Catron
New Mexico

What stands out

Against every county in America, Catron County is unusual in three ways: winter sunshine is among the sunniest in America (3.2 on the USDA scale), homeownership is among the highest in America (87%), and the share working from home is in the top 2% of American counties (20%). Within New Mexico it ranks 1st of 33 counties for winter sunshine.

Where you are

You live in Catron County, New Mexico. 3,635 people live here with you, so most faces are familiar. The population grew 0.8% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +68).

New Mexico taxes Social Security only above $100,000 of income for single filers and $150,000 for joint filers, exempts military retirement, and has a graduated income tax with a 5.9% top rate. Home prices are low outside Santa Fe, where they are among the highest in the Mountain West. The state's oil production in the Permian Basin funds a large share of the budget and a permanent fund.

Money

The typical household here brings in $44,777 a year, lower than 89% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $41,645. Unemployment runs 5.1%, higher than 90% of American counties. 20% of workers work from home.

New Mexico takes 3.8% of that median income in state income tax, about $1,696 a year.

Home

The median home costs $241K, pricier than 53% of American counties, about 2.6 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $726 a month. Property tax is 0.42% of home value, roughly $650 a year on that median home, lower than 94% of American counties. 87% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 4.3 per 1,000 residents, higher than 71% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 28 people per 100,000 in 2024, one of the harder-hit counties in the country.

A child born here can expect to live 79.6 years, longer than 89% of American counties. There is 1 active physician in the county, about 2.8 per 10,000 people. 10.5% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

97% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 46 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 77% of eligible voters turned out. Under New Mexico law you can get a concealed-carry permit on request, abortion is protected by state law, and marijuana is legal for adults.

Weather and risk

The year averages 51°F, highs near 68 and lows near 34, colder than 71% of American counties. About 10 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 32 out of 100, safer than 68% of American counties; the county has had 12 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 75 Mbps down, slower than 94% of American counties. There are 14 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 1 National Park Service site.