Lea County, New Mexico

Geography According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 11,380 km² (4,394 mi²). 11,378 km² (4,393 mi²) of it is land and 3 km² (1 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 0.02% water.

Demographics As of the census of 2000, there are 55,511 people, 19,699 households, and 14,715 families residing in the county. The population density is 5/km² (13/mi²). There are 23,405 housing units at an average density of 2/km² (5/mi²). The racial makeup of the county is 67.13% White, 4.37% African American, 0.99% Native American, 0.39% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 23.81% from other races, and 3.27% from two or more races. 39.65% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 19,699 households out of which 39.30% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.80% are married couples living together, 12.20% have a female householder with no husband present, and 25.30% are non-families. 22.50% of all households are made up of individuals and 9.90% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.73 and the average family size is 3.20.

In the county the population is spread out with 30.10% under the age of 18, 10.10% from 18 to 24, 27.30% from 25 to 44, 20.30% from 45 to 64, and 12.20% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 33 years. For every 100 females there are 100.30 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 99.00 males.

The median income for a household in the county is $29,799, and the median income for a family is $34,665. Males have a median income of $32,005 versus $20,922 for females. The per capita income for the county is $14,184. 21.10% of the population and 17.30% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 28.00% are under the age of 18 and 14.90% are 65 or older.

Cities and Towns

• Eunice
• Hobbs
• Jal
• Lovington
• Tatum