Anthony, New Mexico, has been named the poorest town in the state, a distinction that highlights the profound economic challenges facing this small border community. With a population of just under 9,000, Anthony consistently ranks at the bottom of statewide economic indicators, including median household income and poverty rate.
Economic Indicators
Anthony’s median household income is among the lowest in New Mexico. As of 2023, the median household income was $33,141, which is significantly below the state and national averages. The average annual household income is slightly higher, at $44,318, but this figure is skewed by a small number of higher earners and does not reflect the experience of most residents. The poverty rate in Anthony is staggering: nearly 36% of families live below the poverty line, and more than 3,000 people in the town are considered impoverished. These figures place Anthony at the top of the list of the poorest places in New Mexico for 2024 and 2025.
Causes of Persistent Poverty
Anthony’s economic struggles are rooted in a combination of historical, structural, and geographic factors. The town lies in the agriculturally rich Mesilla Valley, but despite its proximity to productive farmland, Anthony itself has not thrived economically for decades. The decline of local industry—such as the closure of tomato and onion canneries in the early 2000s—forced many residents to seek work farther afield, often commuting long distances for low-wage jobs. The local economy is heavily reliant on agriculture and seasonal work, which are both low-paying and unstable. Drought and climate change have also taken a toll, further reducing local job opportunities and deepening food insecurity.
Demographics and Social Challenges
Anthony’s population is overwhelmingly Hispanic, with nearly 100% of residents identifying as Hispanic or Latino. The median age is just under 30, indicating a relatively young population, but this youthfulness has not translated into economic opportunity or upward mobility. Many families struggle with food insecurity, and at least one in six people in the surrounding Doña Ana County have experienced hunger in recent years. The lack of diverse employment options, combined with limited access to higher education and job training, perpetuates a cycle of poverty for many residents.
Community Response and Resilience
Despite these challenges, Anthony is not without hope. Local organizations and small farms are working to rebuild the community’s economic base and improve food security. Initiatives aimed at supporting small-scale agriculture and providing social services have become more prominent, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which exposed and exacerbated existing vulnerabilities. Residents have demonstrated resilience and solidarity, relying on community networks to weather economic storms and advocate for better opportunities.
Anthony’s status as the poorest town in New Mexico is a reflection of deep-seated economic and social issues that have persisted for decades. The combination of low wages, high poverty, limited job opportunities, and food insecurity presents significant obstacles for residents. However, the community’s efforts to support one another and seek new paths forward suggest that, while the challenges are daunting, they are not insurmountable.
Sources
[1] https://www.roadsnacks.net/poorest-places-in-new-mexico/
[2] https://www.point2homes.com/US/Neighborhood/NM/Anthony-Demographics.html
[3] https://searchlightnm.org/anthony-new-mexico-finds-solidarity-in-pandemic/
[4] https://www.newmexico-demographics.com/anthony-demographics
[5] https://www.iheart.com/content/2023-12-20-the-poorest-city-in-new-mexico/
