Lea County, county in New Mexico, United States. As of 2020 county had an estimated population of 71,830 inhabitants. The county was created 107 years ago in 1917. Its county seat is Lovington.
There are 5 city/town in Lea County, NM. The largest city of Lea County is Hobbs with a population of 39,339. Other cities include, Lovington population 11,474, Eunice population 3,049, Jal population 2,118 and Tatum population 829
Located in southeastern New Mexico, Lea County is home to a few small towns that sprouted up around the oil and gas industry as well as agriculture. Here are some of the notable cities and towns in Lea County:
Hobbs is the largest city in Lea County with over 35,000 residents. It serves as the county seat and economic center of the region. Hobbs was founded in 1907 at the site of a water stop along the railroad line. Today it is a hub for the oil and gas industry.
Lovington has around 11,000 residents and serves as Lea County’s second largest population center. The economy revolves around oil and various agriculture operations. Lovington hosts events like the Lea County Fair & Rodeo.
Eunice is a small community of less than 3,000 people. It was originally founded as a railroad town in the late 1890s and named after the founder’s wife Eunice. The economy focuses on oil and gas operations.
Jal is a village with just over 2,000 residents. It was established in 1912 and named for the initials of its founder, J.A. Lusk. Jal is situated in the heart of the New Mexico oil patch.
Tatum is a rural farming village along Highway 18 with around 750 residents. It features downtown historic buildings and several old grain elevators.
Other small towns include Halfway and Monument. Lea County is tucked away in a remote corner of New Mexico with communities sustained by oil, agriculture, and ranching.
List of cities, towns, neighborhoods & other populated places in Lea County.
City Name | Title | Population |
---|---|---|
Eunice | City in Lea County, New Mexico, United States | 3,049 |
Hobbs | City in Lea County, New Mexico, United States | 39,339 |
Jal | Human settlement in Lea County, New Mexico, United States of America | 2,118 |
Lovington | City in Lea County, New Mexico, United States | 11,474 |
Tatum | Human settlement in Lea County, New Mexico, United States of America | 829 |