countyscore
48.9
County Score
Property Tax 98.3Cost of Living 50.5Health 50.1

County Report Card

About Taos County, New Mexico

Slightly Below National Average

Taos County’s composite score of 48.2 is just under the national median of 50.0. While it offers unique benefits, it faces hurdles common to high-amenity rural areas.

Close to the State Average

The county's score of 48.2 is nearly identical to the New Mexico average of 49.1. It provides a typical New Mexico experience but with some of the lowest taxes in the region.

Unrivaled Tax Advantages

Taos features a nearly perfect tax score of 97.3, thanks to a very low 0.329% effective rate. Healthcare also performs well for the region with a score of 50.1.

Environmental and Infrastructure Risks

The county struggles with water security (10.1) and environmental risk (25.7). Moderate housing costs, with median home values at $354,000, also affect its cost score of 46.3.

Suited for Mountain Minimalists

Taos County is perfect for those who want to live in a scenic environment with minimal tax burdens. It is a great fit for artists or professionals who can navigate localized water and housing issues.

2040608010098.350.538.950.129.730.825.710.148.5Tax98.3Cost50.5Safety38.9Health50.1Schools29.7Income30.8Risk25.7Water10.1Weather48.548.9/100
This county
National avg
1 above average5 below average

Taos County DNA

Foverall

How Taos County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Taos County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Water Quality (10.1/100), though Property Tax (98.3/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
98.3+46.3
Cost
50.5
Safety
38.9-16.1
Health
50.1
Schools
29.7-24.3
Income
30.8-20.2
Risk
25.7-21.3
Water
10.1-47.9
Weather
48.5
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Compare mortgage rates in Taos County

Whether buying or refinancing in Taos County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$382,800

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$1,034/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$382,800/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$41,360/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum6.5x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $58,950/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

23.2

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Counties with similar scores

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Shoshone County
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Camden County
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Harrison County
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Nearby counties

Colfax County
New Mexico
55
Costilla County
Colorado
61.7
Rio Arriba County
New Mexico
61.6
Mora County
New Mexico
58.3
Conejos County
Colorado
64
Alamosa County
Colorado
36.9
Los Alamos County
New Mexico
68.6
Santa Fe County
New Mexico
35.5

Deep Dives

Taos County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Taos County

via TaxByCounty

Taos offers the nation's lowest tax rates

Taos County's effective tax rate of 0.329% ranks among the lowest in the entire United States, sitting far below the national median of 0.79%. Despite a median home value of $354,000—26% above the national average—Taos residents pay just $1,164 annually, well below the national median of $2,690.

Taos has New Mexico's second-lowest rate

Taos County's 0.329% effective tax rate is the second-lowest in New Mexico, trailing only Santa Fe County (0.506%), and represents a remarkable 45% discount versus the state average of 0.595%. This exceptionally favorable rate makes Taos a tax haven within the state.

Taos taxes are unmatched in the region

Taos's 0.329% rate is the lowest among all northern New Mexico counties, beating San Miguel (0.558%), Sandoval (0.760%), and all other regional peers by substantial margins. Only Santa Fe County comes close with a 0.506% rate, making both northern counties exceptionally tax-friendly.

Premium properties, minimal tax bills

On a median home value of $354,000, Taos's 0.329% effective rate means approximately $1,164 in annual property taxes. Homeowners with mortgages typically pay $1,461 yearly, while those without mortgages pay around $974.

Even Taos homeowners should check assessments

Taos's remarkably low rates don't guarantee accurate assessments; some homeowners may still carry valuations exceeding market worth. Reviewing your assessment or filing an appeal with the county is a simple way to confirm you're paying fairly.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Taos County

via IncomeByCounty

Taos approaches but lags national income

Taos County's median household income of $58,908 falls $15,847 below the U.S. median of $74,755, representing roughly 79% of national average earnings. The county sits in the lower tier nationally despite ranking strongest in northern New Mexico.

Above New Mexico average

Taos's median household income of $58,908 exceeds New Mexico's state average of $55,469 by $3,439, making it a relatively stronger performer statewide. Its per capita income of $40,018 also leads the state mean by $7,416.

Outearns most rural rivals

Taos's $58,908 income surpasses San Miguel ($47,400), Socorro ($47,556), Torrance ($46,250), and Sierra ($37,840) by significant margins. Only Sandoval ($84,053) and Santa Fe ($74,689) exceed Taos in the regional group.

High home values strain affordability

Taos County's rent-to-income ratio of 21.8% edges above comfort zones, and the median home value of $354,000 ranks second-highest regionally. Despite moderate ratios, absolute housing costs challenge many households here.

Taos residents can build diversified wealth

With above-state-average incomes, Taos households benefit from balancing primary residence investment with diversified portfolio building. Long-term investors here should consider both traditional and alternative assets appropriate to their risk tolerance.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Taos County

via CrimeByCounty

Taos County maintains high safety levels

Taos County’s safety score of 97.8 reflects a total crime rate of 1,392.3 per 100,000. This is significantly better than the national average crime rate of 2,385.5.

Outperforming the New Mexico average

Taos reports a safety score of 97.8, which is above the state average of 97.4. Its crime rate of 1,392.3 also sits below the New Mexico average of 1,638.5.

Fewer crimes than Santa Fe County

Taos’s crime rate of 1,392.3 is less than half of Santa Fe’s 3,754.5. It also maintains a lower rate than nearby Torrance County (2,308.8).

Understanding the crime distribution

Property crime sits at 1,250.2 per 100K, making it the most common concern, while violent crime is low at 142.1. These numbers suggest a relatively safe environment for residents.

Strengthen your home defenses

Because property crime is more prevalent than violent crime, focus on securing your home’s entry points. Community watch programs can also help maintain Taos’s safety.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Taos County

via WeatherByCounty

Cold and Snowy Alpine Climate

Taos County is exceptionally cool with an annual average of 44.0°F, well below the national median. It receives 16 inches of precipitation, largely in the form of heavy snow.

The State's Coldest Resident

At 44.0°F, Taos is nearly 11 degrees cooler than the New Mexico state average. It ranks as one of the coldest and snowiest counties in the entire state.

A Different World From Neighbors

Taos sees 82.2 inches of snow, dwarfing the 24.8 inches in neighboring Santa Fe. It experiences only 8 days of 90°F heat, while its neighbors face far more.

Epic Winters and Chilly Summers

Winters are harsh with 82.2 inches of snow and a January average of 23.3°F. Summers are incredibly mild, with July temperatures averaging only 64.6°F.

Gear Up for Serious Snow

Heavy-duty winter clothing and snow tires are mandatory for the 82-inch annual snowfall. Heating systems must be robust to handle the 25.1°F winter average.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Taos County

via SoilByCounty

Mountainous Soil Characteristics

Specific pH levels and taxonomic orders are currently unmapped for Taos. These high-elevation soils are likely influenced by volcanic activity and typically test above the national median pH of 6.5.

Rugged Texture Profiles

Precise sand, silt, and clay percentages are unavailable for this county. The rocky, alpine landscape creates unique textural challenges that differ greatly from the sandy basins of the south.

Alpine Fertility Benchmarks

Organic matter and water capacity data are missing for Taos soils. Using the state average of 1.27% organic matter as a reference can help mountain gardeners determine how much compost to add.

High-Altitude Hydrology

Official drainage classes and hydrologic groups remain undocumented for this region. Because formal data is thin, monitoring snowmelt runoff is the best way to understand local drainage and soil stability.

Cool Climates in Zone 6a

Taos County sits in Hardiness Zone 6a, requiring gardeners to choose frost-tolerant crops. Focus on cool-season greens, radishes, and berries to thrive in the crisp mountain air.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Taos County

via LawnByCounty

Cool Nights and High Altitudes in Taos

Taos County earns a lawn difficulty score of 29.8, reflecting the unique hurdles of a high-altitude Zone 6a climate. While you avoid the heat of the south, your shorter growing season creates its own set of challenges.

Short Growing Seasons and Mild Summers

You enjoy a cool climate with only 8 extreme heat days per year, far lower than the state average of 58. However, 16.0 inches of precipitation still falls short of ideal lawn needs, requiring diligent watering.

Adapting to Variable Mountain Soils

Regional soil data is not currently recorded, but mountain soils often vary wildly from rocky slopes to heavy clay pockets. A professional soil test is the best way to determine if you need to adjust pH.

Strategic Irrigation During Dry Spells

The county has experienced 53 weeks of drought, though severe levels are currently restricted to less than 9% of the area. Focus on capturing snowmelt and using rain barrels to supplement your lawn water needs.

Selecting Cool-Season Varieties

Cool-season grasses like perennial ryegrass or fine fescues are well-suited for Zone 6a. Be patient and wait for the May 31 frost date before starting your lawn to protect young shoots.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Taos County's county score?
Taos County, New Mexico has a composite county score of 48.9 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 Taos County rank among counties in New Mexico?
Taos County ranks #19 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 Taos County, New Mexico?
The median annual property tax in Taos County is $1,129, with an effective tax rate of 0.29%. This earns Taos County a tax score of 98.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Taos County?
The median household income in Taos County, New Mexico is $58,950 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Taos County earns an income score of 30.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Taos County, New Mexico a good place to live?
Taos County scores 48.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #19 in New Mexico. The best way to evaluate Taos 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 Taos County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.