McKinley County, NM: EPA's radon zone, explained

EPA places McKinley County in Zone 2 - Moderate Potential — a predicted county-wide average indoor radon level between 2 and 4 pCi/L, based on the geology, soil and aerial radioactivity data behind EPA's national map. Nationally that's the 57th percentile for radon potential — McKinley County outranks 57% of every county EPA has rated.

How McKinley County compares

McKinley County, New Mexico is home to about 68,945 people across 5,451.064 square miles. That works out to roughly 13 people per square mile. By population, McKinley County is the 269th largest of every county sharing its EPA zone — the 74th percentile by population within that zone. Geologically, McKinley County is grouped into EPA Region 6 alongside 502 other counties that share its rock and soil setting.

Why the zone isn't the answer by itself

EPA's Zone 2 rating for McKinley County sits below its own 4 pCi/L action level but above the national indoor average of about 1.3 pCi/L. Nothing about a Zone 2 label lowers the case for testing in McKinley County — EPA recommends it in every zone, moderate included.

Testing and mitigation in McKinley County

For a McKinley County homeowner, the order is simple: test first, since a kit costs a small fraction of what mitigation would. Only if the result clears 4 pCi/L does a system — typically $800–$2,500, about $1,200 for a common install — become worth pricing out.

Find New Mexico's state radon program

For McKinley County, an ongoing number beats a one-time test - a Airthings radon monitor tracks McKinley County's levels over time. RadonZoneCheck earns a commission there, at no extra cost to you. RADONZONE-10OFF at checkout knocks 10% off.

Where McKinley County's figures come from

The methodology guide shows exactly which EPA and Census sources feed McKinley County's numbers. The guide to what a radon zone actually means covers why testing matters in every zone, not just Zone 1.