rent-to-income ratio of 21.1% sits slightly above the affordability ideal, though median home values of $149,500 are higher than most county peers. The county offers reasonable housing affordability relative to median income, supporting moderate household financial stability.

Build on regional wage advantages

Otero residents can leverage their relative income advantage to build emergency savings and invest in education or skill development. Exploring career advancement within government, military, and healthcare sectors—strong local employers—offers the most direct path to exceeding county median earnings.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Otero County

via CrimeByCounty

Otero County Safety Scores Beat National Averages

Otero County maintains a strong safety score of 97.8, supported by a total crime rate of 1397.2 per 100K. This is well below the national total crime rate of 2,385.5.

A Top Safety Performer in New Mexico

Otero's total crime rate of 1397.2 is better than the state average of 1638.5. Its safety score of 97.8 also edges out the statewide average of 97.4.

Otero vs Regional Crime Trends

Otero is safer than San Miguel and McKinley counties, which both report rates near or above 1800 per 100K. Four reporting agencies contribute to Otero's comprehensive and reliable data profile.

Property Crime Dominates Local Reports

The violent crime rate is low at 227.0 per 100K, far below the national average of 369.8. Most reported incidents involve property crime, which sits at 1170.2 per 100K.

Reinforce Your Home Security Strategy

Since property crime is the primary concern, residents should secure windows and use smart locks. These steps help maintain the county's high safety standing.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Otero County

via SchoolsByCounty

Otero's Expansive School Infrastructure

Otero County supports 7,353 students through a network of 25 public schools organized into four districts. The infrastructure includes 13 elementary schools, five middle schools, and five high schools, along with two specialized campuses. No charter schools currently operate in the county, leaving education entirely to traditional public districts.

Competitive Graduation Rates and Spending

The county boasts an 80.9% graduation rate, which sits slightly above the state average of 79.0%. However, per-pupil expenditure is relatively low at $6,492, significantly trailing the state average of $7,957. The composite school score for the county is 47.6 out of 100.

Alamogordo Public Schools Dominates

Alamogordo Public Schools is the largest district by far, serving 5,575 students across 15 schools. Tularosa Municipal Schools and Cloudcroft Municipal Schools provide smaller alternatives, with 890 and 379 students respectively. Alamogordo High School stands out as the largest facility, housing 1,579 students.

Town-Centered Schools with Rural Options

The majority of students attend one of the 18 schools located in town settings, while seven schools serve rural areas. The average school size is 320 students, but the experience varies wildly from the massive Alamogordo High to small rural elementary buildings. This mix allows families to choose between a bustling town environment and a quieter rural education.

Finding Your Place in Otero County

Most home buyers focus on the Alamogordo area to be near the county's largest district and its diverse school offerings. For those seeking a mountain lifestyle, the Cloudcroft Municipal Schools offer a smaller, specialized environment. Evaluate the school locales and district sizes as you browse homes in this scenic county.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Otero County

via RiskByCounty

Otero County faces significant risk nationally

Otero County scores 84.70 on composite risk, earning a Relatively Moderate rating and placing it well above the national average. This elevated score reflects substantial exposure to multiple serious natural hazards across the region.

Among New Mexico's highest-risk counties

Otero County ranks near the top of New Mexico's risk hierarchy with a 84.70 score, far exceeding the state average of 58.92. The county stands as one of the state's most hazard-exposed communities.

Riskier than all adjacent counties

Otero County's 84.70 score significantly exceeds neighboring Luna and Doña Ana counties' risk profiles. The county faces the highest wildfire risk in the immediate region and represents one of southern New Mexico's most hazard-vulnerable areas.

Wildfire, flood, and earthquake threats

Wildfire risk peaks at 98.16, making Otero County one of New Mexico's most fire-prone areas with severe threats to homes and ecosystems. Flood risk at 88.61 and earthquake risk at 55.73 compound the county's multi-hazard vulnerability.

Multiple insurance coverages are vital

Otero County residents must secure comprehensive homeowners insurance with explicit wildfire coverage and maintain defensible space aggressively. Flood insurance is also essential for properties in vulnerable zones, and earthquake coverage should be evaluated based on your home's age and structural condition.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Otero County

via WaterByCounty

Otero County records 124 health violations

Otero County receives an F grade for drinking water compliance following 124 health-based violations over the last five years. Despite the high number of incidents, the violation rate of 187.1 per 100,000 residents is better than the state average of 475.7. However, the volume of violations indicates persistent systemic issues in local water systems.

Watershed health remains above state average

Only 12% of Otero County’s 133 assessed water bodies are impaired, outperforming the statewide average of 20%. The 2022 assessment identifies E. Coli, PCBs, and flow modifications as the leading causes of impairment in 16 water bodies. While many areas remain healthy, these specific contaminants require localized management.

Robust monitoring network with 113 sites

Otero County boasts a dense monitoring footprint with 113 sites and 16,705 measurements recorded in the last five years. This high level of oversight covers physical properties, PFAS, and minor metals, offering a detailed view of water quality. This data density is among the highest in the region, supporting strong environmental awareness.

Tularosa Creek maintains healthy flow levels

Tularosa Creek near Bent is currently flowing at 14 cfs, which is 106% of its long-term mean. This indicates stable water availability that slightly exceeds typical historical levels for this area. Consistent streamflow helps maintain water quality and supports the county's diverse ecological needs.

Monitor for E. Coli and industrial PCBs

While streamflow is healthy, the presence of E. Coli and PCBs in the watershed suggests residents should use carbon-block filtration. The failing compliance grade reinforces the need for consistent maintenance of home water systems. Regular testing for bacteria is highly recommended for those not on municipal lines.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Otero County

via WeatherByCounty

Vibrant Sun and Mountain Air

Otero County averages 57.8°F annually, making it warmer than the national median. It experiences a mix of desert and mountain climates, resulting in 15.2 inches of annual precipitation.

Warmer and Wetter Than Average

The county's 57.8°F average temperature is higher than the state average of 54.8°F. Otero also receives slightly more precipitation than the New Mexico average, totaling 15.2 inches annually.

More Diverse Than Neighboring Luna

While Otero shares a warm southern climate, its 18 inches of snow contrasts sharply with Luna County's 0.6 inches. It is also wetter than San Juan County, receiving 6 more inches of precipitation per year.

Toasty Summers and Crisp Winters

Summer temperatures average 74.5°F with 69 days of heat exceeding 90°F. Winters remain relatively mild at 40.9°F, though the county still averages 18 inches of snow.

Plan for Temperature Swings

The 69 extreme heat days require effective cooling, but residents should also keep snow shovels ready for the 18-inch winter average. Seasonal transitions can be sharp, so layered clothing is best for Otero's varied elevations.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Otero County

via SoilByCounty

Diverse Soils of the Tularosa Basin

Specific soil identity and pH data for Otero County are currently missing from this dataset. Given the regional geography, these soils likely track with New Mexico’s overall average pH of 7.48, which is more alkaline than the national median.

Texture Data Gracefully Omitted

Granular data for sand, silt, and clay percentages is not currently available for Otero County. Understanding the local texture is critical, as it dictates whether the soil will drain quickly or hold onto moisture in the heat.

Improving Organic Content

While local organic matter figures are not listed, the state average of 1.27% remains the standard for the region. Increasing organic content is the most effective way to improve available water capacity in Otero’s desert environment.

Hydrologic Realities in the Basin

Detailed drainage classes and hydrologic groups are unavailable for this area. Observation of local runoff patterns is recommended, especially in areas with significant elevation changes between the basin floor and the Sacramento Mountains.

Warm-Weather Potential in Zone 8a

Otero County rests in zone 8a, a long-season climate where pistachios, pomegranates, and lavender thrive. Despite the limited soil data, the abundance of sunshine makes this an excellent place for heat-loving plants with proper irrigation.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Otero County

via LawnByCounty

Hardship and Heat in Otero County

Otero County registers a lawn difficulty score of 26.4, trailing both the state and national averages. Located in hardiness zone 8a, lawns here must withstand high evaporation rates and intense desert sunlight.

High Growing Degrees and Dry Air

Lawns face 69 extreme heat days annually and 4082 growing degree days, pushing grass to its limits. The 15.2 inches of annual rainfall helps slightly, but it still falls short of the 30-50 inches preferred by most turfgrasses.

Managing Desert Soil Chemistry

Localized soil data is unavailable, but southern New Mexico often deals with alkaline conditions that require sulfur amendments. Without local data, conducting a home test kit is the most reliable way to ensure your soil can support a healthy lawn.

Persistent Dryness Requires Care

The county has spent 53 straight weeks in drought, meaning water conservation is a permanent part of lawn maintenance. Prioritize drought-tolerant species and use smart irrigation controllers to reduce waste during these dry spells.

Establishing Your Otero Oasis

Bermuda grass is the standard for zone 8a as it recovers quickly from heat stress. For best results, start your lawn after the April 22 frost date to maximize the long growing season before November.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Otero County's county score?
Otero County, New Mexico has a composite county score of 44.4 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 Otero County rank among counties in New Mexico?
Otero County ranks #21 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 Otero County, New Mexico?
The median annual property tax in Otero County is $841, with an effective tax rate of 0.56%. This earns Otero County a tax score of 79.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Otero County?
The median household income in Otero County, New Mexico is $52,717 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Otero County earns an income score of 20.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Otero County, New Mexico a good place to live?
Otero County scores 44.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #21 in New Mexico. The best way to evaluate Otero 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 Otero County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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