When it comes to economic hardship and poverty, New Mexico faces significant challenges across many of its communities. However, according to multiple recent analyses using the latest U.S. Census Bureau data, Anthony has been identified as the poorest town in New Mexico for 2024.
Why Anthony Ranks as the Poorest Town
Anthony is a small city with a population of approximately 8,700 residents, located in the southern part of the state near the Texas border. The designation as the poorest town is based on a combination of factors:
- Median Household Income: Anthony has the lowest median household income in New Mexico, at just $27,406. This is well below the state median and among the lowest in the nation for towns of its size.
- Poverty Rate: The poverty rate in Anthony stands at a staggering 37.0%, the highest in the state. More than one in three residents lives below the federal poverty line.
- Number of People in Poverty: Over 3,200 people in Anthony are living in poverty, reflecting the depth and breadth of economic hardship in the community.
These statistics are based on the most recent data from the American Community Survey, which takes into account both income and poverty levels to determine economic well-being.
How Anthony Compares to Other Poor Towns in New Mexico
While Anthony tops the list, several other New Mexico towns also face 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 these challenges, Anthony stands out due to its combination of extremely low median income and the highest poverty rate in the state.
Contributing Factors
Several factors contribute to Anthony’s economic struggles:
- Limited Employment Opportunities: The area has a lack of high-paying jobs and limited economic diversification, which restricts upward mobility for residents.
- Educational Attainment: Lower levels of educational attainment are common, which often correlates with lower earning potential and fewer job opportunities.
- Cost of Living: While the cost of living in Anthony is relatively low, it is not enough to offset the impact of low wages and high poverty.
Statewide Context
New Mexico as a whole has one of the highest poverty rates in the United States, with many rural and small-town communities experiencing persistent economic hardship. However, Anthony’s situation is particularly acute, making it a focal point for discussions about poverty and the need for economic development in the state.
Anthony, New Mexico, has been named the poorest town in the state for 2024, based on its extremely low median household income and the highest poverty rate among towns of its size. This designation highlights the ongoing economic challenges faced by many communities in New Mexico and underscores the importance of targeted efforts to improve education, job opportunities, and social support systems in the region.
SOURCES:-
[1] https://stacker.com/stories/new-mexico/cities-new-mexico-most-living-poverty
[2] https://lasg.org/press/2025/press_release_8Jan2025.html
[3] https://www.dws.state.nm.us/Portals/0/DM/LMI/Poverty_in_NM_2019.pdf
[4] https://247wallst.com/income/2025/01/17/the-poorest-town-in-every-state-in-america/
[5] https://www.roadsnacks.net/poorest-places-in-new-mexico/
