Sierra County scores 71.2, placing it nearly 21 percentile points above the national median of 50.0. This strong ranking reflects exceptional housing affordability and favorable tax treatment.
2 / 5
Best performer among these eight
Sierra ranks highest of these eight New Mexico counties with a composite score of 71.2, edging the state average of 69.8. The county's rural character and low-cost profile set it apart as a livability leader.
3 / 5
Most affordable housing in group
Sierra's housing affordability is unmatched, with a median home value of just $144,800 and median rent at $695 per month—the lowest in this set. The cost score of 89.0 paired with a tax score of 86.9 makes it exceptionally budget-friendly.
4 / 5
Income and health concerns emerge
The income score of 8.1 and median household income of $37,840 are the lowest in this group, reflecting limited economic opportunity. Health scores lag at 61.9, and elevated risk scores suggest residents should investigate environmental vulnerabilities.
5 / 5
Ideal for budget-conscious retirees
Sierra County suits retirees living on Social Security or fixed pensions, and remote workers unbothered by rural isolation and limited services. It's perfect for those prioritizing rock-bottom living costs over job availability and modern amenities.
Sierra County scores 71.2, placing it nearly 21 percentile points above the national median of 50.0. This strong ranking reflects exceptional housing affordability and favorable tax treatment.
Best performer among these eight
Sierra ranks highest of these eight New Mexico counties with a composite score of 71.2, edging the state average of 69.8. The county's rural character and low-cost profile set it apart as a livability leader.
Most affordable housing in group
Sierra's housing affordability is unmatched, with a median home value of just $144,800 and median rent at $695 per month—the lowest in this set. The cost score of 89.0 paired with a tax score of 86.9 makes it exceptionally budget-friendly.
Income and health concerns emerge
The income score of 8.1 and median household income of $37,840 are the lowest in this group, reflecting limited economic opportunity. Health scores lag at 61.9, and elevated risk scores suggest residents should investigate environmental vulnerabilities.
Ideal for budget-conscious retirees
Sierra County suits retirees living on Social Security or fixed pensions, and remote workers unbothered by rural isolation and limited services. It's perfect for those prioritizing rock-bottom living costs over job availability and modern amenities.
Score breakdown
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🏛86.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Sierra County's effective tax rate of 0.548% falls well below the national median of 0.79%, placing it in the bottom third of U.S. counties for tax burden. At just $793 in annual property taxes on a median home valued at $144,800, Sierra residents enjoy some of the nation's most modest property tax bills.
Below-average taxes in New Mexico
Sierra County's 0.548% rate runs slightly below New Mexico's state average of 0.595%, landing it in the lower tier of state counties. The median tax bill of $793 is roughly 24% below the state average of $1,043, reflecting both low rates and rural home values.
Sierra taxes similar to Socorro and San Miguel
Sierra's 0.548% rate closely matches Socorro County (0.553%) and San Miguel County (0.558%), grouping these rural southern counties as moderate-tax jurisdictions. All three substantially undercut Sandoval County (0.760%) and offer lower absolute taxes than more developed areas like Santa Fe.
Annual property taxes average $793
On Sierra County's median home value of $144,800, the effective tax rate of 0.548% translates to approximately $793 per year in property taxes. Homeowners with mortgages typically pay $880 annually, while those without mortgages pay around $755.
Verify your assessment for accuracy
Even with Sierra County's already-low tax rates, some homeowners may still be overassessed relative to their home's market value. Filing an appeal with the county assessor is free and could provide additional savings.
Sierra County's 22.0% rent-to-income ratio ranks among New Mexico's worst despite median rents of only $695—well below the national norm. The problem: median household income of $37,840 trails the U.S. average by $36,915, making even modest rents a proportional burden.
Second-least affordable county in New Mexico
Sierra's 22.0% rent-to-income ratio exceeds New Mexico's state average of 19.4%, placing it among the state's most stressed housing markets. The county's rural economy struggles to generate incomes sufficient to offset even modest housing costs.
Cheap rents, but income disparity tells the real story
Sierra's $695 median rent undercuts Socorro County ($653) only slightly and trails most regional competitors. However, Sierra's $37,840 median income represents the lowest earnings in the region, making even bargain rents disproportionately expensive.
Tight household budgets stretched by rent
Sierra residents earning $37,840 annually spend $695 monthly on rent—22% of gross income, the highest proportional burden in the region. Homeowners fare slightly better at $464 monthly, though homes average only $144,800, reflecting limited local economic opportunity.
Sierra demands careful financial planning
Consider Sierra County only if you have remote income or retirement savings, as local wages cannot comfortably support even modest housing costs. The county offers affordability in absolute dollars, but proportional rent burden ranks among New Mexico's most challenging.
Sierra County's median household income of $37,840 lags the U.S. median of $74,755 by $36,915—nearly 50% below national average. The county ranks among the lowest-income areas in the nation.
New Mexico's lowest-income county
Sierra County's median household income of $37,840 falls $17,629 below New Mexico's state average of $55,469. Its per capita income of $24,882 also ranks lowest in the state, nearly $8,000 below the state mean.
Significantly behind all surrounding counties
Sierra's $37,840 trails every neighboring county profiled, with the nearest rival, Torrance County, earning $8,410 more. The economic gap reflects rural isolation and limited employment opportunities.
Housing absorbs significant income share
Sierra County's rent-to-income ratio of 22.0% is the highest in this group, indicating housing costs consume a larger percentage of already-limited earnings. Median home value of $144,800 remains modest but represents substantial burden relative to income.
Every dollar counts toward security
Sierra County residents benefit most from targeting emergency savings first—three to six months of expenses—before investing. Low-cost automated savings plans and employer matches, if available, build wealth steadily even from modest incomes.
Sierra County residents live just 69.6 years on average, more than 9 years below the U.S. life expectancy of 79 years—one of the largest gaps in the nation. The county's 21.4% poor or fair health rate compounds this crisis, indicating widespread chronic illness and preventable mortality.
Worst health outcomes in state
Sierra's 69.6-year life expectancy ranks worst in New Mexico, trailing the state average of 73.7 years by more than 4 years. The 21.4% poor/fair health rate ties the state's worst performers, while a 9.1% uninsured rate sits slightly below state average—suggesting barriers beyond coverage.
Significant disadvantage in region
Sierra's 69.6-year life expectancy falls far behind Socorro County (71.0 years) and every other neighbor, representing a public health emergency. With just 44 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and limited mental health infrastructure, the county faces severe provider shortages.
Critical provider shortage compounds health crisis
Sierra's 44 primary care providers per 100,000 residents means many patients travel long distances for basic care, delaying diagnosis and treatment. Combined with 9.1% uninsured rate and limited mental health resources (261 per 100K), residents face a triple barrier to managing chronic disease.
Enrollment is the first step
Nearly 1 in 11 Sierra County residents lack health insurance, limiting access to screenings that could extend life expectancy. Visit Healthcare.gov or call New Mexico's marketplace to explore Medicaid, subsidized plans, and transportation assistance programs—your health depends on it.
Sierra County's composite risk score of 55.82 and 'Relatively Low' rating place it slightly below the average U.S. county, making it one of New Mexico's safer regions. The county benefits from lower composite exposure despite some elevated hazard scores in specific categories.
Among New Mexico's safest counties
Sierra County ranks below the state average of 58.92 with its score of 55.82, placing it among New Mexico's lowest-risk counties. The county's safer standing reflects lower earthquake (44.62) and flood (74.30) scores compared to northern peers.
Safest in the southern cluster
Sierra ranks as the safest county among south-central New Mexico peers, with a 55.82 score well below Socorro (61.48) and substantially below northern counties like Santa Fe (85.97). The county's lower elevation and drier climate contribute to reduced flood and earthquake exposures.
Wildfire and flood are secondary concerns
While wildfire risk of 83.14 remains moderate, it's considerably lower than northern New Mexico counties, reflecting sparser forest coverage at higher elevations. Flood risk of 74.30 and an unusual but notable hurricane risk of 12.43 reflect Sierra's southern exposure and watershed vulnerability.
Standard coverage typically sufficient here
Standard homeowners insurance provides reasonable protection for Sierra County residents, though separate flood insurance remains prudent given the county's 74.30 flood risk. Basic wildfire mitigation—clearing debris around structures and maintaining gutters—offers practical protection without the extensive defensive space needs of northern counties.