Taos
New Mexico

What stands out

Against every county in America, Taos County is unusual in three ways: the overdose death rate is in the top 2% of American counties (55 per 100,000), the property tax rate is in the bottom 5% of American counties (0.40%), and the home price against local income is in the top 5% of American counties (4.5 years of income). Within New Mexico it ranks 3rd of 33 counties for the overdose death rate.

Where you are

You live in Taos County, New Mexico. 34,475 people live here with you. The population shrank 0.5% last year, and more Americans moved out than in (net -46).

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 $55,145 a year, lower than 67% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $45,377. Unemployment runs 4.9%, higher than 87% of American counties. 15% of workers work from home; for the rest the average commute is 19 minutes each way.

New Mexico takes 4.0% of that median income in state income tax, about $2,183 a year.

Home

The median home costs $447K, pricier than 90% of American counties, about 4.5 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $997 a month. Property tax is 0.40% of home value, roughly $1,239 a year on that median home, lower than 95% of American counties. 81% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.4 per 1,000 residents, lower than 75% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 55 people per 100,000 in 2024, one of the harder-hit counties in the country.

A child born here can expect to live 77.9 years, longer than 74% of American counties. There are 81 active physicians in the county, about 23.5 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 1.0 of 5 stars. 14.4% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.54 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 92% of American counties. 93% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Democratic by 53 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 65% 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 44°F, highs near 58 and lows near 30, colder than 93% of American counties. About 16 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 55 out of 100, riskier than 56% of American counties; the county has had 10 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 76 Mbps down, slower than 93% of American counties. There are 3 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 1.6 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 2 breweries, 7 museums.