countyscore
60.8
County Score
Disaster Risk 87.9Cost of Living 85.6Safety 80.3

County Report Card

About Union County, New Mexico

Beating the National Median

Union County scores a high 60.8, placing it well above the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a remarkably stable and low-risk environment compared to the rest of the country.

A New Mexico Top Performer

Union County's score of 60.8 is significantly higher than the state average of 49.1. It stands as one of the most livable counties in New Mexico based on this data.

Stability and High Affordability

The county excels with a risk score of 87.9 and a safety score of 80.3. Housing is also very affordable, with a cost score of 85.6 and a median gross rent of $650.

Lower Incomes and Health Access

Local wages remain low with an income score of 7.7 and a median income of $45,319. Health access is also a challenge, reflected in a score of 26.8.

Best for Peace and Quiet

Union County is ideal for families or individuals seeking a safe, low-risk, and very affordable place to live. It is a standout choice for those who value community stability over big-city wages.

2040608010077.885.680.326.843.17.787.9744.3Tax77.8Cost85.6Safety80.3Health26.8Schools43.1Income7.7Risk87.9Water7Weather44.360.8/100
This county
National avg
4 above average5 below average

Union County DNA

Doverall

How Union County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Union County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (87.9/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (7/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
77.8+25.799999999999997
Cost
85.6+37.599999999999994
Safety
80.3+25.299999999999997
Health
26.8-23.2
Schools
43.1-10.899999999999999
Income
7.7-43.3
Risk
87.9+40.900000000000006
Water
7-51
Weather
44.3-11.700000000000003
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Union County?

Many homeowners in Union County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$135,900

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$650/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$135,900/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$26,000/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.0x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $45,319/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

24.8

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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Deep Dives

Union County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Union County

via TaxByCounty

Union County taxes are well below national average

Union County's effective tax rate of 0.571% sits below the national median of 0.79%, placing it in the bottom third of U.S. counties. With a median property tax of just $776 on homes valued at $135,900, Union residents pay about 71% less than the national median of $2,690.

Near average for New Mexico

Union County's 0.571% rate runs slightly below New Mexico's state average of 0.595%, placing it in the middle tier of state counties. The median tax bill of $776 is roughly 26% below the state average of $1,043, reflecting both a slightly-below-average rate and rural property values.

Union taxes similar to rural county peers

Union's 0.571% rate closely matches San Miguel (0.558%), Sierra (0.548%), and Socorro (0.553%), grouping these rural counties as moderate-tax jurisdictions. All substantially undercut Sandoval (0.760%) and provide meaningful savings versus higher-value markets.

Budget approximately $776 annually

On Union's median home value of $135,900, the effective tax rate of 0.571% results in about $776 per year in property taxes. Homeowners with mortgages typically pay $933 annually, while those without mortgages pay closer to $545.

Check your assessment against market value

Union County homeowners should verify their assessments match current market values, as some properties may be valued higher than warranted. Filing a free appeal with the county assessor is straightforward and could lower your annual tax bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Union County

via CostByCounty

Union's low rents anchor northeast affordability

Union County's 17.2% rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below the national baseline, with median rent of just $650—New Mexico's lowest. However, median household income of $45,319 trails the U.S. average by $29,436, meaning proportional savings are relative to modest local earnings.

Among New Mexico's most affordable counties

Union ranks among New Mexico's most affordable markets, with a 17.2% rent-to-income ratio well below the state average of 19.4%. The county's rural character and low demand keep housing costs remarkably accessible.

Cheapest rents in the region by far

Union's $650 median rent represents the region's lowest, barely edging Socorro's $653 and substantially undercutting all northern and central competitors. Home values ($135,900) match Socorro's accessibility, making Union the region's most affordable overall.

Budget-friendly living with clear tradeoffs

Union residents earning $45,319 annually dedicate just $650 monthly to rent (17.2% of income), freeing substantial earnings for other essentials. Homeowners spend $635 monthly toward affordable properties, though the county's remote location limits local job opportunities.

Union delivers affordability with isolation tradeoff

If remote work or retirement income provides financial stability, Union County offers New Mexico's most affordable housing with low rent and home cost burdens. The northeast location requires comfort with isolation but rewards residents with genuine financial breathing room.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Union County

via IncomeByCounty

Union lags far behind national average

Union County's median household income of $45,319 falls $29,436 below the U.S. median of $74,755, representing just 61% of national average earnings. The county ranks among the nation's lowest-income regions.

Below state average income

Union's median household income of $45,319 trails New Mexico's state average of $55,469 by $10,150. However, its per capita income of $37,697 runs above the state mean of $32,602, reflecting relatively equal income distribution.

Among the region's lowest earners

Union County's $45,319 income ranks second-lowest in this group, ahead of only Sierra County's $37,840. The county significantly lags Taos, Sandoval, and Santa Fe.

Most affordable housing ratio

Union County ties Socorro for the best rent-to-income ratio at 17.2%, with median home value of just $135,900. Housing remains highly accessible relative to local incomes.

Build wealth through automation

Union County households benefit from automated savings plans that remove decision-making friction and ensure consistent wealth-building. Even $50 monthly auto-transfers compound meaningfully over 30 years through disciplined investing.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Union County

via CrimeByCounty

Union County is exceptionally safe

Union County earns a high safety score of 99.3. Its total crime rate of 466.4 per 100,000 is far lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

One of the state’s safest counties

Union County's safety score of 99.3 far exceeds the New Mexico state average of 97.4. It is one of the most secure regions in the state based on 2022 data.

Safer than most New Mexico neighbors

With a rate of 466.4, Union County is much safer than Taos (1,392.3) or Santa Fe (3,754.5). It offers a quiet and secure rural environment for residents.

Balanced but low crime numbers

The county reports a violent crime rate of 220.9 and a property crime rate of 245.5 per 100K. Both categories remain exceptionally low compared to state and national norms.

Keep your rural property secure

Safety scores are high, but maintaining security is always important. Even in low-crime areas, keeping properties locked and well-lit discourages potential incidents.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Union County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small-Scale Education in Northeast New Mexico

Union County operates seven public schools across two districts, serving a compact student population of just 516. The infrastructure includes two elementary, two middle, and three high schools focused on rural accessibility.

High Per-Pupil Investment and Strong Results

Union County spends $8,571 per pupil, exceeding the state average of $7,957 and contributing to a strong school score of 52.7. The graduation rate of 81.9% is also notably higher than the state's 79.0% average.

Clayton Municipal Schools Leads the County

Clayton Municipal Schools is the primary district, managing four schools and 395 students. Des Moines Municipal Schools serves the remaining 120 students in the county through two highly specialized rural campuses.

The Ultimate Small-School Experience

All seven schools in the county are rural, featuring an incredibly small average enrollment of only 74 students. Alvis Elementary is the largest with 157 students, while several schools have enrollments of 70 students or fewer, ensuring maximum teacher attention.

Small-Town Living with Strong School Support

Families seeking an environment where every student is known by name will find Union County unmatched. Look for homes in Clayton to enjoy the benefits of a high-investment, low-ratio public school system.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Union County

via RiskByCounty

Union ranks among America's safest

Union County's composite risk score of 12.09 and 'Very Low' rating place it among the safest counties in the entire United States. The county's remote northeastern location and sparse development create exceptional protection against most natural disaster categories.

By far New Mexico's lowest-risk county

Union County scores just 12.09 against New Mexico's state average of 58.92—a dramatic gap that makes it the state's clear safety leader. The county's low scores across flood (7.09), earthquake (17.53), and tornado (12.44) categories reflect its unique geographic position.

Dramatically safer than all New Mexico peers

Union's 12.09 score represents a striking contrast to every other New Mexico county tracked, sitting far below Torrance (46.15), the state's second-safest. The county's isolation and sparse population contribute to its exceptional low-risk standing.

Wildfire the only notable hazard

Wildfire risk of 88.84 is Union County's lone hazard scoring above typical thresholds, creating the county's primary natural disaster exposure. All other hazards—flood (7.09), earthquake (17.53), tornado (12.44)—score exceptionally low, making Union one of America's lowest-risk counties.

Minimal special coverage needed

Union County residents face one of America's lowest natural disaster risk profiles and typically need only standard homeowners insurance coverage. Wildfire preparedness—clearing brush and maintaining defensible space—provides practical protection for the county's single meaningful hazard.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Union County

via WaterByCounty

F Grade for Health Violations in Union

Union County receives an F grade with 18 health violations over five years. The violation rate of 512.4 per 100,000 residents slightly exceeds the New Mexico state average of 475.7.

Significant Nutrient and Bacterial Impairment

Nearly 37% of assessed water bodies are impaired, which is almost double the state average of 20.0%. The 2022 assessment identifies nutrients, temperature, and E. coli as the primary threats to water health.

Single Site Monitors Union Waters

One monitoring site has provided 483 measurements over the past five years. This data collection primarily covers inorganics, physical traits, and metals within the county.

Live Discharge Data is Unavailable

No active USGS streamflow gauges are currently providing discharge data for Union County. This leaves a gap in the real-time understanding of surface water levels and drought conditions.

Guard Against Nutrients and Bacteria

High impairment rates for nutrients and E. coli mean residents should ensure their water systems are properly treated. Without live streamflow data to monitor dilution, consistent water testing is your best defense.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Union County

via WeatherByCounty

Windy Plains and Moderate Temps

Union County's annual average temperature of 52.4°F is just below the national median. It is wetter than much of the state, receiving 16.5 inches of precipitation.

Cooler and Wetter Than Average

At 52.4°F, the county is cooler than the 54.8°F state average. It also exceeds the state's average rainfall by 2.5 inches, making it a productive agricultural zone.

Consistent With the High Plains

Union receives 22.4 inches of snow, which is more than the 20.4 inches in San Miguel. It faces 42 extreme heat days, a count similar to its western neighbors.

Four Distinct Plains Seasons

July averages 73.3°F with 42 days reaching 90°F, while winter features 22.4 inches of snow. January is cold, with temperatures averaging 33.3°F.

Prepare for Snow and Wind

Solid home insulation is needed for the 33.3°F January lows and frequent snow. Residents should plan for 42 days of heat by using effective cooling and ventilation.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Union County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline Grassland Foundations

Union County soils feature an average pH of 7.32, which is more acidic than the state average of 7.48. This level remains significantly higher than the national median of 6.5, reflecting its semi-arid environment.

Balanced Texture Ratios

The soil contains a balanced mix of 43.6% sand, 32.3% silt, and 21.2% clay. This composition provides a stable structure that offers better drainage and workability than many other desert regions.

Above-Average Growing Potential

With 1.57% organic matter, these soils beat the state average of 1.27%. The available water capacity of 0.138 in/in also exceeds the state benchmark, indicating a higher natural potential for plant growth.

Stable and Productive Land

The county boasts a soil score of 30.0, which is much higher than the state average of 22.2. This high score suggests the land has superior physical properties for both agriculture and structural stability.

Productive Gardening in Zone 6b

Sitting in Hardiness Zone 6b, Union County is excellent for growing hardy vegetables and prairie grasses. Utilize the relatively high fertility to start a productive kitchen garden or a small orchard.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Union County

via LawnByCounty

Optimal Growing Conditions in Union

Union County is a regional standout with a lawn difficulty score of 50.4, making it the easiest place in New Mexico to grow grass. Your conditions actually align with the national average, a rarity for the state.

Balanced Moisture and Manageable Heat

Precipitation is relatively high at 16.5 inches, and 42 extreme heat days keep the environment manageable. You still need supplemental water, but the 3,078 growing degree days provide a healthy window for development.

Favorable Sandy Loam Soil Mix

Your soil is slightly alkaline with a pH of 7.32, which is just outside the ideal range. The mix of 21.2% clay and 43.6% sand provides a decent balance of nutrient retention and drainage for most grass types.

Stronger Resilience Against Drought

Unlike most of the state, you only faced 12 weeks of drought in the past year. While 90.3% of the area is currently abnormally dry, your resilience is much higher than that of your neighbors.

Best Native Grasses for Zone 6b

Zone 6b favors blue grama or buffalograss for a low-maintenance, native look. Schedule your seeding for early May to take advantage of the warming soil after the May 5 frost date.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Union County's county score?
Union County, New Mexico has a composite county score of 60.8 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 Union County rank among counties in New Mexico?
Union County ranks #6 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 Union County, New Mexico?
The median annual property tax in Union County is $776, with an effective tax rate of 0.57%. This earns Union County a tax score of 77.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Union County?
The median household income in Union County, New Mexico is $45,319 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Union County earns an income score of 7.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Union County, New Mexico a good place to live?
Union County scores 60.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #6 in New Mexico. The best way to evaluate Union 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 Union County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & 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.