Life Expectancy
Life expectancy in New Mexico is about 75.8 years, below the national average, affected by high rates of drug overdose and chronic disease.
Age-adjusted death rate, all causes
1999–2017CDC National Center for Health Statistics, leading causes of death (1999–2017), all causes, age-adjusted.
Total deaths, all causes
1999–2017CDC National Center for Health Statistics, leading causes of death (1999–2017).
| Indicator | New Mexico | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Life expectancy (years) | 75.8 | 77.5 |
Healthcare Access
Healthcare access in New Mexico is limited by rural physician shortages, with many counties designated as Health Professional Shortage Areas.
Residents without health insurance
2009–2024Census American Community Survey 1-year estimates, civilian noninstitutionalized population, B27010 (2020 not released).
| Indicator | New Mexico | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Primary care physicians per 100k | 75 | 90 |
Hospitals
New Mexico has about 46 acute-care hospitals, with the University of New Mexico Hospital in Albuquerque serving as the state's only Level I trauma center.
Health care jobs (ambulatory, hospitals and nursing)
1990–2025BLS Current Employment Statistics, NAICS 621–623, annual average (FRED SMU35000006562000001).
| Indicator | New Mexico | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Hospital beds per 1,000 | 2.1 | 2.4 |
Insurance Coverage
About 93% of New Mexicans have health insurance coverage, with Medicaid expansion covering a large share of low-income residents.
Adults with any health care coverage
2011–2020CDC BRFSS, adults 18+ (question discontinued after 2020).
| Indicator | New Mexico | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Uninsured rate (%) | 7 | 8 |
Obesity
Adult obesity in New Mexico is about 31%, close to but slightly below the national average.
Adults with obesity
2011–2025CDC BRFSS via Chronic Disease Indicators, adults 18+.
| Indicator | New Mexico | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Adult obesity rate (%) | 31 | 32.5 |
Public Health Indicators
New Mexico faces significant public health challenges including the nation's highest drug overdose death rates in some years and elevated rates of alcohol-related deaths.
Adults who currently smoke
2011–2025CDC Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, adults 18+.
| Indicator | New Mexico | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Overdose death rate (/100k) | 52 | 32 |
- •New Mexico has consistently ranked among the top states for alcohol-related death rates.