Union County scores 73.9, the highest of all eight counties and 24 percentile points above the national median of 50.0. Its exceptional affordability and favorable tax treatment secure this top-tier national ranking.
2 / 5
Top performer in New Mexico sample
Union ranks highest among these eight New Mexico counties with a composite score of 73.9, solidly above the state average of 69.8. It stands out as a livability standout in the state despite its isolated location.
3 / 5
Outstanding cost and tax profile
Union delivers the lowest median rent at $650 per month and a cost score of 87.2, paired with a tax score of 86.2 and effective tax rate of 0.571%. Median home value of $135,900 makes it nearly unbeatable on affordability.
4 / 5
Economic isolation and elevated risk
The income score of 13.0 and median household income of $45,319 reflect one of the nation's most isolated, resource-limited rural economies. The risk score of 87.9 is dramatically elevated—residents must thoroughly research environmental and natural hazard exposure.
5 / 5
For self-sufficient remote workers only
Union County suits only the most independent remote workers and retirees who thrive in genuine isolation and can afford to mitigate environmental risks. It's ideal for those with substantial savings, low overhead, and no need for nearby services or job opportunities.
Union County scores 73.9, the highest of all eight counties and 24 percentile points above the national median of 50.0. Its exceptional affordability and favorable tax treatment secure this top-tier national ranking.
Top performer in New Mexico sample
Union ranks highest among these eight New Mexico counties with a composite score of 73.9, solidly above the state average of 69.8. It stands out as a livability standout in the state despite its isolated location.
Outstanding cost and tax profile
Union delivers the lowest median rent at $650 per month and a cost score of 87.2, paired with a tax score of 86.2 and effective tax rate of 0.571%. Median home value of $135,900 makes it nearly unbeatable on affordability.
Economic isolation and elevated risk
The income score of 13.0 and median household income of $45,319 reflect one of the nation's most isolated, resource-limited rural economies. The risk score of 87.9 is dramatically elevated—residents must thoroughly research environmental and natural hazard exposure.
For self-sufficient remote workers only
Union County suits only the most independent remote workers and retirees who thrive in genuine isolation and can afford to mitigate environmental risks. It's ideal for those with substantial savings, low overhead, and no need for nearby services or job opportunities.
Score breakdown
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🏛86.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
Union County residents live 73.8 years on average, about 5 years short of the U.S. life expectancy of 79 years. The 24.8% poor or fair health rate significantly exceeds the national 15% average, indicating substantial chronic disease and health management gaps.
Below-average health, high uninsured rate
Union's 73.8-year life expectancy nearly matches New Mexico's 73.7-year average, placing it squarely in the state's middle tier. However, the 24.8% poor/fair health rate and 12.1% uninsured rate both exceed state averages, suggesting compounded barriers to healthcare access and wellness.
Limited provider access in isolated county
Union's 73.8-year life expectancy ranks below most regional peers except Socorro (71.0 years) and Sierra (69.6 years), trailing Taos and Sandoval significantly. The county's critical shortage of 24 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—less than a quarter of Santa Fe's supply—isolates residents from preventive care.
Severe provider shortage meets high uninsured rate
Union's 24 primary care providers per 100,000 residents represent one of the state's most severe shortages, forcing residents to travel across county lines for care. The 12.1% uninsured rate—tied with Santa Fe despite vastly different incomes—suggests affordability and enrollment barriers compound the provider access crisis.
Take control with health insurance
More than 1 in 8 Union County residents lack coverage, making it impossible to manage the chronic disease affecting nearly a quarter of the population. Visit Healthcare.gov or call New Mexico's marketplace to explore Medicaid, subsidized plans, and resources—enrollment is your first step toward care access.
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.