countyscore
44.2
County Score
Property Tax 75.3Cost of Living 74.9Weather & Climate 45.9

County Report Card

About San Miguel County, New Mexico

Falling Just Below National Norms

San Miguel County earns a composite score of 45.9, placing it slightly below the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a mix of high affordability and significant economic hurdles relative to the rest of the country.

Trailing the New Mexico Average

The county's overall score sits below the New Mexico state average of 49.1. While it excels in some areas, it ranks lower than many of its statewide peers in economic and infrastructure metrics.

A Haven for Affordability

San Miguel shines in cost of living with a score of 80.7 and a median gross rent of just $774. Residents also benefit from a low 0.558% effective tax rate, resulting in a strong tax score of 79.5.

Economic and Infrastructure Gaps

The county faces challenges in water security with a low score of 4.0 and an income score of only 10.1. Median household income currently stands at $47,400, which is below national standards.

Best for Budget-Conscious Residents

This county is ideal for individuals or retirees who prioritize low housing costs and low taxes over high local wages. It suits those who value a quiet, affordable lifestyle in a historic setting.

2040608010075.374.926.942.121.110.925.4445.9Tax75.3Cost74.9Safety26.9Health42.1Schools21.1Income10.9Risk25.4Water4Weather45.944.2/100
This county
National avg
2 above average6 below average

San Miguel County DNA

Foverall

How San Miguel County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

San Miguel County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (74.9/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (4/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
75.3+23.299999999999997
Cost
74.9+26.900000000000006
Safety
26.9-28.1
Health
42.1
Schools
21.1-32.9
Income
10.9-40.1
Risk
25.4-21.6
Water
4-54
Weather
45.9-10.100000000000001
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Compare mortgage rates in San Miguel County

Whether buying or refinancing in San Miguel County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$188,500

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$823/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$188,500/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$32,920/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.8x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $49,431/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

40.7

per 100K

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

Deep Dives

San Miguel County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in San Miguel County

via TaxByCounty

San Miguel's tax rate ranks low nationally

San Miguel County's effective tax rate of 0.558% sits well below the national median of 0.79%, putting it in the bottom third of U.S. counties. At just $991 in annual property taxes on a median home, residents here pay about 63% less than the national median of $2,690.

Middle of the pack in New Mexico

San Miguel's 0.558% rate runs slightly below New Mexico's state average of 0.595%, landing it in the middle tier of the state's 33 counties. The median tax bill of $991 is below the state average of $1,043, reflecting both lower rates and more modest home values.

Lower taxes than most regional peers

San Miguel's 0.558% rate beats Sandoval County (0.760%) and nearly matches Socorro County (0.553%), though it falls short of Taos County's remarkably low 0.329%. Among its mountain region neighbors, San Miguel offers moderate tax burdens with property values and rates that reflect rural northern New Mexico.

Expect roughly $991 annually

On San Miguel's median home value of $177,600, the effective tax rate of 0.558% translates to about $991 per year in property taxes. Homeowners with mortgages typically pay $1,154 annually when factoring in county assessments, while those without mortgages pay around $889.

Many San Miguel homeowners could appeal

Across New Mexico, thousands of homeowners are overassessed relative to market values, and San Miguel is no exception. If you believe your home's assessed value exceeds its true market worth, an appeal to the county assessor's office could reduce your tax burden.

Income & Jobs in San Miguel County

via IncomeByCounty

San Miguel trails national income average

San Miguel County's median household income of $47,400 falls roughly 37% below the U.S. median of $74,755. This places the county in the lower income tier nationally, suggesting limited earning power compared to most American households.

Below average for New Mexico

San Miguel ranks in the lower half of New Mexico's counties with a median household income $8,069 below the state average of $55,469. The county's per capita income of $28,140 also lags the state benchmark of $32,602.

Comparable to Socorro, outpaced by Taos

San Miguel's $47,400 income nearly matches Socorro County ($47,556) but falls short of nearby Taos County ($58,908) by about $11,500. Among the region's rural counties, San Miguel sits in the middle of the income distribution.

Rent remains manageable here

San Miguel's rent-to-income ratio of 19.6% is the healthiest in this group and well below the 30% affordability threshold, meaning housing costs stay manageable. The median home value of $177,600 remains accessible relative to household earnings.

Build financial security intentionally

With modest household incomes, San Miguel residents benefit from prioritizing emergency savings and low-cost investment vehicles like employer 401(k)s and IRAs. Even small, consistent contributions compound significantly over time and build long-term wealth.

Safety in San Miguel County

via CrimeByCounty

San Miguel Stays Safer Than National Average

San Miguel County's total crime rate of 1778.5 per 100K is well below the national average of 2,385.5. The county maintains a safety score of 97.2.

San Miguel vs the State Average

The county's safety score of 97.2 is nearly identical to the state average of 97.4. However, its total crime rate is slightly higher than the New Mexico average of 1638.5.

San Miguel vs Mora County

San Miguel's crime rate of 1778.5 is much higher than Mora County's 855.5. Three agencies report data for the county, providing a balanced view of local safety.

A Look at Crime Categories

Violent crime is 492.4 per 100K, which is higher than the national average of 369.8. Property crime makes up the majority of reports at 1286.1 per 100K.

Enhancing Security for Your Property

Residents should invest in home security to combat the 1286.1 property crime rate. Keeping valuables out of sight and using outdoor cameras are effective deterrents.

Weather & Climate in San Miguel County

via WeatherByCounty

Moderate Temperatures in the High Plains

San Miguel County's annual average temperature of 52.8°F aligns closely with the national median. Its semi-arid climate receives 16.2 inches of precipitation, making it wetter than the typical New Mexico county.

Cooler Than the State Average

The county's annual temperature sits 2 degrees below the New Mexico state average of 54.8°F. It ranks among the cooler regions in the state due to its high-elevation terrain.

Milder Winters Than Northern Neighbors

San Miguel averages 20.4 inches of snow, which is less than the 24.8 inches found in neighboring Santa Fe County. However, its July average of 72.4°F makes it warmer than the high-altitude peaks of Taos.

Mild Summers and Crisp Winters

Summers stay pleasant with a July average of 72.4°F, though the area still experiences 41 days above 90°F. Winter averages stay just above freezing at 35.5°F during the coldest months.

Prepare for Snow and Sun

Residents should invest in reliable heating for the 34.6°F January lows. Snow removal gear is necessary for the 20.4 inches of annual accumulation that typically hits the region.

Soil Quality in San Miguel County

via SoilByCounty

High-Altitude Soil Identity

Specific pH and taxonomic data are currently unmapped for this region. Most local soils trend alkaline, likely exceeding the national median pH of 6.5 and aligning with the state average of 7.48.

Navigating Texture and Drainage

Precise sand, silt, and clay percentages are unavailable in current surveys. Gardeners should perform a jar test to determine if they are working with the sandy loams common to New Mexico's northern mountains.

Building High-Desert Fertility

With no recorded local data for organic matter, the state average of 1.27% serves as your primary benchmark. Focus on increasing water capacity to help plants survive the intense high-altitude sunlight.

Understanding Local Water Flow

Dominant drainage classes and hydrologic groups remain undocumented for these specific soils. Observe how your landscape handles snowmelt and monsoon rains to identify natural drainage patterns on your property.

Hardy Crops for Zone 6b

San Miguel County sits in Hardiness Zone 6b, favoring cold-hardy perennials and short-season vegetables. Start a garden with kale, garlic, and native shrubs to master the challenging mountain climate.

Lawn Care in San Miguel County

via LawnByCounty

Managing High-Altitude Lawns in San Miguel

San Miguel holds a lawn difficulty score of 33.5, making it slightly easier than the New Mexico average but well below the national median of 50.0. This Hardiness Zone 6b region requires more intervention than the lush landscapes found in wetter states.

Dry Air and Moderate Summer Heat

With 16.2 inches of annual precipitation, the county receives more rain than the state average but falls far short of the 30-50 inches needed for ideal growth. You manage 41 extreme heat days a year, which demands a careful irrigation schedule during peak summer.

Custom Soil Testing for Best Results

Comprehensive soil data for this area is currently limited, requiring homeowners to perform individual site tests. Most gardeners here should focus on amending for potential alkaline conditions or drainage issues common to the region.

Navigating 43 Weeks of Constant Drought

You faced drought conditions for 43 weeks over the past year, with nearly 60% of the area currently classified as abnormally dry. Focus on deep, infrequent watering to encourage root growth rather than shallow daily sprays.

Successful Planting for Zone 6b

Buffalo grass or blue grama thrive in Zone 6b and handle the local climate with minimal water once established. Plan to seed after the last frost on May 10 to give your lawn a strong head start.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is San Miguel County's county score?
San Miguel County, New Mexico has a composite county score of 44.2 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 San Miguel County rank among counties in New Mexico?
San Miguel County ranks #20 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 San Miguel County, New Mexico?
The median annual property tax in San Miguel County is $1,081, with an effective tax rate of 0.57%. This earns San Miguel County a tax score of 75.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in San Miguel County?
The median household income in San Miguel County, New Mexico is $49,431 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. San Miguel County earns an income score of 10.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is San Miguel County, New Mexico a good place to live?
San Miguel County scores 44.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #20 in New Mexico. The best way to evaluate San Miguel 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 San Miguel County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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