Lea County, NM

Guide to Lea County and Cities

Welcome to the community page for Lea County in New Mexico with demographic details and statistics about the area as well as an interactive Lea County map. The county has a population of 73,103, a median home value of $162,000, and a median household income of $65,855. Below, the statistics for Lea County provide a snapshot of key economic and lifestyle factors relevant to both residents and newcomers.

Map of Lea County

Below is the Lea County, NM county map created with GIS software, with cities and neighborhoods.

 

Population & Demographics

The total population for Lea County is 73,103, with 52% males and 48% females. Below is a detailed breakdown of the population trends and demographics for the area.

Population by RaceTotal
White Population45,587
Black or African American Population3,078
American Indian and Alaska Native800
Asian Population440
Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander0
Other Race Population5,848
Two or More Races17,350

Household Information

In Lea County, the median gross rent is $1,031 per month and the median home value is $162,000. Out of the total number of households in the city, 68% are owner-occupied, while 32% are rentals. Of those who own their homes, 43% have a mortgage, with the remaining 57% owning their homes outright. Below is a detailed snapshot of homeownership and rental patterns in the community.”

Ownership StatisticsNumber
Owner-Occupied16,679
Renter-Occupied7,700
Mortgage StatusNumber
Homes with Mortgage7,192
Homes without Mortgage9,487

Employment & Occupation

In Lea County, the unemployment rate currently stands at 7.4%. For residents in the workforce, on average they spend 24.5 minutes commuting to work. Of those employed, 78% work for private companies, while 16% hold government jobs. Additionally, 6% are self-employed, contributing to the area’s entrepreneurial spirit. Below, you’ll find more details about employment trends and occupations in Lea County.

OccupationNumber
Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting, and Mining5,735
Construction2,879
Manufacturing933
Wholesale Trade927
Retail Trade3,243
Transportation and Warehousing, and Utilities3,018
Information457
Finance and Insurance, and Real Estate and Rental and Leasing798
Professional, Scientific, and Management, and Administrative and Waste Management Services2,061
Educational Services, and Health Care and Social Assistance5,147
Arts, entertainment, and recreation, and accommodation and food services2,843
Other Services, except Public Administration1,431
Public Administration1,331

Education

In Lea County, education levels show that 33.1% of residents have completed high school, 7.6% hold a bachelor’s degree, and 7% have achieved a graduate or professional degree. Of the population aged 25 and over, 14.6% are college graduates, reflecting the county’s academic achievements. Below is a detailed breakdown of educational levels within Lea County, NM.

Education Level Number
9th to 12th Grade 4,928
High School Graduate 14,380
Some College 8,944
Associate’s Degree 3,372
Bachelor’s Degree 3,298
Graduate or Professional Degree 3,040
School Enrollment Number
Enrolled in Preschool 842
Enrolled in Elementary School 9,956
Enrolled in High School 4,701
Enrolled in College 3,275

More Counties in New Mexico

*The data presented on this page is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau and reflects the most recent available statistics. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, please note that Census data may be subject to updates and revisions. US Map Guide is not responsible for any discrepancies, and we encourage users to verify information directly with official sources for the latest insights.