McKinley
New Mexico

What stands out

What stands out about McKinley County: life expectancy is among the shortest in America (65.2 years), the school test score is among the lowest in America (2.11 where 3.0 is grade level), and rainfall is among the driest in America (9 inches a year). Within New Mexico it ranks 1st of 32 counties for life expectancy, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in McKinley County, New Mexico. 72,073 people live here with you. The population shrank 1.6% last year, and more Americans moved out than in (net -1,053).

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 $44,029 a year, lower than 89% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $47,226. Unemployment runs 5.7%, higher than 95% of American counties. 10% of workers work from home.

New Mexico takes 3.8% of that median income in state income tax, about $1,660 a year.

Home

The median home costs $221K, cheaper than 55% of American counties, about 1.4 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $840 a month. Property tax is 1.91% of home value, roughly $1,339 a year on that median home, higher than 96% of American counties. 72% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 4.9 per 1,000 residents, higher than 93% 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 65.2 years, shorter than almost every county in America. There are 126 active physicians in the county, about 17.5 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 2.0 of 5 stars. 14.7% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.11 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than almost every county in America. 81% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Democratic by 35 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 51°F, highs near 67 and lows near 36, colder than 69% of American counties. About 9 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 54 out of 100, riskier than 54% of American counties; the county has had 11 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 158 Mbps down, slower than 68% of American counties. There are 3 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.5 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.