Lea County

NM · Pop. 57,653 · Suburban County

7Homestead Score

Lea County is a suburban county in NM with a population of approximately 57,653.

$/Acre: $544

Property Tax: 0.8%

Growing Season: 221 days

Broadband: 63%

Safety: 3/10

Density: 33.8/sq mi

Pros

Affordable land, No building codes, Long growing season

Cons

Higher crime rate

Taxes & Cost of Living

Property Tax Rate0.8%

Local Sales Tax0.45%

Combined Sales Tax5.33%

Cost of Living Index92.4

Median Household Income$82,678

Poverty Rate8.2%

Homestead ExemptionYes

Land & Building

Avg Land $/Acre$544

Median Home Price$229K

Acres for Sale1458

Building CodeNone

Permit Required

Zoning TypeLimited Zoning

Tiny Home Friendly

Mobile Home Friendly

Min Lot Size0.5 acres

Climate & Growing

USDA Zone7

Growing Season221 days

Annual Rainfall16.9 inches

Avg Summer High91°F

Avg Winter Low21°F

Soil TypeClay

Soil Quality6/10

Elevation2,877 ft

Top CropsHay

Natural Disaster Risk

Drought8/10

Wildfire7/10

Tornado3/10

Flood1/10

Water & Energy

Primary Water SourceMunicipal

Well Depth (avg)292 ft

Water AvailabilityAbundant

Solar (Avg PSH)5.8

Wind Potential6/10

Electric Rate$0.15/kWh

Laws & Regulations

Unincorporated

HOA PrevalenceSome

Livestock Allowed

Chicken OrdinanceAllowed

Burn Permit Required

Raw Milk AccessYes

Safety

Violent Crime /100K915

Property Crime /100K875

Overall Safety3/10

Sheriff Response17 minutes average

Healthcare

Nearest Hospital19.4 miles

Emergency Room

Healthcare Facilities2

Infrastructure & Community

Broadband Coverage63%

Cell CoverageFair

Starlink Available

Nearest Town9 miles

Nearest City33 miles

School District6/10

Farmers Markets1

Public Land Nearby8%

Business & Employment

Unemployment Rate5.9%

Ag EconomyModerate