Lea County, New Mexico

Lea County Education, Geography, and History

Lea County is a county located in the state of New Mexico. Based on the 2010 census, the population was 64,727. Its county seat is Lovington. It is both west and north of the Texas state line.

Lea County comprises the Hobbs, NM Micropolitan Statistical Area.

Etymology - Origin of Lea County Name

Named for Captain Joseph Calloway Lea.

Demographics:

County QuickFacts: CensusBureau Quick Facts

Lea County History

Lea County was created 7 March 1917. It was created from Chaves and Eddy Counties and named for Captain Joseph Calloway Lea. Lovington is the county seat and the center of a valuable oil industry which has provided many jobs since 1921. Ranching, agriculture, and dairy production are major enterprises which are thriving. The area supports two colleges to serve its ever friendly and diverse citizens.

Geography: Land and Water

As reported by the Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 4,394 square miles (11,380 km²), of which 4,391 square miles (11,370 km²) is land and 3.3 square miles (8.5 km²) (0.07%) is water. Lea County is located in the southeast corner of New Mexico and borders Texas to the south and east

Neighboring Counties

Bordering counties are as follows:

• Roosevelt County - north
• Chaves County - west
• Eddy County - west
• Loving County, Texas - south
• Winkler County, Texas - southeast
• Andrews County, Texas - east
• Gaines County, Texas - east
• Yoakum County, Texas - east
• Cochran County, Texas - northeast

Education

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