Torrance
New Mexico

What stands out

Three things set Torrance County apart from the other 3,142 counties: winter sunshine is among the sunniest in America (2.6 on the USDA scale), the restaurant count per person is in the bottom 2% of American counties (0.3 per 1,000), and the average commute is in the top 3% of American counties (33 minutes). Within New Mexico it ranks 12th of 33 counties for winter sunshine.

Where you are

You live in Torrance County, New Mexico. 15,203 people live here with you. The population grew 1.6% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +336).

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 $50,727 a year, lower than 78% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $51,439. Unemployment runs 5.4%, higher than 93% of American counties. 10% of workers work from home; for the rest the average commute is 33 minutes each way.

New Mexico takes 3.9% of that median income in state income tax, about $1,975 a year.

Home

The median home costs $230K, cheaper than 51% of American counties, about 2.1 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $717 a month. Property tax is 0.54% of home value, roughly $716 a year on that median home, lower than 84% of American counties. 83% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 4.1 per 1,000 residents, higher than 64% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 35 people per 100,000 in 2024, one of the harder-hit counties in the country.

A child born here can expect to live 73.6 years, shorter than 75% of American counties. There are 2 active physicians in the county, about 1.3 per 10,000 people. 17.0% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.88 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 65% of American counties. 86% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 30 points. 61% 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 54°F, highs near 69 and lows near 38, colder than 59% of American counties. About 16 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 31 out of 100, safer than 69% of American counties; the county has had 14 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 134 Mbps down, slower than 77% of American counties. There are 3 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.3 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 1 National Park Service site.