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San Rafael, New Mexico: Hispanic Population Growth and Racial Demographics from 2013 to 2022
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
San Rafael, New Mexico, is classified as a "Majority-Minority" community with a Hispanic majority. In 2022, the Hispanic population constituted 64% of the total, while the white population was 31%. The median income in 2022 was $48,421, a decrease from its 2016 peak. The community had 1,531 residents in 2022, experiencing significant demographic and economic changes over the past decade.
San Rafael has maintained its "Majority-Minority" status throughout the observed period. The Hispanic population increased from 45% in 2013 to 64% in 2022, peaking at 69% in 2019. The white population decreased from 47% in 2013 to 31% in 2022. The Native American population remained relatively stable, increasing slightly from 2% to 5% in 2022. These trends indicate a transition towards a stronger Hispanic majority and a steady decline in the white population.
The median income in San Rafael has shown volatility. It peaked at $63,387 in 2016 and reached its lowest point of $48,421 in 2022. This decline in median income correlates with the increasing Hispanic majority and decreasing white population. The population grew from 767 in 2010 to 1,531 in 2022, nearly doubling over the decade. This growth, combined with the demographic shifts, suggests a significant influx of Hispanic residents.
The trends in San Rafael align with broader national patterns of increasing diversity in many communities, particularly in the Southwest. The growth of the Hispanic population is consistent with national demographic trends, although the rate of change in San Rafael appears more pronounced than national averages.
Based on observed trends, San Rafael is likely to continue as a "Transitional Community" with an increasing Hispanic majority. It may eventually transition into a "Low Diversity" category if the Hispanic population continues to grow while other groups decline. This transition could be moderated by potential economic revitalization attracting a more diverse population or growth in the Native American population.
Economically, if current trends persist, the community may face challenges with declining median incomes. This could stabilize or reverse if the growing Hispanic population gains stronger economic footing or new economic opportunities emerge that benefit the changing demographic makeup.
San Rafael represents an example of demographic and economic change in a small New Mexico community, reflecting broader national trends of increasing diversity and the economic challenges that can accompany rapid demographic shifts.
