Quay
New Mexico

What stands out

What stands out about Quay County: the median home price is in the bottom 3% of American counties ($102K), the median household income is in the bottom 6% of American counties ($38,998), and winter sunshine is in the top 6% of American counties (1.8 on the USDA scale). Within New Mexico it ranks 2nd of 30 counties for the median home price, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Quay County, New Mexico. 8,641 people live here with you, so most faces are familiar. The population held steady at 0.2% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +86).

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 $38,998 a year, lower than 94% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $43,268. Unemployment runs 4.3%, higher than 78% of American counties. 5% of workers work from home.

New Mexico takes 3.7% of that median income in state income tax, about $1,424 a year.

Home

The median home costs $102K, cheaper than 97% of American counties, about 1.5 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $724 a month. Property tax is 0.60% of home value, roughly $463 a year on that median home, lower than 76% of American counties. 68% 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 20 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 71.6 years, shorter than 90% of American counties. There are 4 active physicians in the county, about 4.6 per 10,000 people. 13.2% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.74 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 78% of American counties. 86% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 34 points. 62% 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 59°F, highs near 74 and lows near 44, warmer than 63% of American counties. About 21 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 10 out of 100, safer than 90% of American counties; the county has had 7 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 176 Mbps down, slower than 60% of American counties. There are 4 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.9 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.