This New Mexico City Has Been Named the Most Racist City in the State

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Written By Blue & Gold NLR Team

 

 

New Mexico possesses a rich and diverse cultural heritage, but like many states, it grapples with social and economic challenges, notably the pervasive issue of racism affecting numerous communities and individuals. While racism can manifest anywhere, certain cities, such as Española, a small city situated 25 miles north of Santa Fe in Rio Arriba County, have been singled out for heightened racial tensions based on various factors and indicators.

According to a recent report from 24/7 Wall St., a financial news and opinion website, Española is identified as the least desirable city to live in within New Mexico. One of the contributing factors to this designation is the city’s elevated levels of racial discrimination and inequality.

What Factors Led to Española Being Labeled as the Most Racist City in New Mexico?

Drawing on data from the Census Bureau, FBI, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 24/7 Wall St. created a composite index encompassing economic, community, and quality of life indicators for U.S. locations with populations exceeding 8,000. These indicators encompassed poverty rate, median home value, median household income, drug-induced mortality, violent crime rate, educational attainment, health insurance coverage, and access to amenities.

The report disclosed that Española exhibited a poverty rate of 19.9%, surpassing the state average of 18.3%, and a median home value of $165,600, lower than the state average of $184,800. Additionally, the median household income in Española, at $42,611, fell below the state average of $54,020. The city also recorded a drug-induced mortality rate of 100.3 deaths per 100,000, more than double the state average of 40.5 per 100,000.

The report highlighted the significant Hispanic population in Española, constituting 82.6% of the total population compared to the state’s 49.1%. However, it asserted that Hispanic residents in Española faced considerable racial disparities and discrimination in terms of income, education, health, and safety. For instance, the report pointed out that the median income for Hispanic households in Española was $41,250, compared to $56,250 for white households¹. The report further noted that only 16.9% of Hispanic adults in Española held a bachelor’s degree or higher, in contrast to 32.9% of white adults.

How Does Española Compare to Other Cities in New Mexico and the U.S.?

Española is not the sole city in New Mexico confronting accusations of racism and inequality. The state as a whole lags behind in numerous social and economic indicators, particularly for its minority populations. U.S. News & World Report ranks New Mexico 48th out of 50 states in terms of opportunity, measuring factors like poverty, housing affordability, equality, and upward mobility. Furthermore, New Mexico ranks 49th in education, 46th in health care, and 45th in crime and corrections.

Nevertheless, Española stands out as an extreme case of racism and discrimination, even when compared to other cities in New Mexico. For example, Santa Fe, the state’s capital and largest city, shares a similar demographic composition, with 48.7% of its population being Hispanic. However, Santa Fe boasts a lower poverty rate of 13.2%, a higher median home value of $321,900, and a greater median household income of $62,803. Santa Fe also records a lower drug-induced mortality rate of 34.9 per 100,000 and a higher educational attainment rate of 43.8% for Hispanic adults.

Española also fares worse than other cities in the U.S. labeled as racist or discriminatory. Harrison, Arkansas, often dubbed the “most racist town in America,” has a lower poverty rate of 15.9%, a higher median home value of $113,700, and a greater median household income of $41,019 than Española. Harrison also exhibits a lower drug-induced mortality rate of 23.1 per 100,000 and a reduced violent crime rate of 157.9 per 100,000 compared to Española.

What Are the Causes and Consequences of Racism in Española?

The causes of racism and discrimination in Española are intricate and multifaceted, entwining historical, cultural, political, economic, and social factors. Some potential causes include:

The legacy of colonialism and oppression: Española, founded in 1598 by Spanish colonists, reflects a history of imposing Spanish culture on the native Pueblo people, subjecting them to violence, and exploiting their resources. The Spanish rule, marked by conflicts like the Pueblo Revolt of 1680, persisted until 1821 when Mexico gained independence. However, after the Mexican-American War in 1848, New Mexico became a U.S. territory, leading to continued oppression and marginalization of native and Hispanic populations. Discrimination persisted even after New Mexico achieved statehood in 1912.

The lack of economic opportunities and development: Española’s rural and isolated location limits economic opportunities, relying heavily on agriculture, tourism, and government services. With a high unemployment rate of 7.9%, exceeding the state and national averages, the city faces income and wealth disparities, with nearly 20% living below the poverty line. Economic inequality is pronounced, with a Gini coefficient higher than both the state and national averages, along with substantial per capita debt.

The prevalence of substance abuse and addiction: Española grapples with a longstanding drug problem, particularly involving heroin and opioids. The city reports one of the nation’s highest rates of drug overdose deaths, well above state and national averages. Linked to factors such as poverty, unemployment, trauma, and lack of access to treatment, the drug problem exacerbates existing social challenges.

The consequences of racism and discrimination in Española are diverse and severe, impacting the well-being and quality of life for individuals and the community. Possible consequences include:

The deterioration of physical and mental health: Racism and discrimination can detrimentally affect the physical and mental health of individuals and communities, leading to chronic stress, anxiety, depression, and reduced life expectancy. Limited access to quality healthcare services exacerbates these issues, further hindering preventive care and diagnosis.

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