New Mexico's racial, ethnic and
cultural diversity is perhaps its greatest asset, and nowhere is New Mexico's
diversity more apparent than among its children. in New Mexico, 67% of children
are racial or ethnic minorities, as compared to 55% of the overall population.
This suggests that our state's future will be one of even greater diversity.
Unfortunately,
our state's disparities are every bit as striking as its diversity. The vast majority
- 87% - of New Mexico's poor children are minorities. Poverty is most prevalent
among children, particularly young children, than adults; and it is on children
that the impact of poverty is most severe and lasting. The consequences of childhood
deprivation persist into adulthood and, as a result, children raised in poverty
are far more likely to raise their own children in poverty.
Poor children
in our state experience disproportionately high rates of chronic disease, violence,
incarceration, and academic failure. They are more likely to lack access to adequate
health care, nutrition, and educational opportunities.
Sixteen percent of
New Mexico's children do not have health insurance, as opposed to 12% nationally.
The median income for families with children is $37,800, or one-quarter less than
the national level of $51,100. In 2003, 53% of 4th graders scored below a basic
reading level, while 48% of 8th graders scored below a basic math level. Eighteen
percent of young adults (aged 18 to 24) are considered disconnected - they are
neither enrolled in school nor working, and do not have more than a high school
degree.
According to the Annie E. Casey Foundation's
2006 National Kids Count Data Book, we rank:
- 48th in percent of children
in poverty - 28%
- 43rd in percent of children living in families where
no parent has full-time, year-round employment - 37%
- 44th in families
with children headed by a single parent - 38%
- 48th in the teen birthrate
- 63 births per 1,000 females aged 15-17
- 48th in general child well-being
- 48th in percent of teens aged 16-19 who are high school dropouts - 12%
For
more in depth information about how New Mexico's children are doing, please see
visit the following pages:
Kids Count
in New Mexico
Bare Bones Budget
Policy
Brief Series
