2023 Lea County, New Mexico Demographics | Comprehensive Overview
Data and insights for Lea County, New Mexico, including population, age & gender distribution, race & ethnicity, median & household income distribution, property value distribution, educational attainment, health insurance coverage, nativity & citizenship, commuting & transportation, employment, veteran service, poverty & income and SNAP/food stamp recipients. Based on 2023 American Community Survey Estimates.
Lea County, New Mexico Key Demographic Statistics (2023 Estimates)
Key demographic statistics summarized from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates
Lea County, New Mexico Demographics: Age & Gender Distribution (2023)
Key Demographic Indicators for Lea County, New Mexico
The following statistics highlight Lea County, New Mexico population and median age, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Total Population
- 73,154
- Median Age (Total)
- 32.5 years
- Median Age (Male)
- 32.1 years
- Median Age (Female)
- 32.9 years
Lea County, New Mexico Age Distribution Comparison with New Mexico 2023
Compare Lea County, New Mexico age demographics with New Mexico to understand regional demographic patterns.
| Metric | Lea County, New Mexico | New Mexico | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Age | 32.5 yrs | 39.9 yrs | -7.4 yrs |
| Under 5 years | 8.04% | 4.85% | +3.2pp |
| Children (5–17 years) | 21.78% | 15.98% | +5.8pp |
| Young Adults (18–24) | 10.39% | 9.43% | +1.0pp |
| Middle-aged (35–54) | 24.23% | 24.71% | -0.5pp |
| Seniors (65+) | 11.23% | 20.15% | -8.9pp |
| Total Dependency Ratio | 69.64 | 69.45 | +0.2 |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. "yrs" indicates years. The dependency ratio measures the burden on working-age population (18-64) to support dependents (under 18 and 65+).
Dependency Ratios Analysis
- Total Dependency Ratio
- 69.64
- Youth Dependency Ratio
- 50.60 Population under 18 relative to working age (18-64).
- Old-Age Dependency Ratio
- 19.05 Population 65+ relative to working age (18-64).
A higher ratio indicates a greater financial and social burden on the working population to support non-working age groups.
Lea County, New Mexico Demographics: Racial and Ethnic Composition (2023)
Diversity & Cultural Composition of Lea County, New Mexico
The racial makeup and ethnic composition of Lea County, New Mexico are detailed below, drawing from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Diversity Index Score
- 51.56
- Diversity Tier
- moderate
- Definition
- The probability that two individuals chosen at random will be from different racial or ethnic groups.
Diversity Comparison with New Mexico
Compare Lea County, New Mexico racial and ethnic demographics with New Mexico to understand regional diversity patterns.
Lea County, New Mexico Diversity
51.56
moderateNew Mexico Diversity
62.73
highRacial and Ethnic Composition Comparison
| Racial/Ethnic Group | Lea County, New Mexico | New Mexico | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hispanic or Latino (Any Race) | 61.64% | 49.11% | +12.5pp |
| White Alone (Non-Hispanic) | 32.09% | 35.06% | -3.0pp |
| Black/African American Alone | 3.43% | 2.00% | +1.4pp |
| Two or More Races | 1.52% | 3.12% | -1.6pp |
| Asian Alone | 0.63% | 1.89% | -1.3pp |
| American Indian and Alaska Native Alone | 0.47% | 8.27% | -7.8pp |
| Some Other Race Alone | 0.20% | 0.47% | -0.3pp |
| Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander Alone | 0.02% | 0.08% | -0.1pp |
| Diversity Index Score | 51.56 | 62.73 | -11.17 |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher Diversity Index Scores (green) indicate greater racial/ethnic diversity.
Lea County, New Mexico Economic Demographics: Household Income Statistics (2023)
Economic Snapshot for Lea County, New Mexico
The following data illustrates the financial landscape of Lea County, New Mexico, based on the latest U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Median Household Income
- $68,750 (Adjusted for inflation)
- Total Households Analyzed
- 24,568
Income Comparison with New Mexico
Compare Lea County, New Mexico household income with New Mexico to understand regional economic patterns.
Lea County, New Mexico
$68,750
New Mexico
$67,816
Income Distribution Comparison
| Income Bracket | Lea County, New Mexico | New Mexico | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than $20,000 | 15.32% | 14.87% | +0.5pp |
| $20,000 to $34,999 | 13.38% | 12.17% | +1.2pp |
| $35,000 to $49,999 | 9.97% | 10.42% | -0.4pp |
| $50,000 to $74,999 | 15.20% | 16.64% | -1.4pp |
| $75,000 to $149,999 | 29.74% | 29.24% | +0.5pp |
| $150,000 or more | 16.39% | 16.67% | -0.3pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher percentages in high-income brackets (green) indicate greater affluence compared to New Mexico.
Lea County, New Mexico Real Estate Demographics: Property Values (2023)
Real Estate Market Snapshot for Lea County, New Mexico
The following data highlights the distribution of owner-occupied housing values in Lea County, New Mexico, based on the latest U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Median Property Value
- $176,000
- Total Properties Analyzed
- 17,072 (Owner-occupied units)
Property Value Comparison with New Mexico
Compare Lea County, New Mexico property values with New Mexico to understand regional real estate market patterns.
Lea County, New Mexico
$176,000
New Mexico
$279,900
Property Value Distribution Comparison
| Value Bracket | Lea County, New Mexico | New Mexico | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than $25,000 | 5.11% | 5.36% | -0.2pp |
| $25,000 to $49,999 | 3.62% | 3.25% | +0.4pp |
| $50,000 to $99,999 | 15.02% | 6.65% | +8.4pp |
| $100,000 to $199,999 | 34.67% | 17.10% | +17.6pp |
| $200,000 to $499,999 | 36.52% | 51.49% | -15.0pp |
| $500,000 to $999,999 | 4.55% | 14.87% | -10.3pp |
| $1,000,000 or more | 0.50% | 1.28% | -0.8pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher percentages in high-value brackets (green) indicate more expensive real estate compared to New Mexico.
Lea County, New Mexico Educational Attainment Statistics (2023)
Education Snapshot for Lea County, New Mexico
The following statistics represent the educational background of residents aged 25 and older in Lea County, New Mexico, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- High School Graduate or Higher
- 75.58%
- Bachelor's Degree or Higher
- 15.28%
- Total Population Analyzed (25+)
- 43,738
Education Level Comparison with New Mexico
Compare Lea County, New Mexico educational attainment with New Mexico to understand regional education patterns.
Bachelor's+ in Lea County, New Mexico
15.28%
Bachelor's+ in New Mexico
31.78%
Detailed Education Level Comparison
| Education Level | Lea County, New Mexico | New Mexico | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than HS | 24.42% | 12.13% | +12.3pp |
| HS Graduate | 32.61% | 26.34% | +6.3pp |
| Some College/Associate's | 27.69% | 29.75% | -2.1pp |
| Bachelor's Degree | 8.39% | 17.81% | -9.4pp |
| Graduate/Professional | 6.89% | 13.98% | -7.1pp |
| HS Graduate or Higher | 75.58% | 87.87% | -12.3pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher percentages in advanced education levels (green badges) indicate higher educational attainment compared to New Mexico.
Lea County, New Mexico Health Insurance Coverage Statistics (2023)
Healthcare Coverage Snapshot for Lea County, New Mexico
The following data illustrates the health coverage landscape of Lea County, New Mexico, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Overall Uninsured Rate
- 14.3%
- Total Uninsured Population
- 10,250
- Total Civilian Population
- 71,479
The uninsured rates vary significantly by demographic group. Children under 18 and seniors aged 65+ generally have higher coverage rates due to public programs like Medicaid/CHIP and Medicare.
Health Insurance Coverage Comparison with New Mexico
Compare Lea County, New Mexico health insurance coverage with New Mexico to understand regional healthcare access patterns.
Uninsured in Lea County, New Mexico
14.3%
Uninsured in New Mexico
10.1%
Uninsured Rates by Age and Sex
| Age Group | Lea County, New Mexico | New Mexico | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male | Female | Male | Female | |
| Under 18 | 9.3% | 6.9% | 6.3% | 5.9% |
| 18-34 years | 21.3% | 15.5% | 21.0% | 14.0% |
| 35-64 years | 19.8% | 20.0% | 15.2% | 11.8% |
| 65+ years | 9.3% | 4.7% | 0.9% | 1.1% |
Note: Lower uninsured rates indicate better health insurance coverage. The 18-34 age group typically has the highest uninsured rates, while seniors 65+ have near-universal coverage through Medicare.
Lea County, New Mexico Nativity & Citizenship Statistics (2023)
Citizenship Snapshot for Lea County, New Mexico
The following data details the citizenship status and nativity of the population in Lea County, New Mexico, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- U.S. Citizenship Rate
- 86.2% (Native-born + Naturalized)
- Naturalized Citizens
- 3,039 (Foreign-born individuals who acquired citizenship)
- Non-Citizen Residents
- 10,100
Citizenship Comparison with New Mexico
Compare Lea County, New Mexico citizenship and nativity with New Mexico to understand regional immigration and naturalization patterns.
Citizenship in Lea County, New Mexico
86.2%
Citizenship in New Mexico
94.1%
Nativity and Citizenship Comparison
| Nativity/Citizenship Status | Lea County, New Mexico | New Mexico | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Born in the United States | 81.0% | 88.7% | -7.7pp |
| Born in PR or U.S. Territories | 0.1% | 0.1% | 0.0pp |
| Born abroad of American parent(s) | 0.9% | 1.2% | -0.3pp |
| U.S. citizen by naturalization | 4.2% | 4.1% | +0.1pp |
| Not a U.S. citizen | 13.8% | 5.9% | +7.9pp |
| Total U.S. Citizens | 86.2% | 94.1% | -7.9pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher naturalization rates (green) indicate greater immigrant integration compared to New Mexico.
Lea County, New Mexico Commuting & Transportation Statistics (2023)
Commuter Snapshot for Lea County, New Mexico
The following data details the commuting habits of the workforce in Lea County, New Mexico, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Drove to Work (Car/Truck/Van)
- 94.4%
- Public Transportation Usage
- 0.2%
- Work From Home Rate
- 3.7%
- Total Workers Analyzed
- 30,102
Transportation Comparison with New Mexico
Compare Lea County, New Mexico commuting patterns with New Mexico to understand regional transportation preferences.
Drove in Lea County, New Mexico
94.4%
Drove in New Mexico
85.1%
Commute Mode Comparison
| Transportation Method | Lea County, New Mexico | New Mexico | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Car, truck, or van | 94.4% | 85.1% | +9.3pp |
| Public transportation | 0.2% | 0.5% | -0.3pp |
| Bicycle | 0.0% | 0.5% | -0.5pp |
| Walked | 0.9% | 2.0% | -1.1pp |
| Taxicab, motorcycle, or other | 0.8% | 1.8% | -1.0pp |
| Worked from home | 3.7% | 10.3% | -6.6pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher public transit or work-from-home rates (green) indicate more diverse commuting options compared to New Mexico.
Lea County, New Mexico Employment by Class of Worker (2023)
Workforce Snapshot for Lea County, New Mexico
The following statistics categorize the civilian employed population aged 16 and over in Lea County, New Mexico by their employment sector, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Total Employed Civilian Population
- 30,801
- Private Sector (Profit & Non-Profit)
- Includes For-Profit and Non-Profit organizations
- Government Workers
- Includes Local, State, and Federal employees
- Self-Employed Workers
- Includes own not incorporated business workers
Employment Sector Comparison with New Mexico
Compare Lea County, New Mexico employment patterns with New Mexico to understand regional workforce composition differences.
Government Employment in Lea County, New Mexico
5.3% (M) / 10.3% (F)
Government Employment in New Mexico
10.3% (M) / 11.9% (F)
Employment Sector Comparison
| Employment Sector | Lea County, New Mexico | New Mexico | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private For-Profit (Combined) | M: 48.2% F: 23.7% | M: 34.9% F: 27.5% | M: +13.3pp F: -3.8pp |
| Private Non-Profit | M: 2.2% F: 3.6% | M: 3.2% F: 5.4% | M: -1.0pp F: -1.8pp |
| Government (All Levels) | M: 5.3% F: 10.3% | M: 10.3% F: 11.9% | M: -5.0pp F: -1.6pp |
| Self-Employed | M: 4.7% F: 1.7% | M: 4.0% F: 2.5% | M: +0.7pp F: -0.8pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. M = Male, F = Female. Green badges indicate higher government employment compared to New Mexico.
Definitions: "Private sector" includes employees of for-profit and non-profit companies. "Government" includes all local, state, and federal employees. "Self-employed" refers to those operating their own unincorporated businesses.
Lea County, New Mexico Veteran Population & Service Statistics (2023)
Veteran Community Snapshot for Lea County, New Mexico
The following data details the civilian veteran population aged 18 and over in Lea County, New Mexico, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Total Civilian Veterans
- 1,908
- Primary Service Era
- Vietnam Era Only
623 veterans (32.7%)
Veteran Population Comparison with New Mexico
Compare Lea County, New Mexico veteran demographics with New Mexico to understand regional veteran service patterns.
Total Veterans in Lea County, New Mexico
1,908
Total Veterans in New Mexico
133,239
- Lea County, New Mexico: Vietnam Era Only (32.7%)
- New Mexico: Vietnam Era Only (33.0%)
Service Period Distribution Comparison
| Service Period | Lea County, New Mexico | New Mexico | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vietnam Era Only | 32.7% (623) | 33.0% (43,929) | -0.3pp |
| Gulf War Only | 22.3% (425) | 13.1% (17,510) | +9.2pp |
| Between Gulf War & Vietnam | 16.5% (314) | 15.6% (20,741) | +0.9pp |
| Post-9/11 Only | 13.5% (258) | 14.7% (19,614) | -1.2pp |
| Between Vietnam & Korean | 6.0% (115) | 6.3% (8,349) | -0.3pp |
| Post-9/11 + Gulf War | 4.6% (88) | 8.3% (11,003) | -3.7pp |
| WWII Only | 2.4% (46) | 1.0% (1,306) | +1.4pp |
| Korean War Only | 1.5% (28) | 4.5% (6,003) | -3.0pp |
| Gulf War + Vietnam | 0.6% (11) | 2.2% (2,903) | -1.6pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Comparisons show relative proportions of veteran populations by service era.
Note: Periods of service include World War II (Dec 1941–Dec 1946), Korean War (Jul 1950–Jan 1955), Vietnam Era (Aug 1964–Apr 1975), Gulf War (Aug 1990–Aug 2001), and Post-9/11 (Sept 2001 or later). Veterans may have served in multiple eras.
Lea County, New Mexico Family Poverty & Income Statistics (2023)
Family Economic Security Snapshot for Lea County, New Mexico
The following data categorizes families in Lea County, New Mexico by their income relative to the federal poverty threshold, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Families Below Poverty Line (<100%)
- 15.3% (2,585 families)
- Families Near Poverty (100-199%)
- 35.2% (5,947 families)
- Families with Secure Income (200%+)
- 49.6% (8,380 families)
Poverty Rate Comparison with New Mexico
Compare Lea County, New Mexico poverty levels with New Mexico to understand regional economic disparities.
Poverty Rate in Lea County, New Mexico
15.3%
Below poverty linePoverty Rate in New Mexico
13.2%
Below poverty lineIncome-to-Poverty Ratio Distribution Comparison
| Income Category | Lea County, New Mexico | New Mexico | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below Poverty (<100%) | 15.3% (2,585) | 13.2% (68,721) | +2.1pp |
| Near Poverty (100-199%) | 35.2% (5,947) | 31.9% (166,470) | +3.3pp |
| Economic Security (200%+) | 49.6% (8,380) | 55.0% (287,139) | -5.4pp |
| Detailed Breakdown | |||
| Below 50% of Poverty | 7.6% | 5.9% | +1.7pp |
| 50-74% of Poverty | 2.3% | 3.4% | -1.1pp |
| 75-99% of Poverty | 5.4% | 3.8% | +1.6pp |
| 100-124% of Poverty | 5.1% | 4.0% | +1.1pp |
| 125-149% of Poverty | 4.6% | 4.4% | +0.2pp |
| 150-174% of Poverty | 3.9% | 3.7% | +0.2pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Red badges indicate higher poverty; green badges indicate lower poverty compared to New Mexico.
Definition: The "Income-to-Poverty Ratio" measures a family's income against the federal poverty threshold. A ratio below 1.00 means the family is in poverty. Ratios between 1.00 and 1.99 indicate low income ("near poverty"), while ratios of 2.00 or higher suggest greater economic security.
Lea County, New Mexico SNAP/Food Stamps Statistics (2023)
SNAP Participation Snapshot for Lea County, New Mexico
The following data details household participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Lea County, New Mexico, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Total Households Receiving SNAP
- 4,362 (17.75% of all households)
- Recipient Households with Children
- 2,476 (56.76% of recipients)
- Total Households Analyzed
- 24,568
SNAP Participation Comparison with New Mexico
Compare Lea County, New Mexico SNAP participation with New Mexico to understand regional food assistance needs.
SNAP Participation in Lea County, New Mexico
17.75%
4,362 householdsSNAP Participation in New Mexico
19.32%
165,567 householdsSNAP Household Composition Comparison
| Household Type | Lea County, New Mexico | New Mexico | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| With Children | No Children | With Children | No Children | |
| Married-Couple Family | 21.78% (950) | 6.01% (262) | 15.17% (25,123) | 8.98% (14,861) |
| Male Householder, No Spouse | 10.43% (455) | 1.97% (86) | 6.83% (11,304) | 4.61% (7,637) |
| Female Householder, No Spouse | 22.81% (995) | 7.47% (326) | 19.46% (32,221) | 9.56% (15,823) |
| Nonfamily Households | 1.74% (76) | 27.79% (1,212) | 0.36% (593) | 35.03% (58,005) |
| Total SNAP Recipients | 4,362 (17.75% of households) | 165,567 (19.32% of households) | ||
Note: Percentages represent the share of SNAP-receiving households in each category. Higher percentages in households with children often indicate targeting of families with greater nutritional needs.
About this data: The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides food assistance to low-income families. Households with children often face higher participation rates due to eligibility guidelines prioritizing child nutrition. "Nonfamily households" typically refer to individuals living alone or with unrelated roommates.