CountyScore

Rio Arriba County

New Mexico · NM

#17 in New Mexico
69.3
County Score

County Report Card

About Rio Arriba County, New Mexico

Rio Arriba County above national median

Rio Arriba County's composite score of 69.3 exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 69th percentile nationally. This solid performance reflects livability advantages in most key areas.

At par with New Mexico average

At 69.3, Rio Arriba County essentially matches the New Mexico state average of 69.8. It represents typical livability performance for the state overall.

Lowest tax burden in the region

Rio Arriba County's tax score of 90.1 is the highest in this group, with an effective tax rate of just 0.433%. Strong cost affordability (87.2) and the state's highest income level ($53,901) round out its strengths.

Health and risk indicators need attention

Rio Arriba's health score of 58.3 is below several peers, and risk indicators (19.5) suggest limited economic buffers. These gaps prevent the county from ranking higher despite strong tax and cost performance.

For tax-conscious affluent newcomers

Rio Arriba County suits residents with higher incomes seeking maximum tax efficiency and cultural richness. Its strong income profile and lowest tax burden make it attractive for those relocating with established wealth or remote income.

Score breakdown

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

Tax90.1Cost87.2SafetyComing SoonHealth58.3SchoolsComing SoonIncome18.6Risk19.5WaterComing Soon
🏛90.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠87.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼18.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤58.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡19.5
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 Rio Arriba County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Colbert County
Alabama
69.3
Median income: $56,736
Jackson County
Alabama
69.3
Median income: $49,454
Chugach Census Area
Alaska
69.3
Median income: $88,565
Sharp County
Arkansas
69.3
Median income: $42,950
Rabun County
Georgia
69.3
Median income: $61,466

Deep Dives

Rio Arriba County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Rio Arriba County

via TaxByCounty

Rio Arriba's taxes rank among America's lowest

Rio Arriba County's effective tax rate of 0.433% is among the lowest in the nation, with homeowners paying just $1,000 annually on a median property valued at $230,900. This represents 63% less than the national median tax bill of $2,690, making Rio Arriba an exceptionally affordable county for property owners.

Rio Arriba offers New Mexico's lowest rate

Rio Arriba County's 0.433% rate is the lowest effective tax rate in New Mexico, well below the state average of 0.595%. Despite having the state's median tax bill of $1,000—exactly the state average—Rio Arriba achieves this through a tax-friendly rate applied to higher median home values.

Rio Arriba leads the region in tax efficiency

Rio Arriba's 0.433% rate significantly undercuts all regional peers, including Roosevelt (0.436%), Luna (0.576%), and McKinley (1.889%). Rio Arriba residents enjoy the state's most favorable tax rate, reflecting a policy prioritizing affordability for homeowners.

Median Rio Arriba home: $1,000 annual tax

On Rio Arriba's median home value of $230,900—the highest among these rural counties—property owners pay approximately $1,000 in annual taxes at the county's exceptionally low rate. Homeowners with mortgages typically pay $1,197 after insurance and fees, while those owning outright pay around $846.

Verify your assessment for accuracy

Rio Arriba's favorable rates don't guarantee correct valuations; homeowners should confirm their assessed values align with recent comparable sales. An assessment appeal is free and worthwhile if your home is valued above similar recent transactions in your area.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Rio Arriba County

via CostByCounty

Rio Arriba County leads state affordability

Rio Arriba County's 16.9% rent-to-income ratio is the lowest in New Mexico and approaches national affordability benchmarks, despite median incomes of $53,901 remaining 28% below the U.S. $74,755. At $760 monthly rent, Rio Arriba residents enjoy the best rent affordability in the state.

Second most affordable statewide

Rio Arriba County's 16.9% rent-to-income ratio ranks second-best in New Mexico after Mora County's 18.8%, making it a premier affordability destination. The combination of low rents and relatively stable incomes creates exceptional housing accessibility for renters.

Balanced pricing in northern cluster

Rio Arriba County's $760 rent sits between rural peers like Quay ($752) and Mora ($785), with competitive pricing matched by strong affordability fundamentals. San Juan County to the northwest commands higher rents at $917, while Mora offers comparable value with slightly higher rents.

Most balanced housing costs in state

Rio Arriba County renters pay $760 monthly while homeowners spend $497—both notably low figures relative to median income of $53,901. Renters dedicate 16.9% of gross income to housing while homeowners spend roughly 11.1%, the best affordability profile among these eight counties.

Best value in New Mexico rural markets

Rio Arriba County delivers the state's most affordable rents and exceptional homeownership costs, with median home values of $230,900 reflecting strong regional character. Relocators seeking cost-of-living relief will find Rio Arriba among New Mexico's most livable rural counties, balancing affordability with community stability.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Rio Arriba County

via IncomeByCounty

Rio Arriba earns 28% below national median

Rio Arriba County's median household income of $53,901 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by 28%, though it ranks among New Mexico's better-earning counties. This gap reflects Rio Arriba's reliance on government, tourism, and energy sectors with some high-wage anchors.

Upper earner in New Mexico

Rio Arriba County ranks in the top third of New Mexico's 33 counties, with median household income of $53,901 just $1,568 below the state average of $55,469. Per capita income of $30,548 trails the state average by 6%, indicating relatively equitable income distribution.

Income leader among regional peers

Rio Arriba's $53,901 median exceeds all other counties in this analysis except San Juan ($53,020, statistically similar), and significantly outpaces Luna ($37,917), McKinley ($44,496), and Quay ($43,698). Government employment and federal land management agencies provide wage anchors unavailable in neighboring counties.

Best affordability among higher earners

Rio Arriba County boasts the lowest rent-to-income ratio among these eight counties at 16.9%, well under the 20% affordability threshold. Despite the highest median home value at $230,900, the county's relative income strength keeps housing costs reasonable for residents.

Maximize advantages with disciplined investing

Rio Arriba residents benefit from strong income relative to housing costs, creating ideal conditions for retirement savings, education investment, and wealth building. Prioritize maximizing employer retirement benefits, establishing diverse investments, and building emergency reserves to solidify long-term financial security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Rio Arriba County

via HealthByCounty

Rio Arriba County Below U.S. Health Benchmarks

At 69.3 years, Rio Arriba County residents live 3.8 years shorter than the U.S. average of 73.1 years, signaling significant health challenges in this northwestern region. Over 25% report poor or fair health, exceeding national norms and reflecting higher rates of chronic disease.

Lower Half Rankings in New Mexico

Rio Arriba County's 69.3-year life expectancy ranks in the lower third statewide, falling 4.4 years behind New Mexico's 73.7-year average. The 25.2% poor/fair health rate exceeds the state typical burden, placing Rio Arriba among the more challenged counties.

Significantly Trailing Mora County Success

Rio Arriba County's 69.3-year life expectancy trails nearby Mora County (76.1 years) by nearly 7 years, a stark contrast that highlights disparities within northern New Mexico. Even compared to San Juan County (69.8 years), Rio Arriba edges lower, though both struggle relative to state averages.

Moderate Provider Access, High Uninsured Risk

Rio Arriba County has 50 primary care providers per 100K, moderate by state standards, and 547 mental health providers per 100K. However, the 9.1% uninsured rate—below state average—suggests insurance alone doesn't fully address the county's health challenges, pointing to deeper systemic barriers.

Get Covered, Build Health Security

Rio Arriba County residents can apply for Medicaid or marketplace plans at Healthcare.gov or contact community health centers for affordable care options. Securing insurance is a critical foundation for addressing the county's health disparities and accessing preventive services.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Rio Arriba County

via RiskByCounty

Rio Arriba faces significant national risk

Rio Arriba County scores 80.50 on composite risk, earning a Relatively Low rating while exceeding the national average substantially. This elevated score reflects serious exposure to multiple natural hazards across the county's landscape.

Among New Mexico's riskiest counties

Rio Arriba County ranks near the top of New Mexico's risk hierarchy with an 80.50 score, well above the state average of 58.92. The county represents one of the state's most hazard-vulnerable communities.

Significantly riskier than adjacent counties

Rio Arriba County's 80.50 score exceeds neighboring Mora and Taos counties substantially. The county's northern location and mountainous terrain expose residents to some of New Mexico's highest wildfire and earthquake risks.

Wildfire and earthquake are severe threats

Wildfire risk dominates at 96.22, making Rio Arriba County one of New Mexico's most fire-prone areas with extreme threat to structures. Earthquake risk at 79.42 and flood risk at 88.39 complete a formidable multi-hazard profile.

Comprehensive coverage absolutely necessary

Rio Arriba County residents must secure homeowners insurance with comprehensive wildfire coverage and maintain aggressive defensible space management. Earthquake insurance is strongly recommended, especially in areas near active fault lines, and flood insurance should be evaluated for properties in vulnerable zones.

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.