Lea County, New Mexico

Lea County is a county located in New Mexico, in the Western Region (Mountain) of United States. According to the latest population census dating back to 2000, the Lea County is home to 55511 inhabitants. As of July 2008, the estimated population of the county is 59155, It is the tenth largest county by population in the U.S. state of New Mexico. The county encompasses an area of 4394.02 square miles (11380.46 kmē ), of which, 4392.96 square miles (11377.71 kmē) of it is land and 1.06 square miles (2.75 kmē) of it is water, it is the 11th largest in terms of geographical size.

Lea County New Mexico
Map of Lea County, New Mexico

According to 2000 Census Bureau, there were 55511 people, 19699 households, and 14714 families living in the county. The population density was 12.6 people per square mile (4.86/kmē), giving it the 11th most densely populated county among the New Mexico. There were 23405 housing units at an average density of 5.3 per square mile (2.05/kmē). The average household size was 2.73 persons, and the average family size was 3.2 persons. In the Lea County, 30.1% of the population was under the age of 18, 10.1% were 18 to 24, 27.3% were 25 to 44, 20.3% were 45 to 64, and 12.2% who were 65 or older. For every 100 females there were 100.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 99 males. Its population was estimated at 59155 in July 2008, The racial or ethnic makeup of the county was 91.28% White, 5.52% Black or African American, 1.36% American Indian, 0.49% Asian, 0.07% Native Hawaiian, and 1.28% from two or more races.

Lea County New Mexico Population 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008
Population 2000-2008
Lea County New Mexico School Enrollment
School Enrollment 2000
Lea County New Mexico GDP
GDP 2000

The median income for a household in the county was $29799, it is 13th wealthiest county by median household income in New Mexico. The median income for a family in the county was $34665, making it the 13th wealthiest county by median family income among the New Mexico. The per capita income for the county was $14184, it is 21st wealthiest county by per capita income in New Mexico.

In 2000, 16534 pupils and students, of which 50.11% are male and 49.89% are female, 29.79% of the total population, are in the education system. Of which, percentage of enrollment student are in, 4.69% nursery or pri school, 4.75% kindergarten, 48.38% elementary school, 25.52% high school and 16.66% College graduate school.

RankCityCountyTotal Area mi2Land Area mi2Water Area mi2PopulationDensity mi2Per capita IncomeHouse hold Income
1Eunice CityLea County2.932.920.012562877.51437331722
2Hobbs CityLea County18.9318.9302865715141420928100
3Jal CityLea County4.844.8401996412.81435430848
4Lovington CityLea County4.794.770.0294711983.61275226458
5Tatum TownLea County1.181.180683578.81172828833
YearPopulation
April 2000 census55511
April 2000 Estimate55508
July 2000 Estimate55148
July 2001 Estimate54841
July 2002 Estimate55375
July 2003 Estimate55225
July 2004 Estimate55608
July 2005 Estimate55990
July 2006 Estimate56793
July 2007 Estimate57992
July 2008 Estimate59155
SchoolMaleFemaleTotal
Nursery school407369776
Kindergarten486299785
Elementary school392140787999
High school229419264220
College or graduate school117715772754
PlaceMedian household incomeMedian family incomePer capita income
Lea County, New Mexico$29799$34665$14184
New Mexico, United States$34133$39425$17261
United States$41994$50046$21587