Socorro County scores 70.1, substantially above the national median of 50.0 and in the top 40% nationally. Its strong showing rests on exceptional housing affordability and favorable tax conditions.
2 / 5
Right at state average
Socorro ranks in the middle of New Mexico counties with a composite score of 70.1, virtually tied with the state average of 69.8. The county competes evenly with San Miguel and Taos in overall livability.
3 / 5
Unbeatable affordability and taxes
Socorro boasts the lowest median gross rent at $653 per month and a cost score of 89.6—second only to Sierra County. The effective tax rate of 0.553% and low home values around $143,200 make it one of New Mexico's cheapest places to live.
4 / 5
Limited income and health headwinds
The income score of 14.4 and median household income of $47,556 reflect sparse job markets typical of rural counties. The health score of 56.5 is among the lowest in this group, suggesting healthcare access may be limited.
5 / 5
Best for those with remote income
Socorro County appeals to remote workers and retirees seeking minimal housing costs and low taxes in a genuinely rural setting. It suits independent-minded residents comfortable with isolation, minimal amenities, and a tight-knit community.
Socorro County scores 70.1, substantially above the national median of 50.0 and in the top 40% nationally. Its strong showing rests on exceptional housing affordability and favorable tax conditions.
Right at state average
Socorro ranks in the middle of New Mexico counties with a composite score of 70.1, virtually tied with the state average of 69.8. The county competes evenly with San Miguel and Taos in overall livability.
Unbeatable affordability and taxes
Socorro boasts the lowest median gross rent at $653 per month and a cost score of 89.6—second only to Sierra County. The effective tax rate of 0.553% and low home values around $143,200 make it one of New Mexico's cheapest places to live.
Limited income and health headwinds
The income score of 14.4 and median household income of $47,556 reflect sparse job markets typical of rural counties. The health score of 56.5 is among the lowest in this group, suggesting healthcare access may be limited.
Best for those with remote income
Socorro County appeals to remote workers and retirees seeking minimal housing costs and low taxes in a genuinely rural setting. It suits independent-minded residents comfortable with isolation, minimal amenities, and a tight-knit community.
Score breakdown
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🏛86.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Socorro County's effective tax rate of 0.553% sits well below the national median of 0.79%, placing it in the bottom third of U.S. counties. With a median property tax of just $792 on homes valued at $143,200, Socorro residents pay about 71% less than the national median of $2,690.
Below-average taxes for New Mexico
Socorro County's 0.553% rate runs slightly below New Mexico's state average of 0.595%, landing it in the lower-middle tier of state counties. The median tax bill of $792 is roughly 24% below the state average of $1,043, typical for rural New Mexico counties.
Socorro comparable to other rural counties
Socorro's 0.553% rate closely mirrors San Miguel (0.558%) and Sierra (0.548%), creating a cohesive group of low-tax rural counties. All three substantially undercut Sandoval County (0.760%) and offer meaningful savings compared to higher-value markets like Santa Fe.
Budget approximately $792 annually
On Socorro's median home value of $143,200, the effective tax rate of 0.553% results in about $792 per year in property taxes. Homeowners with mortgages typically pay $1,303 annually due to assessment variations, while those without mortgages pay closer to $662.
Low taxes don't preclude appeal opportunities
Socorro homeowners should still review their assessments, as some properties may be valued above current market rates. A straightforward appeal to the county assessor costs nothing and could lower your annual tax bill.
Socorro County achieves best regional affordability
Socorro's 16.5% rent-to-income ratio stands below both the national average and New Mexico's state average of 19.4%, despite median household income of $47,556. The county manages this advantage through notably low housing costs, with median rent of just $653.
New Mexico's most affordable county for renters
Socorro ranks as New Mexico's most affordable county, with a 16.5% rent-to-income ratio significantly below the state average of 19.4%. This exceptional value stems from the county's rural character and limited demand pressure on housing.
Lowest rents anchor the south-central region
Socorro's $653 median rent represents the region's bargain floor, undercut only by Union County's $650 but substantially below Sierra ($695), San Miguel ($774), and northern counties. Home values ($143,200) remain accessible even for modest-income households.
Housing costs stay comfortably within budgets
Socorro households earning $47,556 annually dedicate just $653 monthly to rent (16.5% of income), the lowest proportional burden in New Mexico. Homeowners pay only $473 monthly, enabling households to allocate remaining earnings to savings and essentials.
Socorro offers genuine housing relief
If you prioritize housing affordability and can embrace a rural lifestyle, Socorro County delivers exceptional value with the state's lowest rent-to-income ratio. Remote workers and retirees will find substantial monthly savings compared to urban New Mexico markets.
Socorro County's median household income of $47,556 falls $27,199 short of the national median of $74,755, placing it roughly 36% below U.S. norms. The county reflects rural New Mexico's persistent income challenges.
Below state average but stable
Socorro's median household income of $47,556 trails New Mexico's state average of $55,469 by $7,913. The county's per capita income of $25,898 also lags the state benchmark of $32,602.
Middle performer among rural peers
Socorro's $47,556 income nearly mirrors San Miguel County ($47,400) and both counties outpace Sierra ($37,840) and Torrance ($46,250). Socorro holds steady in the region's lower-middle income tier.
Most affordable housing ratio here
Socorro County boasts the region's best rent-to-income ratio at 16.5%, comfortably below the 30% affordability threshold. With median home value of $143,200, housing remains the most accessible option for families in this group.
Leverage affordability for financial gain
Socorro's favorable housing costs create opportunity to redirect income toward savings and investments rather than rent burden. Even modest monthly contributions to index funds or savings bonds build meaningful wealth over decades.
At 71.0 years, Socorro County's life expectancy lags the U.S. average of 79 years by 8 years, among the lowest in the nation. The county's 27.4% poor or fair health rate—the highest across all counties analyzed—signals a population burdened by chronic disease and limited wellness resources.
Second-worst health in New Mexico
Socorro's 71.0-year life expectancy ranks second-worst in the state, trailing New Mexico's 73.7-year average by 2.7 years. The 27.4% poor/fair health rate dramatically exceeds the state average and signals population-level health distress that transcends insurance coverage.
Significant gap even among struggling peers
Socorro's 71.0-year life expectancy marginally exceeds Sierra County (69.6 years) but trails all other comparable counties, including Torrance (72.8 years). At 43 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Socorro falls below regional averages and lacks capacity for proactive health management.
Understaffed care system, stressed population
Socorro's 43 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—well below state needs—leave residents waiting weeks for appointments and managing conditions reactively. The 10.4% uninsured rate mirrors the state average, but limited mental health providers (201 per 100K) compound behavioral health barriers.
Coverage opens doors to care
With 1 in 10 residents uninsured, Socorro County can't afford to leave enrollment on the table—health insurance unlocks preventive screenings that could extend life. Visit Healthcare.gov or call New Mexico's marketplace to explore Medicaid, plans with co-pay assistance, and resources for managing chronic disease.
Socorro County's composite risk score of 61.48 and 'Relatively Low' rating place it modestly above the typical U.S. county in natural disaster exposure. The county's risk profile reflects Southwest hazards without the compounded exposure seen in higher-elevation northern counties.
Below-average risk for New Mexico
Socorro County scores 61.48 against New Mexico's state average of 58.92, placing it slightly above the median but among the safer half of state counties. The county's earthquake risk of 75.95 and wildfire risk of 86.99 drive most of its composite exposure.
Safer than northern counties, comparable to Sierra
Socorro's 61.48 score sits between Sierra County (55.82) to the south and Taos (74.27) to the north, reflecting its mid-state position and moderate hazard exposure. The county experiences notably lower risk than Santa Fe (85.97) and Sandoval (76.97), highlighting the elevation gradient across New Mexico.
Earthquakes and wildfires drive exposure
Earthquake risk of 75.95 makes seismic activity Socorro's primary concern, reflecting the county's position near the Rio Grande Rift seismic zone. Wildfire risk of 86.99 creates secondary exposure across the county's forested and semi-arid landscapes, particularly during dry seasons.
Earthquake insurance and basic wildfire prep
Socorro homeowners should secure earthquake insurance given the county's 75.95 seismic risk score, as standard policies exclude earthquake damage. Maintaining defensible space around structures and ensuring adequate insurance coverage provides practical protection for the county's moderate earthquake and wildfire exposures.