countyscore
35.3
County Score
Property Tax 85.2Income & Jobs 76.9Health 65.9

County Report Card

About Santa Fe County, New Mexico

Below the National Benchmark

Santa Fe County holds a composite score of 35.3, which is significantly lower than the national median of 50.0. This lower ranking is largely driven by high costs and specific safety challenges.

Underperforming the New Mexico Average

The county ranks well below the state average composite score of 49.1. Despite its cultural prestige, it faces practical livability hurdles that many neighboring counties avoid.

Exceptional Healthcare and Low Taxes

Santa Fe excels with a health score of 65.9 and a very low 0.506% effective tax rate. This combination provides great value for residents focused on wellness and tax efficiency.

Expensive Housing and Safety Concerns

Affordability is a major issue, with a cost score of 15.2 and median home values of $416,900. Public safety also lags, reflected in a safety score of 4.1.

Ideal for Wealthy Wellness Seekers

This county suits affluent professionals or retirees who prioritize access to healthcare and a low tax burden. It is best for those who can navigate high real estate prices and value a cultural hub.

Score breakdown

Tax85.2Cost15.2Safety4.1Health65.9Schools15.8Income76.9Risk14Water22.7Weather45
🏛85.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠15.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼76.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡4.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤65.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓15.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡14
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧22.7
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤45
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱31.1
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

Los Alamos County
New Mexico
68.6
Sandoval County
New Mexico
50.1
Bernalillo County
New Mexico
27.6
Rio Arriba County
New Mexico
60.6
Mora County
New Mexico
63.5
Torrance County
New Mexico
42.2
Valencia County
New Mexico
31.9
Taos County
New Mexico
48.2

Deep Dives

Santa Fe County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Santa Fe County

via TaxByCounty

Santa Fe offers below-average tax rates

Santa Fe County's effective tax rate of 0.506% sits comfortably below the national median of 0.79%, placing it in the bottom fifth of U.S. counties. Despite a much higher median home value of $416,900 compared to the national average of $281,900, Santa Fe residents pay just $2,110 annually—below the national median of $2,690.

Santa Fe offers the state's lowest rate

Santa Fe County's 0.506% effective tax rate is the lowest in New Mexico, sitting 15% below the state average of 0.595%. This favorable rate benefits the county's affluent homeowners, who own properties worth significantly more than statewide averages yet pay manageable tax bills.

Santa Fe's taxes undercut even Taos

Santa Fe's 0.506% rate matches Taos County's remarkably low 0.329% as among New Mexico's most tax-friendly counties, though Santa Fe's higher home values ($416,900) generate larger absolute tax bills. Compared to Sandoval County's 0.760%, Santa Fe residents enjoy a 33% tax advantage.

Premium homes, reasonable tax bills

With a median home value of $416,900 and an effective tax rate of 0.506%, Santa Fe homeowners typically pay $2,110 annually. This relatively modest bill reflects the county's voter-approved tax structure, making it attractive to higher-value property owners.

Even Santa Fe homeowners should review assessments

Even in a tax-friendly county like Santa Fe, some homeowners carry inflated assessed values that exceed current market worth. A quick review of your assessment or an appeal to the county assessor could confirm you're not overpaying.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Santa Fe County

via CostByCounty

Santa Fe's cultural cache carries real costs

Santa Fe's 21.2% rent-to-income ratio exceeds the national average despite median household income nearly matching the U.S. figure ($74,689 vs. $74,755). The premium reflects the county's status as New Mexico's cultural and artistic hub, where demand drives housing prices skyward.

Most expensive housing market in New Mexico

Santa Fe ranks as New Mexico's priciest county, with a 21.2% rent-to-income ratio well above the state average of 19.4%. The county's median home value of $416,900 dwarfs all other New Mexico counties, reflecting decades of demand from artists, retirees, and affluent transplants.

Unmatched price premium among northern peers

Santa Fe's median rent of $1,318 stands second only to Sandoval's $1,408, yet home values ($416,900) far exceed any regional competitor. The county represents New Mexico's most exclusive housing market, appealing to those prioritizing cultural access over affordability.

Culture and history come at a premium price

Santa Fe households earning $74,689 annually allocate $1,318 monthly to rent (21.2% of income), the highest rent burden among northern counties. Homeowners face $1,183 monthly costs against properties averaging $416,900—a luxury market accessible primarily to affluent buyers.

Santa Fe rewards those who can afford art

Relocate to Santa Fe if cultural amenities and artistic communities justify premium housing costs exceeding $1,300 for renters. The county offers unparalleled lifestyle value for affluent newcomers; budget-conscious relocators should explore nearby Taos or San Miguel instead.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Santa Fe County

via IncomeByCounty

Santa Fe nearly matches national average

Santa Fe County's median household income of $74,689 sits virtually at the U.S. median of $74,755, representing typical American earning power. The county holds steady at the national baseline.

Well above New Mexico average

Santa Fe's median household income of $74,689 exceeds the state average of $55,469 by $19,220, ranking it among New Mexico's strongest income counties. Its per capita income of $48,908 leads the state by $16,306.

Outearns Taos, rivals Sandoval

Santa Fe's $74,689 income closely competes with Sandoval County ($84,053) and substantially exceeds Taos County ($58,908) by $15,781. The county benefits from tourism, government, and cultural economy strength.

Higher costs strain housing affordability

Santa Fe's rent-to-income ratio of 21.2% remains acceptable, but the median home value of $416,900 represents the region's highest cost. Households here spend more in absolute dollars on housing despite proportionally reasonable ratios.

Invest beyond primary residence

Santa Fe's healthy incomes and established wealth create room for real estate investment, stock portfolio diversification, and legacy planning. High earners here should explore tax-advantaged strategies like SEP IRAs or solo 401(k)s if self-employed.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Santa Fe County

via CrimeByCounty

Santa Fe safety trails national averages

The county reports a total crime rate of 3,754.5 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average of 2,385.5. This results in a safety score of 94.1 out of 100.

Below the state safety average

Santa Fe’s safety score of 94.1 sits below the New Mexico state average of 97.4. The county's total crime rate is also significantly higher than the state average of 1,638.5.

Higher crime than rural neighbors

Santa Fe’s crime rate of 3,754.5 per 100K is much higher than nearby Taos County's 1,392.3. It also faces more reported incidents than Torrance County’s rate of 2,308.8.

Property crime drives local statistics

Property crime accounts for 3,137.6 incidents per 100K, while violent crime sits at 616.9. These numbers suggest that residents are more likely to encounter theft than violent offenses.

Prioritize home and vehicle security

With property crime as the primary concern, investing in alarm systems and motion lighting is a smart move. Always lock your doors and keep valuables out of sight.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Santa Fe County

via HealthByCounty

Santa Fe rivals national life expectancy

At 79.3 years, Santa Fe County matches or slightly exceeds the U.S. life expectancy benchmark of 79 years, making it a longevity outlier in New Mexico. The county's 15.8% poor or fair health rate aligns closely with the national average, indicating above-average wellness across its population.

New Mexico's healthiest county

Santa Fe's 79.3-year life expectancy towers 5.6 years above New Mexico's 73.7-year average, making it the state's clear health leader. Though its 12.1% uninsured rate edges above the state average of 10.2%, strong healthcare infrastructure and resources compensate for this gap.

Dominant advantage across metrics

Santa Fe's 79.3-year life expectancy and 15.8% poor/fair health rate significantly outpace every neighboring county, including Taos (76.5 years) and Sandoval (76.8 years). The county's 110 primary care providers per 100,000 residents leads the entire region by a wide margin.

Premium access meets coverage gaps

Santa Fe offers the most robust primary and mental health provider networks in the region, with 110 primary care and 802 mental health providers per 100,000 residents. Yet 12.1% of residents lack insurance—the highest rate among affluent counties analyzed—suggesting income inequality or eligibility barriers despite abundant resources.

Don't miss out on coverage

Even in Santa Fe's health-rich environment, over 1 in 8 residents remain uninsured, often due to cost or enrollment confusion. Check Healthcare.gov or New Mexico's marketplace to find plans, Medicaid expansion, and subsidies—your health is worth the enrollment step.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Santa Fe County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Diverse and Urban School Network

Santa Fe County manages a complex network of 49 public schools across 12 districts, serving 18,948 students. The landscape is unique for its high volume of high schools and 'other' level institutions, reflecting a wide range of specialized learning paths.

Lower Graduation Rates Despite High School Variety

The county’s graduation rate sits at 74.4%, trailing both the state average of 79.0% and the national benchmark of 87.0%. Per-pupil spending of $6,619 is also lower than the New Mexico average, contributing to a composite school score of 44.5.

Innovation Through a Robust Charter System

Santa Fe Public Schools is the largest provider with 11,769 students, but charter schools play a major role here. Ten charter schools represent over 20% of the county's total schools, including the high-enrollment New Mexico Connections Academy.

Urban Hubs with Moderate School Sizes

Education is centered in the city, where 29 schools are located, maintaining an average school size of 395 students. Santa Fe High serves as the largest traditional campus with 1,599 students, offering a bustling urban academic experience.

Explore Homes in the State Capital

Prospective residents often look for homes near the Pojoaque Valley or within the Santa Fe Public Schools boundary to ensure proximity to diverse academic programs. Use school performance data to guide your search in this historically rich and educationally diverse county.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Santa Fe County

via RiskByCounty

Santa Fe faces above-average U.S. risk

Santa Fe County's composite risk score of 85.97 and 'Relatively Moderate' rating reflect meaningful exposure to multiple natural hazards beyond the typical U.S. county profile. The county's elevation and geography create compounded risks across wildfires, floods, and earthquakes.

Highest risk in New Mexico

Santa Fe County ranks as the riskiest county in New Mexico with a score of 85.97, significantly exceeding the state average of 58.92. The county's composite score reflects extreme wildfire (98.19) and high earthquake (89.50) and flood (88.36) risks.

Notably riskier than surrounding counties

Santa Fe's 85.97 score substantially exceeds Taos (74.27) and San Miguel (74.59), making it the region's highest-risk county. The gap widens dramatically compared to lower-elevation southern counties like Torrance (46.15), highlighting the elevation and forest cover effect.

Wildfires, earthquakes, and floods converge

Wildfire risk reaches 98.19—the highest in the state—driven by dense forestland and dry conditions, as demonstrated by recent major fires like the Hermits Peak-Calf Canyon fire. Earthquake risk of 89.50 and flood risk of 88.36 create additional compounded exposure that affects property throughout the county.

Comprehensive coverage is non-negotiable

Santa Fe residents must prioritize earthquake insurance and separate flood coverage alongside standard homeowners policies, given the county's multiple high-risk hazards. Professional defensible-space management around structures—especially clearing within 100 feet—is critical mitigation for the county's extreme wildfire risk of 98.19.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Santa Fe County

via WeatherByCounty

A Cool and Dry Mountain Climate

Santa Fe County's 51.2°F average annual temperature is cooler than the national median. Its 13.0 inches of annual precipitation marks it as a classic dry, high-altitude environment.

Among the State's Cooler Counties

The county's average temperature is 3.6 degrees lower than the New Mexico state average of 54.8°F. It ranks as one of the state's cooler regions, avoiding the intense heat of the southern deserts.

Similar to Its High-Elevation Peers

Santa Fe's 24.8 inches of snow mirrors the 25.7 inches in neighboring Sandoval. It remains significantly warmer than Taos to the north, which is about 7 degrees cooler on average.

Comfortable Summers and Snowy Winters

The county enjoys mild summers with only 33 days above 90°F. However, winters are cold, with a January average of 31.4°F and nearly 25 inches of annual snowfall.

Equip for Cold Winter Nights

Outdoor planning should account for a short growing season and winter lows that dip to 31.4°F. A sturdy snow shovel and layers are essential for the 24.8 inches of annual snow.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Santa Fe County

via SoilByCounty

Piedmont Soil Profiles

Comprehensive taxonomic data and pH levels for Santa Fe are currently unavailable. Most regional soils trend alkaline, typically mirroring or exceeding the New Mexico state average pH of 7.48.

Sizing Up Local Textures

The specific balance of sand, silt, and clay is not currently recorded for these soils. Local growers often find well-draining, gritty textures that require significant organic amendments to hold moisture.

Nurturing Arid Fertility

No specific organic matter or water capacity figures are available for the county. Using the state average of 1.27% organic matter as a target helps gardeners build a resilient foundation for their plants.

Hydraulic Challenges Mapped

Specific drainage classes and hydrologic groups remain unmapped in the current dataset. Understanding your soil's natural permeability is critical for designing efficient irrigation systems in this arid environment.

Success in Zone 6b

Santa Fe's Hardiness Zone 6b supports a wide variety of cold-hardy herbs and fruit trees. Start a garden with lavender, sage, and apple trees to take advantage of the brilliant high-desert sun.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Santa Fe County

via LawnByCounty

High-Desert Maintenance in Santa Fe

Santa Fe County scores a 31.1 for lawn difficulty, which is typical for New Mexico's high-altitude challenges. As a Zone 6b region, you will work harder than the national average homeowner to keep grass thriving.

Low Precipitation with Cooler Summers

Just 13.0 inches of precipitation falls here annually, well below the 30-inch minimum for most standard turfgrasses. However, with only 33 extreme heat days, you experience significantly less thermal stress than the state average.

Preparing Your Local Soil Base

Detailed soil texture and pH data are not currently available for this county. Local experts recommend testing your specific plot for drainage capacity, as New Mexico soils often lack the organic matter needed for water retention.

Conserving Water During Persistent Drought

Residents endured a full year of drought conditions, with 100% of the county still classified as abnormally dry. Mulching around lawn edges and watering before 10 a.m. are essential strategies to prevent moisture loss.

Optimal Timing for Santa Fe Lawns

Fine fescues or Kentucky bluegrass blends can handle the 6b hardiness zone if given adequate supplemental water. Start your project after May 9 to avoid the risk of late-spring freezes.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Santa Fe County's county score?
Santa Fe County, New Mexico has a composite county score of 35.3 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 Santa Fe County rank among counties in New Mexico?
Santa Fe County ranks #28 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 Santa Fe County, New Mexico?
The median annual property tax in Santa Fe County is $2,110, with an effective tax rate of 0.51%. This earns Santa Fe County a tax score of 85.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Santa Fe County?
The median household income in Santa Fe County, New Mexico is $74,689 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Santa Fe County earns an income score of 76.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Santa Fe County, New Mexico a good place to live?
Santa Fe County scores 35.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #28 in New Mexico. The best way to evaluate Santa Fe 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 Santa Fe 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.