Sandoval County scores 64.6, placing it nearly 30 percentile points above the national median of 50.0. This strong performance reflects a balanced profile combining decent incomes with moderate tax and cost advantages.
2 / 5
Slightly below state average
Sandoval ranks in the lower-middle tier of New Mexico counties with a score of 64.6, just under the state average of 69.8. It trails rural neighbors but offers higher income potential than most other New Mexico counties.
3 / 5
Strong income and health outcomes
Sandoval County's median household income of $84,053 is the highest among these eight counties, paired with a health score of 70.8. The county's effective tax rate of 0.760% remains competitive, supporting its appeal to professional families.
4 / 5
Housing costs rising, risk moderate
The cost score of 64.6 reflects higher housing expenses, with median home value at $282,300 and rent at $1,408 per month—nearly double some rural peers. Environmental risk scores suggest residents should evaluate seismic or flood concerns in their specific area.
5 / 5
Best for professionals seeking balance
Sandoval County appeals to working professionals and families wanting meaningful income opportunities without exorbitant housing costs. It's ideal for those willing to trade rural quietude for suburban convenience and better schools and services.
Sandoval County scores 64.6, placing it nearly 30 percentile points above the national median of 50.0. This strong performance reflects a balanced profile combining decent incomes with moderate tax and cost advantages.
Slightly below state average
Sandoval ranks in the lower-middle tier of New Mexico counties with a score of 64.6, just under the state average of 69.8. It trails rural neighbors but offers higher income potential than most other New Mexico counties.
Strong income and health outcomes
Sandoval County's median household income of $84,053 is the highest among these eight counties, paired with a health score of 70.8. The county's effective tax rate of 0.760% remains competitive, supporting its appeal to professional families.
Housing costs rising, risk moderate
The cost score of 64.6 reflects higher housing expenses, with median home value at $282,300 and rent at $1,408 per month—nearly double some rural peers. Environmental risk scores suggest residents should evaluate seismic or flood concerns in their specific area.
Best for professionals seeking balance
Sandoval County appeals to working professionals and families wanting meaningful income opportunities without exorbitant housing costs. It's ideal for those willing to trade rural quietude for suburban convenience and better schools and services.
Score breakdown
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🏛80.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
Sandoval's rent-to-income ratio of 20.1% edges above the national baseline, despite median household income of $84,053—$9,298 higher than the U.S. average. The county's higher incomes buffer housing cost pressures, but renters still allocate one-fifth of earnings to rent.
Least affordable rentals in New Mexico
Sandoval County ranks as New Mexico's least affordable for renters, with a 20.1% rent-to-income ratio exceeding the state average of 19.4%. This gap reflects the county's position as the economic engine of northern New Mexico, where demand drives prices upward.
Premium prices rival Santa Fe, exceed state norms
Sandoval's median rent of $1,408 trails only Santa Fe County's $1,318 in the region, more than 60% above Socorro County's $653. Home values ($282,300) place Sandoval squarely in the middle of northern New Mexico's most expensive markets.
Higher income cushions but doesn't eliminate strain
The typical Sandoval household earns $84,053 annually yet dedicates $1,408 monthly to rent—a manageable 20.1% of gross income. Homeowners shoulder $1,180 monthly costs, still reasonable for the county's median home value of $282,300.
Sandoval suits higher-earning relocators
If your household income exceeds $80,000, Sandoval offers vibrant communities near Albuquerque with manageable housing burdens. Renters should budget for premium prices, but the county's economic strength makes it worth the investment.
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.
Sandoval County residents live to 76.8 years on average, nearly matching the U.S. life expectancy of 79 years and ranking among New Mexico's healthiest. The county's 19.4% poor or fair health rate sits below the national 15% baseline but reflects room for improvement in daily wellness.
Clear state health leader
At 76.8 years, Sandoval's life expectancy outpaces New Mexico's 73.7-year average by 3.1 years, placing it firmly in the top tier statewide. The 19.4% poor/fair health rating and 7.9% uninsured rate both beat state averages, signaling stronger overall health infrastructure.
Second only to Santa Fe in region
Sandoval trails only Santa Fe County (79.3 years) among surrounding counties and significantly outpaces Socorro (71.0 years) and Torrance (72.8 years). With 66 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Sandoval ranks second in the region after Santa Fe's 110 per 100K.
Strong access, competitive coverage
Only 7.9% of Sandoval residents lack health insurance—among the state's lowest rates—giving residents solid access to preventive care. The county's 66 primary care providers per 100,000 mean most residents can reach a doctor within reasonable distance, though specialist availability varies.
Keep momentum with health coverage
Sandoval's low uninsured rate proves robust enrollment works, yet 1 in 12 residents remain uninsured. Visit Healthcare.gov to explore plans, Medicaid, and subsidies tailored to your household size and income.
Sandoval County's composite risk score of 76.97 places it well above the typical U.S. county, earning a 'Relatively Low' rating that reflects real hazard exposure. The county faces a notably different risk mix than the national average, driven by Western wildfire and seismic vulnerabilities.
Among New Mexico's riskier counties
With a score of 76.97 versus the state average of 58.92, Sandoval County ranks higher than most New Mexico peers in overall risk. Elevated earthquake (88.68) and wildfire (93.64) scores distinguish Sandoval's hazard profile within the state.
Riskier than most central counties
Sandoval sits between Santa Fe's higher risk (85.97) and Torrance's lower risk (46.15), reflecting its position in the state's central corridor. The county's earthquake score of 88.68 is notably higher than safer southern neighbors like Sierra (44.62), influenced by proximity to major fault lines.
Earthquakes and wildfires top concerns
Earthquake risk of 88.68 is Sandoval's standout hazard, among the state's highest due to proximity to the Rio Grande Rift and related seismic zones. Wildfire risk of 93.64 creates a secondary but serious threat, especially across the county's forested northern regions.
Earthquake insurance and seismic prep essential
Sandoval homeowners should prioritize earthquake insurance, as standard policies exclude seismic damage—critical given the county's 88.68 earthquake risk score. Securing heavy furniture, bracing water heaters, and reinforcing foundation attachments offer practical protection against the county's most distinctive hazard.