CountyScore

San Juan County

New Mexico · NM

#31 in New Mexico
64
County Score

County Report Card

About San Juan County, New Mexico

San Juan County above national median

San Juan County's composite score of 64.0 exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 64th percentile nationally. While above average nationally, it ranks lower among this group of New Mexico counties.

Below state average, lowest in this group

At 64.0, San Juan County ranks below the New Mexico state average of 69.8 and scores lowest among these eight counties. This suggests relative livability challenges compared to state peers.

Strong income levels, decent affordability

San Juan County leads with an income score of 18.0 and median household income of $53,020, among the highest in the region. Cost (80.4) and tax scores (83.3) provide reasonable housing and fiscal advantages.

Weakest health and risk indicators

San Juan County's health score of 55.6 and especially its risk score of 11.7 are the lowest in this group, indicating health concerns and minimal economic resilience. These gaps significantly constrain overall livability.

For income-focused professionals only

San Juan County suits working professionals with higher incomes who prioritize employment opportunity over health services or economic security. Prospective residents should carefully consider health infrastructure and economic stability before moving.

Score breakdown

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

Tax83.3Cost80.4SafetyComing SoonHealth55.6SchoolsComing SoonIncome18Risk11.7WaterComing Soon
🏛83.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠80.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼18
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤55.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡11.7
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 San Juan County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Apache County
Arizona
64
Median income: $40,338
Yuma County
Arizona
64
Median income: $60,417
Larimer County
Colorado
64
Median income: $91,364
Brooks County
Georgia
64
Median income: $47,656
Crisp County
Georgia
64
Median income: $42,745

Deep Dives

San Juan County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in San Juan County

via TaxByCounty

San Juan's taxes remain below national levels

San Juan County's effective tax rate of 0.675% is substantially lower than the national median, with homeowners paying $1,249 annually on the median property value. This represents approximately 54% less than the national median tax bill of $2,690, positioning San Juan among the more affordable counties nationwide.

San Juan slightly above state average

San Juan County's 0.675% rate exceeds New Mexico's state average of 0.595%, making it one of the higher-taxed counties in the state. However, the median tax of $1,249 is only 20% above the state median of $1,043, reflecting both the elevated rate and San Juan's higher median home values of $185,100.

San Juan leads region in tax rates

San Juan's 0.675% rate significantly exceeds Luna (0.576%), Otero (0.563%), and Roosevelt (0.436%), but remains far below McKinley's exceptional 1.889%. Among northwestern New Mexico counties, San Juan's rate reflects a deliberate policy to fund county services at above-state-average levels.

Median San Juan home: $1,249 annual tax

On San Juan's median home value of $185,100, property owners pay approximately $1,249 in annual taxes, reflecting both the county's elevated rate and higher property values. Homeowners with mortgages typically pay $1,371 after insurance and fees, while those owning outright pay around $1,024.

Challenge your assessment if overestimated

With San Juan's higher tax rates, any overvaluation in the assessment process carries meaningful financial consequences for homeowners. Request a free assessment review and file an appeal if your home's assessed value exceeds similar properties sold recently in your area.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in San Juan County

via CostByCounty

San Juan County rents strain budgets

San Juan County residents spend 20.8% of their income on rent, exceeding New Mexico's 19.4% state average and approaching affordability stress levels. At $917 monthly rent—the highest among these eight counties—San Juan County renters earn $53,020 median income, requiring careful budgeting for housing costs.

Highest rents in state sample

San Juan County's $917 monthly rent ranks highest among these rural New Mexico counties and exceeds the state median of $876. Despite the affordability pressure, San Juan's 20.8% rent-to-income ratio remains manageable compared to the state's least affordable counties.

Premium pricing in northwestern region

San Juan County's $917 rent represents the highest in this sample, followed closely by Otero County at $926. This northwestern county commands a price premium over rural peers like Quay ($752) and Luna ($685), likely reflecting stronger regional economic activity and development.

Renters carry heavier burden than owners

San Juan County renters pay $917 monthly while homeowners spend $751—a significant difference reflecting varied affordability between tenures. With median income of $53,020, renters dedicate 20.8% of gross income to housing while homeowners spend roughly 16.9%, making ownership notably more affordable.

Premium market for homebuyers

San Juan County's median home value of $185,100—the second-highest in this group—justifies premium rents and reflects stronger regional economic fundamentals. Relocators with homeownership plans may find San Juan's market growth potential worth the premium; renters should budget carefully for the county's above-average housing costs.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in San Juan County

via IncomeByCounty

San Juan earns 29% below national median

San Juan County's median household income of $53,020 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by 29%, placing it solidly in America's lower-income tier. However, San Juan ranks among New Mexico's better-earning counties, benefiting from energy sector employment and some tourism revenue.

Upper earner among New Mexico counties

San Juan County ranks in the top third of New Mexico's 33 counties, with median household income of $53,020 just $2,449 below the state average of $55,469. Per capita income of $26,583 remains 18% below the state average, suggesting wealth concentration among higher earners.

Near-equal earner with Rio Arriba

San Juan's $53,020 median income nearly matches Rio Arriba ($53,901), and both substantially exceed Luna ($37,917), McKinley ($44,496), and Quay ($43,698). This similarity reflects comparable exposure to energy sector wages and government employment across the two northwestern counties.

Housing costs manageable despite high values

San Juan's rent-to-income ratio of 20.8% hovers just above the affordability threshold, though median home values of $185,100 are among the highest in this analysis. The county's higher incomes relative to state peers enable reasonable housing affordability despite elevated property values.

Build wealth on energy sector foundation

San Juan residents can leverage higher incomes to prioritize long-term wealth building through retirement savings, real estate equity, and investment diversification. Consider bolstering family financial security by exploring second income streams and ensuring adequate insurance coverage during energy sector economic cycles.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in San Juan County

via HealthByCounty

San Juan County Below National Health Averages

At 69.8 years, San Juan County residents live 3.3 years shorter than the U.S. average of 73.1 years, indicating persistent health challenges in this northwestern region. Nearly 25% report poor or fair health, approaching national levels and reflecting significant chronic disease burden.

Lower Half Health Rankings Statewide

San Juan County's 69.8-year life expectancy ranks in the lower third of New Mexico counties, falling 3.9 years below the state average of 73.7 years. The 24.9% poor/fair health rate exceeds typical state burden, placing San Juan among the more challenged counties.

Trailing Healthier Counties in Region

San Juan County's 69.8-year life expectancy matches Luna County (72.1 years but trails Roosevelt County (74.4 years) and significantly lags Otero County (74.9 years). The disparity underscores health inequities across northwestern and southwestern New Mexico.

Adequate Primary Care, Significant Uninsured Rate

San Juan County has 53 primary care providers per 100K and 282 mental health providers per 100K, providing moderate access to both services. However, the 12.8% uninsured rate exceeds the state average of 10.2%, meaning cost and coverage barriers limit actual care-seeking for many families.

Enroll Today, Access Care Tomorrow

San Juan County residents can explore Medicaid or marketplace plans at Healthcare.gov or visit local federally qualified health centers for sliding-scale care. Securing insurance removes barriers to the primary and mental health care your county offers.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in San Juan County

via RiskByCounty

San Juan County faces highest state risk

San Juan County scores 88.30 on composite risk, earning a Relatively Moderate rating and placing it well above the national average. This is New Mexico's highest composite risk score, reflecting extreme exposure to multiple serious natural hazards.

New Mexico's most hazard-vulnerable county

San Juan County ranks at the very top of New Mexico's risk hierarchy with an 88.30 score, substantially exceeding the state average of 58.92 and surpassing all other counties in the state. The county faces the most significant multi-hazard exposure in New Mexico.

Riskier than all adjacent counties

San Juan County's 88.30 score significantly exceeds neighboring McKinley, Rio Arriba, and San Juan Basin counties. The county's northwestern location and complex geology create a perfect storm of overlapping natural hazard threats.

Flood, earthquake, and wildfire all severe

Flood risk reaches 92.40, making San Juan County one of New Mexico's most flood-prone areas with significant threats to homes and infrastructure. Earthquake risk at 83.94 and wildfire risk at 81.55 create a formidable multi-hazard environment.

Comprehensive, multi-layered protection required

San Juan County residents must secure flood insurance immediately, as standard homeowners policies exclude flood damage and the county faces extreme inundation risk. Add earthquake coverage and verify wildfire protection; consider consulting an insurance broker to ensure all major hazards are covered given the county's exceptional risk profile.

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.