The men are employed as farmers or miners, the women clean house for more wealthy families, as well as their own. The community is divided, having immigrated from around Guatemala and southern Mexico for the cheap rent. Three indiginous languages are spoken among the adults, usually along with a working knowledge of Spanish. Nearly all of the children speak Spanish exclusively. Most men in the community have an educational level of 4th to 6th grade.
Most women have none.
The public schools are taught with methodologies of repetition and rote memorization. The children are rarely encouraged to think creatively or problem solve. Guatemala has a limited public health program, covering emergencies and diagnosis. It does not cover pre-natal care, dental work, medication, and many treatments. Private hospitals exist, but are too expensive for the members of La Pedrera.