Valencia
New Mexico

What stands out

Against every county in America, Valencia County is unusual in three ways: rainfall is among the driest in America (8 inches a year), winter sunshine is in the top 2% of American counties (2.5 on the USDA scale), and the overdose death rate is in the top 8% of American counties (37 per 100,000). Within New Mexico it ranks 5th of 33 counties for rainfall, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Valencia County, New Mexico. 76,613 people live here with you. The population grew 1.2% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +878).

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 $56,246 a year, lower than 63% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $49,642. Unemployment runs 4.3%, higher than 77% of American counties. 8% of workers work from home; for the rest the average commute is 28 minutes each way.

New Mexico takes 4.0% of that median income in state income tax, about $2,235 a year.

Home

The median home costs $316K, pricier than 73% of American counties, about 2.7 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $776 a month. Property tax is 0.70% of home value, roughly $1,296 a year on that median home, lower than 65% of American counties. 83% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.9 per 1,000 residents, higher than 51% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 37 people per 100,000 in 2024, one of the harder-hit counties in the country.

A child born here can expect to live 74.8 years, shorter than 62% of American counties. There are 34 active physicians in the county, about 4.4 per 10,000 people. 14.0% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.67 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 84% of American counties. 85% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 9 points. 58% 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 58°F, highs near 74 and lows near 42, warmer than 59% of American counties. About 8 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 74 out of 100, riskier than 74% of American counties; the county has had 15 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 236 Mbps down, faster than 67% of American counties. There are 5 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.4 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.