New Mexico Population 2013
Based on historical data and continued calculations, the United States Census Bureau estimates that the population of New Mexico in 2013 was 2,085,538, which is ranked the 36th largest population in the United States. This estimate shows a 1.3% increase since the last census in 2010, also conducted by the United States Census Bureau. The population density of the state is 17.2 people per square mile, ranked 45th largest density in the United States. The population by the year 2020 should near close to 2.5 million based on the current population growth trends.
New Mexico Land Mass
The state of New Mexico is approximately 370 miles long and 343 miles wide with a square area of 121,365 square miles, making it the 5th largest state in the Untied States. Of the 121,365 square miles, only 234 square miles are covered by water. The highest point in the state of New Mexico is Wheeler Peak, which reaches 13,161 feet above sea level. The lowest point in the state is at the Red Bluff Reservoir, which reaches 2,842 feet above sea level. The geographic center of New Mexico is in Torrence County, 12 miles south, southwest of Willard. New Mexico is bordered by five states in total: Colorado, Texas, Oklahoma, Texas, and Arizona. Also, New Mexico is bordered on the south by the country Mexico.
New Mexico Demographics
Of the approximate 2.09 million people in the state of New Mexico, about 50.5% of the population is female, while 49.5% is male. Also, approximately 83% of the population identifies as white (including Hispanic or Latino). But, out of that 83%, about 47% do identify as Hispanic or Latino and the other 36% as Caucasian. Those that identify as Black or African American make up only 2% of the entire population of the state of New Mexico. The American Indian and Alaskan Native population in the state of New Mexico make up about 10% of the total population. The rest of the population is made up of those that identify as Asian, Hawaiian, other Pacific Islanders, or those that identify as two or more races. These other races make up only about 4% of the New Mexico population.
New Mexico Religion
The population of New Mexico identifies as religious at a slightly higher rate than the national average. About 50% of the state population identifies as religious, compared to the national average of 49%. Out of the 50%, about 29% identify as members of the Catholic Church, making it the largest denomination in the state of New Mexico. The next largest denomination in the state is Baptist. About 7% out of the 50% identifies as Baptist. All other Christian denominations, Judaism, Islam, and Eastern religions make up about 14% out of the total 50%.
New Mexico Native American Population
New Mexico is home to 19 pueblos and 3 reservations. The largest of the 19 pueblos in the state is the Zuni Pueblo. It is located in the west central part of the state. The pueblo is known for its jewelry, which they enjoy using turquoise and beads to do their work. The Navajo Nation is also located in the state of New Mexico. This nation represents the largest American Indian group in the United States. The Navajo reservation covers over 27,000 square miles. This reservation is not solely in the state of New Mexico, but in Arizona and Utah as well. The capital of the Navajo Nation is Window Rock, which is on the Arizona and New Mexico border. However, most of the New Mexico Navajos live in the northwest part of the state.
Visit New Mexico
Manhattan Project
During World War II, the United States government began a top-secret project known as the Manhattan Project. This Manhattan Project took place in the state of New Mexico. This project was the attempt to create the first atomic bomb. The site that the bomb was tested was known as the Trinity Bomb site, which was near Alamogordo. The bomb was tested on July 16, 1945.
Roswell, New Mexico
In 1947, a local New Mexico farmer discovered some unusual debris in a pasture outside of Roswell, New Mexico. As a result, the Air Force claimed this debris as part of a crashed weather balloon. Many people believe that this unusual occurrence and debris was a result of UFOs and aliens. Roswell, today, is still a common site for tourists that are interested in extraterrestrials.