RANK #859 / 996 · POP 73,103 · NM
PROJECTED GROWTH: -1.1%
Lea County, New Mexico, located in the southeastern corner of the state, is characterized by its high plains and proximity to the Texas border. Hobbs, the largest city, was founded in 1907 and serves as a central hub for the county. The area is known for its wide-open spaces and a climate that offers warm, sunny winters. While lacking major rivers, the county's natural amenities score highly due to its climate and topography. Outdoor recreation opportunities include local parks and trails for walking and biking, and nearby Bottomless Lakes State Park offers swimming, fishing, and non-motorized boating. Life in Lea County is often described as family-friendly, with many residents owning their homes. Public transportation, such as Hobbs Express, offers fixed routes and on-demand services within Hobbs. The economy is largely driven by the energy sector, particularly oil and gas extraction, which has historically been a significant employer. Agriculture, including cattle and dairy, also plays a role in the local economy. The county has seen recent investments in sectors like data centers and energy, contributing to its economic landscape.
Below national median
Moderate climate & terrain
Housing looks undervalued at 1.0x — home prices are low relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
AI Data Center Campus (with Natural Gas and Nuclear Power)
New Era Energy & Digital
|
$5,000M | Planned |
|
Stellar Renewable Power Solar & Battery Storage Facility
Stellar Renewable Power (Gainer Solar, Stellar Gainer Bess)
|
$1,180M | Planned |
|
Cunningham Solar & Battery Storage Projects
Xcel Energy
|
$550M | Planned |
|
Community Solar & Battery Storage Portfolio (Multiple Projects)
Various
|
$496M | Planned |
|
Pasilla Solar and Battery Storage
Pasilla Solar and Battery Storage
|
$250M | Planned |
|
Lea Wind Project
Undisclosed
|
$200M | Planned |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Lea County has a Boom Town Index score of 14/100, ranking #859 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +4.6% and a median household income of $65,855, it faces some economic headwinds compared to faster-growing counties.
The median home value in Lea County is $162,000 with median rent at $1,031/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.4065, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +0.5% year-over-year. Job growth: +4.6%. Home values changed +1.0% in the past 12 months.