Comparisons
New Mexico vs. the other two most closely populated regions in United States: Nebraska and Hawaii
New Mexico in context: Street-network sprawl of new development
The level of street-network sprawl in new development in New Mexico peaked in 1991-2005. To get a sense of how street development has changed in New Mexico, we can consider three of its most populous cities: Albuquerque, South Valley and Paradise Hills. Out of the three cities, Paradise Hills does not follow the same trend as the region. The level of street-network sprawl in new development in Paradise Hills followed a zig-zag trend with an overall increase.
How do development practices in New Mexico fare in comparison to others in United States? Most recently in 2006-2020, street construction in New Mexico was the 12th-most disconnected out of the 44 regions in United States. Its position in the ranks since 1975 has risen; relative to other regions in United States, street construction in New Mexico has become more disconnected. New Mexico ranked 19th in 1975, 12th in 1976-1990, 13th in 1991-2005 and 12th in 2006-2020.
New Mexico in context: Aggregate street-network sprawl
As of 2020, the city with the most disconnected street network in New Mexico is Paradise Hills with an SNDi of 4.24, which is sprawly. Conversely, the most connected city is Las Cruces with an SNDi of 2.72, which is relatively well-connected. See trends for these cities: Las Cruces, Paradise Hills
The level of street-network sprawl in the aggregate network in New Mexico rose steadily. To get a sense of how the aggregate street network has changed in New Mexico, we can consider three of its most populous cities: Albuquerque, South Valley and Paradise Hills. Out of the three cities, South Valley and Paradise Hills do not follow the same trend as the region. The level of street-network sprawl in the aggregate network in South Valley peaked in 1991-2005. The level of street-network sprawl in the aggregate network in Paradise Hills followed a zig-zag trend with an overall increase.
To date, New Mexico is the 16th-most disconnected out of the 44 regions in United States. Its position in the ranks since 1975 has risen; relative to other regions in United States, the street network in New Mexico has become more disconnected. New Mexico ranked 19th in 1975, 18th in 1976-1990, 16th in 1991-2005 and 16th in 2006-2020.