Land Market Insights and Pricing in McKinley County, New Mexico

McKinley County, New Mexico, offers a vast landscape of 5,455 square miles characterized by rugged terrain, including the Chuska Mountains, Defiance Plateau, and Zuni Mountains. The county's diverse topography features mesas, canyons, and valleys, with limited agricultural land in flatter areas near Gallup and Thoreau. Forested regions at higher elevations contrast with arid, desert-like conditions prevalent throughout. Interstate 40 and U.S. Route 491 provide good accessibility for potential land developments. The area boasts significant natural and cultural attractions, including parts of Chaco Culture National Historical Park and Cibola National Forest. However, potential land buyers should note the county's challenging economic landscape, with a high unemployment rate of 9.4% and a poverty rate of 30.5%, significantly above national averages. Additionally, property taxes at 1.89% exceed the national average, presenting a consideration for prospective landowners in this culturally rich region.