countyscore
53.1
County Score
Cost of Living 91.9Property Tax 80.9Weather & Climate 55.1

County Report Card

About Sierra County, New Mexico

Exceeding the National Median

Sierra County achieves a composite score of 53.1, placing it above the national median of 50.0. It offers a quality of life that ranks in the upper half of U.S. counties.

A Strong New Mexico Performer

The county's 53.1 score comfortably beats the state average of 49.1. It ranks as a reliable option for New Mexicans looking for a stable and affordable community.

Premier Housing Affordability

Housing is exceptionally accessible here, earning a cost score of 91.9 with median home values of $144,800. Low property taxes also contribute to a high tax score of 80.9.

Low Local Wages and Water

Economic growth is limited, as evidenced by an income score of 2.0 and a $37,840 median income. Water security also remains a concern with a score of 7.4.

Perfect for Fixed-Income Retirees

Sierra County is an ideal destination for retirees or those on a fixed budget who want to minimize expenses. It offers great value for those who do not rely on the local job market.

Score breakdown

Tax80.9Cost91.9Safety35.9Health30Schools47.5Income2Risk44.2Water7.4Weather55.1
🏛80.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠91.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡35.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤30
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓47.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡44.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧7.4
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤55.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱16.9
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

Grant County
New Mexico
61.5
Doña Ana County
New Mexico
41
Luna County
New Mexico
59
Socorro County
New Mexico
54.4
Catron County
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Otero County
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Hidalgo County
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Lincoln County
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Deep Dives

Sierra County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Sierra County

via TaxByCounty

Sierra County offers very low tax rates

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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Sierra County

via CostByCounty

Sierra's low rents mask deep income inequality

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Sierra County

via IncomeByCounty

Sierra faces steep national income gap

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Sierra County

via CrimeByCounty

Sierra County remains safer than national average

Sierra County earns a safety score of 97.7, reflecting a total crime rate of 1,486.2 per 100,000 residents. This is notably lower than the national total crime rate of 2,385.5.

Exceeding state safety benchmarks

The county's safety score of 97.7 is slightly higher than the New Mexico average of 97.4. Its total crime rate of 1,486.2 also beats the state average of 1,638.5.

Comparing Sierra to Socorro County

Sierra's crime rate of 1,486.2 is higher than Socorro County's 850.9. However, it remains much safer than Valencia County, which sees over 3,000 incidents per 100K.

Theft outpaces violent crime

The violent crime rate is 226.0 per 100K, while property crime is much higher at 1,260.2. This indicates that property-related offenses are the main driver of crime in the area.

Secure your property in Sierra

Since property crime is the most frequent issue, focus on securing outbuildings and main residences. Simple preventative measures can greatly reduce the risk of theft.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Sierra County

via HealthByCounty

Sierra faces critical life expectancy gap

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.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Sierra County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Consolidated Single-District Educational System

Sierra County operates five public schools within a single district, providing a unified educational experience for ,1287 students. The system is comprised of three elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school.

National Benchmark Graduation Performance

The county hits the national graduation rate average of 87.0%, significantly outperforming the New Mexico state average of 79.0%. With a school score of 53.9 and per-pupil spending of $7,909, Sierra County demonstrates strong efficiency and academic results.

Truth or Consequences Municipal Schools

T or C Municipal Schools manages all five public campuses in the county, ensuring consistent standards for every student. There are currently no charter schools in the county, keeping the focus on traditional public education.

Town-Centered Schools with Small Classes

Schools in Sierra County average 257 students, creating a tight-knit atmosphere where teachers and students are well-acquainted. T or C Elementary is the largest campus with 389 students, while Arrey Elementary provides an intimate rural setting for 110 children.

Stable Education in Sierra County

Homebuyers seeking high graduation rates and a single, reliable school district will find Sierra County an attractive option. Look for properties in Truth or Consequences to stay close to the county's primary educational hubs.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Sierra County

via RiskByCounty

Sierra's risk sits near national average

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Sierra County

via WeatherByCounty

Hotter Than the National Average

Sierra County's 60.3°F annual temperature is significantly warmer than the national median. It receives only 11.0 inches of precipitation, well below the national average.

One of New Mexico's Warmest Spots

At 60.3°F, Sierra County is much warmer than the state average of 54.8°F. It is characterized by high heat and very little winter precipitation.

Warmer and Drier Than Neighbors

With 85 days above 90°F, Sierra is hotter than Socorro to the north. It receives only 3.4 inches of snow, which is less than half of what Socorro experiences.

Intense Summer Heat and Minimal Snow

July averages a hot 79.5°F, contributing to 85 extreme heat days each year. Winters remain mild compared to the rest of the state, with an average of 42.7°F.

Prioritize Cooling and Sun Protection

High-efficiency air conditioning is a necessity to survive 85 days above 90°F. Residents can skip the heavy winter gear, as the county only sees 3.4 inches of snow.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Sierra County

via SoilByCounty

Southern Desert Soil Traits

Taxonomic order and pH levels for Sierra County are currently unrecorded. These desert soils are generally alkaline and likely exceed the national median pH of 6.5, characteristic of the southern Rio Grande valley.

Texture and Drainage Mix

Precise sand, silt, and clay data are missing for this region. Local terrain suggests a mix of coarse sands and fine silts that require careful management to ensure proper drainage and aeration.

Evaluating Soil Health

Organic matter and available water capacity data remain unmapped for the county. Aiming for an organic matter content above the state average of 1.27% will significantly improve your garden's nutrient retention.

Regional Water Dynamics

Official drainage classes and hydrologic groups are not documented for this area. Since formal data is unavailable, observing how water infiltrates after irrigation is the best way to gauge your soil's health.

Long Seasons in Zone 8a

With a Hardiness Zone of 8a, Sierra County offers a long, warm growing season for melons and cotton. Take advantage of the heat to grow vibrant summer crops and Mediterranean-style herbs.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Sierra County

via LawnByCounty

Intense Hurdles for Sierra Landscapes

Sierra County presents extreme challenges for lawn care, with a difficulty score of just 16.9. This is nearly half the state average, making it one of the toughest places in the country to maintain traditional turf.

Managing Extreme Heat and Low Moisture

High heat defines this Zone 8a climate, which sees a staggering 85 days above 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Coupled with only 11.0 inches of rain, your lawn faces massive evaporation stress compared to national benchmarks.

Overcoming Arid Land Quality

Local soil data is currently limited, though high-heat regions often feature sandy substrates with poor water retention. You will likely need to incorporate significant amounts of organic matter to help soil hold onto irrigation water.

A Year of Severe Drought Stress

Drought has persisted for 53 straight weeks, and 78.5% of the county currently suffers from severe conditions. Strict water conservation is mandatory, so consider using recycled greywater or focusing on small, high-impact turf areas.

Heat-Loving Grass Varieties for Zone 8a

Warm-season grasses like Bermuda or Zoysia are the best bets for surviving the intense heat of Zone 8a. Target a planting date in early April once the risk of frost passes after March 30.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sierra County's county score?
Sierra County, New Mexico has a composite county score of 53.1 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 Sierra County rank among counties in New Mexico?
Sierra County ranks #16 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 Sierra County, New Mexico?
The median annual property tax in Sierra County is $793, with an effective tax rate of 0.55%. This earns Sierra County a tax score of 80.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Sierra County?
The median household income in Sierra County, New Mexico is $37,840 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Sierra County earns an income score of 2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Sierra County, New Mexico a good place to live?
Sierra County scores 53.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #16 in New Mexico. The best way to evaluate Sierra 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 Sierra 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.