Lea County

As of the latest data, Lea County, NM, has a population of approximately 74,455. The racial composition is 45.4% White, 5.2% African American, 1.4% Native American, 0.8% Asian, and 44.9% from other races. Hispanic or Latino individuals make up 61.7% of the population. The county has 25,651 households, with an average household size of 2.85. The median household income is around $58,900, and the poverty rate is approximately 16.3%. The median age is 32.2 years.

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau and other local demographic reports.

Lea County, NM, has a median home value of approximately $150,000, with home appreciation over the last decade around 40%. The median rent is about $850 per month. The county's housing market comprises mostly single-family homes, with homeownership rates at roughly 65%. Housing units total around 25,000, with a vacancy rate near 15%. The construction of new residential units has been moderate, driven by local economic activities, particularly in the oil and gas sectors.

As of October 2023, the most recent election information for Lea County, NM, includes the following:

• Currently, there are 38,525 registered voters in Lea County.
• The 2023 municipal elections will include races for various local positions such as mayor, city council members, and school board members.
• In Hobbs, the largest city in Lea County, key races include the mayoral race with candidates:
  • Sam Cobb (incumbent)
  • Cynthia Calderon
• City council candidates in Hobbs include:
  • Joe Calderon
  • Dwayne Penick
  • Sara Cordova
  • Frank Moreno
• School board elections in Lovington will see candidates such as:
  • Carla Sanchez
  • Mark Harlan

Polling locations and times are managed by the Lea County Clerk's Office.

For a comprehensive list of all candidates and more detailed numerical data, voters can visit the official Lea County elections website or contact the Lea County Clerk’s office directly.

Lea County, NM, has educational attainment levels lower than national and state averages. According to the U.S. Census Bureau data from 2021, approximately 77.5% of residents aged 25 and older have a high school diploma or equivalent, compared to the national average of 88.5% and the New Mexico state average of 85.3%. Furthermore, about 13.7% of Lea County residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher, well below the national average of 33.1% and the state average of 27.1%. The data indicates that Lea County falls behind both the state and national averages in terms of educational attainment.

As of 2021, Lea County, NM had an employment figure of approximately 30,000. The top industries include mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction, employing 25.6% of the workforce, significantly higher than the national average of 0.4% and New Mexico's 3.7%. The retail trade industry employs about 12.8% of workers, closely aligned with the U.S. average of 12.1%. Education, health care, and social assistance services employ 14.2%, lower than the national average of 23.0% and New Mexico's 22.5%. These figures highlight Lea County's heavy reliance on the oil and gas sector compared to broader trends.

As of the latest available data, the average household income in Lea County, New Mexico is approximately $57,000 per year. This figure falls below both the national and state averages. The national average household income is around $68,700, while the state average for New Mexico is approximately $62,000. Lea County's economic figures reflect its local industries, which are heavily centered on oil and gas production, agriculture, and some manufacturing.

Overall, Lea County's average household income is lower compared to broader benchmarks, indicating potential economic challenges and opportunities specific to the region.

As of the most recent data available, Lea County, New Mexico, has witnessed various crime rates. Here is a summary of the crime statistics for specific categories:

Violent crimes include homicides, rapes, robberies, and aggravated assaults, while property crimes include burglaries, larcenies, and motor vehicle thefts. These statistics reflect a snapshot and can fluctuate; always refer to the latest reports for current information.