| ZIP Code | 88242 |
|---|---|
| City | Hobbs |
| State | New Mexico (NM) |
| County | Lea County |
| Area Code | 575 |
| Elevation | 3,695 ft |
| Latitude | 32.812901 |
|---|---|
| Longitude | -103.161796 |
| Timezone | Denver (DST) |
| FIPS | 35025 |
| ZIP Type | Standard |
| Status | Active |
Race & Ethnicity
Age Breakdown
Key Indicators
| Median Age | 33.8 yrs ↓ 12% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Avg Household Size | 3.00 |
| Below Poverty | 11.1% ▲ 11% above avg |
| College Grads | 24.2% ▼ 38% below avg |
| Unemployment | 8.1% ▲ 66% above avg |
| No HS Diploma | 130 (3%) |
| HS Graduate | 1,685 (39%) |
| Some College | 774 (17.9%) |
| Associates | 684 (15.9%) |
| Bachelors | 327 (7.6%) |
| Graduate Degree | 715 (16.6%) |
Education
Housing Tenure
Home Value Distribution
Financials
| Median HH Income | $88,654 ▲ 16% above avg ↑ 17% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $218,700 ▼ 22% below avg ↑ 10% since 2019 |
| Home/Income Ratio | 2.5x (nat avg ~3.5x) |
| Median Rent | $1,290/mo ↑ 23% since 2019 |
| Total Units | 2,776 |
| Vacant Units | 232 |
| Avg HH Size | 3.00 |
Income Distribution
How People Get to Work
Commute Time
Year Built
Summary
| Total Units | 2,776 |
|---|---|
| Vacant | 232 |
| Owner Occupied | 85.1% |
| Renter Occupied | 14.9% |
| Avg HH Size | 3.00 |
ZIP code 88242 is located in Hobbs, New Mexico, within Lea County. With a population of 7,684, this is a lightly populated ZIP code with a relatively young community — the median age is 33.8 years. Economically, 88242 is a middle-income ZIP code: the median household income of $88,654 is above the national average.
Real estate in ZIP code 88242 represents an affordable housing market. The median home value of $218,700 is below the national average. Renters can expect to pay around $1,290 per month in median rent. Homeownership is strong here — 85.1% of occupied units are owner-occupied, suggesting an established, stable residential community. Median home values have increased by 10% since 2019.
The population of 88242 is majority Hispanic (53.97%). Residents are less-educated — 24.2% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is below the national average. Poverty affects some residents at 11.1%. Household income has grown by 17% since 2019.
The unemployment rate in 88242 stands at 8.1%, which is significantly above the national average. As in most parts of the country, driving alone is the dominant commute mode at 81%.
Overall, ZIP code 88242 in Hobbs, NM is characterized as middle-income, less-educated, a relatively young community, and predominantly owner-occupied. With 7,684 residents, a median household income of $88,654, and a median home value of $218,700, it offers a clear picture of life in this part of New Mexico.