countyscore
50.3
County Score
Safety 93.8Income & Jobs 87.8Health 58.9

County Report Card

About Sandoval County, New Mexico

Matching the National Median

Sandoval County earns a composite score of 50.1, placing it right at the national median. It provides a balanced quality of life that mirrors the middle tier of American counties.

Outperforming the State Average

With its 50.1 composite score, Sandoval exceeds the New Mexico state average of 49.1. It stands out as one of the more prosperous and stable regions in the state.

Safe Streets and High Incomes

Safety is a premier feature here, boasting a high score of 93.8. The local economy is also robust, with a median household income of $84,053 and an income score of 87.8.

Higher Costs and Environmental Risks

Success comes with a price, as the county's cost score drops to 13.9 due to a median gross rent of $1,408. Additionally, the risk score of 23.0 highlights potential environmental vulnerabilities.

A Top Choice for Families

Sandoval County is an excellent fit for established families and high-earning professionals who value safety above all else. It is the go-to for those who can afford higher housing costs for a secure community.

2040608010056.81593.858.927.987.82318.139Tax56.8Cost15Safety93.8Health58.9Schools27.9Income87.8Risk23Water18.1Weather3950.3/100
This county
National avg
2 above average5 below average

Sandoval County DNA

Foverall

How Sandoval County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Sandoval County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Safety (93.8/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (18.1/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
56.8
Cost
15-33
Safety
93.8+38.8
Health
58.9+8.899999999999999
Schools
27.9-26.1
Income
87.8+36.8
Risk
23-24
Water
18.1-39.9
Weather
39-17
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Compare mortgage rates in Sandoval County

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

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$313,800

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$1,427/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$313,800/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$57,080/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.6x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $86,636/yr
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Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

28.4

per 100K

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

Deep Dives

Sandoval County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Sandoval County

via TaxByCounty

Sandoval ranks among higher-taxed counties

Sandoval County's effective tax rate of 0.760% exceeds the national median of 0.79% by a slim margin, placing it in the upper middle tier of U.S. counties. The median property tax of $2,147 is actually below the national median of $2,690, largely because median home values in Sandoval ($282,300) are nearly identical to the national average.

Highest tax rate in New Mexico

Sandoval County carries New Mexico's highest effective tax rate at 0.760%, significantly above the state average of 0.595%. This 28% premium over the state mean results in Sandoval homeowners paying some of the steepest property tax bills in the state.

Sandoval taxes far exceed surrounding counties

Sandoval's 0.760% rate dwarfs neighboring Santa Fe County (0.506%) and is nearly double Taos County's 0.329%. Even compared to rural peers like Socorro (0.553%) and San Miguel (0.558%), Sandoval residents face substantially higher property tax burdens.

Budget $2,147 for annual property taxes

On a median home value of $282,300, Sandoval's 0.760% effective rate means approximately $2,147 in annual property taxes. Homeowners with mortgages typically pay $2,236 yearly, while those without mortgages pay closer to $1,955.

Appeal your assessment before it increases

With Sandoval County's tax rates already the highest in the state, an appeal is especially valuable if your assessed value exceeds market worth. Many overassessed homeowners have successfully reduced their bills through the county assessor's appeal process.

Income & Jobs in Sandoval County

via IncomeByCounty

Sandoval ranks above national average

Sandoval County's median household income of $84,053 exceeds the U.S. median of $74,755 by $9,298, positioning it in the upper-middle tier nationally. The county outperforms most American households in earning power.

New Mexico's income leader

Sandoval dominates New Mexico's income rankings with a median household income $28,584 above the state average of $55,469. At $39,698, its per capita income also leads the state by $7,096.

Significantly outpaces surrounding counties

Sandoval's $84,053 income towers over neighbors like Taos ($58,908) and Santa Fe ($74,689), and vastly exceeds Sierra County's $37,840. The county's economic advantage reflects its proximity to the Albuquerque metro area.

Strong income covers housing costs

Despite a median home value of $282,300, Sandoval's rent-to-income ratio of 20.1% stays comfortably below the 30% affordability threshold. Higher incomes here make even premium housing relatively affordable.

Sandoval households can invest aggressively

With above-average incomes, Sandoval residents have capacity to maximize retirement contributions, diversify investments, and build taxable investment portfolios. The county's income advantage creates real opportunity to compound wealth across multiple vehicles.

Safety in Sandoval County

via CrimeByCounty

Sandoval County outperforms national safety norms

Sandoval County maintains an exceptional safety score of 99.9 out of 100. Its total crime rate of 47.5 per 100,000 residents is a fraction of the national average of 2,385.5.

A leader in New Mexico safety

With a safety score of 99.9, Sandoval far exceeds the New Mexico state average of 97.4. It stands as one of the most secure counties in the entire state based on 2022 reporting data.

Lower crime than urban neighbors

Sandoval's rate of 47.5 per 100K is significantly lower than Valencia County's 3,073.8 and Santa Fe's 3,754.5. This makes it a peaceful standout in the region.

Minimal violent and property crime

Violent crime is remarkably low at 10.0 per 100K, while property crime sits at 37.5. These figures indicate an extremely low risk for local residents and business owners.

Maintaining a secure community

While rates are low, staying vigilant helps preserve this high standard of safety. Ensure your home remains secure to deter any opportunistic activity.

Weather & Climate in Sandoval County

via WeatherByCounty

Cooler High Desert Conditions

Sandoval County averages 51.6°F annually, making it cooler than the national median. The region receives 13.3 inches of rain, slightly lower than the New Mexico average of 14 inches.

Below the New Mexico Temperature Median

At 51.6°F, the county remains over 3 degrees cooler than the state average of 54.8°F. Its topography creates a varied climate that is often chillier than the southern Rio Grande valley.

Snowier Than Its Southern Neighbors

Sandoval sees 25.7 inches of snow per year, significantly more than Bernalillo County to the south. It shares a similar July peak of roughly 72.7°F with adjacent Santa Fe County.

Significant Snow and Summer Heat

The county faces 48 days of extreme heat above 90°F despite its cooler annual average. Winter is defined by 25.7 inches of snow and a January average of 31.3°F.

Winterize and Ventilate Your Home

High-performance insulation is vital to combat the 31.3°F winter lows and nearly 26 inches of snow. Homeowners should also ensure efficient cooling to handle the 48 extreme heat days.

Soil Quality in Sandoval County

via SoilByCounty

Diverse Volcanic Foundations

Taxonomic and pH data for Sandoval's soils are not currently available. While measurements are missing, the region typically hosts alkaline soils that test significantly higher than the 6.5 national median.

Variable Soil Textures

Specific percentages for sand, silt, and clay have not been recorded for this area. The landscape ranges from river alluvium to volcanic ash, requiring site-specific testing to determine drainage and workability.

Boosting Organic Potential

Organic matter and water capacity data are currently unmapped for this county. Aim to improve your soil until it exceeds the state average of 1.27% organic matter to ensure healthy plant growth.

Managing Desert Hydrology

Formal drainage and hydrologic classifications are unavailable for the dominant soils here. Because these figures are missing, monitoring local runoff during heavy rains is essential for preventing erosion.

Gardening in Zone 7a

The county enjoys the warm conditions of Hardiness Zone 7a, perfect for heat-loving peppers and tomatoes. Use the long growing season to establish a vibrant desert oasis or a productive food forest.

Lawn Care in Sandoval County

via LawnByCounty

Challenging Growing Conditions in Sandoval

Maintaining turf in Sandoval is a challenge, evidenced by a difficulty score of 29.7. This Zone 7a environment is roughly 40% harder to manage than the national average landscape.

Scarce Rain and Intense Solar Stress

The county sees just 13.3 inches of rain annually, meaning you must provide the bulk of moisture for a green lawn. With 48 extreme heat days, summer mowing schedules should be adjusted to keep grass taller for shade.

Essential Amendments for Desert Success

While specific regional soil metrics are unavailable, preparing your foundation with organic compost is essential for success. Local gardeners typically need to monitor for high salinity and low organic content.

Combatting Severe Drought Conditions

Severe drought conditions currently cover 82.5% of the county, following a full 53 weeks of drought over the last year. Implementing xeriscaping or using smart irrigation controllers is vital to maintaining any turf.

Choose Resilient Species for Zone 7a

Hardy varieties like tall fescue or bermudagrass perform well in Zone 7a's temperature swings. Aim for a mid-May planting after the May 9 frost date to ensure warm soil temperatures.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sandoval County's county score?
Sandoval County, New Mexico has a composite county score of 50.3 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 Sandoval County rank among counties in New Mexico?
Sandoval County ranks #18 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 Sandoval County, New Mexico?
The median annual property tax in Sandoval County is $2,296, with an effective tax rate of 0.73%. This earns Sandoval County a tax score of 56.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Sandoval County?
The median household income in Sandoval County, New Mexico is $86,636 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Sandoval County earns an income score of 87.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Sandoval County, New Mexico a good place to live?
Sandoval County scores 50.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #18 in New Mexico. The best way to evaluate Sandoval 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 Sandoval 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.