Update of the Census for Lea County: Population Dynamics

Population growth in Lea County from 2000 to 2010 was its highest in decades. After a brief population boom-bust centered in the mid nineteen-eighties, the number of county residents remained relatively flat throughout the nineties. Beginning in 2000, the population began to climb steadily due to both natural increase and a net in-migration that corresponded with rising employment opportunities. More remarkable has been the continued population growth witnessed since 2010, especially in light of the flat growth and population decline that has simultaneously occurred throughout much of New Mexico. Lea County is currently the fastest growing in the state, and there are no indications that this distinction will soon be relinquished.