The poorest town in New Mexico, as of the latest data from 2024, is Anthony. It ranks as the poorest place in the state due to a combination of extremely low median household income and a high poverty rate. Anthony has a population of 8,708 people and a median income of just $27,406, which is the lowest in New Mexico. The poverty rate in Anthony is about 37%, the highest among all towns in the state. This means that over one-third of the town’s residents live below the federally established poverty line.
The economic challenges facing Anthony stem from limited job opportunities and overall low wages. The town suffers from a lack of employment options, contributing to persistent poverty. Despite this, the cost of living in Anthony is relatively low compared to many other parts of the state, which helps somewhat, as housing and day-to-day expenses are more affordable than in more prosperous regions. However, this affordability is not enough to lift a significant portion of the population out of poverty.
Other towns with high poverty in New Mexico include Truth or Consequences, Tucumcari, and Las Vegas (the town in New Mexico, not the one in Nevada), but none surpass Anthony in terms of poverty rate and lowest median income. Truth or Consequences, for example, has the second lowest median income and a poverty rate of 30%.
Anthony’s situation reflects the broader poverty issues faced by New Mexico, one of the poorest states in the U.S. Poverty in New Mexico is often concentrated in rural areas, where many communities are isolated from formal job markets and essential services like medical care and social support. This isolation exacerbates economic struggles and results in higher rates of poverty and social inequality.
Social and structural factors contribute to the high poverty levels in towns like Anthony. The state has historically faced challenges in creating well-paying jobs, and many residents are locked out of economic opportunities. Furthermore, minorities such as Hispanics and Native Americans, who make up a large part of the population, have often been excluded from economic development efforts and governmental support.
In summary, Anthony is the poorest town in New Mexico as of 2024, primarily due to its extremely low median income and high poverty rate. The town’s economic difficulties are intertwined with limited job prospects, low wages, and systemic social challenges that affect many parts of rural New Mexico. While the cost of living is low in Anthony, it is insufficient to offset the financial hardships faced by many of its residents, making it a critical example of poverty in the state.
