Union
New Mexico

What stands out

If you had to describe Union County in numbers, start here: the overdose death rate is among the lowest in America (-999 per 100,000), the uninsured rate is in the top 4% of American counties (20.3%), and the median home price is in the bottom 6% of American counties ($117K). Within New Mexico it ranks 2nd of 33 counties for the overdose death rate, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Union County, New Mexico. 4,074 people live here with you, so most faces are familiar. The population shrank 0.5% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +7).

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 $41,714 a year, lower than 92% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $46,421. Unemployment runs 2.9%, lower than 70% of American counties. 7% of workers work from home.

New Mexico takes 3.7% of that median income in state income tax, about $1,552 a year.

Home

The median home costs $117K, cheaper than 94% of American counties, about 2.4 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $577 a month. Property tax is 0.50% of home value, roughly $633 a year on that median home, lower than 88% of American counties. 65% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.9 per 1,000 residents, higher than 53% of American counties.

A child born here can expect to live 74.6 years, shorter than 64% of American counties. There are 2 active physicians in the county, about 4.9 per 10,000 people. 20.3% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.42 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than 93% of American counties. 88% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 51 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 56% 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 53°F, highs near 68 and lows near 38, colder than 62% of American counties. About 17 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 6 out of 100, safer than 94% of American counties; the county has had 7 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 121 Mbps down, slower than 81% of American counties. There are 2 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 1.0 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 1 National Park Service site.