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.

Score breakdown

Tax77.8Cost85.6Safety80.3Health26.8Schools43.1Income7.7Risk87.9Water7Weather44.3
🏛77.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠85.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼7.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡80.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤26.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓43.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡87.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧7
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤44.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨30
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱50.4
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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Deep Dives

Union County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Health in Union County

via HealthByCounty

Union slightly below national life expectancy

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.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

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

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.

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.