New Mexico is a state with diverse landscapes, rich cultures, and a long history. However, not all places in the Land of Enchantment are equally enchanting. Some cities in New Mexico face serious challenges such as poverty, crime, unemployment, and drug abuse. Based on a composite index of economic, social, and quality of life indicators, one city stands out as the worst place to live in New Mexico: Española.
Why is Española the worst city to live in New Mexico?
Española is a small city of about 10,000 people located in the Rio Grande Valley, about 25 miles north of Santa Fe. The city was founded in 1598 by Spanish colonists and is one of the oldest settlements in the United States. Today, Española is known for its cultural diversity, with a mix of Hispanic, Native American, Anglo, and other ethnic groups.
However, Española also faces many problems that make it a difficult place to live. According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, FBI, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Española ranks poorly on several measures of well-being, such as:
- Poverty rate: 19.9% (state: 18.3%)
- Median home value: $165,600 (state: $184,800)
- Median household income: $42,611 (state: $54,020)
- Drug-induced mortality: 100.3 deaths per 100,000 (state: 40.5 per 100,000)
Española has a high poverty rate, which means that many residents struggle to afford basic necessities such as food, housing, health care, and education. The median home value and household income in Española are both lower than the state averages, indicating a lack of economic opportunities and wealth creation. The city also has a high rate of drug-induced deaths, which reflects the widespread problem of substance abuse and addiction in the area. Española has been called the “heroin capital of America” by some media outlets, due to the prevalence of opioid use and overdose.
What are the consequences of living in the worst city in New Mexico?
Living in the worst city in New Mexico can have negative impacts on the physical, mental, and social well-being of the residents. Some of the consequences of living in Española are:
Low life expectancy: The average life expectancy in Española is 76.4 years, which is lower than the state average of 78.7 years and the national average of 78.9 years. This means that people in Española tend to die younger than people in other parts of New Mexico and the United States.
High crime rate: The crime rate in Española is higher than the state and national averages, especially for violent crimes such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault. The violent crime rate in Española is 1,554 per 100,000 people, which is more than three times the state average of 447 per 100,000 and the national average of 367 per 100,000. This means that people in Española are more likely to be victims of violence and fear for their safety.
Low educational attainment: The educational attainment in Española is lower than the state and national averages, especially for higher levels of education such as college and graduate degrees. The percentage of adults in Española who have a bachelor’s degree or higher is 15.5%, which is lower than the state average of 27.4% and the national average of 32.6%. This means that people in Española have less access to quality education and career opportunities.
How can the situation in the worst city in New Mexico be improved?
The situation in the worst city in New Mexico is not hopeless, and there are some efforts to improve the conditions and prospects of the people in Española. Some of the possible solutions and initiatives are:
Economic development: The city of Española and the state of New Mexico can work together to attract more businesses and industries to the area, creating more jobs and income for the residents. The city can also invest in infrastructure, tourism, and cultural assets, such as the historic Plaza de Española and the nearby Puye Cliff Dwellings, to boost the local economy and quality of life.
Drug prevention and treatment: The city of Española and the state of New Mexico can collaborate with health care providers, law enforcement agencies, and community organizations to address the root causes and consequences of drug abuse and addiction. The city can also provide more resources and support for prevention, education, treatment, and recovery programs, such as the Rio Arriba County Health and Human Services Department and the Española Pathways Shelter.
Education improvement: The city of Española and the state of New Mexico can partner with schools, colleges, and universities to improve the quality and accessibility of education for the residents. The city can also offer more scholarships, grants, and mentoring programs for students, especially those from low-income and minority backgrounds, to encourage them to pursue higher education and career goals.
Conclusion
Española is the worst city to live in New Mexico, according to a composite index of economic, social, and quality of life indicators. The city suffers from high poverty, low home value, low income, high drug mortality, low life expectancy, high crime rate, and low educational attainment.
However, the city also has potential and opportunities to improve its situation, with the help of the state and local governments, health care providers, law enforcement agencies, community organizations, businesses, and educational institutions. Española is not doomed to be the worst city in New Mexico forever, and with some collective effort and vision, it can become a better place to live for its residents and visitors.