Lea County

Lea County, located in southeastern New Mexico, is a central hub for the state's oil and gas industry, contributing significantly to its economy. Established in 1917, the county covers an expansive area with Hobbs as its largest city and county seat. Lea County is also known for its diverse cultural heritage and offers various recreational opportunities, such as the Lea County Cowboy Hall of Fame and local parks. The area features a semiarid climate, characterized by hot summers and mild winters. Lea County's economy and cultural assets make it a vital part of New Mexico's landscape.

As of the latest available data, Lea County, New Mexico, has a population of approximately 74,000. The racial composition is predominantly White (around 70%), with significant Hispanic or Latino representation (about 60%). Other racial groups include African Americans (around 4%) and Native Americans (roughly 2%). The median age is approximately 32 years. The county has about 25,000 households, with an average household size of 2.9 persons. The median household income is roughly $55,000, and around 15% of the population lives below the poverty line.

To obtain public records from Lea County, NM, visit the Lea County Clerk’s Office in person or explore their official website. Records may include property deeds, marriage licenses, court documents, and voter registration details. You can request these documents by filling out a form and potentially paying a small fee. For court records, contact the Lea County Courthouse. Additionally, some records might be available through the New Mexico Sunshine Portal. Always check online or call ahead for specific instructions and any associated costs to streamline your visit.

As of the latest data in 2023, Lea County, NM, has experienced moderate growth in its housing market. The median home price is around $200,000, reflecting a slight increase from the previous year due to local economic activities, particularly in the oil and gas sector. Rent prices vary, averaging about $1,200 per month for a standard apartment. The housing inventory remains moderately stable, with a slight lean toward a seller's market due to demand outpacing supply. Factors like employment rates and economic investment continue to influence market trends in the region.

In Lea County, New Mexico, elections typically cover various local, state, and federal positions, as well as ballot measures. The relevant offices may include county commissioners, sheriff, assessor, treasurer, clerk, and local judges, along with state legislative seats and federal congressional districts. Each election cycle, candidates from major parties such as Democrats, Republicans, and sometimes independents, vie for these positions.

To find the most up-to-date election information, including candidate names and specific numerical results, I recommend visiting the official Lea County government website or the New Mexico Secretary of State's website, which provide detailed and timely election results and candidate listings. Additionally, local news outlets often report on elections with specific numerical data and candidate information tailored to each election cycle.

As of the latest available data, Lea County, New Mexico, has an average household income of approximately $60,000. This is slightly below the national average, which stands at about $68,700, and is also lower than the New Mexico state average, which is around $62,600.

Here's a brief statistics table for clarity:

These figures illustrate that Lea County's household income is below both state and national averages. Contributing factors may include the local economy's reliance on industries such as oil and gas, which can be subject to market volatility. Efforts to diversify the economy could potentially impact these averages in the future.

As of the latest available data, Lea County, New Mexico, has seen fluctuating crime rates, reflecting trends in various categories. In 2022, the county recorded a crime rate of approximately 4,113 incidents per 100,000 people. This statistic indicates a moderate level of crime compared to national averages. The county is addressing challenges associated with property and violent crimes.

Here's a table with types of crimes in Lea County for 2022:

Note: These figures are estimates and should be verified with local law enforcement or the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting for accuracy.