U.S. Employment Exploration: New Mexico
“Land of Enchantment,” New Mexico’s official state nickname, aptly describes this southwestern state if you’re interested in unique cultural heritage (Indian, Anglo and Hispanic), striking desert and mountain scenery, and a general lack of congestion.
Although it’s the fifth-largest state, New Mexico ranks at only 36 for population, with approximately 1.8 million people according to the 2000 census. Its largest city is Albuquerque, home of the famous hot-air balloon fiesta held each October, but its capital is Santa Fe.
Employment Opportunities
Major industries include mining, oil, natural gas, and tourism. Overall unemployment ranged between 5.4 and 5.1 percent in 2004. In the Albuquerque Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) it dropped from 5.5 to 4.4 percent between June and November.
The top five employment sectors in the state during 2004 were (1) government; (2) trade, transportation and utilities; (3) professional and business services; (4) leisure and hospitality; and (5) construction. During that period, Albuquerque showed the same top four categories; but educational and health services ranked fifth.
Income & Cost of Living
In 2000 the median household income for Albuquerque exceeded $39,000 and Santa Fe came in at $44,000, but Los Alamos County topped them with over $71,000. Annual per capita income statewide in 2003 was under $26,000; for the Albuquerque MSA, it was just over $27,000.
On the other hand, Albuquerque compares favorably with other U.S. cities on living costs; in 2001 it came in slightly higher than Dallas but well below San Diego. Santa Fe had a higher cost of living but also ranked below San Diego. (Note: The national Cost-of-Living Index pertains to a mid-management standard of living.)
Housing costs played a significant role in the Santa Fe cost-of-living figure in 2002, as did healthcare costs to a lesser extent. Housing also affected Albuquerque’s costs, rising nearly 5 percent in 2003, from $128,000 to over $134,000. By comparison, San Francisco increased 5.5%, from $482,000 to $509,000.
Climate & Geography
The Great Plains cover the eastern third of the state, and the Basin and Range Region south of the Rocky Mountains also covers about one-third. More than half of the state is pastureland, and over a quarter is woodland.
Temperatures can fluctuate substantially within New Mexico. The recorded high was 122 degrees in Lakewood in 1994, and the low was –50 degrees at Gavilan in 1951. However, statewide averages range from a high of 92.8 degrees to a low of 22.3 degrees.
New Mexico’s average yearly precipitation goes from less than tens inches throughout most of the southern desert, as well as the Rio Grande and San Juan Valleys, to over 20 inches at higher elevations. July and August get 30-40 percent of the total annual rainfall. Brown in varying shades predominates throughout much of the state, so if you’re used to relatively widespread greenness, this might take some getting used to.
If you’re looking for a place with ample opportunity for water-based activities, you might think New Mexico isn’t the state for you, since only 234 of its over 121,000 square miles are covered by water. However, it does boast two major rivers, the Rio Grande and the Pecos, and river rafting is a popular recreational option. Also, several reservoirs offer boating facilities.
Online Resources
Culture and recreation:
National relocation resources:
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