ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — A new study ranks New Mexico as one of the least prepared states in the U.S. for the coming wave of artificial intelligence. According to data released by Brainly, New Mexico ranks No. 6 among the least AI-ready states, based on factors like education, job market readiness, and federal investment.
The study analyzed data from the U.S. Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics, and the National Center for Education Statistics. It found that only 31.2% of New Mexico households have ultra high-speed internet—the lowest rate in the country. The state also ranked low in AI-related degrees among young adults, with just 39 per 10,000 people ages 20–24.
However, New Mexico did score well in one area: federal funding for small business tech innovation, receiving $361 per $1 million of GDP, ranking sixth nationally.
The findings come as the World Economic Forum projects that 41% of employers globally plan to replace workers with AI by 2030. While the number of students earning AI-related degrees is rising—up 32% since 2018—experts say states like New Mexico may need to accelerate efforts to upskill the workforce.
Top 10 Most AI-Ready States
D.C., New Hampshire, Utah, Maryland, Massachusetts, Colorado, California, Washington, Rhode Island, Virginia
Bottom 10 Least AI-Ready States
Alaska, West Virginia, Maine, Louisiana, Idaho, New Mexico, Wisconsin, Oklahoma, Montana, Mississippi
source: https://brainly.com/insights/states-most-and-least-likely-to-win-the-ai-race-2025
