Lea County, NM

Lea County Map

Lea County Map

Lea County Overview

73,103
TOTAL POPULATION
37,934
MALE POPULATION
35,169
FEMALE POPULATION
107.86
MALES / 100 FEMALES
92.71
FEMALES / 100 MALES
32.2
MEDIAN AGE
3.5
AVG FAMILY SIZE
2.9
AVG HOUSEHOLD SIZE
$29,635
PER CAPITA INCOME
$75,953
AVG FAMILY INCOME
$65,855
AVG HOUSEHOLD INCOME
49.3%
WAGE / INCOME GAP [ % ]
50.7¢/ $1
WAGE / INCOME GAP [ $ ]
$12,260
FAMILY INCOME DEFICIT
0.47
INEQUALITY / GINI INDEX
33,330
LABOR FORCE [ PEOPLE ]
62.3%
PERCENT IN LABOR FORCE
7.4%
UNEMPLOYMENT RATE

Lea County Area Codes

Race in Lea County

The most populous races in Lea County are White / Caucasian (45,587 | 62.4%), Hispanic or Latino (44,987 | 61.5%), and Two or more Races (17,350 | 23.7%).
Race in Lea County
Race# Population% Population
Asian4400.6%
Black / African American3,0784.2%
Hawaiian / Pacific00.0%
Hispanic or Latino44,98761.5%
Native / Alaskan8001.1%
White / Caucasian45,58762.4%
Two or more Races17,35023.7%
Some other Race5,8488.0%
Total73,103100.0%

Ancestry in Lea County

The most populous ancestries reported in Lea County are Mexican (40,264 | 55.1%), American (5,296 | 7.2%), German (3,818 | 5.2%), English (3,498 | 4.8%), and Irish (2,979 | 4.1%), together accounting for 76.4% of all Lea County residents.
Ancestry in Lea County
Ancestry# Population% Population
African3750.5%
American5,2967.2%
Apache100.0%
Arab520.1%
Australian60.0%
Austrian100.0%
Belgian180.0%
Bhutanese50.0%
Brazilian520.1%
British2220.3%
Canadian490.1%
Celtic190.0%
Central American3570.5%
Central American Indian230.0%
Cherokee2310.3%
Chickasaw410.1%
Choctaw870.1%
Colombian540.1%
Creek80.0%
Cuban3550.5%
Czech670.1%
Czechoslovakian250.0%
Danish960.1%
Delaware210.0%
Dominican80.0%
Dutch2290.3%
Dutch West Indian420.1%
English3,4984.8%
Ethiopian40.0%
European9701.3%
Finnish160.0%
French4900.7%
French Canadian510.1%
German3,8185.2%
Greek210.0%
Guatemalan380.1%
Haitian210.0%
Honduran2110.3%
Hungarian30.0%
Icelander60.0%
Indian (Asian)60.0%
Irish2,9794.1%
Italian4740.6%
Jordanian140.0%
Kenyan190.0%
Kiowa80.0%
Korean1420.2%
Laotian30.0%
Lebanese380.1%
Mexican40,26455.1%
Mexican American Indian420.1%
Navajo3180.4%
Nicaraguan40.0%
Nigerian440.1%
Norwegian4000.5%
Pakistani60.0%
Polish920.1%
Portuguese1400.2%
Pueblo1080.2%
Puerto Rican1890.3%
Russian200.0%
Salvadoran1040.1%
Scandinavian430.1%
Scotch-Irish4030.5%
Scottish5510.7%
Seminole80.0%
Shoshone230.0%
Sioux110.0%
South American540.1%
Spaniard1940.3%
Spanish1,1481.6%
Sri Lankan40.0%
Subsaharan African4230.6%
Swedish570.1%
Swiss1060.2%
Thai730.1%
Ukrainian70.0%
Welsh2450.3%
View All 78 Rows

Immigrants in Lea County

The most numerous immigrant groups reported in Lea County came from Latin America (12,375 | 16.9%), Central America (11,958 | 16.4%), Mexico (11,559 | 15.8%), Caribbean (351 | 0.5%), and Cuba (290 | 0.4%), together accounting for 50.0% of all Lea County residents.
Immigrants in Lea County
Immigration Origin# Population% Population
Africa1310.2%
Asia2270.3%
Brazil460.1%
Canada760.1%
Caribbean3510.5%
Central America11,95816.4%
China10.0%
Colombia200.0%
Cuba2900.4%
Dominican Republic10.0%
Eastern Africa190.0%
Eastern Asia10.0%
Eastern Europe10.0%
El Salvador920.1%
Europe1440.2%
France160.0%
Germany420.1%
Guatemala380.1%
Honduras2690.4%
India310.0%
Indonesia30.0%
Jamaica600.1%
Kenya190.0%
Latin America12,37516.9%
Lebanon130.0%
Malaysia50.0%
Mexico11,55915.8%
Nepal430.1%
Nigeria440.1%
Northern Europe850.1%
Norway460.1%
Pakistan400.1%
Philippines730.1%
Russia10.0%
South America660.1%
South Central Asia1140.2%
South Eastern Asia990.1%
Taiwan10.0%
Vietnam40.0%
Western Africa1120.2%
Western Asia130.0%
Western Europe580.1%
View All 42 Rows

Sex and Age in Lea County

Sex and Age in Lea County

The most populous age groups in Lea County are 15 to 19 Years (3,278 | 8.6%) for men and 5 to 9 Years (3,284 | 9.3%) for women.
Sex and Age in Lea County
Age BracketMaleFemale
Under 5 Years3,047 (8.0%)2,767 (7.9%)
5 to 9 Years3,081 (8.1%)3,284 (9.3%)
10 to 14 Years3,236 (8.5%)2,718 (7.7%)
15 to 19 Years3,278 (8.6%)2,769 (7.9%)
20 to 24 Years2,808 (7.4%)2,703 (7.7%)
25 to 29 Years2,737 (7.2%)2,362 (6.7%)
30 to 34 Years2,756 (7.3%)2,326 (6.6%)
35 to 39 Years2,980 (7.9%)2,711 (7.7%)
40 to 44 Years2,129 (5.6%)1,826 (5.2%)
45 to 49 Years2,103 (5.5%)2,064 (5.9%)
50 to 54 Years2,005 (5.3%)1,743 (5.0%)
55 to 59 Years2,092 (5.5%)1,659 (4.7%)
60 to 64 Years1,951 (5.1%)1,951 (5.6%)
65 to 69 Years1,548 (4.1%)1,681 (4.8%)
70 to 74 Years826 (2.2%)851 (2.4%)
75 to 79 Years524 (1.4%)638 (1.8%)
80 to 84 Years296 (0.8%)635 (1.8%)
85 Years and over537 (1.4%)481 (1.4%)
Total37,934 (100.0%)35,169 (100.0%)

Families and Households in Lea County

Median Family Size in Lea County

The median family size in Lea County is 3.49 persons per family, with married-couple families (11,597 | 68.9%) accounting for the largest median family size of 3.52 persons per family. On the other hand, single male/father families (2,149 | 12.8%) represent the smallest median family size with 3.40 persons per family.
Median Family Size in Lea County
Family Type# FamiliesFamily Size
Married-Couple11,597 (68.9%)3.52
Single Male/Father2,149 (12.8%)3.40
Single Female/Mother3,083 (18.3%)3.48
Total Families16,829 (100.0%)3.49

Median Household Size in Lea County

The median household size in Lea County is 2.90 persons per household, with single male/father households (2,149 | 8.8%) accounting for the largest median household size of 3.84 persons per household. non-family households (7,550 | 31.0%) represent the smallest median household size with 1.29 persons per household.
Median Household Size in Lea County
Household Type# HouseholdsHousehold Size
Married-Couple11,597 (47.6%)3.55
Single Male/Father2,149 (8.8%)3.84
Single Female/Mother3,083 (12.7%)3.76
Non-family7,550 (31.0%)1.29
Total Households24,379 (100.0%)2.90

Household Size by Marriage Status in Lea County

Out of a total of 24,379 households in Lea County, 16,829 (69.0%) are family households, while 7,550 (31.0%) are nonfamily households. The most numerous type of family households are 2-person households, comprising 6,544, and the most common type of nonfamily households are 1-person households, comprising 6,213.
Household Size by Marriage Status in Lea County
Household SizeFamily HouseholdsNonfamily Households
1-Person Households-6,213 (25.5%)
2-Person Households6,544 (26.8%)1,065 (4.4%)
3-Person Households3,068 (12.6%)98 (0.4%)
4-Person Households4,135 (17.0%)173 (0.7%)
5-Person Households2,033 (8.3%)0 (0.0%)
6-Person Households568 (2.3%)0 (0.0%)
7+ Person Households481 (2.0%)1 (0.0%)
Total16,829 (69.0%)7,550 (31.0%)

Female Fertility in Lea County

Fertility by Age in Lea County

Average fertility rate in Lea County is 74.0 births per 1,000 women. Women in the age bracket of 20 to 34 years have the highest fertility rate with 122.0 births per 1,000 women. Women in the age bracket of 20 to 34 years acount for 71.3% of all women with births.
Female Fertility by Age in Lea County
Age BracketWomen with BirthsBirths / 1,000 Women
15 to 19 years98 (7.8%)35.0
20 to 34 years901 (71.3%)122.0
35 to 50 years264 (20.9%)38.0
Total1,263 (100.0%)74.0

Fertility by Age by Marriage Status in Lea County

50.7% of women with births (1,263) in Lea County are married. The highest percentage of unmarried women with births falls into 15 to 19 years age bracket with 68.4% of them unmarried at the time of birth, while the lowest percentage of unmarried women with births belong to 35 to 50 years age bracket with 37.9% of them unmarried.
Female Fertility by Age by Marriage Status in Lea County
Age BracketMarriedUnmarried
15 to 19 years31 (31.6%)67 (68.4%)
20 to 34 years445 (49.4%)456 (50.6%)
35 to 50 years164 (62.1%)100 (37.9%)
Total640 (50.7%)623 (49.3%)

Fertility by Education in Lea County

Average fertility rate in Lea County is 74.0 births per 1,000 women. Women with the education attainment of graduate degree have the highest fertility rate of 108.0 births per 1,000 women, while women with the education attainment of bachelor's degree have the lowest fertility at 40.0 births per 1,000 women. Women with the education attainment of high school diploma represent 37.4% of all women with births.
Female Fertility by Education Attainment in Lea County
Educational AttainmentWomen with BirthsBirths / 1,000 Women
Less than High School303 (24.0%)72.0
High School Diploma473 (37.4%)94.0
College or Associate's Degree325 (25.7%)58.0
Bachelor's Degree50 (4.0%)40.0
Graduate Degree112 (8.9%)108.0
Total1,263 (100.0%)74.0

Fertility by Education by Marriage Status in Lea County

49.3% of women with births in Lea County are unmarried. Women with the educational attainment of college or associate's degree are most likely to be married with 74.2% of them married at childbirth, while women with the educational attainment of high school diploma are least likely to be married with 64.9% of them unmarried at childbirth.
Female Fertility by Education by Marriage Status in Lea County
Educational AttainmentMarriedUnmarried
Less than High School141 (46.5%)162 (53.5%)
High School Diploma166 (35.1%)307 (64.9%)
College or Associate's Degree241 (74.2%)84 (25.9%)
Bachelor's Degree33 (66.0%)17 (34.0%)
Graduate Degree59 (52.7%)53 (47.3%)
Total640 (50.7%)623 (49.3%)

Income in Lea County

Income Overview in Lea County

Per Capita Income in Lea County is $29,635, while median incomes of families and households are $75,953 and $65,855 respectively.
CharacteristicNumberMeasure
Per Capita Income73,103$29,635
Median Family Income16,829$75,953
Mean Family Income16,829$96,403
Median Household Income24,379$65,855
Mean Household Income24,379$86,086
Income Deficit16,829$12,260
Wage / Income Gap (%)73,10349.25%
Wage / Income Gap ($)73,10350.75¢ per $1
Gini / Inequality Index73,1030.47

Earnings by Sex in Lea County

Average Earnings in Lea County are $38,890, $55,747 for men and $28,289 for women, a difference of 49.2%.
Earnings by Sex in Lea County
SexNumberAverage Earnings
Male20,544 (59.4%)$55,747
Female14,066 (40.6%)$28,289
Total34,610 (100.0%)$38,890

Earnings by Sex by Income Bracket in Lea County

The most common earnings brackets in Lea County are $100,000+ for men (3,843 | 18.7%) and $30,000 to $34,999 for women (1,244 | 8.8%).
Earnings by Sex by Income Bracket in Lea County
IncomeMaleFemale
$2,499 or less879 (4.3%)892 (6.3%)
$2,500 to $4,999482 (2.4%)599 (4.3%)
$5,000 to $7,499867 (4.2%)688 (4.9%)
$7,500 to $9,999733 (3.6%)407 (2.9%)
$10,000 to $12,499402 (2.0%)862 (6.1%)
$12,500 to $14,999591 (2.9%)353 (2.5%)
$15,000 to $17,499529 (2.6%)531 (3.8%)
$17,500 to $19,999501 (2.4%)861 (6.1%)
$20,000 to $22,499329 (1.6%)556 (4.0%)
$22,500 to $24,999381 (1.8%)662 (4.7%)
$25,000 to $29,9991,260 (6.1%)1,023 (7.3%)
$30,000 to $34,999626 (3.0%)1,244 (8.8%)
$35,000 to $39,999624 (3.0%)704 (5.0%)
$40,000 to $44,999638 (3.1%)614 (4.4%)
$45,000 to $49,999630 (3.1%)556 (4.0%)
$50,000 to $54,999696 (3.4%)345 (2.5%)
$55,000 to $64,9991,939 (9.4%)766 (5.4%)
$65,000 to $74,9991,777 (8.6%)799 (5.7%)
$75,000 to $99,9992,817 (13.7%)821 (5.8%)
$100,000+3,843 (18.7%)783 (5.6%)
Total20,544 (100.0%)14,066 (100.0%)

Earnings by Sex by Educational Attainment in Lea County

Average earnings in Lea County are $62,423 for men and $32,689 for women, a difference of 47.6%. Men with an educational attainment of graduate degree enjoy the highest average annual earnings of $76,620, while those with less than high school education earn the least with $45,112. Women with an educational attainment of graduate degree earn the most with the average annual earnings of $71,229, while those with less than high school education have the smallest earnings of $18,505.
Earnings by Sex by Educational Attainment in Lea County
Educational AttainmentMale IncomeFemale Income
Less than High School$45,112$18,505
High School Diploma$67,915$23,998
College or Associate's Degree$71,608$30,876
Bachelor's Degree$68,474$46,523
Graduate Degree$76,620$71,229
Total$62,423$32,689

Family Income in Lea County

Family Income Brackets in Lea County

According to the Lea County family income data, there are 3,130 families falling into the $100,000 to $149,999 income range, which is the most common income bracket and makes up 18.6% of all families. Conversely, the $10,000 to $14,999 income bracket is the least frequent group with only 387 families (2.3%) belonging to this category.
Family Income Brackets in Lea County
Income Bracket# Families% Families
Less than $10,0001,0606.3%
$10,000 to $14,9993872.3%
$15,000 to $24,9991,0106.0%
$25,000 to $34,9991,3638.1%
$35,000 to $49,9991,4308.5%
$50,000 to $74,9993,04618.1%
$75,000 to $99,9992,52415.0%
$100,000 to $149,9993,13018.6%
$150,000 to $199,9991,5829.4%
$200,000+1,2967.7%

Family Income by Famaliy Size in Lea County

5-person families (1,952 | 11.6%) account for the highest median family income in Lea County with $93,226 per family, while 2-person families (7,141 | 42.4%) have the highest median income of $34,471 per family member.
Family Income by Famaliy Size in Lea County
Income Bracket# FamiliesMedian Income
2-Person Families7,141 (42.4%)$68,942
3-Person Families3,172 (18.9%)$77,200
4-Person Families3,631 (21.6%)$72,679
5-Person Families1,952 (11.6%)$93,226
6-Person Families502 (3.0%)$88,409
7+ Person Families431 (2.6%)$69,728
Total16,829 (100.0%)$75,953

Family Income by Number of Earners in Lea County

The median family income in Lea County is $75,953, with families comprising 3+ earners (1,743) having the highest median family income of $126,202, while families with no earners (1,931) have the lowest median family income of $30,095, accounting for 10.4% and 11.5% of families, respectively.
Family Income by Number of Earners in Lea County
Number of Earners# FamiliesMedian Income
No Earners1,931 (11.5%)$30,095
1 Earner7,325 (43.5%)$56,573
2 Earners5,830 (34.6%)$118,852
3+ Earners1,743 (10.4%)$126,202
Total16,829 (100.0%)$75,953

Household Income in Lea County

Household Income Brackets in Lea County

With 4,218 households falling in the category, the $50,000 to $74,999 income range is the most frequent in Lea County, accounting for 17.3% of all households. In contrast, only 1,195 households (4.9%) fall into the $10,000 to $14,999 income bracket, making it the least populous group.
Household Income Brackets in Lea County
Income Bracket# Households% Households
Less than $10,0001,9998.2%
$10,000 to $14,9991,1954.9%
$15,000 to $24,9991,8047.4%
$25,000 to $34,9992,2439.2%
$35,000 to $49,9992,2189.1%
$50,000 to $74,9994,21817.3%
$75,000 to $99,9993,29113.5%
$100,000 to $149,9993,94916.2%
$150,000 to $199,9991,7317.1%
$200,000+1,7077.0%

Household Income by Householder Age in Lea County

The median household income in Lea County is $65,855, with the highest median household income of $76,833 found in the 25 to 44 years age bracket for the primary householder. A total of 9,095 households (37.3%) fall into this category. Meanwhile, the 65+ years age bracket for the primary householder has the lowest median household income of $36,142, with 4,715 households (19.3%) in this group.
Household Income by Householder Age in Lea County
Income Bracket# HouseholdsMedian Income
15 to 24 Years1,627 (6.7%)$42,719
25 to 44 Years9,095 (37.3%)$76,833
45 to 64 Years8,942 (36.7%)$73,560
65+ Years4,715 (19.3%)$36,142
Total24,379 (100.0%)$65,855

Poverty in Lea County

Income Below Poverty by Sex and Age in Lea County

With 15.5% poverty level for males and 20.2% for females among the residents of Lea County, 5 year old males and 5 year old females are the most vulnerable to poverty, with 268 males (45.7%) and 232 females (50.2%) in their respective age groups living below the poverty level.
Income Below Poverty by Sex and Age in Lea County
Age BracketMaleFemale
Under 5 Years677 (22.6%)339 (12.8%)
5 Years268 (45.7%)232 (50.2%)
6 to 11 Years893 (23.5%)824 (21.4%)
12 to 14 Years325 (17.1%)242 (15.2%)
15 Years83 (12.5%)278 (34.9%)
16 and 17 Years170 (13.6%)228 (22.0%)
18 to 24 Years426 (11.4%)773 (22.1%)
25 to 34 Years729 (14.7%)1,255 (27.0%)
35 to 44 Years564 (12.1%)961 (21.2%)
45 to 54 Years474 (12.2%)598 (15.7%)
55 to 64 Years392 (10.0%)556 (15.4%)
65 to 74 Years385 (16.3%)329 (13.2%)
75 Years and over200 (14.9%)356 (22.0%)
Total5,586 (15.5%)6,971 (20.2%)

Income Above Poverty by Sex and Age in Lea County

According to the poverty statistics in Lea County, males aged 55 to 64 years and females aged under 5 years are the age groups that are most secure financially, with 90.0% of males and 87.2% of females in these age groups living above the poverty line.
Income Above Poverty by Sex and Age in Lea County
Age BracketMaleFemale
Under 5 Years2,317 (77.4%)2,301 (87.2%)
5 Years318 (54.3%)230 (49.8%)
6 to 11 Years2,911 (76.5%)3,028 (78.6%)
12 to 14 Years1,580 (82.9%)1,353 (84.8%)
15 Years579 (87.5%)519 (65.1%)
16 and 17 Years1,081 (86.4%)807 (78.0%)
18 to 24 Years3,324 (88.6%)2,733 (77.9%)
25 to 34 Years4,212 (85.3%)3,394 (73.0%)
35 to 44 Years4,096 (87.9%)3,566 (78.8%)
45 to 54 Years3,400 (87.8%)3,208 (84.3%)
55 to 64 Years3,544 (90.0%)3,043 (84.6%)
65 to 74 Years1,982 (83.7%)2,170 (86.8%)
75 Years and over1,138 (85.1%)1,259 (78.0%)
Total30,482 (84.5%)27,611 (79.8%)

Income Below Poverty Among Married-Couple Families in Lea County

The poverty statistics for married-couple families in Lea County show that 6.3% or 728 of the total 11,597 families live below the poverty line. Families with 1 or 2 children have the highest poverty rate of 7.8%, comprising of 330 families. On the other hand, families with 5 or more children have the lowest poverty rate of 4.3%, which includes 5 families.
Income Below Poverty Among Married-Couple Families in Lea County
ChildrenAbove PovertyBelow Poverty
No Children5,638 (94.6%)324 (5.4%)
1 or 2 Children3,885 (92.2%)330 (7.8%)
3 or 4 Children1,235 (94.7%)69 (5.3%)
5 or more Children111 (95.7%)5 (4.3%)
Total10,869 (93.7%)728 (6.3%)

Income Below Poverty Among Single-Parent Households in Lea County

According to the poverty data in Lea County, 21.8% or 469 single-father households and 38.1% or 1,174 single-mother households are living below the poverty line. Among single-father households, those with 3 or 4 children have the highest poverty rate, with 198 households (47.7%) experiencing poverty. Likewise, among single-mother households, those with 3 or 4 children have the highest poverty rate, with 362 households (73.6%) falling below the poverty line.
Income Below Poverty Among Single-Parent Households in Lea County
ChildrenSingle FatherSingle Mother
No Children5 (0.7%)227 (25.2%)
1 or 2 Children266 (27.0%)557 (33.9%)
3 or 4 Children198 (47.7%)362 (73.6%)
5 or more Children0 (0.0%)28 (60.9%)
Total469 (21.8%)1,174 (38.1%)

Income Below Poverty Among Married-Couple vs Single-Parent Households in Lea County

The poverty data for Lea County shows that 728 of the married-couple family households (6.3%) and 1,643 of the single-parent households (31.4%) are living below the poverty level. Within the married-couple family households, those with 1 or 2 children have the highest poverty rate, with 330 households (7.8%) falling below the poverty line. Among the single-parent households, those with 3 or 4 children have the highest poverty rate, with 560 household (61.7%) living below poverty.
Income Below Poverty Among Married-Couple vs Single-Parent Households in Lea County
ChildrenMarried-Couple FamiliesSingle-Parent Households
No Children324 (5.4%)232 (14.8%)
1 or 2 Children330 (7.8%)823 (31.3%)
3 or 4 Children69 (5.3%)560 (61.7%)
5 or more Children5 (4.3%)28 (21.5%)
Total728 (6.3%)1,643 (31.4%)

Employment Characteristics in Lea County

Employment by Class of Employer in Lea County

Among the 30,122 employed individuals in Lea County, private company employees (21,301 | 70.7%), local government employees (2,643 | 8.8%), and self-employed (not incorporated) (1,806 | 6.0%) make up the most common classes of employment.
Employment by Class of Employer in Lea County
Employer Class# Employees% Employees
Private Company Employees21,30170.7%
Self-Employed (Incorporated)1,0603.5%
Self-Employed (Not Incorporated)1,8066.0%
Not-for-profit Organizations1,2824.3%
Local Government Employees2,6438.8%
State Government Employees1,5605.2%
Federal Government Employees4241.4%
Unpaid Family Workers460.2%
Total30,122100.0%

Employment Status by Age in Lea County

According to the labor force statistics for Lea County, out of the total population over 16 years of age (53,500), 62.3% or 33,330 individuals are in the labor force, with 7.4% or 2,466 of them unemployed. The age group with the highest labor force participation rate is 35 to 44 years, with 74.5% or 7,186 individuals in the labor force. Within the labor force, the 16 to 19 years age range has the highest percentage of unemployed individuals, with 18.9% or 385 of them being unemployed.
Employment Status by Age in Lea County
Age BracketIn Labor ForceUnemployed
16 to 19 Years2,037 (44.5%)385 (18.9%)
20 to 24 Years4,018 (72.9%)346 (8.6%)
25 to 29 Years3,712 (72.8%)238 (6.4%)
30 to 34 Years3,639 (71.6%)211 (5.8%)
35 to 44 Years7,186 (74.5%)374 (5.2%)
45 to 54 Years5,794 (73.2%)226 (3.9%)
55 to 59 Years2,746 (73.2%)269 (9.8%)
60 to 64 Years2,513 (64.4%)148 (5.9%)
65 to 74 Years1,604 (32.7%)286 (17.8%)
75 Years and over96 (3.1%)0 (0.0%)
Total33,330 (62.3%)2,466 (7.4%)

Employment Status by Educational Attainment in Lea County

According to labor force statistics for Lea County, 72.3% of individuals (25,591) out of the total population between 25 and 64 years of age (35,395) are in the labor force, with 5.7% or 1,459 of them being unemployed. The group with the highest labor force participation rate are those with the educational attainment of bachelor's degree or higher, with 86.3% or 4,410 individuals in the labor force. Within the labor force, individuals with high school diploma education have the highest percentage of unemployment, with 8.6% or 701 of them being unemployed.
Employment Status by Educational Attainment in Lea County
Educational AttainmentIn Labor ForceUnemployed
Less than High School5,010 (63.0%)485 (6.1%)
High School Diploma8,147 (68.5%)1,023 (8.6%)
College / Associate Degree8,027 (76.9%)585 (5.6%)
Bachelor's Degree or higher4,410 (86.3%)5 (0.1%)
Total25,591 (72.3%)2,018 (5.7%)

Employment Occupations by Sex in Lea County

Management, Business, Science and Arts Occupations

The most common Management, Business, Science and Arts occupations in Lea County are Community & Social Service (3,143 | 10.2%), Management (3,128 | 10.2%), Education Instruction & Library (1,795 | 5.8%), Computers, Engineering & Science (977 | 3.2%), and Health Diagnosing & Treating (743 | 2.4%).
Management, Business, Science and Arts Occupations in Lea County

Management, Business, Science and Arts Occupations by Sex

Within the Management, Business, Science and Arts occupations in Lea County, the most male-oriented occupations are Architecture & Engineering (97.6%), Computers, Engineering & Science (93.9%), and Computers & Mathematics (88.6%), while the most female-oriented occupations are Education, Arts & Media (93.2%), Health Diagnosing & Treating (91.5%), and Health Technologists (90.3%).
Management, Business, Science and Arts Occupations by Sex in Lea County
OccupationMaleFemale
Management1,953 (62.4%)1,175 (37.6%)
Business & Financial271 (42.2%)371 (57.8%)
Computers, Engineering & Science917 (93.9%)60 (6.1%)
Computers & Mathematics155 (88.6%)20 (11.4%)
Architecture & Engineering617 (97.6%)15 (2.4%)
Life, Physical & Social Science145 (85.3%)25 (14.7%)
Community & Social Service 558 (17.7%)2,585 (82.3%)
Education, Arts & Media40 (6.8%)545 (93.2%)
Legal Services & Support44 (10.6%)370 (89.4%)
Education Instruction & Library306 (17.1%)1,489 (83.0%)
Arts, Media & Entertainment168 (48.1%)181 (51.9%)
Health Diagnosing & Treating63 (8.5%)680 (91.5%)
Health Technologists45 (9.7%)419 (90.3%)
Total (Category)3,762 (43.6%)4,871 (56.4%)
Total (Overall)18,529 (60.2%)12,274 (39.9%)

Services Occupations

The most common Services occupations in Lea County are Food Preparation & Serving (1,352 | 4.4%), Cleaning & Maintenance (1,035 | 3.4%), Healthcare Support (889 | 2.9%), Personal Care & Service (457 | 1.5%), and Security & Protection (412 | 1.3%).
Services Occupations in Lea County

Services Occupations by Sex

Within the Services occupations in Lea County, the most male-oriented occupations are Law Enforcement (78.4%), Security & Protection (67.2%), and Firefighting & Prevention (58.4%), while the most female-oriented occupations are Healthcare Support (97.3%), Personal Care & Service (81.6%), and Food Preparation & Serving (54.0%).
Services Occupations by Sex in Lea County
OccupationMaleFemale
Healthcare Support24 (2.7%)865 (97.3%)
Security & Protection277 (67.2%)135 (32.8%)
Firefighting & Prevention135 (58.4%)96 (41.6%)
Law Enforcement142 (78.4%)39 (21.5%)
Food Preparation & Serving622 (46.0%)730 (54.0%)
Cleaning & Maintenance477 (46.1%)558 (53.9%)
Personal Care & Service84 (18.4%)373 (81.6%)
Total (Category)1,484 (35.8%)2,661 (64.2%)
Total (Overall)18,529 (60.2%)12,274 (39.9%)

Sales and Office Occupations

The most common Sales and Office occupations in Lea County are Office & Administration (3,259 | 10.6%), and Sales & Related (2,768 | 9.0%).
Sales and Office Occupations in Lea County

Sales and Office Occupations by Sex

Sales and Office Occupations by Sex in Lea County
OccupationMaleFemale
Sales & Related1,407 (50.8%)1,361 (49.2%)
Office & Administration668 (20.5%)2,591 (79.5%)
Total (Category)2,075 (34.4%)3,952 (65.6%)
Total (Overall)18,529 (60.2%)12,274 (39.9%)

Natural Resources, Construction and Maintenance Occupations

The most common Natural Resources, Construction and Maintenance occupations in Lea County are Construction & Extraction (3,932 | 12.8%), Installation, Maintenance & Repair (1,734 | 5.6%), and Farming, Fishing & Forestry (465 | 1.5%).
Natural Resources, Construction and Maintenance Occupations in Lea County

Natural Resources, Construction and Maintenance Occupations by Sex

Natural Resources, Construction and Maintenance Occupations by Sex in Lea County
OccupationMaleFemale
Farming, Fishing & Forestry446 (95.9%)19 (4.1%)
Construction & Extraction3,810 (96.9%)122 (3.1%)
Installation, Maintenance & Repair1,678 (96.8%)56 (3.2%)
Total (Category)5,934 (96.8%)197 (3.2%)
Total (Overall)18,529 (60.2%)12,274 (39.9%)

Production, Transportation and Moving Occupations

The most common Production, Transportation and Moving occupations in Lea County are Transportation (2,927 | 9.5%), Production (1,531 | 5.0%), and Material Moving (1,409 | 4.6%).
Production, Transportation and Moving Occupations in Lea County

Production, Transportation and Moving Occupations by Sex

Production, Transportation and Moving Occupations by Sex in Lea County
OccupationMaleFemale
Production1,291 (84.3%)240 (15.7%)
Transportation2,738 (93.5%)189 (6.5%)
Material Moving1,245 (88.4%)164 (11.6%)
Total (Category)5,274 (89.9%)593 (10.1%)
Total (Overall)18,529 (60.2%)12,274 (39.9%)

Employment Industries by Sex in Lea County

Employment Industries in Lea County

The major employment industries in Lea County include Mining, Quarrying, & Extraction (5,085 | 16.5%), Retail Trade (3,243 | 10.5%), Construction (2,879 | 9.3%), Health Care & Social Assistance (2,610 | 8.5%), and Educational Services (2,537 | 8.2%).
Employment Industries in Lea County

Employment Industries by Sex in Lea County

The Lea County industries that see more men than women are Construction (93.2%), Mining, Quarrying, & Extraction (91.1%), and Wholesale Trade (88.9%), whereas the industries that tend to have a higher number of women are Enterprise Management (100.0%), Health Care & Social Assistance (89.3%), and Finance & Insurance (75.1%).
Employment Industries by Sex in Lea County
IndustryMaleFemale
Agriculture, Fishing & Hunting516 (79.4%)134 (20.6%)
Mining, Quarrying, & Extraction4,631 (91.1%)454 (8.9%)
Construction2,684 (93.2%)195 (6.8%)
Manufacturing533 (57.1%)400 (42.9%)
Wholesale Trade824 (88.9%)103 (11.1%)
Retail Trade1,916 (59.1%)1,327 (40.9%)
Transportation & Warehousing1,687 (82.4%)360 (17.6%)
Utilities764 (78.7%)207 (21.3%)
Information275 (60.2%)182 (39.8%)
Finance & Insurance132 (24.9%)398 (75.1%)
Real Estate, Rental & Leasing155 (57.8%)113 (42.2%)
Professional & Scientific637 (49.5%)650 (50.5%)
Enterprise Management0 (0.0%)9 (100.0%)
Administrative & Support475 (62.1%)290 (37.9%)
Educational Services654 (25.8%)1,883 (74.2%)
Health Care & Social Assistance280 (10.7%)2,330 (89.3%)
Arts, Entertainment & Recreation205 (33.7%)404 (66.3%)
Accommodation & Food Services834 (37.3%)1,400 (62.7%)
Public Administration465 (34.9%)866 (65.1%)
Total18,529 (60.2%)12,274 (39.9%)

Education in Lea County

School Enrollment in Lea County

The most common levels of schooling among the 20,178 students in Lea County are elementary school (5,002 | 24.8%), middle school (4,954 | 24.5%), and high school (4,701 | 23.3%).
School Enrollment in Lea County
School Level# Students% Students
Nursery / Preschool8424.2%
Kindergarten1,4047.0%
Elementary School5,00224.8%
Middle School4,95424.5%
High School4,70123.3%
College / Undergraduate2,93314.5%
Graduate / Professional3421.7%
Total20,178100.0%

School Enrollment by Age by Funding Source in Lea County

Out of a total of 20,178 students who are enrolled in schools in Lea County, 1,695 (8.4%) attend a private institution, while the remaining 18,483 (91.6%) are enrolled in public schools. The age group of 35 years and over has the highest likelihood of being enrolled in private schools, with 118 (21.9% in the age bracket) enrolled. Conversely, the age group of 10 to 14 year olds has the lowest likelihood of being enrolled in a private school, with 5,688 (97.0% in the age bracket) attending a public institution.
School Enrollment by Age by Funding Source in Lea County
Age BracketPublic SchoolPrivate School
3 to 4 Year Olds557 (90.1%)61 (9.9%)
5 to 9 Year Old5,540 (90.8%)558 (9.1%)
10 to 14 Year Olds5,688 (97.0%)175 (3.0%)
15 to 17 Year Olds3,357 (90.7%)342 (9.2%)
18 to 19 Year Olds1,209 (88.8%)153 (11.2%)
20 to 24 Year Olds1,038 (86.2%)166 (13.8%)
25 to 34 Year Olds667 (83.9%)128 (16.1%)
35 Years and over421 (78.1%)118 (21.9%)
Total18,483 (91.6%)1,695 (8.4%)

Educational Attainment by Field of Study in Lea County

Education (1,791 | 26.8%), business (1,275 | 19.1%), arts & humanities (695 | 10.4%), psychology (564 | 8.5%), and bio, nature & agricultural (471 | 7.1%) are the most common fields of study among 6,673 individuals in Lea County who have obtained a bachelor's degree or higher.
Educational Attainment by Field of Study in Lea County
Field of Study# Graduates% Graduates
Computers & Mathematics1011.5%
Bio, Nature & Agricultural4717.1%
Physical & Health Sciences1312.0%
Psychology5648.5%
Social Sciences1602.4%
Engineering3074.6%
Multidisciplinary Studies540.8%
Science & Technology4296.4%
Business1,27519.1%
Education1,79126.8%
Literature & Languages1041.6%
Liberal Arts & History4116.2%
Visual & Performing Arts540.8%
Communications1261.9%
Arts & Humanities69510.4%
Total6,673100.0%

Transportation & Commute in Lea County

Vehicle Availability by Sex in Lea County

The most prevalent vehicle ownership categories in Lea County are males with 2 vehicles (7,761, accounting for 43.0%) and females with 2 vehicles (3,827, making up 65.8%).
Vehicle Availability by Sex in Lea County
Vehicles AvailableMaleFemale
No Vehicle135 (0.7%)438 (3.7%)
1 Vehicle2,505 (13.9%)2,755 (23.4%)
2 Vehicles7,761 (43.0%)3,827 (32.4%)
3 Vehicles4,305 (23.8%)2,905 (24.6%)
4 Vehicles2,317 (12.8%)1,260 (10.7%)
5 or more Vehicles1,040 (5.8%)611 (5.2%)
Total18,063 (100.0%)11,796 (100.0%)

Commute Time in Lea County

The most frequently occuring commute durations in Lea County are 10 to 14 minutes (5,957 commuters, 20.5%), 5 to 9 minutes (5,725 commuters, 19.7%), and 15 to 19 minutes (4,196 commuters, 14.4%).
Commute Time in Lea County
Commute Time# Commuters% Commuters
Less than 5 Minutes3,08110.6%
5 to 9 Minutes5,72519.7%
10 to 14 Minutes5,95720.5%
15 to 19 Minutes4,19614.4%
20 to 24 Minutes2,2247.6%
25 to 29 Minutes7222.5%
30 to 34 Minutes1,9076.6%
35 to 39 Minutes2650.9%
40 to 44 Minutes2100.7%
45 to 59 Minutes1,1143.8%
60 to 89 Minutes1,0673.7%
90 or more Minutes2,6509.1%

Commute Time by Sex in Lea County

The most common commute times in Lea County are 10 to 14 minutes (3,004 commuters, 17.0%) for males and 10 to 14 minutes (2,953 commuters, 25.7%) for females.
Commute Time by Sex in Lea County
Commute TimeMaleFemale
Less than 5 Minutes1,696 (9.6%)1,385 (12.1%)
5 to 9 Minutes2,996 (17.0%)2,729 (23.8%)
10 to 14 Minutes3,004 (17.0%)2,953 (25.7%)
15 to 19 Minutes2,292 (13.0%)1,904 (16.6%)
20 to 24 Minutes1,367 (7.7%)857 (7.5%)
25 to 29 Minutes441 (2.5%)281 (2.5%)
30 to 34 Minutes1,284 (7.3%)623 (5.4%)
35 to 39 Minutes211 (1.2%)54 (0.5%)
40 to 44 Minutes130 (0.7%)80 (0.7%)
45 to 59 Minutes869 (4.9%)245 (2.1%)
60 to 89 Minutes926 (5.2%)141 (1.2%)
90 or more Minutes2,431 (13.8%)219 (1.9%)

Time of Departure to Work by Sex in Lea County

The most frequent times of departure to work in Lea County are 5:00 AM to 5:29 AM (2,817, 16.0%) for males and 7:30 AM to 7:59 AM (3,558, 31.0%) for females.
Time of Departure to Work by Sex in Lea County
Time of DepartureMaleFemale
12:00 AM to 4:59 AM2,665 (15.1%)484 (4.2%)
5:00 AM to 5:29 AM2,817 (16.0%)230 (2.0%)
5:30 AM to 5:59 AM2,202 (12.5%)137 (1.2%)
6:00 AM to 6:29 AM2,366 (13.4%)459 (4.0%)
6:30 AM to 6:59 AM1,458 (8.3%)1,077 (9.4%)
7:00 AM to 7:29 AM1,896 (10.7%)1,268 (11.1%)
7:30 AM to 7:59 AM1,327 (7.5%)3,558 (31.0%)
8:00 AM to 8:29 AM977 (5.5%)1,793 (15.6%)
8:30 AM to 8:59 AM95 (0.5%)549 (4.8%)
9:00 AM to 9:59 AM335 (1.9%)518 (4.5%)
10:00 AM to 10:59 AM465 (2.6%)316 (2.8%)
11:00 AM to 11:59 AM78 (0.4%)28 (0.2%)
12:00 PM to 3:59 PM643 (3.6%)637 (5.6%)
4:00 PM to 11:59 PM323 (1.8%)417 (3.6%)
Total17,647 (100.0%)11,471 (100.0%)

Housing Occupancy in Lea County

Occupancy by Ownership in Lea County

Of the total 24,379 dwellings in Lea County, owner-occupied units account for 16,679 (68.4%), while renter-occupied units make up 7,700 (31.6%).
Occupancy by Ownership in Lea County
Occupancy# Housing Units% Housing Units
Owner Occupied Housing Units16,67968.4%
Renter-Occupied Housing Units7,70031.6%
Total Occupied Housing Units24,379100.0%

Occupancy by Household Size in Lea County

Occupancy by Household Size in Lea County
Household Size# Housing Units% Housing Units
1-Person Household6,21325.5%
2-Person Household7,60931.2%
3-Person Household3,16613.0%
4+ Person Household7,39130.3%
Total Housing Units24,379100.0%

Occupancy by Ownership by Household Size in Lea County

Occupancy by Ownership by Household Size in Lea County
Household SizeOwner-occupiedRenter-occupied
1-Person Household3,830 (61.6%)2,383 (38.4%)
2-Person Household5,606 (73.7%)2,003 (26.3%)
3-Person Household2,224 (70.3%)942 (29.7%)
4+ Person Household5,019 (67.9%)2,372 (32.1%)
Total Housing Units16,679 (68.4%)7,700 (31.6%)

Occupancy by Educational Attainment in Lea County

Occupancy by Educational Attainment in Lea County
Household SizeOwner-occupiedRenter-occupied
Less than High School3,391 (66.0%)1,745 (34.0%)
High School Diploma4,736 (66.1%)2,423 (33.9%)
College/Associate Degree5,651 (69.9%)2,431 (30.1%)
Bachelor's Degree or higher2,901 (72.5%)1,101 (27.5%)

Occupancy by Age of Householder in Lea County

Occupancy by Age of Householder in Lea County
Age Bracket# Households% Households
Under 35 Years6,19425.4%
35 to 44 Years4,52818.6%
45 to 54 Years4,56518.7%
55 to 64 Years4,37717.9%
65 to 74 Years2,69411.1%
75 to 84 Years1,2585.2%
85 Years and Over7633.1%
Total24,379100.0%

Housing Finances in Lea County

Median Income by Occupancy in Lea County

Median Income by Occupancy in Lea County
Occupancy Type# HouseholdsMedian Income
Owner-Occupied16,679 (68.4%)$77,034
Renter-Occupied7,700 (31.6%)$41,784
Average24,379 (100.0%)$65,855

Occupancy by Householder Income Bracket in Lea County

Occupancy by Householder Income Bracket in Lea County
Income BracketOwner-occupiedRenter-occupied
Less than $5,000685 (4.1%)751 (9.8%)
$5,000 to $9,999280 (1.7%)290 (3.8%)
$10,000 to $14,999510 (3.1%)676 (8.8%)
$15,000 to $19,999542 (3.3%)490 (6.4%)
$20,000 to $24,999545 (3.3%)234 (3.0%)
$25,000 to $34,9991,315 (7.9%)926 (12.0%)
$35,000 to $49,9991,394 (8.4%)836 (10.9%)
$50,000 to $74,9992,883 (17.3%)1,328 (17.2%)
$75,000 to $99,9992,382 (14.3%)920 (11.9%)
$100,000 to $149,9993,136 (18.8%)813 (10.6%)
$150,000 or more3,007 (18.0%)436 (5.7%)
Total16,679 (100.0%)7,700 (100.0%)

Monthly Housing Cost Tiers in Lea County

Monthly Housing Cost Tiers in Lea County
Monthly CostOwner-occupiedRenter-occupied
Less than $3003,011 (18.0%)351 (4.6%)
$300 to $4993,864 (23.2%)147 (1.9%)
$500 to $7992,657 (15.9%)1,205 (15.7%)
$800 to $999720 (4.3%)1,422 (18.5%)
$1,000 to $1,4993,257 (19.5%)2,461 (32.0%)
$1,500 to $1,9991,822 (10.9%)960 (12.5%)
$2,000 to $2,499723 (4.3%)15 (0.2%)
$2,500 to $2,999110 (0.7%)56 (0.7%)
$3,000 or more515 (3.1%)6 (0.1%)
Total16,679 (100.0%)7,700 (100.0%)

Physical Housing Characteristics in Lea County

Housing Structures in Lea County

Housing Structures in Lea County
Structure Type# Housing Units% Housing Units
Single Unit, Detached17,18170.5%
Single Unit, Attached4081.7%
2 Unit Apartments1340.5%
3 or 4 Unit Apartments9133.7%
5 to 9 Unit Apartments4561.9%
10 or more Apartments9734.0%
Mobile Home / Other4,31417.7%
Total24,379100.0%

Housing Structures by Occupancy in Lea County

Housing Structures by Occupancy in Lea County
Structure TypeOwner-occupiedRenter-occupied
Single Unit, Detached13,498 (78.6%)3,683 (21.4%)
Single Unit, Attached177 (43.4%)231 (56.6%)
2 Unit Apartments0 (0.0%)134 (100.0%)
3 or 4 Unit Apartments11 (1.2%)902 (98.8%)
5 to 9 Unit Apartments0 (0.0%)456 (100.0%)
10 or more Apartments33 (3.4%)940 (96.6%)
Mobile Home / Other2,960 (68.6%)1,354 (31.4%)
Total16,679 (68.4%)7,700 (31.6%)

Housing Structures by Number of Rooms in Lea County

Housing Structures by Number of Rooms in Lea County
Number of RoomsOwner-occupiedRenter-occupied
1 Room83 (0.5%)273 (3.5%)
2 or 3 Rooms514 (3.1%)996 (12.9%)
4 or 5 Rooms6,398 (38.4%)4,989 (64.8%)
6 or 7 Rooms6,126 (36.7%)1,177 (15.3%)
8 or more Rooms3,558 (21.3%)265 (3.4%)
Total16,679 (100.0%)7,700 (100.0%)

Housing Structure by Heating Type in Lea County

Housing Structure by Heating Type in Lea County
Heating TypeOwner-occupiedRenter-occupied
Utility Gas6,923 (41.5%)3,065 (39.8%)
Bottled, Tank, or LP Gas985 (5.9%)380 (4.9%)
Electricity8,178 (49.0%)4,189 (54.4%)
Fuel Oil or Kerosene0 (0.0%)0 (0.0%)
Coal or Coke0 (0.0%)0 (0.0%)
All other Fuels585 (3.5%)0 (0.0%)
No Fuel Used8 (0.1%)66 (0.9%)
Total16,679 (100.0%)7,700 (100.0%)

Household Vehicle Usage in Lea County

Household Vehicle Usage in Lea County
Vehicles per HouseholdOwner-occupiedRenter-occupied
No Vehicle389 (2.3%)716 (9.3%)
1 Vehicle3,707 (22.2%)2,973 (38.6%)
2 Vehicles6,632 (39.8%)3,021 (39.2%)
3 or more Vehicles5,951 (35.7%)990 (12.9%)
Total16,679 (100.0%)7,700 (100.0%)

Real Estate & Mortgages in Lea County

Real Estate and Mortgage Overview in Lea County

CharacteristicWithout MortgageWith Mortgage
Housing Units9,4877,192
Median Property Value$145,200$193,000
Median Household Income$62,905$1,773
Monthly Housing Costs$378$515
Real Estate Taxes$530$287

Property Value by Mortgage Status in Lea County

Property Value by Mortgage Status in Lea County
Property ValueWithout MortgageWith Mortgage
Less than $50,0001,369 (14.4%)221 (3.1%)
$50,000 to $99,9992,059 (21.7%)841 (11.7%)
$100,000 to $299,9995,030 (53.0%)4,771 (66.3%)
$300,000 to $499,999679 (7.2%)847 (11.8%)
$500,000 to $749,999119 (1.3%)451 (6.3%)
$750,000 to $999,999157 (1.7%)46 (0.6%)
$1,000,000 or more74 (0.8%)15 (0.2%)
Total9,487 (100.0%)7,192 (100.0%)

Household Income by Mortgage Status in Lea County

Household Income by Mortgage Status in Lea County
Household IncomeWithout MortgageWith Mortgage
Less than $10,000674 (7.1%)16 (0.2%)
$10,000 to $24,9991,223 (12.9%)291 (4.1%)
$25,000 to $34,999987 (10.4%)374 (5.2%)
$35,000 to $49,999971 (10.2%)328 (4.6%)
$50,000 to $74,9991,688 (17.8%)423 (5.9%)
$75,000 to $99,9991,215 (12.8%)1,195 (16.6%)
$100,000 to $149,9991,495 (15.8%)1,167 (16.2%)
$150,000 or more1,234 (13.0%)1,641 (22.8%)
Total9,487 (100.0%)7,192 (100.0%)

Property Value to Household Income Ratio in Lea County

Property Value to Household Income Ratio in Lea County
Value-to-Income RatioWithout MortgageWith Mortgage
Less than 2.0x4,149 (43.7%)94,311 (1,311.3%)
2.0x to 2.9x1,630 (17.2%)3,527 (49.0%)
3.0x to 3.9x804 (8.5%)1,557 (21.6%)
4.0x or more2,624 (27.7%)783 (10.9%)
Total9,487 (100.0%)7,192 (100.0%)

Real Estate Taxes by Mortgage Status in Lea County

Real Estate Taxes by Mortgage Status in Lea County
Property TaxesWithout MortgageWith Mortgage
Less than $8006,215 (65.5%)40 (0.6%)
$800 to $1,4991,474 (15.5%)2,136 (29.7%)
$800 to $1,4991,335 (14.1%)1,883 (26.2%)
Total9,487 (100.0%)7,192 (100.0%)

Health & Disability in Lea County

Health Insurance Coverage by Age in Lea County

Health Insurance Coverage by Age in Lea County
Age BracketWith CoverageWithout Coverage
Under 6 Years6,507 (94.8%)355 (5.2%)
6 to 18 Years14,700 (90.4%)1,557 (9.6%)
19 to 25 Years6,325 (82.9%)1,305 (17.1%)
26 to 34 Years6,774 (80.7%)1,615 (19.3%)
35 to 44 Years7,413 (80.8%)1,758 (19.2%)
45 to 54 Years6,434 (83.8%)1,246 (16.2%)
55 to 64 Years6,013 (79.8%)1,522 (20.2%)
65 to 74 Years4,401 (90.4%)465 (9.6%)
75 Years and older2,885 (97.7%)68 (2.3%)
Total61,452 (86.1%)9,891 (13.9%)

Health Insurance Coverage by Citizenship Status in Lea County

Health Insurance Coverage by Citizenship Status in Lea County
Citizenship StatusWith CoverageWithout Coverage
Native Born6,507 (94.8%)355 (5.2%)
Foreign Born, Citizen14,700 (90.4%)1,557 (9.6%)
Foreign Born, not a Citizen6,325 (82.9%)1,305 (17.1%)

Health Insurance Coverage by Household Income in Lea County

Health Insurance Coverage by Household Income in Lea County
Household IncomeWith CoverageWithout Coverage
Under $25,0008,757 (84.8%)1,568 (15.2%)
$25,000 to $49,9998,944 (81.1%)2,086 (18.9%)
$50,000 to $74,99911,211 (86.0%)1,821 (14.0%)
$75,000 to $99,9999,170 (82.9%)1,888 (17.1%)
$100,000 and over22,741 (90.3%)2,441 (9.7%)

Public vs Private Health Insurance Coverage by Age in Lea County

Public vs Private Health Insurance Coverage by Age in Lea County
Age BracketPublic InsurancePrivate Insurance
Under 64,373 (63.7%)2,268 (33.1%)
6 to 18 Years7,464 (45.9%)7,713 (47.4%)
19 to 25 Years2,660 (34.9%)3,888 (51.0%)
25 to 34 Years2,308 (27.5%)4,703 (56.1%)
35 to 44 Years2,071 (22.6%)5,487 (59.8%)
45 to 54 Years1,582 (20.6%)5,047 (65.7%)
55 to 64 Years2,111 (28.0%)4,118 (54.6%)
65 to 74 Years4,106 (84.4%)2,389 (49.1%)
75 Years and over2,885 (97.7%)1,141 (38.6%)
Total29,560 (41.4%)36,754 (51.5%)

Disability Status by Sex by Age in Lea County

Disability Status by Sex by Age in Lea County
Age BracketMaleFemale
Under 5 Years65 (2.1%)37 (1.3%)
5 to 17 Years585 (7.1%)122 (1.6%)
18 to 34 Years628 (7.0%)639 (7.7%)
35 to 64 Years1,318 (10.6%)1,768 (14.8%)
65 to 74 Years729 (30.8%)687 (27.5%)
75 Years and over804 (60.1%)1,026 (63.5%)

Disability Class by Sex by Age in Lea County

Disability Class: Hearing Difficulty

Disability in Lea County: <span>Hearing Difficulty</span>
Age BracketMaleFemale
Under 5 Years47 (1.5%)37 (1.3%)
5 to 17 Years96 (1.2%)20 (0.3%)
18 to 34 Years5 (0.1%)61 (0.7%)
35 to 64 Years462 (3.7%)313 (2.6%)
65 to 74 Years304 (12.8%)146 (5.8%)
75 Years and over478 (35.7%)464 (28.7%)

Disability Class: Vision Difficulty

Disability in Lea County: <span>Vision Difficulty</span>
Age BracketMaleFemale
Under 5 Years65 (2.1%)0 (0.0%)
5 to 17 Years268 (3.3%)49 (0.6%)
18 to 34 Years65 (0.7%)253 (3.1%)
35 to 64 Years301 (2.4%)515 (4.3%)
65 to 74 Years141 (6.0%)155 (6.2%)
75 Years and over163 (12.2%)208 (12.9%)

Disability Class: Cognitive Difficulty

Disability in Lea County: <span>Cognitive Difficulty</span>
Age BracketMaleFemale
5 to 17 Years316 (3.8%)58 (0.7%)
18 to 34 Years331 (3.7%)458 (5.5%)
35 to 64 Years404 (3.2%)1,016 (8.5%)
65 to 74 Years199 (8.4%)172 (6.9%)
75 Years and over264 (19.7%)270 (16.7%)

Disability Class: Ambulatory Difficulty

Disability in Lea County: <span>Ambulatory Difficulty</span>
Age BracketMaleFemale
5 to 17 Years68 (0.8%)20 (0.3%)
18 to 34 Years207 (2.3%)196 (2.4%)
35 to 64 Years462 (3.7%)1,306 (11.0%)
65 to 74 Years432 (18.2%)437 (17.5%)
75 Years and over427 (31.9%)688 (42.6%)

Disability Class: Self-Care Difficulty

Disability in Lea County: <span>Self-Care Difficulty</span>
Age BracketMaleFemale
5 to 17 Years136 (1.7%)35 (0.4%)
18 to 34 Years45 (0.5%)88 (1.1%)
35 to 64 Years77 (0.6%)636 (5.3%)
65 to 74 Years132 (5.6%)103 (4.1%)
75 Years and over112 (8.4%)315 (19.5%)

Technology Access in Lea County

Computing Device Access in Lea County

Computing Device Access in Lea County
Device Type# Households% Households
Desktop or Laptop15,69064.4%
Smartphone21,20887.0%
Tablet13,28454.5%
No Computing Device2,1138.7%
Total24,379100.0%

Internet Access in Lea County

Internet Access in Lea County
Internet Type# Households% Households
Dial-Up Internet190.1%
Broadband Home15,62864.1%
Cellular Data Only3,28013.5%
Satellite Internet2,68711.0%
No Internet4,21817.3%
Total24,379100.0%

Lea County Summary

Lea County is located in the southeastern corner of New Mexico, and is bordered by Texas to the east and Chaves County to the north. The county seat is Lovington, and the largest city is Hobbs. The county was established in 1917 and named after Captain Joseph Lea, a Confederate soldier and early settler of the area.

Geography

Lea County covers an area of 4,393 square miles, making it the fourth largest county in New Mexico. The county is mostly flat, with some rolling hills in the western part. The Pecos River runs through the county, and there are several small lakes and reservoirs. The climate is semi-arid, with hot summers and mild winters.

Demographics

As of the 2010 census, Lea County had a population of 64,727. The population is mostly white (77.3%), with a significant Hispanic population (20.2%). The median household income is $45,845, and the median age is 33.7.

Economy

Lea County is an important center for oil and gas production, and is one of the top oil-producing counties in the United States. The county is also home to several large industrial plants, including a uranium enrichment facility and a nuclear power plant. Agriculture is also an important part of the economy, with cattle ranching and cotton farming being the main activities.

History

Lea County was first settled by Native Americans, including the Apache, Comanche, and Kiowa tribes. The area was later explored by Spanish settlers in the late 1700s, and the first permanent settlement was established in 1881. The county was officially established in 1917, and the county seat was moved to Lovington in 1919.
Oil was discovered in the area in the 1920s, and the county quickly became an important center for oil production. The oil boom led to a population boom, and the county's population grew from just over 10,000 in 1930 to over 60,000 in 2010.
Lea County has continued to be an important center for oil and gas production, and the county has also become an important center for agriculture and industry. The county has also become a popular destination for tourists, with several state parks and recreational areas.

Common Questions

What is the Total Population of Lea County?
Total Population of Lea County is 73,103.
What is the Total Male Population of Lea County?
Total Male Population of Lea County is 37,934.
What is the Total Female Population of Lea County?
Total Female Population of Lea County is 35,169.
What is the Ratio of Males per 100 Females in Lea County?
There are 107.86 Males per 100 Females in Lea County.
What is the Ratio of Females per 100 Males in Lea County?
There are 92.71 Females per 100 Males in Lea County.
What is the Median Population Age in Lea County?
Median Population Age in Lea County is 32.2 Years.
What is the Average Family Size in Lea County
Average Family Size in Lea County is 3.5 People.
What is the Average Household Size in Lea County
Average Household Size in Lea County is 2.9 People.
What is Per Capita Income in Lea County?
Per Capita income in Lea County is $29,635.
What is the Median Family Income in Lea County?
Median Family Income in Lea County is $75,953.
What is the Median Household income in Lea County?
Median Household Income in Lea County is $65,855.
What is Income or Wage Gap in Lea County?
Income or Wage Gap in Lea County is 49.3%.
Women in Lea County earn 50.7 cents for every dollar earned by a man.
What is Family Income Deficit in Lea County?
Family Income Deficit in Lea County is $12,260.
Families that are below poverty line in Lea County earn $12,260 less on average than the poverty threshold level.
What is Inequality or Gini Index in Lea County?
Inequality or Gini Index in Lea County is 0.47.
How Large is the Labor Force in Lea County?
There are 33,330 People in the Labor Forcein in Lea County.
What is the Percentage of People in the Labor Force in Lea County?
62.3% of People are in the Labor Force in Lea County.
What is the Unemployment Rate in Lea County?
Unemployment Rate in Lea County is 7.4%.