The use of "per capita" is at best deceiving when demonstrating the true value of the average citizen of a given country.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Per_capita_income
Since we must assume that the Mexican wealthy - whom are few and far between and control the bulk of the denaro are included, the $10,000 (is that pesos or usa dollars?) per capita is deceiving.

Having spent more than a little time in Mexico - primarily Baja - I know how poor the Mexican people on average are. For the most part they are friendly, willing to aid strangers (in Baja everyone needs help at some time - if only to get a tire or get out of a ditch), hard working, and are easy to laugh. They enjoy life, as best they can. Are extremely family oriented and have enormous extended families - those that don't cause harm are always welcome.

Once a person gets below Encenada, or atleast Santo Tomas, everyone waives. Stranger or not.

The people maybe $poor$ monetarily, but certainly not in heart.