SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A new assessment of demographic trends in New Mexico says a population decline is imminent, with consequences for public spending and services.
The report Thursday from the Legislature’s budget and accountability office adds to indications in the 2020 Census of a population slowdown and suggests that schools and universities may want to plan accordingly. At the same time, economic development officials are marshalling tax incentives to attract new employers to a state with a relatively weak economy and poor national rankings in education, health and safety.
Demographers project a pronounced drop in school- and working-aged residents and a drain on rural areas.