Special Interest
Housing in Lea County
Both Census and HUD figures represent gross rent — contract rent plus estimated utility costs for electricity, heat, water, and sewer.
Rent in Lea County averages $1,101/month for a 2‑bedroom in 2024, compared to the New Mexico median of $1,067 and the national median of $1,413. Local renters spend approximately 35% of household income on rent, above the national average of 32%.
HUD 2026 50th Percentile Rent Estimates for Lea County FMR Area are $1,127 for a studio, $1,134 for 1‑bedroom, $1,406 for 2‑bedroom, $1,742 for 3‑bedroom, and $1,942 for 4‑bedroom.
HUD 2026 Rent Estimates reflect market movement since 2024 Census data — a $305 increase for a 2-bedroom in Lea County shows a 28% rise over that period.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics annual unemployment rate for Lea County was 3.5% in 2024, compared to New Mexico at 4.1% and the national rate of 4.0%.
