countyscore
53.3
County Score
Cost of Living 83.7Disaster Risk 74.1Property Tax 72.4

County Report Card

About Quay County, New Mexico

Above the National Midpoint

Quay County earns a 53.3 composite score, outperforming the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a stable environment with high marks for affordability and safety.

Leading the New Mexico Average

Quay County exceeds the New Mexico average score of 49.1 with its 53.3 ranking. It represents a more balanced livability profile than many other eastern New Mexico counties.

Affordability and Low Risk

The county shines with a cost score of 83.7 and a risk score of 74.1, indicating both financial and environmental stability. Median home values are exceptionally low at $82,200.

Limited Economic Mobility

The income score is a low 5.7, with median household earnings sitting at $43,698. Health infrastructure also lags with a score of 24.1, indicating a need for better medical access.

Perfect for Disaster-Averse Renters

Quay County is ideal for people seeking a low-risk environment with very affordable living costs. It is particularly attractive for those with remote work or fixed incomes.

2040608010072.483.754.624.136.35.774.131.352Tax72.4Cost83.7Safety54.6Health24.1Schools36.3Income5.7Risk74.1Water31.3Weather5253.3/100
This county
National avg
3 above average4 below average

Quay County DNA

Foverall

How Quay County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Quay County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (83.7/100) but notably weak in Income (5.7/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
72.4+20.400000000000006
Cost
83.7+35.7
Safety
54.6
Health
24.1-25.9
Schools
36.3-17.700000000000003
Income
5.7-45.3
Risk
74.1+27.099999999999994
Water
31.3-26.7
Weather
52
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Many homeowners in Quay County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$82,200

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$752/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$82,200/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$30,080/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum1.9x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $43,698/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

23.2

per 100K

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

Explore this county

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Nearby counties

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33.5
Deaf Smith County
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30.6
Parmer County
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42.8
Oldham County
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Harding County
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De Baca County
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Guadalupe County
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47.7

Deep Dives

Quay County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Quay County

via TaxByCounty

Quay's taxes remain below national levels

Quay County's effective tax rate of 0.617% is substantially lower than the national median, with homeowners paying $507 annually on the median property value. This represents approximately 81% less than the national median tax bill of $2,690, positioning Quay among the lowest-taxed counties nationwide.

Quay slightly above state average

Quay County's 0.617% rate runs slightly above New Mexico's state average of 0.595%, reflecting a deliberate local funding strategy for county services. The median tax of $507 remains about 51% below the state median of $1,043, driven by Quay's relatively low median home values of $82,200.

Quay higher than neighbors but reasonable

Quay's 0.617% rate exceeds Mora (0.535%), Luna (0.576%), and Otero (0.563%), making it the highest among this cluster—yet still far below McKinley's 1.889%. For homeowners seeking rural living, Quay offers a modest rate premium that may reflect quality-of-life investments.

Median Quay home: $507 annual tax

On Quay's median home value of $82,200, property owners pay approximately $507 in annual taxes, one of the lowest absolute amounts in the state. Homeowners with mortgages typically pay $664 after insurance and fees, while those owning outright pay around $449.

Appeal your assessment if incorrect

Even with Quay's modest tax rates, homeowners should verify that their assessed values match recent market sales in their neighborhoods. Filing a free assessment appeal with the county can ensure you're not paying extra on an overstated valuation.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Quay County

via CostByCounty

Quay County rents affordable, incomes modest

Quay County's 20.6% rent-to-income ratio sits above New Mexico's 19.4% state average, reflecting modest incomes of $43,698 against the national $74,755. At $752 monthly rent, Quay County offers among New Mexico's cheapest housing, yet residents' lower wages still create affordability pressure.

Low rents, moderate affordability challenge

Quay County rents of $752 rank among New Mexico's lowest, yet the 20.6% rent-to-income ratio exceeds the state 19.4% average due to below-median county incomes. This reveals a common rural pattern: cheap housing insufficient to offset tight family budgets.

Cheapest rents in rural peer group

Quay County's $752 rent is undercut only by Luna County at $685, making it one of the most affordable rental markets in the region. McKinley and Mora counties match Quay's prices near $810 and $785, while San Juan ($917) and Otero ($926) represent pricier alternatives.

Renters and owners face similar burdens

Quay County renters spend $752 monthly while homeowners spend $527—both modest by state standards but significant for the $43,698 median income. Renters dedicate 20.6% of gross income to housing; homeowners spend roughly 14.5%, showing homeownership provides modest financial relief.

Bargain rents for remote-income relocators

Quay County offers some of New Mexico's cheapest rents and home values of just $82,200, making it ideal for remote workers or retirees with external income. If relocating with local job expectations, verify that available positions match your financial needs, as county median income remains modest at $43,698.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Quay County

via IncomeByCounty

Quay earns 42% below national median

Quay County's median household income of $43,698 lags the U.S. median of $74,755 by 42%, ranking it among America's lowest-earning counties. This substantial gap reflects Quay's dependence on agriculture and energy sectors with limited economic diversification.

Third-lowest earner in New Mexico

Quay County ranks third from last among New Mexico's 33 counties, with median household income of $43,698 versus the state average of $55,469—a gap of $11,771 per household. Per capita income of $27,087 also falls 17% below New Mexico's average of $32,602.

Part of low-income eastern corridor

Quay's $43,698 median places it between Luna ($37,917) and McKinley ($44,496) in New Mexico's economically weakest cluster. The three counties share similar challenges: rural location, agriculture/energy dependence, and limited employment diversification.

Affordable housing offsets low wages

Quay County's rent-to-income ratio of 20.6% sits near the affordability threshold, and median home values of $82,200 remain among the lowest in the state. While housing remains affordable, the combination of low income and high cost of living elsewhere limits household financial cushion.

Invest in skills for higher earnings potential

Quay residents should prioritize workforce training in healthcare, renewable energy, and skilled trades, where wage premiums can substantially exceed local medians. Pursuing education credentials while maintaining lower housing costs offers the fastest path to breaking out of Quay's low-income trajectory.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Quay County

via CrimeByCounty

Quay County Ranks High for National Safety

Quay County's total crime rate of 1029.9 per 100K is less than half the national average. This performance earns the county a stellar safety score of 98.4.

Exceeding State Safety Expectations

The county's safety score of 98.4 sits comfortably above the New Mexico average of 97.4. Total crime is also significantly lower than the state average of 1638.5.

Quay vs Neighboring Roosevelt County

Quay County is much safer than Roosevelt County, which has a crime rate of 2173.2. Three local agencies work together to keep Quay's rate low at 1029.9.

Violent Crime is Remarkably Low

Violent crime in Quay is just 69.4 per 100K, which is far below the national average of 369.8. Property crime is the main local issue, accounting for 960.5 incidents per 100K.

Protecting Your Property in Quay

With property crime as the main focus, home monitoring systems are a wise investment. Simple precautions like keeping garages closed help maintain this county's safe reputation.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Quay County

via SchoolsByCounty

Localized Learning in Quay County

Quay County maintains 13 public schools serving a total of 1,402 students across four distinct school districts. The infrastructure is evenly distributed with four elementary, four middle, and five high schools. All schools in the county are traditional public institutions, with no charter schools available.

Investment Exceeds State Averages

Quay County spends $8,341 per pupil, which is higher than the New Mexico state average of $7,957. Despite this investment, the graduation rate of 74.7% trails the state benchmark of 79.0% and the national average of 87.0%. The county's school score currently stands at 48.4.

Logan and Tucumcari Lead the Region

Logan Municipal Schools is the largest district by enrollment with 317 students, followed by San Jon with 125. Tucumcari Elementary is the largest single campus, serving 450 students and acting as a primary hub for the region. The county also features unique options like the Ute Lake Online Learning Center for secondary students.

Quiet Rural and Small Town Classrooms

The county's schools are primarily rural, with 10 of the 13 campuses located in rural locales and only three in town settings. The average school size is just 108 students, fostering a very personal educational environment. Most campuses are small, though Tucumcari Elementary provides a larger student community.

Settling Down Near Quay County Schools

For families moving to Quay County, the town of Tucumcari offers the most centralized school infrastructure and larger campus sizes. Buyers seeking a more remote lifestyle might prefer the Logan or San Jon districts, where school sizes are extremely small. Consider these district profiles when searching for your next home in eastern New Mexico.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Quay County

via RiskByCounty

Quay County: Lowest risk in New Mexico

Quay County scores 25.95 on composite risk, earning a Very Low rating and placing it well below the national average. This minimal risk profile reflects a community with limited exposure to the multi-hazard threats that challenge many U.S. counties.

New Mexico's safest county by far

Quay County's 25.95 score makes it the least hazard-exposed county in New Mexico, dramatically below the state average of 58.92. No other county in the state comes close to Quay's minimal composite risk ranking.

Significantly safer than surrounding counties

Quay County's 25.95 score is substantially lower than neighboring Roosevelt and Curry counties, making it one of the region's safest communities. Its risk profile stands in stark contrast to the higher-risk counties that surround it.

Wildfire and tornado are minor concerns

Wildfire risk at 85.72 is Quay County's highest hazard, though tornado risk at 13.26 represents a secondary concern typical of the plains region. Flood and earthquake risks remain minimal, contributing to the county's overall very low composite risk.

Standard homeowners insurance sufficient

Quay County's low-risk profile means standard homeowners insurance should provide adequate protection for most residents. However, those with properties in specific wildfire-prone areas should verify wildfire coverage is included, and tornado-vulnerable homes should confirm wind and hail protection.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Quay County

via WaterByCounty

Quay County water grade falls to F

With 6 health-based violations over five years, Quay County receives an F grade for drinking water compliance. Its violation rate of 60.5 per 100,000 residents is remarkably low compared to the state average of 475.7, yet any health violation triggers a failing grade. This suggests that while violations are rare, they are significant when they occur.

Temperature and nutrients stress Quay waterways

Approximately 16.3% of assessed water bodies in Quay County are impaired according to 2022 records. Issues with water temperature, nutrient levels, and benthic macroinvertebrate health affect 8 different sites. This impairment rate is lower than the New Mexico average, but indicates localized ecological stress.

Targeted monitoring at three primary sites

Quay County maintains a focused monitoring footprint with 1,450 measurements taken at 3 sites over five years. The data primarily tracks physical properties and inorganic metals, providing a clear look at the mineral content of the water. This concentrated effort ensures that major water sources are consistently evaluated.

Canadian River flow drops to nine percent

The Canadian River at Logan is currently experiencing very low flow, discharging only 2 cfs. This is just 9% of its long-term mean of 29 cfs, despite draining a massive 11,141 square mile area. Extreme low flow can exacerbate nutrient concentration and increase water temperature issues identified in watershed reports.

Watch for nutrient-related water quality changes

Low flow in the Canadian River combined with known nutrient impairments suggests residents should watch for seasonal changes in water taste or odor. Filtration that targets inorganic metals and nutrients can help mitigate these issues. Residents should remain aware of local water advisories given the county's failing compliance grade.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Quay County

via WeatherByCounty

High Plains Heat and Sun

Quay County averages 58.3°F annually, sitting above the national median temperature. It receives 15.3 inches of precipitation, typical for the semi-arid high plains of the American Southwest.

Warm Temperatures on the Plains

Quay's average temperature of 58.3°F is nearly four degrees warmer than the New Mexico state average. Its 15.3 inches of rain also slightly exceeds the statewide average of 14.0 inches.

Consistent With Eastern New Mexico

Quay's 81 days of extreme heat are almost identical to Roosevelt County's 82 days. However, Quay receives 15.5 inches of snow, nearly double the amount found in Roosevelt.

Sizzling July and Snowy Bursts

July brings an average temperature of 79.0°F, contributing to 81 days of extreme heat each year. Winters average 39.6°F and feature a surprising 15.5 inches of annual snowfall.

Cooling and Roof Maintenance

The 81 days of extreme heat make efficient HVAC systems a primary concern for residents. Homeowners should also monitor for storm damage, as the county receives 15.3 inches of precipitation in a plains environment prone to sudden weather changes.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Quay County

via SoilByCounty

Eastern Plains Soil Identity

Identity data for Quay County's soil, including taxonomic order and pH, is currently not available. Generally, the eastern plains of New Mexico feature alkaline soils that require careful management to maintain nutrient availability for crops.

Inland Plains Composition

Specific sand, silt, and clay percentages are missing from the local records. Historically, this region features sandy loams that offer good workability for traditional agriculture but may be prone to wind erosion.

Targeting Higher Fertility

With local organic matter data unavailable, residents should use the state average of 1.27% as a starting point for soil health goals. Focus on techniques like mulching and composting to improve the water-holding capacity in this semi-arid region.

Hydrology of the High Plains

Official drainage and hydrologic group classifications are not provided for Quay County. Because of the open, flat terrain, managing drainage is often about controlling surface runoff and preventing the loss of topsoil during high winds.

Farming Opportunities in Zone 7a

Hardiness zone 7a in Quay County supports a wide variety of crops, from native grasses for ranching to garden favorites like tomatoes and squash. The climate allows for a robust growing season if you protect plants from the prevailing winds.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Quay County

via LawnByCounty

Quay County’s Competitive Lawn Climate

A lawn difficulty score of 40.4 puts Quay County well ahead of the New Mexico average of 30.2. In hardiness zone 7a, the environment is manageable for dedicated homeowners despite the 81 days of extreme heat.

A Productive but Thirsty Season

The county receives 15.3 inches of rain per year and generates 4380 growing degree days. This high thermal energy means grass grows quickly when watered, requiring a consistent mowing and irrigation schedule.

Local Earth Insights

Specific soil metrics are not currently available for Quay County, though eastern New Mexico typically features loamy to sandy textures. We recommend checking your soil's drainage capacity to ensure the 15.3 inches of rain is being used efficiently.

Low Current Drought Impact

Quay County has experienced only 9 weeks of drought in the past year, making it one of the most resilient counties in the state. Even with 0% severe drought, homeowners should stay vigilant to keep lawns healthy through the 81 extreme heat days.

Seize the Zone 7a Season

Warm-season Buffalo grass or drought-resistant Zoysia are excellent choices for this region. Start your projects after April 18 to take full advantage of the warm July temperatures which average 79.0°F.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Quay County's county score?
Quay County, New Mexico has a composite county score of 53.3 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 Quay County rank among counties in New Mexico?
Quay County ranks #15 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 Quay County, New Mexico?
The median annual property tax in Quay County is $507, with an effective tax rate of 0.62%. This earns Quay County a tax score of 72.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Quay County?
The median household income in Quay County, New Mexico is $43,698 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Quay County earns an income score of 5.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Quay County, New Mexico a good place to live?
Quay County scores 53.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #15 in New Mexico. The best way to evaluate Quay 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 Quay 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.