With a population of 84,683 as of the 2020 census, Santa Fe is the capital of the state of New Mexico and the county seat of Santa Fe County. Situated at the foot of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Santa Fe lies at an elevation of 7,199 feet, making it one of the highest capital cities in the United States.
History
Santa Fe was originally inhabited by Native American Pueblo peoples for many centuries before Spanish colonization began in the early 17th century. It is the oldest state capital in the United States, having served as the capital of the Spanish colony of Nuevo México from 1610 until Mexican independence in 1821. Santa Fe has had a tumultuous history, enduring cycles of growth and decline as well as periods of occupation during the Civil War.
Despite fluctuations in its fortunes over the centuries, Santa Fe has remained resilient. Today, it is known for its Pueblo-Spanish influenced architecture and as a thriving hub for arts and culture. The city is home to renowned museums, galleries, music venues, and culinary institutions.
Geography and Climate
Santa Fe is situated in north central New Mexico within the southern reaches of the Rocky Mountains. The city lies about 60 miles north of Albuquerque along an interstate and railway corridor. Surrounded by the Santa Fe National Forest, the city enjoys a mild, dry climate characterized by sunny days and cool evenings.
At 7,199 feet above sea level, Santa Fe experiences four distinct seasons. Summers are warm but not too hot, with average highs around 85°F. Winters are cold with average highs around 45°F and frequent snow. The average annual precipitation is just 19 inches per year.
Population
According to the 2020 census, Santa Fe has a population of 84,683 residents. This represents a slight increase from 2010, when the population was 67,947. However, growth has slowed in recent decades compared to earlier periods.
The racial makeup of Santa Fe is approximately:
- 72% White
- 1.9% Black or African American
- 3.3% Asian
- 1.6% American Indian and Alaska Native
- 0.1% Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander
- 15.4% Other race
- 5.7% Two or more races
Hispanics and Latinos of any race make up 54% of the population. Other key facts about the city’s demographics:
- Median age is 44.3 years old.
- 18.5% of residents speak a language other than English at home.
- 82.7% have at least graduated high school and 33.3% have a bachelor’s degree or higher.
- 11.7% live below the poverty line.
Economy and Major Employers
Santa Fe has a diversified economy including government, tourism, services, trade, utilities and manufacturing. Many residents work in creative professions as artists, performers, and writers. According to the city’s website, major private sector employers include:
- Christus St. Vincent Regional Medical Center – healthcare
- Presbyterian Healthcare Services – healthcare
- Los Alamos National Laboratory – national security/research
- Santa Fe Public Schools – education
- St. John’s College – education
Other major employers are in the public sector, including state and local government, public schools, colleges and universities, and federal agencies. Tourism also provides employment in hospitality, recreation and restaurants. The arts community, national laboratories and other research facilities contribute specialized jobs to the economy.
Landmarks and Attractions
Santa Fe is renowned for its Pueblo-style architecture and historic sites. Major attractions include:
- The Santa Fe Plaza – the historic heart of the city with shops, restaurants and museums surrounding the central park.
- Pecos National Historical Park – ruins of ancestral Puebloan villages and a historic Spanish colonial mission.
- The Palace of the Governors – the oldest public building in the U.S. and New Mexico’s history museum.
- Museum of Indian Arts and Culture – exhibits Native American art and artifacts.
- The Santa Fe Opera – renowned outdoor opera company.
- Georgia O’Keeffe Museum – dedicated to the iconic American artist’s works.
- Loretto Chapel and its Miraculous Staircase.
- The Cross of the Martyrs – historic monument on a hill overlooking the city.
- Santa Fe National Forest – hiking, camping and mountain biking.
Santa Fe also boasts a vibrant arts scene with numerous commercial and museum galleries. Annual cultural events draw visitors from around the world.
Local Government
Santa Fe has a council-mayor form of government. The city council consists of eight members representing four districts who pass legislation and oversee governance. The mayor serves as the chief executive and administers the city government.
You can learn more about Santa Fe’s local government on the city’s website.
Sports Teams
While it lacks any major league professional sports teams, Santa Fe residents avidly follow sports. Popular teams with strong local fan bases include:
- New Mexico United – professional soccer team based in Albuquerque.
- University of New Mexico Lobos – collegiate athletics in Albuquerque.
- Denver Broncos – NFL football team.
- Colorado Rockies – MLB baseball team.
You can visit the New Mexico United website and Santa Fe’s Facebook page to learn more about local sports.
Final Thoughts
With its rich history, vibrant arts scene, and natural beauty, Santa Fe offers a unique experience among American cities. The community proudly preserves its traditions while welcoming new influences and residents from across the globe. Whether you want to immerse yourself in Southwestern culture or enjoy outdoor mountain adventures, Santa Fe has something for everyone.