Santa Fe
citySanta Fe, the capital of New Mexico, is located in the north-central part of the state at the foot of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. As of 2020, the city had a population of 87,505, making it the fourth-most populous city in New Mexico. Santa Fe is known for its unique blend of Native American, Spanish, Mexican, and Anglo-Saxon cultures, reflected in its architecture, cuisine, and art scene. The city's economy is driven by government, the hospitality industry, and a growing number of technology-based businesses. Santa Fe is also a major art market, boasting over 250 art galleries and dealers. Key institutions include the New Mexico Museum of Art, the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum, and the Santa Fe Opera, contributing to its reputation as a cultural hub. Santa Fe is distinctive for being the oldest state capital in the United States, founded in 1610. Its high altitude of approximately 7,000 feet contributes to its clear skies, intense sunlight, and unique high-desert climate. The city's blend of historical significance, cultural richness, and natural beauty makes it a popular destination for tourists and a desirable place to live.
Santa Fe, New Mexico
- Classification
- City
- FIPS Code
- 48-66000
- Country
- United States
- County
- Santa Fe
- Region
- Northern Rio Grande valley
- Elevation
- 7,198 ft
- Total Area
- 52.4 sq mi
- Land Area
- 52.2 sq mi
- Water Area
- 0.12 sq mi
- Latitude
- 35.66722
- Longitude
- -105.96444
- Climate
- Santa Fe has a semiarid climate with warm summers and freezing, snowy winters. It experiences four distinct seasons, with over 300 sunny days per year.
- Notable Features
- Sangre de Cristo Mountains · Santa Fe River
- Neighboring Areas
- Tesuque · Eldorado · Agua Fria
- Population (2020)
- 87,505
- Est. Population (2024)
- 89,019
- Median Age
- 46.3
- Median Income
- $73,482
- Poverty Rate
- 12.9%
- Owner-Occupied
- 63.6%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- Santa Fe's population is approximately 49.5% Hispanic, 42.5% White, 3.0% Multiracial, 2.1% Native American/Other, 1.9% Asian, and 1.1% Black.
- Government Type
- Mayor-Council
- Governing Body
- City Council
- School District
- Santa Fe Public Schools
- Municipal Services
- Police · Fire · Public Works · Parks & Recreation · Library
- Economic Profile
- Tourism · Arts and Culture · Government
- Employment Sectors
- Government · Hospitality · Technology · Arts · Healthcare
- Schools
- 30
- Students
- 11,490
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 14:1
- School Districts
- Santa Fe Public Schools · Pojoaque Valley Public Schools
- Colleges & Universities
- St. John's College · Southwestern College · Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA)
- Transportation
- Santa Fe Regional Airport (SAF) · New Mexico Rail Runner Express · Santa Fe Trails bus system
- Utilities
- Municipal water · Natural gas · Fiber/broadband
- Major Facilities
- Hospitals · Santa Fe Regional Airport · Genoveva Chavez Community Center
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- Major Recreation Areas
- Santa Fe National Forest · Ski Santa Fe · Municipal Recreation Sports Complex
- Parks & Trails
- More than 100 parks · 170 miles of scenic trails
- Founded
- 1610
- Named After
- La Villa Real de la Santa Fe de San Francisco de Asís (Royal Town of the Holy Faith of Saint Francis of Assisi)
- Historical Significance
- Oldest state capital in the U.S., with a rich history spanning Spanish, Mexican, and American periods.
- Key Events
- Founded as capital of Nuevo México in 1610 · Became part of Mexico in 1821 · Santa Fe Trail opened in 1821, connecting to the U.S. · Became capital of the U.S. Territory of New Mexico in 1851 · Became the state capital in 1912





