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Santa Fe

city

Santa 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

Overview
Classification
City
FIPS Code
48-66000
Country
United States
County
Santa Fe
Geography
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
Demographics
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.
Governance
Government Type
Mayor-Council
Governing Body
City Council
School District
Santa Fe Public Schools
Municipal Services
Police · Fire · Public Works · Parks & Recreation · Library
Economy
Economic Profile
Tourism · Arts and Culture · Government
Employment Sectors
Government · Hospitality · Technology · Arts · Healthcare
Education
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)
Infrastructure
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
Recreation
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
History
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