San Miguel
New Mexico

What stands out

If you had to describe San Miguel County in numbers, start here: the overdose death rate is among the highest in America (71 per 100,000), the school test score is in the bottom 3% of American counties (2.31 where 3.0 is grade level), and winter sunshine is in the top 8% of American counties (1.5 on the USDA scale). Within New Mexico it ranks 2nd of 33 counties for the overdose death rate.

Where you are

You live in San Miguel County, New Mexico. 27,215 people live here with you. The population shrank 0.9% last year, and more Americans moved out than in (net -126).

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 $43,490 a year, lower than 90% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $44,192. Unemployment runs 4.9%, higher than 88% of American counties. 12% of workers work from home.

New Mexico takes 3.8% of that median income in state income tax, about $1,635 a year.

Home

The median home costs $256K, pricier than 58% of American counties, about 2.8 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $724 a month. Property tax is 0.64% of home value, roughly $958 a year on that median home, lower than 73% of American counties. 72% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.9 per 1,000 residents, higher than 54% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 71 people per 100,000 in 2024, one of the harder-hit counties in the country.

A child born here can expect to live 75.0 years, shorter than 59% of American counties. There are 35 active physicians in the county, about 12.9 per 10,000 people. 12.4% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.31 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 97% of American counties. 83% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Democratic by 37 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 55°F, highs near 70 and lows near 40, colder than 54% of American counties. About 20 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 21 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 133 Mbps down, slower than 77% of American counties. There are 6 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.6 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 1 National Park Service site.