Luna
New Mexico

What stands out

What stands out about Luna County: unemployment is among the highest in America (9.9%), winter sunshine is among the sunniest in America (2.8 on the USDA scale), and rainfall is among the driest in America (8 inches a year). Within New Mexico it ranks 1st of 33 counties for unemployment.

Where you are

You live in Luna County, New Mexico. 25,393 people live here with you. The population shrank 1.5% last year, and more Americans moved out than in (net -338).

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 $38,241 a year, lower than 95% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $48,771. Unemployment runs 9.9%, higher than almost every county in America. 7% of workers work from home.

New Mexico takes 3.6% of that median income in state income tax, about $1,388 a year.

Home

The median home costs $169K, cheaper than 77% of American counties, about 1.9 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $528 a month. Property tax is 0.59% of home value, roughly $597 a year on that median home, lower than 78% of American counties. 67% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 4.7 per 1,000 residents, higher than 87% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 25 people per 100,000 in 2024, one of the harder-hit counties in the country.

A child born here can expect to live 72.6 years, shorter than 83% of American counties. There are 14 active physicians in the county, about 5.5 per 10,000 people. 17.0% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.44 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 95% of American counties. 73% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 9 points. 53% 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 64°F, highs near 80 and lows near 48, warmer than 81% of American counties. About 8 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 57 out of 100, riskier than 57% of American counties; the county has had 7 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 83 Mbps down, slower than 92% of American counties. There are 5 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 1.0 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.