LEA COUNTY

Lea County, New Mexico is located in the southeastern corner of the state along the Texas border with Lovington serving as the county seat and Hobbs as the largest city. As of the 2020 census, the county had a population of approximately 74,500 residents. The economy is heavily driven by oil and gas production in the Permian Basin, along with supporting industries such as transportation, construction, and manufacturing. Lea County features a mix of urban centers and rural communities with a strong energy-sector workforce. Housing costs are generally moderate compared to larger metropolitan areas, though prices can fluctuate with changes in the energy market.