Health in New Mexico, United States: official figures
Life expectancy at birth in New Mexico was 74.5 years in 2022, 9th shortest among the 50 states and DC (U.S.: 77.5 years), according to NCHS state life tables.
How long do men and women live in New Mexico?
Women in New Mexico could expect to live 78.1 years and men 71.2 years at 2022 death rates, a gap of 6.9 years (U.S.: 80.2 for women, 74.8 for men).
Source: National Center for Health Statistics (CDC) · saved copyIs life expectancy in New Mexico going up?
Life expectancy in New Mexico was 73.0 years in 2021, so the 2022 figure is up 1.5 years; nationally it rose from 76.4 to 77.5 years.
Source: National Center for Health Statistics (CDC) · saved copyHow long do people live after 65 in New Mexico?
A 65-year-old in New Mexico could expect to live another 18.7 years in 2022 (19.9 for women, 17.4 for men); 23rd shortest among the 50 states and DC (U.S.: 18.9).
Source: National Center for Health Statistics (CDC) · saved copyWhat is the infant mortality rate in New Mexico?
110 babies died before their first birthday in New Mexico in 2024, an infant mortality rate of 5.16 per 1,000 live births; joint 18th lowest among the 50 states and DC. In 2019 the rate was 5.66 (130 deaths).
Source: National Center for Health Statistics (CDC) · saved copyHow many people die of drug overdoses in New Mexico?
775 people died of drug overdoses in New Mexico in 2024, an age-adjusted rate of 37.1 per 100,000 people; 5th highest among the 50 states and DC. The rate was 48.9 in 2023 (993 deaths) and 30.2 in 2019.
Source: National Center for Health Statistics (CDC) · saved copyAre overdose deaths falling in New Mexico?
CDC provisional data count about 1,128 drug overdose deaths in New Mexico in the 12 months to May 2026, up 31.9% on the 12 months to May 2025 (855); nationally the count went from 75,094 to 66,478. These counts are predicted values that allow for deaths still being investigated.
Source: National Center for Health Statistics (CDC) · saved copyHow many overdose deaths in New Mexico involve fentanyl?
Synthetic opioids other than methadone, mainly fentanyl, were involved in 721 of the 1,100 reported overdose deaths in New Mexico in the 12 months to May 2026 (66%), and psychostimulants such as methamphetamine in 624 (57%). A death can involve more than one drug.
Source: National Center for Health Statistics (CDC) · saved copyHow many people die of heart disease in New Mexico?
Heart disease killed 4,563 people in New Mexico in 2024, an age-adjusted rate of 155.5 per 100,000; joint 25th lowest among the 50 states and DC (2019: 158.2).
Source: National Center for Health Statistics (CDC) · saved copyWhat is the cancer death rate in New Mexico?
Cancer caused 3,769 deaths in New Mexico in 2024, an age-adjusted rate of 126.2 per 100,000; 7th lowest among the 50 states and DC (2019: 131.9).
Source: National Center for Health Statistics (CDC) · saved copyWhat is the suicide rate in New Mexico?
532 people in New Mexico died by suicide in 2024, an age-adjusted rate of 24.6 per 100,000; 4th highest among the 50 states and DC. In 2019 the rate was 24.0 (513 deaths).
Source: National Center for Health Statistics (CDC) · saved copyHow many gun deaths are there in New Mexico?
Firearms were involved in 563 deaths in New Mexico in 2024, including suicides, homicides and accidents: an age-adjusted rate of 26.6 per 100,000, 2nd highest among the 50 states and DC (2019: 22.3).
Source: National Center for Health Statistics (CDC) · saved copyHow many people in New Mexico have no health insurance?
10.1% of people in New Mexico, about 211,000, had no health insurance in 2024; 9th highest among the 50 states and DC (U.S.: 8.2%). That is up 1.0 percentage points on 2023 (9.1%), according to the American Community Survey.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau · saved copyHow many children in New Mexico are uninsured?
6.1% of children under 19 in New Mexico were uninsured in 2024, against 14.9% of adults aged 19 to 64 (U.S.: 6.0% and 11.3%).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau · saved copyHow many people in New Mexico are on Medicaid?
24.7% of residents of New Mexico were covered only by Medicaid or another means-tested public plan in 2024, and 31.4% only by employer-based insurance (U.S.: 14.5% and 45.3%).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau · saved copyHow many people are on Medicaid in New Mexico?
673,265 people were enrolled in Medicaid and CHIP in New Mexico in June 2026 (preliminary state data reported to CMS), down 3.5% on June 2025 (697,723); across the 50 states and DC the total was 73.17 million.
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services · saved copyHow much has Medicaid enrollment in New Mexico changed since the pandemic?
In March 2023, the last month before states resumed removing people who no longer qualified after the pandemic, New Mexico had 890,778 Medicaid and CHIP enrollees, so enrollment has fallen 24.4% since then (50 states and DC: down 22.5%).
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services · saved copyHow many children are on Medicaid in New Mexico?
Children made up 304,157 of the Medicaid and CHIP enrollees in New Mexico in June 2026 (45%), and adults enrolled in Medicaid numbered 369,108. New Mexico has expanded Medicaid to low-income adults under the Affordable Care Act.
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services · saved copyWhat is the obesity rate in New Mexico?
34.5% of adults in New Mexico had obesity (a body mass index of 30 or more) in the 2024 CDC Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey; 22nd highest among the 49 states and DC with data. In 2015 the figure was 28.8%; the median across the states and DC was 34.2% in 2024.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention · saved copyHow many people smoke in New Mexico?
12.0% of adults in New Mexico smoked cigarettes in 2024 (22nd highest among the 49 states and DC with data; state median 11.6%), down from 17.5% in 2015. 8.2% used e-cigarettes.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention · saved copyHow many people have diabetes in New Mexico?
12.3% of adults in New Mexico had been told by a doctor they have diabetes, and 21.5% described their health as fair or poor, in 2024; the diabetes share is 24th highest among the 49 states and DC with data (state medians: 12.0% and 18.6%).
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention · saved copyHow many people in New Mexico cannot afford to see a doctor?
In 2024, 21.7% of adults in New Mexico said they had done no physical activity or exercise outside work in the past month, and 12.5% said that in the past year they had needed to see a doctor but could not because of the cost (state medians: 21.8% and 11.5%).
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention · saved copyHow common is depression in New Mexico?
15.2% of adults in New Mexico reported binge drinking in 2024, and 19.2% had ever been told they have a depressive disorder (state medians: 15.5% and 22.0%).
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention · saved copyHow New Mexico compares with other states
Life expectancy at birth (2022)
New Mexico ranks 43 of 51, highest first. NCHS state life tables
| Rank | Region | Life expectancy at birth |
|---|---|---|
| 40 | Indiana | 75.4 years |
| 41 | Missouri | 75.2 years |
| 42 | South Carolina | 75.1 years |
| 43 | New Mexico | 74.5 years |
| 44 | Arkansas | 73.9 years |
| 45 | Tennessee | 73.8 years |
| 46 | Alabama | 73.8 years |
Life expectancy at age 65 (2022)
New Mexico ranks 28 of 51, highest first. Further years of life expected at 65
| Rank | Region | Life expectancy at age 65 |
|---|---|---|
| 25 | Pennsylvania | 18.7 years |
| 26 | Illinois | 18.7 years |
| 27 | Iowa | 18.7 years |
| 28 | New Mexico | 18.7 years |
| 29 | Maine | 18.7 years |
| 30 | District of Columbia | 18.7 years |
| 31 | Alaska | 18.6 years |
Infant deaths per 1,000 live births (2024)
New Mexico ranks 35 of 51, highest first. NCHS Stats of the States
| Rank | Region | Infant deaths per 1,000 live births |
|---|---|---|
| 32 | Arizona | 5.40 |
| 33 | Nevada | 5.34 |
| 34 | Utah | 5.16 |
| 35 | New Mexico | 5.16 |
| 36 | Oregon | 4.93 |
| 37 | Washington | 4.79 |
| 38 | Idaho | 4.73 |
Drug overdose deaths per 100,000 (age-adjusted) (2024)
New Mexico ranks 5 of 51, highest first. NCHS Stats of the States
| Rank | Region | Drug overdose deaths per 100,000 (age-adjusted) |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | Alaska | 45.1 |
| 3 | District of Columbia | 43.2 |
| 4 | Washington | 37.6 |
| 5 | New Mexico | 37.1 |
| 6 | Nevada | 35.9 |
| 7 | Tennessee | 35.2 |
| 8 | Maine | 35.2 |
Drug overdose deaths, 12 months to May 2026 (provisional) (2025-2026)
New Mexico ranks 24 of 51, highest first. Predicted provisional counts
| Rank | Region | Drug overdose deaths, 12 months to May 2026 (provisional) |
|---|---|---|
| 21 | Missouri | 1,205 |
| 22 | South Carolina | 1,198 |
| 23 | Louisiana | 1,160 |
| 24 | New Mexico | 1,128 |
| 25 | Kentucky | 1,034 |
| 26 | Wisconsin | 997 |
| 27 | Minnesota | 981 |
Heart disease deaths per 100,000 (age-adjusted) (2024)
New Mexico ranks 28 of 51, highest first. NCHS Stats of the States
| Rank | Region | Heart disease deaths per 100,000 (age-adjusted) |
|---|---|---|
| 25 | Maine | 156.4 |
| 26 | Wyoming | 156.2 |
| 27 | North Carolina | 155.5 |
| 28 | New Mexico | 155.5 |
| 29 | District of Columbia | 154.6 |
| 30 | Illinois | 153.2 |
| 31 | Nebraska | 152.7 |
Cancer deaths per 100,000 (age-adjusted) (2024)
New Mexico ranks 45 of 51, highest first. NCHS Stats of the States
| Rank | Region | Cancer deaths per 100,000 (age-adjusted) |
|---|---|---|
| 42 | Arizona | 127.3 |
| 43 | Massachusetts | 127.0 |
| 44 | California | 126.4 |
| 45 | New Mexico | 126.2 |
| 46 | Connecticut | 123.5 |
| 47 | Colorado | 122.2 |
| 48 | New Jersey | 121.6 |
Suicides per 100,000 (age-adjusted) (2024)
New Mexico ranks 4 of 51, highest first. NCHS Stats of the States
| Rank | Region | Suicides per 100,000 (age-adjusted) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alaska | 29.7 |
| 2 | Wyoming | 27.8 |
| 3 | Montana | 26.8 |
| 4 | New Mexico | 24.6 |
| 5 | South Dakota | 21.9 |
| 6 | Idaho | 21.2 |
| 7 | Oklahoma | 20.9 |
Firearm deaths per 100,000 (age-adjusted) (2024)
New Mexico ranks 2 of 51, highest first. NCHS Stats of the States
| Rank | Region | Firearm deaths per 100,000 (age-adjusted) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mississippi | 28.0 |
| 2 | New Mexico | 26.6 |
| 3 | Alaska | 24.4 |
| 4 | Alabama | 23.7 |
| 5 | Wyoming | 23.4 |
| 6 | Louisiana | 22.9 |
| 7 | Arkansas | 20.6 |
People without health insurance (2024)
New Mexico ranks 9 of 51, highest first. American Community Survey, civilian noninstitutionalized population
| Rank | Region | People without health insurance |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | Florida | 10.9% |
| 7 | Arizona | 10.3% |
| 8 | Wyoming | 10.3% |
| 9 | New Mexico | 10.1% |
| 10 | Tennessee | 9.7% |
| 11 | Mississippi | 9.7% |
| 12 | Arkansas | 9.4% |
Children under 19 without health insurance (2024)
New Mexico ranks 19 of 51, highest first. American Community Survey
| Rank | Region | Children under 19 without health insurance |
|---|---|---|
| 16 | Utah | 6.6% |
| 17 | Tennessee | 6.5% |
| 18 | Indiana | 6.1% |
| 19 | New Mexico | 6.1% |
| 20 | Colorado | 6.0% |
| 21 | South Carolina | 5.9% |
| 22 | Mississippi | 5.8% |
Medicaid and CHIP enrollment, June 2026 (2026-06)
New Mexico ranks 33 of 51, highest first. CMS performance indicator data (preliminary)
| Rank | Region | Medicaid and CHIP enrollment, June 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| 30 | Arkansas | 773,838 |
| 31 | Nevada | 711,617 |
| 32 | Iowa | 674,521 |
| 33 | New Mexico | 673,265 |
| 34 | Mississippi | 584,125 |
| 35 | West Virginia | 485,007 |
| 36 | Kansas | 393,912 |
Change in Medicaid and CHIP enrollment since March 2023 (2023-03 to 2026-06)
New Mexico ranks 31 of 51, highest first. March 2023 was the last month of pandemic continuous enrollment
| Rank | Region | Change in Medicaid and CHIP enrollment since March 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| 28 | Illinois | -23.4% |
| 29 | Delaware | -23.5% |
| 30 | Ohio | -24.1% |
| 31 | New Mexico | -24.4% |
| 32 | Massachusetts | -24.6% |
| 33 | Vermont | -25.0% |
| 34 | Oklahoma | -25.2% |
Adults with obesity (BMI 30 or more) (2024)
New Mexico ranks 22 of 50, highest first. BRFSS 2024, crude prevalence; Tennessee did not report for 2024
| Rank | Region | Adults with obesity (BMI 30 or more) |
|---|---|---|
| 19 | Georgia | 35.4% |
| 20 | Missouri | 34.6% |
| 21 | South Carolina | 34.6% |
| 22 | New Mexico | 34.5% |
| 23 | North Carolina | 34.5% |
| 24 | Nevada | 34.2% |
| 25 | Pennsylvania | 34.2% |
Adults who currently smoke cigarettes (2024)
New Mexico ranks 22 of 50, highest first. BRFSS 2024, crude prevalence
| Rank | Region | Adults who currently smoke cigarettes |
|---|---|---|
| 19 | North Dakota | 12.3% |
| 20 | Montana | 12.2% |
| 21 | Nebraska | 12.2% |
| 22 | New Mexico | 12.0% |
| 23 | Wisconsin | 11.9% |
| 24 | Nevada | 11.9% |
| 25 | Pennsylvania | 11.7% |
Adults ever told they have diabetes (2024)
New Mexico ranks 24 of 50, highest first. BRFSS 2024, crude prevalence
| Rank | Region | Adults ever told they have diabetes |
|---|---|---|
| 21 | Kansas | 12.5% |
| 22 | Maryland | 12.4% |
| 23 | New York | 12.3% |
| 24 | New Mexico | 12.3% |
| 25 | Oregon | 12.0% |
| 26 | Florida | 11.9% |
| 27 | Wisconsin | 11.9% |
More on New Mexico: overview · economy and jobs · education and schools · poverty and living standards · government budget · the United States
Sources
- U.S. Census Bureau: American Community Survey 2024 1-year estimates, table-based summary file: Types of health insurance coverage by age (B27010), read 23 October 2026 · saved copy (SHA-256 737090000f71…)
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) Prevalence Data, 2011 to present: selected questions, 2015 and 2023-2025, all adults, read 23 October 2026 · saved copy (SHA-256 7ab093888a27…)
- National Center for Health Statistics (CDC): Stats of the States: Cancer mortality by state (National Vital Statistics System via CDC WONDER), map data file, read 23 October 2026 · saved copy (SHA-256 16647d000278…)
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services: State Medicaid and CHIP Applications, Eligibility Determinations, and Enrollment Data (Performance Indicator data, September 2026 release), read 23 October 2026 · saved copy (SHA-256 6fc730af4f67…)
- National Center for Health Statistics (CDC): Stats of the States: Firearm mortality by state (National Vital Statistics System via CDC WONDER), map data file, read 23 October 2026 · saved copy (SHA-256 93f4daddcb09…)
- National Center for Health Statistics (CDC): Stats of the States: Heart disease mortality by state (National Vital Statistics System via CDC WONDER), map data file, read 23 October 2026 · saved copy (SHA-256 53ffcd80b442…)
- National Center for Health Statistics (CDC): Stats of the States: Infant mortality rates by state (National Vital Statistics System via CDC WONDER), map data file, read 23 October 2026 · saved copy (SHA-256 c8e6ba1c198b…)
- National Center for Health Statistics (CDC): U.S. State Life Tables, 2022 (National Vital Statistics Reports Vol. 74, No. 12), Tables A, B and C, read 23 October 2026 · saved copy (SHA-256 c1373546ce89…)
- National Center for Health Statistics (CDC): Stats of the States: Drug overdose mortality by state (National Vital Statistics System via CDC WONDER), map data file, read 23 October 2026 · saved copy (SHA-256 1990aeae39f4…)
- National Center for Health Statistics (CDC): Stats of the States: Suicide mortality by state (National Vital Statistics System via CDC WONDER), map data file, read 23 October 2026 · saved copy (SHA-256 5df6571a02ff…)
- National Center for Health Statistics (CDC): VSRR Provisional Drug Overdose Death Counts (12-month ending periods, May and December 2019-2026, selected indicators), read 23 October 2026 · saved copy (SHA-256 68a227998fc5…)
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