Sierra
New Mexico

What stands out

Three things set Sierra County apart from the other 3,142 counties: rainfall is among the driest in America (9 inches a year), winter sunshine is in the top 2% of American counties (2.5 on the USDA scale), and the median household income is in the bottom 4% of American counties ($35,256). Within New Mexico it ranks 7th of 33 counties for rainfall, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Sierra County, New Mexico. 11,506 people live here with you. The population held steady at 0.1% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +221).

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 $35,256 a year, lower than 96% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $44,291. Unemployment runs 5.9%, higher than 96% of American counties. 9% of workers work from home.

New Mexico takes 3.5% of that median income in state income tax, about $1,248 a year.

Home

The median home costs $191K, cheaper than 67% of American counties, about 2.4 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $747 a month. Property tax is 0.53% of home value, roughly $734 a year on that median home, lower than 85% of American counties. 73% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.9 per 1,000 residents, lower than 51% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 23 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 93% of American counties. There are 12 active physicians in the county, about 10.4 per 10,000 people. 16.2% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

90% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 12 points. 66% 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 61°F, highs near 75 and lows near 46, warmer than 69% of American counties. About 9 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 19 out of 100, safer than 81% of American counties; the county has had 13 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 126 Mbps down, slower than 79% of American counties. There are 3 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.9 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.