RANK #394 / 996 · POP 121,798 · NM
PROJECTED GROWTH: +1.2%
San Juan County, New Mexico, is defined by its dramatic landscapes and rich cultural history, notably as part of the Four Corners region where four states meet. The iconic Shiprock pinnacle, a sacred Navajo landmark, rises dramatically from the high desert terrain. Located in the northwest corner of the state, the county is rural, with Farmington serving as its largest city and a regional hub. Commutes within the county and to nearby towns like Aztec and Bloomfield are managed by local transit services. The area boasts extensive outdoor recreation, including world-class fly fishing on the San Juan River, boating and camping at Navajo Lake, and numerous trails for hiking, mountain biking, and off-roading.
Life in San Juan County offers a lower cost of living compared to national averages, attracting families and retirees. The local economy, historically reliant on natural gas, oil, and coal, is actively diversifying. While energy production remains a significant sector, there is a growing focus on expanding manufacturing, healthcare, and tourism, particularly outdoor recreation. Educational opportunities include four public school districts and San Juan College, which also hosts a high school where students can earn an associate degree alongside their diploma.
Contracting economy
Moderate climate & terrain
Housing looks undervalued at 3.8x — home prices are low relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
San Juan 1 Solar and Battery Storage Facility (Phase 1)
D.E. Shaw Renewable Investments (DESRI) / Public Service Company of New Mexico (PNM)
|
$500M | Under Construction |
|
Sunbelt Project (Solar and Battery Storage)
Public Service Company of New Mexico (PNM)
|
$220M | Planned |
|
Natural Gas Pipeline Extension to San Juan County Industrial Park
New Mexico Gas Co.
|
$50M | Under Construction |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
San Juan County has a Boom Town Index score of 60/100, ranking #394 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +1.8% and a median household income of $50,734, it's an above-average county on economic indicators.
The median home value in San Juan County is $170,700 with median rent at $894/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.2972, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: -0.9% year-over-year. Job growth: +1.8%. Home values changed +2.6% in the past 12 months.