Facts About Colonia Communities of Southern New Mexico

Overview of Colonia Communities

Doña Ana County is home to 40 designated colonia communities, more than any other county in the state of New Mexico (which has a total of 104 colonias). Colonias exist all along the border, and conditions vary from community to community, depending on their location and history. It is difficult to obtain specific data about colonia communities because they are often not geographically defined and not isolated in broad data collection efforts such as the U.S. Census. The majority of residents (63%) in Doña Ana County are Latinos, primarily of Mexican descent. In colonias, the percentage is even higher. Colonia residents are primarily engaged in agricultural labor (including fieldwork and processing), but also in construction, landscaping, truck driving, and other professions. Most families own their own homes. Colonia communities tend to be unincorporated, lacking a village or community government.

The facts below demonstrate how critical the situation is for colonia residents in terms of social and economic justice. Yet, despite the grim statistics, there is hope in the efforts of colonia residents and advocacy agencies working for positive change. The Colonias Development Council is only one small force among many community organizations, government entities, universities, housing and economic development organizations, and other non-profit organizations working to improve the quality of life for the border's colonia residents.

• New Mexico has the highest rate of children in poverty in the country (based on 2000 data).

• The median household income in Doña Ana County is 69% of the national median household income.

• 32% of the population of Doña Ana County has an income below the poverty line.

• Doña Ana County is the fifth poorest Metropolitan Statistical Area in the United States.

• 30% of the county population has completed less than eight years of school.

For more statistical information about colonia communities, see the following:

• United States Census (you can search for the demographics of some colonias, although not all are designated places)

• Kids Count Databook (border profile)

• United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (colonias information)

Photo of Anthony, NM by Karen Bucher