New Mexico has a rich and diverse cultural past, but it, like many other states, faces social and economic issues, particularly the ongoing issue of racism, which affects many groups and individuals. Española, a tiny city located 25 miles north of Santa Fe in Rio Arriba County, has been identified as having heightened racial tensions due to different events and signs.
A recent analysis by 24/7 Wall St., a financial news and opinion website, rated Española as the least attractive city to reside in New Mexico. One of the reasons for this categorization is the city’s high levels of racial discrimination and inequality.
What factors contributed to Española being named the most racist city in New Mexico?
24/7 Wall St. used data from the Census Bureau, the FBI, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to build a composite index that includes economic, community, and quality of life factors for U.S. cities with populations greater than 8,000. These factors included the poverty rate, median home value, median household income, drug-related mortality, violent crime rate, educational attainment, health insurance coverage, and access to amenities.
The survey found that Española had a poverty rate of 19.9%, higher than the state average of 18.3%, and a median house value of $165,600, lower than the state average of $184,800. The median household income in Española was $42,611, lower than the state average of $54,020. The city also had a drug-related mortality rate of 100.3 per 100,000 people, more than double the state average of 40.5 per 100,000.
Española has a considerable Hispanic population, accounting for 82.6% of the entire population, compared to 49.1% throughout the state. The study found significant racial disparities and discrimination against Hispanic inhabitants in Española, including income, education, health, and safety. The report found that Hispanic households in Española had a median income of $41,250 vs $56,250 for white households¹. The research found that only 16.9% of Hispanic adults in Española had a bachelor’s degree or above, compared to 32.9% of white individuals.
How does Española compare to other cities in New Mexico and the United States?
Española is not the only city in New Mexico facing allegations of racism and inequality. The state as a whole falls behind in a variety of social and economic indicators, particularly among its minority groups. According to U.S. News & World Report, New Mexico ranks 48th out of 50 states in terms of opportunity, which takes into account characteristics such as poverty, housing affordability, equality, and upward mobility. Furthermore, New Mexico is ranked 49th in education, 46th in health care, and 45th in crime and incarceration.
Española stands out as an extreme case of racism and discrimination, even when compared to neighboring New Mexico cities. Santa Fe, the state’s capital and largest city, has a similar demographic mix, with Hispanics accounting for 48.7% of the population. However, Santa Fe has a lower poverty rate of 13.2%, a higher median home value of $321,900, and a higher median household income of $62,803. Santa Fe also has a lower drug-related death rate of 34.9 per 100,000 and a higher educational attainment rate of 43.8% among Hispanic people.
Española has a higher rate of racism and discrimination than comparable cities in the US. Harrison, Arkansas, known as the “most racist town in America,” has a lower poverty rate of 15.9%, a higher median home value of $113,700, and a higher median household income of $41,019 compared to Española. Harrison has a lower drug-related mortality rate (23.1 per 100,000) and violent crime rate (157.9 per 100,000) compared to Española.
What are the causes and consequences of racism in Española?
Racism and prejudice in Española have multiple sources, including historical, cultural, political, economic, and social issues. Some possible causes are:
Española, founded in 1598 by Spanish immigrants, has a history of forcing Spanish culture on the original Pueblo people, resulting in bloodshed and exploitation of their resources. The Spanish reign, characterized by battles such as the Pueblo Revolt of 1680, lasted until 1821 when Mexico achieved independence. However, with the Mexican-American War in 1848, New Mexico became a US territory, resulting in continuous oppression and marginalization of indigenous and Hispanic peoples. Discrimination continued even after New Mexico gained statehood in 1912.
Economic options in Española are limited due to its rural and secluded position, which relies mainly on agriculture, tourism, and government services. With an unemployment rate of 7.9%, which is higher than the state and national norms, the city has income and wealth gaps, with nearly 20% living below the poverty line. Economic inequality is pronounced, with a Gini coefficient that exceeds both the state and national averages, as well as significant per capita debt.
The incidence of substance misuse and addiction: Española has a chronic drug issue, particularly with heroin and opiates. The city has one of the nation’s highest rates of drug overdose deaths, well above the state and national statistics. The drug problem exacerbates pre-existing socioeconomic challenges by combining elements such as poverty, unemployment, trauma, and a lack of access to therapy.
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