New Mexico one of five states to see population decline in past year

According to data released by the US Census Bureau New Mexico is one of five states to have lost population in the past year. The Santa Fe New Mexican had this article on the data. The article notes New Mexico’s heavy dependence on international migration relative to other states (no differentiation is made over whether that is legal or illegal).  As the article notes, New Mexico was “the only state with population losses that had net positive international migration. It recorded 2,879 international arrivals, which outpaced its 2,267 domestic departures.”

Ultimately, New Mexico’s declining population numbers are shocking when one considers that it is the only western state outside of California to have lost population over the past year. Worse, New Mexico’s population is aging quickly as young people depart the state in exchange for retirees moving in.

RGF believes and its research shows that population growth and numerous other positive outcomes are the result of increased economic freedom. Unfortunately, New Mexico policymakers have managed to destroy economic freedom. 

Alas, Gov. MLG’s plans for her latest welfare program “free” universal childcare (and other cradle to career programs) haven’t moved the needle to make New Mexico a more attractive place to live.