Race & Ethnicity
Age Breakdown
Key Indicators
| Median Age | 31.9 yrs |
|---|---|
| Avg HH Size | 1.34 |
| Below Poverty | 18.0% ▲ 80% above avg |
| College Grads | 28.0% ▼ 28% below avg |
| Unemployment | 6.9% ▲ 40% above avg |
| No HS Diploma | 1,569 (4.5%) |
| HS Graduate | 12,172 (34.6%) |
| Some College | 5,719 (16.3%) |
| Associates | 5,851 (16.6%) |
| Bachelors | 3,319 (9.4%) |
| Graduate Degree | 6,536 (18.6%) |
Education
Housing Tenure
Home Value Distribution
Financials
| Median HH Income | $70,064 ▼ 8% below avg |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $176,821 ▼ 37% below avg |
| Home/Income Ratio | 2.5x (nat avg ~3.5x) |
| Median Rent | $1,112/mo |
| Total Housing Units | 28,125 |
| Vacant Units | 3,557 |
Income Distribution
How People Get to Work
Commute Time
Year Built
Lea County is located in New Mexico and encompasses 13 ZIP codes spanning 10 cities and communities. The county has an estimated population of 73,154 residents. With a median age of 31.94, it is a relatively young county.
Lea County has a solidly middle-class economic profile. The median household income of $70,064 is near the national average. Unemployment stands at 6.9%, above the national average. The poverty rate of 18.0% is significantly above the national average, indicating economic challenges.
Housing in Lea County is an affordable housing market, with a median home value of $176,821 — below the national average. Monthly median rent is approximately $1,112. Homeownership rates are high at 69.7%, reflecting a largely residential, stable population.
The residents of Lea County are majority Hispanic (61.67%). Educational attainment is moderately educated — 28.0% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average.
Lea County, NM is a solidly middle-class area in New Mexico. The 13 ZIP codes within the county each have their own character — browse the full list below to find the right community, whether you're looking for affordable housing, strong schools, or economic opportunity.
| ZIP | City | Population | Median Income | Median Home | Median Rent | Unemp. | College |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 88114 | Crossroads | 30 | $119,000 | — | — | 0.0% | 61.9% |
| 88231 | Eunice | 3,360 | $72,019 | $151,800 | $749 | 8.5% | 14.3% |
| 88240 | Hobbs | 41,612 | $65,394 | $177,200 | $1,124 | 6.7% | 29.5% |
| 88242 | Hobbs | 7,684 | $88,654 | $218,700 | $1,290 | 8.1% | 24.2% |
| 88252 | Jal | 2,069 | $60,703 | $105,400 | $1,155 | 18.0% | 31.3% |
| 88260 | Lovington | 15,410 | $75,197 | $174,200 | $1,081 | 5.8% | 29.8% |
| 88267 | Tatum | 1,437 | $58,750 | $104,300 | $936 | 2.8% | 39.6% |