Is Otero County, NM a radon risk area?

Otero County is mapped as Zone 2 - Moderate Potential by EPA — meaning the county-wide average indoor level is predicted between 2 and 4 pCi/L. Nationally, Otero County ranks higher in radon potential than 58% of rated counties (the 58th percentile).

Where Otero County sits nationally

About 69,711 people live in Otero County, New Mexico, spread over 6,612.562 square miles. That works out to roughly 11 people per square mile. Rank 264 by population within its EPA zone puts Otero County at the 74th percentile among zone peers. Geologically, Otero 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

Neither at the 4 pCi/L action level nor down at the roughly 1.3 pCi/L national indoor norm, Otero County's Zone 2 prediction lands in the gap between the two. Nothing about a Zone 2 label lowers the case for testing in Otero County — EPA recommends it in every zone, moderate included.

Testing and mitigation in Otero County

Nothing about Otero County's EPA zone changes the mitigation number: $800–$2,500 nationally (around $1,200 typical), set by the house's foundation rather than the county it sits in — and only relevant once a test actually clears 4 pCi/L.

Find New Mexico's state radon program

Otero County's test kit answers today; a Airthings radon monitor keeps answering for Otero County over time. Affiliate link, RadonZoneCheck earns a commission there, at no extra cost to you. Code RADONZONE-10OFF takes 10% off at checkout.

More on how this number was built

The methodology guide shows exactly which EPA and Census sources feed Otero County's numbers. Whatever zone Otero County carries, the zone explainer covers what it does and doesn't tell you about any one house.