Lea County, New Mexico Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 7th-largest in New Mexico
The population of Lea County, New Mexico is 73,154 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 7th-largest county in New Mexico. The median household income is $68,750, the median home value is $176,000, and the median age is 32.5.
The population of Lea County has grown 16.3% since 2010 (64,598 → 75,151), a +1.09% annualized rate.
73,154
Population
+1.09%
Annual growth
17
People / sq mi
$68,750
Median Income
$176,000
Median Home Value
Lea County covers 4,392 sq mi of land at 16.7 people per square mile.
About Lea County, NM
Lea County skews on age — the median resident is 32.5, younger than the national median. With 73,154 residents, Lea County is a county in New Mexico. That makes it one of the ten largest counties in New Mexico in the country, at #7 by population.
Household earnings are middling, with a median of $68,750 — below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 15.3%, above the national 12.4%. The typical home is valued at $176,000, with typical rent around $1,119.
Degree attainment is on the lower side for US counties: 15.3% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national 35.0%. Just 3.7% of workers are home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 25 minutes each way.
Lea County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Lea County had a population of 64,598 in 2010 and 75,151 in 2024, a 16.3% growth over 14 years. The peak was 75,151 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 1.11%.
75,151
Population (2024)
64,598
Population (2010)
75,151
Peak (2024)
1.11%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 64,598 |
| 2011 | 65,135 |
| 2012 | 66,374 |
| 2013 | 68,631 |
| 2014 | 70,178 |
| 2015 | 71,480 |
| 2016 | 70,275 |
| 2017 | 69,031 |
| 2018 | 69,538 |
| 2019 | 71,123 |
| 2020 | 74,643 |
| 2021 | 73,070 |
| 2022 | 72,300 |
| 2023 | 73,503 |
| 2024 | 75,151 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 52.3% |
| Black or African American | 4.0% |
| Asian | 0.2% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.6% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
32.5
Median Age
48.1%
Female
51.9%
Male
11.2%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 24.7% · Seniors (65+): 11.2%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $68,750+$6,625 vs state |
| Mean household income | $92,292 |
| Per-capita income | $31,554 |
| Poverty rate | 15.3%+1.6% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 4.3% |
| Employment-to-population | 57.3% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Lea County is agriculture, accounting for 17.9% of workers.
How residents commute
0.2%
Drive alone
0.9%
Carpool
77.4%
Public transit
3.7%
Work from home
25.2 min
Avg commute
Housing
$176,000$-56,200 vs state
Median home value
$1,119
Median rent
69.5%
Homeownership rate
28,125
Total housing units
87.4%
Occupied
12.6%
Vacant
30.5%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
85.7%
With health insurance
93.0%
With broadband internet
37.7%
Foreign-born
3.7%
Veterans (18+)
12.6%
With a disability
56.1%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
75.6%
High School+
15.3%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in New Mexico
Other counties in New Mexico
Part of New Mexico
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Lea County, New Mexico has a population of 73,154 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 7th-largest county in New Mexico. Population density is 17 people per square mile.
The population of Lea County has grown 16.3% since 2010 (64,598 → 75,151), a +1.09% annualized rate.
The median household income in Lea County, New Mexico is $68,750, with mean (average) household income of $92,292 and per-capita income of $31,554. 15.3% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Lea County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (52.3%), Black or African American (4.0%), Hispanic or Latino (1.6%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Lea County, New Mexico is 32.5 years. Residents are 48.1% female and 51.9% male.
The median home value in Lea County is $176,000 and median monthly rent is $1,119. 69.5% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 28,125 total housing units, 12.6% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Lea County, New Mexico is agriculture, forestry, fishing, and mining, employing 17.9% of workers. The unemployment rate is 4.3%.
Albuquerque is among the largest cities associated with Lea County, New Mexico, with a population of 562,488.
Lea County, NM Climate
Lea County, NM has an average annual temperature of 15.9°C (61°F) and receives about 404 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
15.9°C
Avg Temp
404
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 5° / 41° | 8 mm |
| February | 8° / 46° | 12 mm |
| March | 12° / 53° | 12 mm |
| April | 16° / 61° | 15 mm |
| May | 21° / 69° | 46 mm |
| June | 25° / 77° | 56 mm |
| July | 26° / 79° | 59 mm |
| August | 25° / 78° | 67 mm |
| September | 22° / 71° | 66 mm |
| October | 16° / 62° | 34 mm |
| November | 10° / 50° | 15 mm |
| December | 6° / 42° | 14 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Lea County, NM
The most comfortable months to visit Lea County, NM are typically May, September and April, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 34°C high). The coldest is January (near -3°C low). August is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Lea County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.