Sierra County, New Mexico
7 ZIP codes · Avg score 66/100 · Grade C · Updated 2026-06-03
Safe water is the norm for most of Sierra County's 7 ZIP codes — but a notable subset have documented violations that push the grade to the middle tier.
How Sierra County Compares
How Sierra County Compares
Sierra County scores 4 points above the New Mexico state average (62/100) and 2 points below the national average (68/100).
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
ZIP Code Risk Map
Water Quality Map: Sierra County, New Mexico
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Key Risk Factors
Health risk index: 17 (asthma 10.1%, diabetes 18.2%)
Estimated additional annual cost per homeowner: $923, driven primarily by energy_code_gap
Infrastructure: 0.378% avg pipe failure probability, 33% of ZIPs at high risk
54.3% of homes built before 1978 (lead paint era)
Violation History (2021–2025)
↑ Worsening trendEPA violation counts by year across Sierra County water systems. Health-based shown in red, total in blue.
Peak year: 2025 with 8 violations. Past 5 years: 18 total (18 health-based). Health-based violations are rising versus the prior 2-year window — worth closer monitoring.
Source: EPA SDWIS historical violations. Data may lag 6–12 months for the most recent year.
County Health Indicators vs National Average
Black markers indicate national averages. Source: CDC PLACES, Census ACS.
Infrastructure Overview
Sources: Census ACS (housing age), EPA SDWIS (infrastructure risk model), state bridge inspection data.
Compound Risk Breakdown
Estimated additional annual cost per homeowner: $923
Bar widths proportional to share of total annual risk cost. Source: compound risk model (FEMA, EPA, USGS).
Housing Age Distribution
7,500 housing units in Sierra County
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034 (Year Structure Built).
Water Safety Affordability
How much it costs to fix water issues relative to home values in Sierra County
Remediation costs are relatively manageable for most homeowners in Sierra County, representing a small fraction of property value.
Remediation includes water filtration, lead abatement, radon mitigation, and flood protection where applicable. Source: Census ACS, EPA SDWIS.
Health Outcomes vs National Average
CDC PLACES data for Sierra County residents
Black markers = national averages. Red = above national avg. Green = below. Source: CDC PLACES, Census ACS.
Water Systems with Most Violations
Top 5 systems in Sierra County ranked by EPA violation count.
| # | Water System | Population | Violations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES | 6,783 | 47 |
| 2 | Desertaire Water Company | 48 | 47 |
| 3 | Hillsboro Mdwca | 167 | 6 |
| 4 | Morningstar Water System | 5,694 | 3 |
| 5 | Rio Communities Water System | 5,374 | 3 |
9 total water systems serve Sierra County.
All ZIP Codes in Sierra County
7 ZIP codes tracked in Sierra County.
| # | ZIP Code | City | Safety Score | Grade | Violations | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 87935 | Elephant Butte | 82 | B | 3 (1 health) | $181K |
| 2 | 88042 | Hillsboro | 77 | B | 6 | $193K |
| 3 | 87931 | Caballo | 75 | B | 1 | — |
| 4 | 87942 | Williamsburg | 63 | C | 0 | $106K |
| 5 | 87901 | Truth Or Consequences | 58 | C | 47 (15 health) | $115K |
| 6 | 87654 | Spaceport City | 53 | D | 0 | — |
| 7 | 87943 | Winston | 53 | D | 0 | — |
Recommended Buyer Guides for Sierra County
Filtered against federal data, fitted to local risks.
- Best Lead Paint Test Kits — 54.3% of homes built before 1978
- Best Under-Sink Reverse Osmosis Systems — Multi-contaminant removal at the kitchen tap
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Sierra County, New Mexico
Overview
Sierra County in New Mexico covers 7 ZIP codes with an average Home Safety Score of C (66/100).
4 of 7 ZIP codes have recorded EPA violations. 16 health-based violations have been documented.
← Back to New Mexico water quality report
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Home values: U.S. Census Bureau ACS (median estimates by ZCTA)
Updated daily.