Chaves
New Mexico

What stands out

Three things set Chaves County apart from the other 3,142 counties: winter sunshine is among the sunniest in America (2.8 on the USDA scale), rainfall is in the bottom 4% of American counties (13 inches a year), and the overdose death rate is in the top 6% of American counties (39 per 100,000). Within New Mexico it ranks 3rd of 33 counties for winter sunshine.

Where you are

You live in Chaves County, New Mexico. 64,701 people live here with you. The population shrank 0.5% last year, and more Americans moved out than in (net -395).

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 $49,673 a year, lower than 80% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $47,769. Unemployment runs 4.2%, higher than 76% of American counties. 4% of workers work from home.

New Mexico takes 3.9% of that median income in state income tax, about $1,926 a year.

Home

The median home costs $175K, cheaper than 73% of American counties, about 2.2 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $797 a month. Property tax is 0.60% of home value, roughly $804 a year on that median home, lower than 76% of American counties. 67% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 4.1 per 1,000 residents, higher than 66% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 39 people per 100,000 in 2024, one of the harder-hit counties in the country.

A child born here can expect to live 72.9 years, shorter than 81% of American counties. There are 100 active physicians in the county, about 15.5 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 1.5 of 5 stars. 17.2% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.90 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 63% of American counties. 81% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 38 points. 51% 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 62°F, highs near 77 and lows near 46, warmer than 73% of American counties. About 13 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 56 out of 100, riskier than 56% of American counties; the county has had 9 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 205 Mbps down, faster than 53% of American counties. There are 3 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.6 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 3 museums.