countyscore
42.2
County Score
Property Tax 89.2Cost of Living 67.7Disaster Risk 53.9

County Report Card

About Torrance County, New Mexico

Below the National Median

Torrance County holds a composite score of 42.1, trailing the national median of 50.0. It ranks lower than average due to economic and infrastructure challenges.

Trailing the State Average

With a score of 42.1, Torrance falls below the New Mexico average of 49.1. It faces tougher livability conditions than many other parts of the state.

Low Taxes and Affordable Homes

The county’s tax score of 89.2 is a highlight, supported by an effective tax rate of 0.467%. Housing is also relatively affordable with a cost score of 67.7.

Critical Water and Safety Issues

Water security is a major concern with a score of only 3.3. Economic opportunities are also limited, as evidenced by an income score of 8.7 and a median income of $46,250.

A Rural Option for Self-Sufficiency

This county is best for those seeking a rural lifestyle with low taxes who are prepared to handle local water constraints. It appeals to people who prioritize space and low overhead over local amenities.

Score breakdown

Tax89.2Cost67.7Safety16.2Health31.3Schools21.6Income8.7Risk53.9Water3.3Weather46
🏛89.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠67.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼8.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡16.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤31.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓21.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡53.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧3.3
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤46
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱31
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

Valencia County
New Mexico
31.9
Bernalillo County
New Mexico
27.6
Socorro County
New Mexico
54.4
Santa Fe County
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Guadalupe County
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Sandoval County
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Lincoln County
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Los Alamos County
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Deep Dives

Torrance County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Torrance County

via TaxByCounty

Torrance offers very affordable property taxes

Torrance County's effective tax rate of 0.467% falls well below the national median of 0.79%, placing it in the bottom quarter of U.S. counties. At just $677 in annual property taxes on a median home valued at $145,100, Torrance residents enjoy some of the nation's lowest tax burdens.

Below-average taxes in New Mexico

Torrance County's 0.467% rate runs 21% below New Mexico's state average of 0.595%, placing it among the state's most tax-friendly counties. The median tax bill of $677 is roughly 35% below the state average of $1,043, making Torrance exceptionally affordable.

Torrance taxes rank among the lowest regionally

Torrance's 0.467% rate beats most regional peers except for Taos (0.329%), placing it among New Mexico's most tax-efficient counties. Compared to Sandoval County (0.760%), Torrance homeowners pay roughly 39% less in property taxes.

Annual taxes average just $677

On Torrance County's median home value of $145,100, the effective tax rate of 0.467% translates to approximately $677 per year in property taxes. Homeowners with mortgages typically pay $880 annually, while those without mortgages pay around $528.

Confirm your assessment is fair

Despite Torrance's already-low tax rates, some homeowners may still be overassessed relative to market value. A free appeal to the county assessor could verify your assessment and potentially save you money.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Torrance County

via CostByCounty

Torrance's modest wages strain for mountain living

Torrance County's 21.9% rent-to-income ratio ranks among New Mexico's worst, with median household income of $46,250 trailing the U.S. average by $28,505. The gap widens considering median rent of $845, reflecting the county's high elevation and limited economic diversity.

Third-least affordable county in New Mexico

Torrance's 21.9% rent-to-income ratio exceeds New Mexico's state average of 19.4%, ranking among the state's most challenging housing markets. The county struggles to generate incomes sufficient to comfortably support even moderate housing costs.

Steep rents relative to income potential

Torrance's $845 median rent exceeds San Miguel ($774) and Socorro ($653) significantly while incomes remain lower than both competitors. The combination creates a housing squeeze, with residents dedicating a fifth of earnings to rent alone.

Rural life carries unexpected affordability challenges

Torrance households earning $46,250 annually spend $845 monthly on rent (21.9% of income), one of the state's highest proportional burdens. Homeowners pay $599 monthly toward homes averaging $145,100, straining modest-income households despite rural location.

Torrance requires strong financial planning

Consider Torrance County only if you have reliable external income or significant savings, as local wages cannot comfortably support housing costs. The county's high-elevation setting appeals to those seeking isolation, but budget carefully.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Torrance County

via IncomeByCounty

Torrance significantly lags national income

Torrance County's median household income of $46,250 falls $28,505 below the U.S. median of $74,755, representing roughly 62% of national average. The county ranks among lowest-income areas nationally.

Below New Mexico average

Torrance's median household income of $46,250 trails New Mexico's state average of $55,469 by $9,219. Its per capita income of $24,922 also falls below the state benchmark of $32,602.

Bottom tier of regional group

Torrance's $46,250 income ranks second-lowest among the profiled counties, surpassing only Sierra County ($37,840) by $8,410. Most neighboring counties earn substantially more.

Housing costs take large income share

Torrance County's rent-to-income ratio of 21.9% ranks among the highest in this group, meaning housing consumes significant income percentage. Median home value of $145,100 remains modest but represents substantial commitment relative to earnings.

Start small, save consistently

Torrance County residents should prioritize building emergency reserves before aggressive investing, given modest incomes. Employer retirement plans with matching, if available, offer powerful tax-advantaged growth even with small regular contributions.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Torrance County

via CrimeByCounty

Torrance County mirrors national crime rates

Torrance County has a safety score of 96.4 and a total crime rate of 2,308.8 per 100,000. This closely matches the national average crime rate of 2,385.5.

Slightly behind the state safety average

The county's safety score of 96.4 falls just below the state average of 97.4. However, its total crime rate is higher than the New Mexico average of 1,638.5.

Comparing rates with Santa Fe and Taos

Torrance’s crime rate of 2,308.8 is significantly lower than Santa Fe’s 3,754.5. However, it remains higher than neighboring Taos County, which sits at 1,392.3.

Higher property and violent crime rates

Violent crime is reported at 421.0 per 100K, which is above the national average. Property crime is 1,887.8, making it the primary driver of local crime statistics.

Enhanced security for Torrance residents

Given that crime rates match the national average, home security is a priority. Use smart locks and cameras to protect your property and family.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Torrance County

via HealthByCounty

Torrance lags well behind national benchmark

At 72.8 years, Torrance County's life expectancy falls 6.2 years short of the U.S. average of 79 years, placing it among the nation's lowest-performing rural counties. The 24.5% poor or fair health rate significantly exceeds the national 15% average, indicating widespread chronic disease and limited health infrastructure.

Third-worst health in New Mexico

Torrance's 72.8-year life expectancy ranks fourth-worst in the state, nearly 1 year below New Mexico's 73.7-year average. The 24.5% poor/fair health rate places it among the state's most distressed populations, though a 9.0% uninsured rate sits slightly below the state average.

Critical shortage in isolated county

Torrance's 72.8-year life expectancy trails neighboring Taos (76.5 years) and Sandoval (76.8 years), with only Socorro (71.0 years) and Sierra (69.6 years) performing worse. Most alarming: Torrance has just 7 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—a near-total provider desert compared to regional averages of 50-110.

Provider desert threatens basic care access

Torrance County's catastrophic shortage of 7 primary care providers per 100,000 residents means patients travel 30+ miles for routine care, delaying diagnosis and preventive treatment. The county's 9.0% uninsured rate masks a deeper crisis: even insured residents can't find doctors, leaving chronic disease unmanaged.

Health insurance + advocacy needed

Torrance residents must secure health coverage as a foundation, even as they advocate for provider recruitment and telemedicine expansion. Visit Healthcare.gov or call New Mexico's marketplace to explore Medicaid and plans—coverage is your first tool to demand better healthcare access.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Torrance County

via SchoolsByCounty

Three Districts Serving a Rural Landscape

Torrance County supports 11 public schools across three districts, educating a total of 2,176 students. The system is balanced with four elementary, three middle, and three high schools, plus one specialized 'other' institution.

Graduation Rates Align with State Averages

The county achieves a 79.9% graduation rate, slightly outperforming the state average of 79.0%. While the school score is 47.8 and per-pupil spending of $6,801 is below the state average, the county maintains consistent academic output.

Moriarty-Edgewood Leads Regional Education

The Moriarty-Edgewood School District is the largest in the county, operating seven schools for over 2,300 students. Estancia Municipal and Mountainair Public Schools serve the remaining rural student populations with smaller, localized campuses.

Entirely Rural and Close-Knit Schools

Every single school in Torrance County is classified as rural, offering students a quiet and focused environment with an average size of 198 students. Moriarty High is the standout campus with 698 students, nearly four times the size of most other local schools.

Invest in a Quiet Rural Education

Torrance County is ideal for families who value a rural lifestyle without sacrificing educational consistency. Focus your home search in the Moriarty-Edgewood area for the widest access to regional high school programs and extracurriculars.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Torrance County

via RiskByCounty

Torrance ranks among safest U.S. counties

Torrance County's composite risk score of 46.15 and 'Relatively Low' rating place it below the typical U.S. county in overall natural disaster exposure. The county's lower-risk profile reflects its lower-elevation, semi-arid landscape with reduced flood and seismic vulnerability.

New Mexico's safest county

Torrance County ranks as New Mexico's lowest-risk county with a score of 46.15, well below the state average of 58.92. The county's lower elevation and drier climate significantly reduce flood, earthquake, and composite risk compared to northern mountain counties.

Substantially safer than all peers

Torrance's 46.15 score is the lowest among all central and northern New Mexico counties, sitting notably below Socorro (61.48), Santa Fe (85.97), and Sandoval (76.97). The county benefits from its flatter terrain and position in the state's drier central plateau.

Wildfire presents the main hazard

Wildfire risk of 91.41 is Torrance's standout concern, creating exposure despite the county's otherwise low composite risk profile. Earthquake risk of 63.52 and flood risk of 62.85 remain relatively modest, reflecting the county's safer geographic position.

Standard coverage with wildfire focus

Torrance homeowners can rely on standard homeowners insurance for most protections, given the county's overall low-risk profile below the state average. Wildfire mitigation—maintaining defensible space and clearing brush—addresses the county's primary natural hazard exposure without requiring extraordinary insurance additions.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Torrance County

via WeatherByCounty

A Balanced High Desert Climate

Torrance County's 51.3°F annual average is slightly cooler than the national median. Its 14.0 inches of precipitation matches the New Mexico state average exactly.

Cooler Than the State Average

The county's annual temperature is 3.5 degrees lower than the New Mexico average of 54.8°F. It maintains a cooler profile than the low-lying plains to the east.

Similar to the Santa Fe Area

Torrance's 21.6 inches of snow is comparable to the 24.8 inches in Santa Fe County. Its 32 days of extreme heat also mirror the 33 days seen in Santa Fe.

Moderate Summers and Snowy Winters

Summer highs stay reasonable with a July average of 71.4°F and 32 days over 90°F. Winters bring 21.6 inches of snow and a January average of 32.0°F.

Plan for Significant Winter Snow

Residents should prepare for 21.6 inches of snow and freezing January temperatures. The moderate summer means high-end AC is less critical than in southern New Mexico.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Torrance County

via SoilByCounty

High Plains Soil Identity

Taxonomic data and pH levels for Torrance County are currently unmapped. Soils in this semi-arid grassland region are generally alkaline and likely exceed the national median pH of 6.5.

Prairie Soil Textures

Specific percentages for sand, silt, and clay are unavailable for the county's dominant soils. The open plains suggest a mix of silty and sandy textures that are prone to wind erosion if left uncovered.

Grassland Nutrient Needs

Organic matter and water capacity figures are not currently recorded for this area. Aim to improve your soil until it surpasses the state average of 1.27% organic matter to better sustain crops.

Water Movement on the Plains

Formal drainage and hydrologic classifications are missing for these soil types. Observing water absorption during irrigation is critical for managing the high evaporation rates common in this windy region.

Resilient Crops in Zone 6b

Torrance County is located in Hardiness Zone 6b, suitable for hardy grains and wind-resistant vegetables. Start a garden with native grasses and deep-rooted perennials to thrive on the high plains.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Torrance County

via LawnByCounty

Traditional Lawn Hurdles in Torrance

Torrance County sits at a 31.0 lawn difficulty score, placing it right in line with the New Mexico average. As a Zone 6b area, your lawn care routine will be significantly more demanding than the national average.

Moderate Temperatures and Scant Water

The county receives 14.0 inches of rain per year, which is exactly the state average but less than half of what a lush lawn prefers. With 32 extreme heat days, your summer is relatively mild compared to southern neighbors.

Building a Healthy Growing Base

Specific soil metrics are unavailable for this region, so homeowners should start with a basic texture test. Adding topsoil and compost is generally necessary to create a viable base for any new turfgrass.

Managing a Full Year of Drought

You have dealt with 53 weeks of drought over the past year, and the entire county remains abnormally dry. To conserve water, avoid mowing during the hottest part of the day and keep grass blades taller.

Seeding for Success in Zone 6b

Kentucky bluegrass and fescue blends are the standard for Zone 6b, providing resilience against cold winters. Aim for a planting window in mid-May once the frost threat ends around May 9.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Torrance County's county score?
Torrance County, New Mexico has a composite county score of 42.2 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 Torrance County rank among counties in New Mexico?
Torrance County ranks #22 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 Torrance County, New Mexico?
The median annual property tax in Torrance County is $677, with an effective tax rate of 0.47%. This earns Torrance County a tax score of 89.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Torrance County?
The median household income in Torrance County, New Mexico is $46,250 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Torrance County earns an income score of 8.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Torrance County, New Mexico a good place to live?
Torrance County scores 42.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #22 in New Mexico. The best way to evaluate Torrance 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 Torrance 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.