SNAP Statistics by State: 5 States That Pay The Most in Food Stamps

1. New Mexico

Percentage of residents receiving food stamps: 24.3%

Number of Residents that participated in SNAP: 518,800 

New Mexico, although one of the largest states in terms of land area, ranks 36th in population and 46th in population density with just over 2.1 million residents. Renowned as a prominent energy state, New Mexico contributed 9.2% of the total oil production in the United States in 2021. However, alongside its energy prowess, New Mexico faces certain challenges. The state holds the second-highest unemployment rate in the country, standing at 5.3%. Additionally, fewer than a third of the state’s residents hold a higher degree. With more than 24% of its residents participating in SNAP, New Mexico ranks highest among the states that pay the most in food stamps.

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