Final answer:
Most people in New Mexico live close to fresh water, which is a vital resource due to the state's arid climate and the needs of its population and industries.
Step-by-step explanation:
The resource most people in New Mexico live close to is fresh water. Due to the state's arid type B climate, water is a critical resource, especially considering the high demand for it in industrial processes. The rural-to-urban shift in New Mexico has seen the population naturally gravitate towards areas where water is more easily obtainable.
Historically, such as during the era of the Ancestral Puebloans, communities were established near sources of water despite the longer distances to agricultural areas. This trend has persisted into modern times, with densely populated areas typically found in proximity to fresh water resources.
Additionally, the presence of large urban centers and industries continues to emphasize the importance of access to water in determining where populations concentrate within the state.