Profile of New Mexico Children
Race ethnicity of New Mexico Children
Figure: Racial and ethnic distribution of NM Children, population estimates, 2021.
Data source: NMDOH NM Indicator Based Information System (NM-IBIS) Population Estimates.
In 2021, there were an estimated 2,120,188 New Mexicans of all ages and an estimated 527,861 children ages 0-19 years. Children and youth comprised 24.9% of the total population.
Caregiver of children
Figure: Caregiver of Children, 2021
Data source: National Survey of Children’s Health, 2020-21
In 2021, 5.2% of NM children lived with their grandparent(s) compared to 3.4% of U.S. children. About 2.8% of NM children were residing with other relatives, similar to children in the rest of the United States.
Percent of households with children that are below 100% FPL, by family structure
Figure: Percent of households with children that are below 100% FPL, by family structure, 2021.
Data source: National Survey of Children’s Health, 2021
In 2021, NM children living in single-parent households were significantly more likely to live in poverty as those who lived in a married two-parent household. 40% of single-parent homes were below the Federal Poverty Line, compared to 15.6% married two-parent homes.
Perecent of New Mexico adults age 25 and older who lived in poverty by their educational achievement level
Figure: NM to US comparison of percent of adults age 25+ who lived in poverty, by educational achievement, 2021.
Poverty is linked to educational attainment. Adults who fail to complete high school are twice as likely to live in poverty than those who completed high school; six times more likely than those who finished college; and ten times more likely than those who obtained a graduate or professional degree.
Poverty and New Mexico's Children
Figure: Percent of children under 18 years of age who are living in households with an income at or below the federal poverty level, by county in New Mexico, 2020.
Data source: American Community Survey, US. Census- accessed NM-IBIS, 2020.
In 2020, an estimated 21.6% of NM children and 15.7% of US children younger than 18 years of age were living in families at or below the federal poverty level (FPL). Poverty is a significant determinant of health and well-being for children. In 2020, the highest prevalence of NM children living in poverty was in McKinley County.