Anthony, New Mexico, holds the distinction of being the poorest town in the state as of 2024. This small city, located in the southern part of New Mexico near the Texas border, faces significant economic challenges that set it apart from other communities in the state.
Key Statistics
- Population: 8,708
- Median Household Income: $27,406 (lowest in New Mexico)
- Poverty Rate: 37.0% (highest in New Mexico)
- People Living in Poverty: 3,217
These figures reflect a community where more than one-third of residents live below the poverty line, and household incomes are far below both state and national averages.
Why Is Anthony So Poor?
Several factors contribute to Anthony’s economic struggles:
- Lack of High-Paying Jobs: The city has limited employment opportunities, especially in well-paying sectors. Many residents rely on low-wage work, which keeps median incomes depressed.
- Limited Economic Development: Anthony has not experienced the kind of economic growth seen in other parts of the state. The absence of major industries or employers means fewer opportunities for residents to improve their financial standing.
- Rural Location: Like many rural towns, Anthony faces challenges related to infrastructure, access to services, and connectivity to larger economic hubs. This isolation can make it harder to attract new businesses or investments.
Cost of Living
One mitigating factor is that Anthony has a relatively low cost of living. Housing and basic goods are more affordable compared to other areas in New Mexico. However, this is not enough to offset the impact of low wages and high poverty rates. For many families, even affordable housing does not compensate for the lack of stable, well-paying employment.
Comparison With Other Poor Towns in New Mexico
While Anthony ranks as the poorest, several other towns in New Mexico also struggle with high poverty rates and low incomes:
- Truth or Consequences: Median income of $28,685 and a poverty rate of 30.0%
- Tucumcari: Median income of $34,424 and a poverty rate of 30.2%
- Las Vegas: Median income of $39,558 and a poverty rate of 31.2%
- Deming: Median income of $33,548 and a poverty rate of 24.1%
Despite their own challenges, none of these towns surpass Anthony in terms of both low income and high poverty.
Broader Context: Poverty in New Mexico
New Mexico as a state has long struggled with poverty. It consistently ranks among the poorest states in the U.S., with a statewide poverty rate of 17.6% and persistent economic challenges, especially in rural areas. Factors contributing to this include:
- High unemployment rates in certain regions
- Limited economic diversification
- Underdeveloped infrastructure and public services
Community and Resilience
Despite these hardships, Anthony and similar towns often display strong community ties and resilience. Residents rely on each other and on local organizations for support. Community events, local traditions, and cultural diversity remain sources of pride and connection for many living in these areas.
Anthony, New Mexico, stands as the poorest town in the state, with the lowest median household income and the highest poverty rate. Its struggles are emblematic of broader issues facing rural communities in New Mexico—limited job opportunities, low wages, and economic isolation.
While the cost of living is low, it is not enough to counteract the persistent financial hardship experienced by many residents. Addressing these challenges will require targeted economic development, improved infrastructure, and expanded access to education and job training.
Sources
- https://www.roadsnacks.net/poorest-places-in-new-mexico/
- https://www.iheart.com/content/2023-12-20-the-poorest-city-in-new-mexico/
- https://247wallst.com/income/2025/01/17/the-poorest-town-in-every-state-in-america/
- https://mexiconewsdaily.com/news/poorest-municipalities-oaxaca-chiapas-guerrero/
- https://www.kunm.org/local-news/2025-01-14/poverty-fell-more-than-a-third-in-new-mexico-due-to-tax-changes-but-theres-more-to-do
