The Challenges of Living in New Mexico: Exploring the Top 10 Reasons for Its Low Population Growth

Introduction:

Did you know that New Mexico's population growth in the past decade has been significantly lower than the national average? With a mere 2.8 percent increase compared to the national average of 7.4 percent, New Mexico stands as the sixth least densely populated state in the United States, with only about 17 people per square mile. In this article, we will explore the ten key reasons behind the low population density in New Mexico.

Poor Infrastructure:

New Mexicans face daily challenges with crumbling roads, deteriorating bridges, and inadequate internet access. The state has 207 bridges and over 3,800 miles of highways that are rated as being in poor condition. Shockingly, more than 30 percent of New Mexicans lack internet access, limiting their connectivity and opportunities. Public transportation in New Mexico is also reported to be inadequate, further hindering mobility.

Limited Job Opportunities:

Job opportunities in New Mexico are relatively scarce, especially outside major industries such as tourism, food, energy, logistics, transportation, and gas and oil. The state's unemployment rate of 4.1 percent is higher than the national average of 3.5 percent, making it challenging for individuals seeking employment. Even if one secures a job, the average salary may be lower than in many other states, impacting the overall quality of life.

Mental Health and Drug Issues:

New Mexico faces significant challenges related to mental health and drug addiction. The state has the highest alcohol-related death rate in the country, with nearly 1,900 alcohol-related deaths in 2020 alone. Additionally, New Mexico has the second highest drug overdose rate and a disproportionately high suicide rate. These issues affect people of all ages, posing a serious concern for the overall well-being of the population.

Underperforming School System:

The state's education system struggles to meet the needs of students, with low proficiency rates in key subjects. Recent proficiency exams revealed that only around 30 percent of students passed exams in early literacy, language arts, math, and science. Moreover, New Mexico faces a shortage of teachers due to low pay, resulting in larger classroom sizes and inadequate attention for students.

High Crime Rates:

New Mexico experiences a high rate of violent crime, ranking second-highest among all U.S. states. In Espanola, crime has escalated to the point where local police have sought assistance from state police. These alarming crime rates create an atmosphere of insecurity and contribute to the reluctance of individuals to settle in the state.

Environmental Challenges:

As a predominantly desert state, New Mexico encounters issues related to dust and dust storms. Dust storms, known as haboobs, can be severe and pose hazardous driving conditions. Dust allergies are also common due to the prevalence of dust in the region, causing various health problems.

Sparse Population and Isolation:

New Mexico's low population density and vast land area contribute to isolation and a sense of loneliness. With a population of around 2.1 million, the state's rural nature and long distances between communities make it challenging to establish close-knit neighborhoods and communities.

High Poverty Rates:

New Mexico suffers from a high poverty rate of 18.4 percent, significantly surpassing the national average of 11.6 percent. Children are particularly affected, with around 28 percent of children under the age of 5 and 25 percent under the age of 18 living in poverty. The correlation between child poverty and educational outcomes further impacts the state's overall development.

Extreme Weather Conditions:

New Mexico experiences extreme weather fluctuations, with scorching summers and freezing winters. The state's limited tree cover results in a scarcity of shaded areas during hot summer days,

Conclusion:

New Mexico faces multiple challenges that make it less attractive for potential residents. From poor infrastructure and limited job opportunities to mental health issues, high crime rates, and extreme weather conditions, these factors collectively contribute to the state's low population growth. Despite its natural beauty and cultural heritage, New Mexico continues to struggle in attracting new residents.