According to recent data, Anthony has been identified as the poorest town in New Mexico for 20241. This small town of 8,708 residents faces significant economic challenges, characterized by the lowest median household income in the state and the highest poverty rate.
Key Statistics for Anthony, NM
- Population: 8,708
- Median Income: $27,406 (lowest in New Mexico)
- Poverty Rate: 37.0% (highest in New Mexico)
- Number of People in Poverty: 3,217
Anthony’s economic struggles are evident in these stark figures. The town’s median income is substantially lower than other cities in New Mexico, and more than one-third of its population lives below the poverty line.
Contributing Factors
Several factors contribute to Anthony’s status as the poorest town in New Mexico:
- Low Pay: The median household income is the lowest in the state, indicating a lack of high-paying job opportunities.
- High Unemployment: While specific unemployment figures for Anthony are not provided, the combination of low pay and high poverty rates suggests limited job availability.
- Lack of Economic Diversity: The data implies that Anthony may lack a diverse economic base, which can make it vulnerable to economic downturns.
Despite these challenges, it’s worth noting that Anthony does have some mitigating factors. The cost of living in the town ranks in the bottom 15% of places in New Mexico, making necessities like housing relatively more affordable for residents.
It’s important to recognize that economic conditions can change over time, and efforts to improve job opportunities, attract businesses, or implement poverty reduction programs could potentially alter Anthony’s economic landscape in the future.
Sources:
- https://www.roadsnacks.net/poorest-places-in-new-mexico/
- https://www.dws.state.nm.us/Portals/0/DM/LMI/Poverty_in_NM_2019.pdf
- https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/experiences/new-mexico/poorest-counties-nm
- https://stacker.com/new-mexico/cities-new-mexico-most-living-poverty
- https://1041theedge.iheart.com/content/2023-12-20-the-poorest-city-in-new-mexico/
