countyscore
36.1
County Score
Property Tax 89.1Income & Jobs 63.7Weather & Climate 48.9

County Report Card

About Lea County, New Mexico

Below National Averages

Lea County’s composite score of 36.1 is significantly lower than the national median of 50.0. This indicates that while the county has specific economic strengths, it lags behind the rest of the country in holistic livability.

Challenged Within the State

The county’s 36.1 score is roughly 13 points lower than the New Mexico average of 49.1. It ranks among the lower-scoring counties in the state due to persistent issues in safety and public infrastructure.

Favorable Taxes and Incomes

Economic pillars are strong, with a Tax Score of 89.1 and an Income Score of 63.7. The median household income of $68,750 is relatively high for the region, and taxes remain very low at 0.468%.

Struggles in Safety and Environment

The county faces a very low Safety Score of 2.9 and a Risk Score of 14.0. Health services also lag with a score of 21.2, indicating a need for improvement in community well-being.

Built for the Economic Adventurer

Lea County is best suited for workers in the energy sector who are focused on maximizing earnings and minimizing taxes. It requires a resident who is comfortable navigating a landscape with higher safety risks in exchange for economic gain.

Score breakdown

Tax89.1Cost44.2Safety2.9Health21.2Schools28.4Income63.7Risk14Water23Weather48.9
🏛89.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠44.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼63.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡2.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤21.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓28.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡14
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧23
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤48.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨15.7
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱17.7
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

Gaines County
Texas
49.3
Yoakum County
Texas
49.5
Andrews County
Texas
32.2
Eddy County
New Mexico
36
Cochran County
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44.6
Winkler County
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Terry County
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Loving County
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Deep Dives

Lea County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Lea County

via TaxByCounty

Lea County taxes run far below the nation

Lea County's effective tax rate of 0.468% ranks in the bottom 25% of U.S. counties by tax burden. The median property tax of $824 represents less than 31% of the national median of $2,690.

Below-average rate for New Mexico

Lea County's 0.468% effective rate falls below New Mexico's state average of 0.595%. With a median property tax of $824, Lea homeowners pay roughly $220 less annually than the statewide median of $1,043.

Mid-range among southeast New Mexico

Lea County's 0.468% rate sits between Grant County's 0.460% (lowest) and Eddy County's 0.499% in the southeast region. All three counties cluster in the state's lower-tax tier.

Lea homeowner pays $824 yearly

With a median home value of $176,000 and a 0.468% effective rate, the typical Lea County homeowner pays $824 annually in property tax. Homeowners with mortgages pay $1,439 (including escrow), while those without mortgages pay $555.

Check your assessment against comparable homes

Even in Lea County's affordable tax environment, some homeowners may be overassessed. Review your property's assessed value against recent sales of similar homes nearby—if yours seems high, filing an appeal could lower your bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Lea County

via CostByCounty

Lea's strong incomes offset higher rents

Lea County renters spend 19.5% of household income on rent, essentially matching New Mexico's state average of 19.4%, but residents here earn $68,750—only 8% below the national median. This income advantage makes Lea's higher rents ($1,119) far more manageable than the raw number suggests.

Higher rents, higher wages, balanced burden

Lea County's rent-to-income ratio of 19.5% matches the state average, yet the county ranks among the state's higher-income counties. This above-average earning power is driven by oil and gas employment, which elevates both incomes and rents.

Highest rents, but strong incomes justify them

Lea's $1,119 median rent rivals Eddy County's $1,183, and both far exceed the state average of $876. The difference: Lea's $68,750 median income creates a 19.5% burden ratio, while lower-income neighbors struggle with higher proportional costs.

Energy sector earnings power the rental market

Renters pay $1,119 monthly while owners pay $699, with median home values around $176,000. The $68,750 median household income—well above most New Mexico counties—reflects the region's oil and gas economy and sustains the higher housing costs.

Lea: premium rents for energy-sector wages

Lea County offers higher rents than most of New Mexico, but also significantly higher incomes—primarily from oil and gas work. If you're considering a move here, factor in energy sector job cycles, which can dramatically impact both employment and housing demand.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Lea County

via IncomeByCounty

Lea matches national income standard

Lea County's median household income of $68,750 approaches the U.S. median of $74,755, falling only about $6,000 short of the national benchmark. The county's energy sector provides stable, above-average employment opportunities.

Top-tier earner in New Mexico

Lea County's median household income of $68,750 significantly exceeds New Mexico's state average of $55,469 by roughly $13,300. The county ranks among the top earners statewide, second only to Los Alamos County.

Outpaces surrounding counties clearly

Lea County households earn $68,750, well ahead of nearby Eddy County ($79,605), Lincoln County ($51,643), and Grant County ($45,921). Lea's oil and gas economy delivers stronger household earnings than most neighboring counties.

Housing costs stay very manageable

Lea County's rent-to-income ratio of 19.5% sits comfortably below affordability thresholds, with median home values at $176,000. Households earning $68,750 enjoy solid purchasing power for both rental and homeownership.

Invest in long-term financial goals

Lea County's above-average income of $68,750 provides a strong platform for wealth building beyond homeownership. Consider maximizing retirement contributions, diversifying into stocks or other investments, and developing a multi-decade strategy to protect against energy sector volatility.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Lea County

via CrimeByCounty

Lea County Faces Higher Crime Challenges

The total crime rate of 4140.8 per 100K is significantly higher than the national average of 2,385.5. This results in a safety score of 93.5, indicating a need for higher awareness.

Below the New Mexico Safety Average

Lea’s safety score of 93.5 falls below the state average of 97.4. The local total crime rate of 4140.8 is more than double the New Mexico average of 1638.5.

High Activity Compared to Rural Neighbors

Lea County sees much more criminal activity than neighbors like Guadalupe, which reports a rate of 1178.3. This disparity highlights the more intense public safety demands in the Lea County area.

Significant Property and Violent Crime

Property crime is exceptionally high at 3503.3 per 100K, while violent crime sits at 637.5. Both categories are well above national averages, meaning residents face frequent security concerns.

Robust Security Systems Recommended

With property crime rates this high, an active security system with 24/7 monitoring is a smart investment. Always secure your valuables and keep exterior entrances well-lit at night.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Lea County

via HealthByCounty

Lea County trails national health averages

At 72.6 years, Lea County's life expectancy falls nearly four years short of the U.S. average of 76.4 years. One in four residents (24.4%) report poor or fair health, and the uninsured rate of 13.3% is among the nation's highest, creating barriers to treatment.

Worst uninsured rate in New Mexico

Lea County's uninsured rate of 13.3% is the highest among New Mexico counties analyzed, far exceeding the state average of 10.2%. Life expectancy of 72.6 years lags the state average of 73.7 years, suggesting that lack of coverage translates directly to worse health outcomes.

Lowest life expectancy and highest uninsured rate

Lea County's 72.6-year life expectancy is the lowest in the southeastern cluster and its 13.3% uninsured rate is highest by far. Primary care access at 30 per 100,000 providers is limited, and the mental health provider ratio of 130 per 100,000 is among the region's lowest.

Coverage gaps drive daily health disparities

One in seven Lea County residents lack health insurance, making preventive care, medications, and specialist visits financially out of reach. With only 30 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and limited mental health support at 130 per 100,000, uninsured residents face a double bind of scarcity and cost.

Affordable coverage is within reach

Lea County's 13.3% uninsured rate is a public health emergency—visit healthcare.gov or New Mexico's health marketplace immediately to secure coverage. With tax credits and subsidies available, affordable plans exist for nearly every income level.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Lea County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Vast Educational Infrastructure

Lea County operates an expansive system of 38 public schools serving 14,928 students across five districts. This infrastructure includes 21 elementary schools, 8 middle schools, and 7 high schools, along with 2 specialized campuses. Most schools are located in town settings, while 9 campuses serve the more rural areas of the county.

High Graduation Rates in the Permian Basin

Lea County achieves a graduation rate of 84.7%, which is significantly higher than the New Mexico average of 79.0%. While per-pupil spending is $6,838, the county's 50.4 school score remains competitive with national medians. These figures reflect a system that translates resources into high school completion success.

Hobbs and Lovington Drive Enrollment

Hobbs Municipal Schools is the county's powerhouse district, managing 18 schools and 9,990 students. Lovington Municipal Schools follows with 10 schools and 3,382 students. There are currently no charter schools in Lea County, as the large municipal districts cover the vast majority of student needs.

From Large High Schools to Rural Classrooms

School environments vary wildly, from Hobbs High with 2,216 students to smaller rural elementary campuses. The average school size is 393 students, but large middle schools like Houston and Highland also play a major role. This diversity allows for both comprehensive extracurricular opportunities and localized learning.

Choosing Your Neighborhood in Lea County

With strong graduation rates and large, modern facilities, Lea County is a top choice for families in the region. Areas surrounding Hobbs and Lovington offer the most immediate access to the county's largest and most diverse schools. Start your home search where academic success and community spirit intersect.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Lea County

via RiskByCounty

Lea County faces the state's highest risk

With a composite risk score of 86.01, Lea County ranks as relatively moderate and substantially exceeds New Mexico's state average of 58.92. This elevated exposure makes Lea one of the most hazard-prone counties in the state.

Highest-risk county in New Mexico

Lea County ranks first statewide in composite disaster risk, surpassing even neighboring Eddy County (83.65). The county's vulnerability to flooding, wildfires, and tornadoes creates a compounded threat landscape unique in New Mexico.

Riskier than all adjacent counties

Lea County's 86.01 score edges out neighboring Eddy (83.65) and exceeds Lincoln (79.48) and other surrounding areas. This southeastern location places Lea at the convergence of multiple hazard corridors, amplifying cumulative risk.

Wildfire, flooding, and tornadoes all threaten

Lea County faces a triple threat: wildfire (98.03), flood (88.33), and tornado (54.45) risks all exceed state averages. Earthquake (29.26) and hurricane (39.76) risks add complexity, requiring comprehensive preparedness planning across multiple hazard types.

Comprehensive insurance is essential

Secure flood insurance, wildfire coverage, and tornado-resistant improvements (reinforced windows, storm shelters) to address Lea County's compounded hazards. Review your homeowners policy annually to ensure adequate coverage across multiple perils, and maintain defensible space around your property.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Lea County

via WeatherByCounty

Warmth on the Llano Estacado

Lea County averages 61.4°F annually, placing it well above the national median temperature. Its location on the high plains creates a semi-arid climate with intense sun exposure.

High ranking state heat

Lea is nearly 7 degrees warmer than the New Mexico average of 54.8°F, ranking it among the state's most consistently hot counties. The regional weather is influenced heavily by its proximity to the Texas Panhandle.

A sister climate to Eddy

Lea averages 14.2 inches of rain, slightly more than its neighbor Eddy County at 12.8 inches. While both are hot, Lea experiences slightly fewer extreme heat days at 102 compared to Eddy's 109.

A hundred days of heat

The county endures 102 days of heat reaching at least 90°F, with a July average of 80.0°F. Winters are short and mild, with a January average of 41.6°F and only 3.7 inches of snow.

Manage the extreme summer peak

Cooling systems are the primary utility concern given the three months of extreme heat. Residents should prepare for occasional dusty winds, as the 14.2 inches of rain does little to suppress dry soil.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Lea County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline Sandy Plains

This soil leans alkaline with a pH of 7.51, closely matching the New Mexico state average of 7.48. It sits a full point above the national median pH of 6.5, influencing which nutrients are available to plants.

High Sand Composition

Sand dominates the profile at 67.8%, with clay making up only 13.6%. This sandy makeup ensures excellent drainage but limits the soil's ability to hold onto vital nutrients for long periods.

Low Organic Reserves

Organic matter levels of 1.05% trail the state average of 1.27%. Because the water capacity of 0.114 in/in is lower than the state average, frequent irrigation is necessary for plant survival.

Potential for Unexpected Puddling

The soil falls into Hydrologic Group D, indicating that while surface layers are sandy, deeper layers may restrict water infiltration. This can lead to unexpected puddling during intense southeastern storms.

Desert Gems in Zone 8a

Zone 8a gardeners should prioritize desert-adapted perennials, succulents, and lavender. Adding compost or manure is the best way to improve this soil's performance for vegetables.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Lea County

via LawnByCounty

Low Scores in Lea County

Lea County faces a tough lawn care environment, scoring just 17.7 on the lawn difficulty index. This puts it well below the state average of 30.2 and indicates that traditional gardening methods may struggle here. The Hardiness Zone is 8a, characterized by mild winters and very intense, dry summers.

Triple-Digit Heat Potential

With 102 extreme heat days over 90°F, Lea County is one of the warmest areas in New Mexico. Precipitation is slightly higher than the state average at 14.2 inches, but this is still insufficient for standard lawns. A staggering 5083 growing degree days means your grass will be in an active, high-water-use state for most of the year.

Sandy Ground and Alkaline pH

The soil in Lea County is very sandy at 67.8%, which leads to extremely fast drainage and frequent nutrient leaching. The pH of 7.51 is alkaline, making it harder for grass to absorb iron and other minerals compared to the national ideal of 6.0-7.0. You will need to amend the soil frequently with compost to improve its 13.6% clay moisture-holding capacity.

Steady Drought and Sandy Runoff

Lea County has endured 53 weeks of drought over the past year, with 36.5% of the area currently in severe drought. Sandy soils exacerbate this issue by letting water slip past the root zone too quickly. Mulching and using slow-release fertilizers can help your lawn survive these prolonged dry periods.

Planting for the Long Hot Season

Bermuda grass is the top choice for this sandy, high-heat environment due to its aggressive growth and drought tolerance. Planting should begin after the last spring frost on April 4th to maximize the long growing season. Ensure your lawn is well-established before the first frost arrives on November 6th.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lea County's county score?
Lea County, New Mexico has a composite county score of 36.1 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Lea County rank among counties in New Mexico?
Lea County ranks #26 among all counties in New Mexico on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Lea County, New Mexico?
The median annual property tax in Lea County is $824, with an effective tax rate of 0.47%. This earns Lea County a tax score of 89.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Lea County?
The median household income in Lea County, New Mexico is $68,750 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Lea County earns an income score of 63.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Lea County, New Mexico a good place to live?
Lea County scores 36.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #26 in New Mexico. The best way to evaluate Lea County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Lea County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.