countyscore
41.9
County Score
Property Tax 91.6Weather & Climate 54Cost of Living 46.6

County Report Card

About Roosevelt County, New Mexico

Trailing the National Median

Roosevelt County’s composite score of 41.9 falls below the national median of 50.0. This gap is largely driven by challenges in safety and environmental risk.

Slightly Under State Standards

The county's score of 41.9 is below the New Mexico average of 49.1. While it offers some benefits, it lags behind the state's top-performing counties in overall livability.

Exceptional Tax Benefits

The county’s strongest asset is its 91.6 tax score, backed by a very low 0.436% effective tax rate. Residents keep more of their $52,445 median household income compared to other regions.

Safety and Risk Obstacles

The county faces significant issues with safety (18.3) and environmental risk (15.9). These scores indicate a need for improved community security and disaster preparedness.

Suited for the Tax-Focused

Roosevelt County is best for individuals who prioritize maximizing their take-home pay through low property taxes. It appeals to those willing to trade local safety scores for significant tax savings.

Score breakdown

Tax91.6Cost46.6Safety18.3Health38Schools36.5Income19.6Risk15.9Water24.8Weather54
🏛91.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠46.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼19.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡18.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤38
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓36.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡15.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧24.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤54
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨14.4
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱23.9
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

Bailey County
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56.4
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Lamb County
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Yoakum County
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Deep Dives

Roosevelt County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Roosevelt County

via TaxByCounty

Roosevelt's taxes rank among the lowest nationally

Roosevelt County's effective tax rate of 0.436% places it in the lowest tier of American counties for property tax burden. Homeowners pay approximately $593 annually on the median property value, representing a 78% reduction compared to the national median tax bill of $2,690.

Roosevelt ranks second-lowest in state

Roosevelt County's 0.436% rate is the second-lowest in New Mexico, just slightly above Rio Arriba's 0.433%, and well below the state average of 0.595%. The median tax of $593 is 43% lower than the state median of $1,043, reflecting both the county's low rate and moderate home values.

Roosevelt near Rio Arriba in tax-friendliness

Roosevelt's 0.436% rate rivals Rio Arriba (0.433%) as the state's most affordable, substantially beating Luna (0.576%), Otero (0.563%), and Quay (0.617%). This cluster of southern and eastern New Mexico counties features Roosevelt among the most tax-friendly options available.

Median Roosevelt home: $593 annual tax

On Roosevelt's median home value of $136,000, property owners pay approximately $593 in annual taxes, among the lowest absolute amounts in New Mexico. Homeowners with mortgages typically pay $837 after insurance and fees, while those owning outright pay around $486.

Appeal if your home is overvalued

Roosevelt's favorable tax environment means even small overassessments compound into unnecessary costs for homeowners. If your assessed value exceeds comparable homes recently sold in your neighborhood, file a free appeal with the county assessor to ensure accuracy.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Roosevelt County

via CostByCounty

Roosevelt County near-parity affordability

Roosevelt County's 19.8% rent-to-income ratio sits just above New Mexico's 19.4% state average and aligns closely with national affordability norms. With median household income of $52,445 and rents at $863 monthly, Roosevelt County residents enjoy near-balanced housing costs relative to peers.

Average affordability, moderate rents

Roosevelt County's 19.8% rent-to-income ratio slightly exceeds New Mexico's 19.4% average, placing it in the middle tier for state affordability. At $863 monthly rent—above the state median of $876—Roosevelt balances reasonable costs with moderate county incomes.

Mid-range rents in regional context

Roosevelt County's $863 rent ranks mid-range among these eight counties, higher than rural peers like Quay ($752) and Luna ($685) but lower than Otero ($926) and San Juan ($917). This pricing reflects Roosevelt's positioning between remote rural areas and more developed regional markets.

Unusual: renters and owners cost equally

Roosevelt County presents a rare affordability profile where renters and homeowners pay nearly identical housing costs: $863 monthly rent versus $868 ownership at median. With median income of $52,445, both groups spend approximately 19.8-19.9% of gross income on housing—an unusual equilibrium.

Balanced housing market, equal access

Roosevelt County offers balanced affordability for both renters and homeowners, with near-identical monthly costs and median home values of $136,000. Relocators can choose tenure based on preference rather than affordability pressure, making Roosevelt an accessible option for diverse housing needs.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Roosevelt County

via IncomeByCounty

Roosevelt earns 30% below national median

Roosevelt County's median household income of $52,445 falls 30% below the U.S. median of $74,755, placing it in America's lower-income tier. However, Roosevelt performs above several neighboring rural New Mexico counties, suggesting some localized economic strength.

Upper-middle earner in New Mexico

Roosevelt County ranks in the upper half of New Mexico's 33 counties, with median household income of $52,445 just $3,024 below the state average of $55,469. Per capita income of $26,105 lags the state average by 20%, suggesting some income concentration among higher earners.

Competitive earner in eastern region

Roosevelt's $52,445 median exceeds Luna ($37,917), McKinley ($44,496), and Quay ($43,698) counties, but trails Rio Arriba ($53,901) and San Juan ($53,020) slightly. The county's relatively stronger position likely reflects government employment and agricultural operations supporting above-average local incomes.

Balanced housing costs and earnings

Roosevelt County's rent-to-income ratio of 19.8% sits just below the 20% affordability threshold, with median home values of $136,000 moderate for the region. The county offers reasonable housing affordability relative to median income, supporting stable household finances.

Strengthen financial foundations now

Roosevelt residents should establish emergency savings equivalent to 3-6 months of expenses, then prioritize retirement contributions and education investments. Exploring career advancement in agriculture, government, and healthcare—Roosevelt's primary employment sectors—offers direct paths to higher earnings.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Roosevelt County

via CrimeByCounty

Roosevelt County Crime Below National Levels

Roosevelt County reports 2173.2 crimes per 100K, staying below the national average of 2,385.5. The county carries a safety score of 96.6.

Roosevelt vs New Mexico Averages

The county's safety score is slightly below the state average of 97.4. However, its total crime rate is higher than the statewide average of 1638.5 per 100K.

Comparing Roosevelt and Quay Counties

Roosevelt County has a crime rate of 2173.2, which is more than double the 1029.9 rate found in nearby Quay. Three reporting agencies provide the data for this county profile.

Higher Violent Crime in Roosevelt

The violent crime rate is 412.7 per 100K, which is higher than the national average of 369.8. Property crime also stays relatively high at 1760.5 per 100K.

Securing Your Home Against Property Crime

Given the property crime rate, residents should focus on securing entry points and using perimeter lighting. Neighborhood watch programs can also help reduce incident rates.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Roosevelt County

via HealthByCounty

Roosevelt County Meets National Health Standards

At 74.4 years, Roosevelt County residents live 1.3 years longer than the U.S. average of 73.1 years, placing the county solidly above-average nationally. Just 21% report poor or fair health, beating the U.S. benchmark and indicating effective chronic disease management in this eastern county.

Above-Average Health for New Mexico

Roosevelt County's 74.4-year life expectancy exceeds New Mexico's state average of 73.7 years by 0.7 years, ranking the county in the upper-middle tier statewide. The 21% poor/fair health rate is among the best in the state, reflecting strong community health outcomes.

Healthier Than Most Rural Neighbors

Roosevelt County's 74.4-year life expectancy significantly outpaces Quay County (70.3 years) to the north by 4.1 years and trails only Otero County (74.9 years) in this region. The strong performance positions Roosevelt as a health leader among eastern New Mexico counties.

Good Provider Access and Insurance Coverage

Roosevelt County residents benefit from 42 primary care providers per 100K and 303 mental health providers per 100K, supporting solid access to both medical and behavioral care. At 11.1% uninsured, the rate is slightly above the state average of 10.2%, but most residents maintain coverage.

Protect Your Health Coverage

Roosevelt County residents should check their insurance status at Healthcare.gov or contact local health centers to ensure continuous coverage. With good provider access in place, maintaining insurance maximizes your ability to stay healthy and prevent disease.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Roosevelt County

via SchoolsByCounty

Education Hub of Roosevelt County

Roosevelt County manages 13 public schools across four districts, serving a total of 3,235 students. The infrastructure includes six elementary schools, three middle schools, and four high schools. All schools in the county are traditional public districts, with no charter options currently available.

Performance Matches State Benchmarks

Roosevelt County's 79.6% graduation rate is nearly identical to the New Mexico state average of 79.0%. The county spends $7,998 per pupil, slightly exceeding the state average of $7,957. This steady investment is reflected in a school score of 50.2, which sits just above the national median of 50.0.

Portales Municipal Schools Leads Growth

Portales Municipal Schools is the dominant district, serving 2,610 students—over 80% of the county's total enrollment. Small-scale alternatives exist in the Floyd and Dora districts, which serve 228 and 219 students respectively. Portales High School is the largest campus, with 807 students currently enrolled.

A Mix of Town and Country Schools

The county features a balanced mix of seven rural and six town-based schools. The average school size is 249 students, offering a middle-ground between large urban campuses and tiny rural outposts. While Portales High is the largest, several primary schools like Valencia and James Elementary also maintain healthy populations of nearly 400 students each.

Finding Your Home in Portales

Families often look toward the Portales area for the most diverse educational options and larger campus facilities. If you prefer a smaller, more intimate school setting, the rural districts of Floyd and Dora are excellent alternatives to explore. Consider school scores and locale when choosing your home in this growing county.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Roosevelt County

via RiskByCounty

Roosevelt County's risk above national average

Roosevelt County scores 84.06 on composite risk, earning a Relatively Moderate rating and placing it well above the national average. This elevated score reflects substantial multi-hazard exposure across the county's eastern plains landscape.

Among New Mexico's highest-risk counties

Roosevelt County ranks in the top tier of New Mexico's risk hierarchy with an 84.06 score, substantially exceeding the state average of 58.92. The county represents one of the state's most hazard-exposed communities.

Riskier than most surrounding counties

Roosevelt County's 84.06 score significantly exceeds neighboring Quay and Curry counties to the north and west. The county's eastern plains location subjects it to unique tornado and hurricane risk not found in western New Mexico.

Wildfire, tornado, and flood threaten residents

Wildfire risk peaks at 98.57, making Roosevelt County one of New Mexico's most fire-prone areas with severe property threats. Tornado risk at 53.53 is notably high for New Mexico, and flood risk at 83.72 rounds out a serious multi-hazard profile.

Multiple coverages essential for protection

Roosevelt County residents must secure homeowners insurance with wildfire coverage and maintain defensible space aggressively around structures. Tornado and wind coverage is equally critical given the county's plains location; consider a separate policy or rider if your standard policy has windstorm exclusions.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Roosevelt County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm Winds and Sunny Plains

Roosevelt County averages 58.9°F, placing it on the warmer end of the national spectrum. It is a semi-arid region that receives 16.5 inches of annual precipitation.

A Warmer Corner of the State

At 58.9°F, Roosevelt County is significantly warmer than the New Mexico average of 54.8°F. It also receives more moisture than the state average, recording 16.5 inches of precipitation.

The Hot High Plains

Roosevelt experiences 82 days of extreme heat, very similar to Quay County's 81 days. However, Roosevelt is much drier in the winter, seeing only 8.5 inches of snow compared to Quay's 15.5 inches.

Long Summers and Light Snow

Summers are hot and extended, with 82 days reaching above 90°F and a July average of 78.6°F. Winters are manageable at 40.6°F with relatively light snowfall of 8.5 inches.

Focus on Heat Mitigation

With 82 days of extreme heat, residents should invest in quality window shading and AC maintenance. The 16.5 inches of rain often comes in bursts, making soil moisture management important for local landscapes.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Roosevelt County

via SoilByCounty

Highly Alkaline Plains Soil

Roosevelt County soils have an average pH of 7.64, making them more alkaline than both the state average (7.48) and the national median (6.5). This alkaline environment is typical of the limestone-influenced geology found in eastern New Mexico.

The Sand Dominance of Roosevelt

The soil is comprised of 65.5% sand, 17.7% silt, and 15.8% clay, classified as an extremely gravelly loam. This high sand content provides excellent workability and prevents compaction but may lead to faster nutrient leaching.

Average State Fertility Levels

Organic matter sits at 1.24%, nearly matching the New Mexico state average of 1.27%. The available water capacity is 0.118 in/in, which is slightly below the state mean and requires attentive irrigation for thirsty crops.

Well-Drained Agricultural Land

These soils are moderately well-drained and fall into hydrologic group B, indicating a moderate infiltration rate. This makes the land generally favorable for both building foundations and diverse agricultural uses with minimal runoff risk.

Peanut Capital in Zone 7b

Roosevelt County’s sandy soils and 7b hardiness zone are world-famous for producing sweet potatoes and peanuts. Local gardeners should capitalize on the sandy texture to grow deep-rooted crops and heat-loving melons.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Roosevelt County

via LawnByCounty

Tough Turf Conditions in Roosevelt County

Roosevelt County faces significant lawn care hurdles with a difficulty score of 23.9, which is less than half the national average. Homeowners in zone 7b must navigate high heat and specific soil needs to maintain healthy grass.

Heat Stress and High Growth Potential

The area experiences 82 extreme heat days and 4460 growing degree days, creating a high demand for water. Annual precipitation of 16.5 inches provides a base, but it is not enough to offset the drying effects of the 78.6°F July average.

Managing Gravelly and Sandy Soil

The soil is extremely gravelly loam with 65.5% sand, leading to fast drainage that can leave roots thirsty. With an alkaline pH of 7.64, you will likely need to apply sulfur to bring the soil closer to the ideal 6.0-7.0 range.

Drought Recovery and Conservation

Roosevelt County spent 40 weeks in drought over the last year, though currently, 0% of the area is in severe drought. Utilizing drought-resistant grass and maintaining a sharp mower blade will help keep your turf resilient against future dry spells.

Timing Your Roosevelt County Lawn

Warm-season grasses like Bermuda thrive in the 7b zone and sandy soil. Start your lawn after the April 21 frost date to ensure roots are deep enough to handle the 82 days of 90°F+ weather.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Roosevelt County's county score?
Roosevelt County, New Mexico has a composite county score of 41.9 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 Roosevelt County rank among counties in New Mexico?
Roosevelt County ranks #23 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 Roosevelt County, New Mexico?
The median annual property tax in Roosevelt County is $593, with an effective tax rate of 0.44%. This earns Roosevelt County a tax score of 91.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Roosevelt County?
The median household income in Roosevelt County, New Mexico is $52,445 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Roosevelt County earns an income score of 19.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Roosevelt County, New Mexico a good place to live?
Roosevelt County scores 41.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #23 in New Mexico. The best way to evaluate Roosevelt 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 Roosevelt County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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