Rio Arriba
New Mexico

What stands out

Against every county in America, Rio Arriba County is unusual in three ways: the overdose death rate is among the highest in America (110 per 100,000), the school test score is in the bottom 2% of American counties (2.26 where 3.0 is grade level), and home internet speed is in the bottom 3% of American counties (59 Mbps). Within New Mexico it ranks 1st of 33 counties for the overdose death rate.

Where you are

You live in Rio Arriba County, New Mexico. 40,285 people live here with you. The population held steady at 0.3% last year, and more Americans moved out than in (net -54).

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 $52,031 a year, lower than 75% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $48,908. Unemployment runs 4.3%, higher than 78% of American counties. 8% of workers work from home; for the rest the average commute is 26 minutes each way.

New Mexico takes 3.9% of that median income in state income tax, about $2,036 a year.

Home

The median home costs $345K, pricier than 78% of American counties, about 3.3 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $679 a month. Property tax is 0.45% of home value, roughly $946 a year on that median home, lower than 92% of American counties. 79% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 4.0 per 1,000 residents, higher than 57% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 110 people per 100,000 in 2024, one of the harder-hit counties in the country.

A child born here can expect to live 70.9 years, shorter than 94% of American counties. There are 46 active physicians in the county, about 11.4 per 10,000 people. 12.5% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.26 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 98% of American counties. 85% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Democratic by 29 points. 57% 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 48°F, highs near 63 and lows near 33, colder than 82% of American counties. About 13 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 63 out of 100, riskier than 63% of American counties; the county has had 16 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 59 Mbps down, slower than 97% of American counties. There are 6 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.4 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.