While the state may have beautiful sceneries, New Mexico also has dangerous areas that needs to be avoided by tourists or travelers.
New Mexico is in the Southwestern state of the US. This place is known for white sands and Spanish style homes. However, New Mexico is also known for being the birthplace of Nuclear Bombs. New Mexico one of the two states with a violent crime rate more than double the national average. If you are planning to move here or visit, here are 10 worst places in New Mexico that you should avoid.
The Local Observer Daily has compiled a list of the worst places in New Mexico to live in.
1. BELEN. Belen is listed in the worst places in New Mexico. Although Belen is home to the Harvey House Museum, this city is the most dangerous and violent city in the state. The poverty rate of the city is 23.3% which is higher than the national average by 66.43%. The overall crime rate of Belen is at 210.05%, which is higher than the national average. With residents having a 1 in 52 chance of falling victim to violent crime.
2. GALLUP. Gallup is the second in the list of worst places in New Mexico as this city ranks as the 10th in poverty, 4th in crime in the entire state of New Mexico. The poverty rate here is 1440.71 higher than the national average. While the crime rate is 357.58% higher than the national average.
3. DEMING. Deming is the third in the worst places in New Mexico. Deming’s poverty rate is 91.43% higher than the national average while their crime rate is 160.72% higher than the national average.
4. UNIVERSITY PARK. This is home to New Mexico State University. University Park is on the list of worst places in New Mexico as the poverty rate is 391.43% higher than the national average. 1 in ever 4 workers in this area is unemployed. The high unemployment rate is likely contributed to the widespread poverty in the city.
5. THOREAU. Thoreau is the fifth in the list if worst places in New Mexico. And although, this city is known for its scenic beauty, the poverty rate here is 336.43% higher than the national average. The unemployment rate of Thoreau is 308.51% higher than the national average.
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20% of New Mexico’s population lives beneath the poverty line.
6. NAVAJO. Navajo is sixth in the list of worst places in New Mexico. This city is home to the Navajo Agricultural Products Industry, however the poverty rate here is 350% higher than the national average. The unemployment rate is 257.45% higher than the national average.
7. ANTHONY. Anthony may be known for its wineries and agricultural products, this city, however, ranks as the 6th in poverty in New Mexico. Which is why this is part of the list of worst places in New Mexico. Anthony’s poverty rate is 170% higher than national average. And more than 1 in every 7 households live on an income less than $10,000 a year.
8. SUNLAND PARK. Sunland Park is home to the Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino; however, this city still ranks as the 14th in poverty in the state. The poverty rate in this city is 133.57% higher than the national average. While violent crime rate is 34.2% higher than the national average.
9. HATCH. Hatch may be known for its famous chile peppers, this is still part of the list of worst places in New Mexico. The poverty rate is 204.92% higher than the national average. And the unemployment rate is 263.83% higher than national average.
10. BLOOMFIELD. Bloomfield is the last in the list. This city is known for their outdoor recreation opportunities, including fishing and hiking. However, Bloomfield is also the most violent city in New Mexico. The poverty rate is 32.14% higher than national average, while the overall crime rate is 26.98% higher than national average.
Now, if you ever want to move, travel, or visit New Mexico, be wary of the places listed above and have a safe trip. Stay safe out there, folks!