Eunice grew 14% since the last census and has a current population of 3,220 people. Home to URENCO USA’s National Enrichment Facility, Eunice’s business friendly environment is creating a resurgence of new business development with the addition of Outlaw Grill, H&R Block, JP Stone Bank, Palenteria Azteca, a pharmacy and Parker Energy to the Community. The Eunice Municipal School District recently completed additions to their schools and has record enrollment numbers for the 2012-2013 school year. The largest employers in Eunice: URENCO USA, B&H Construction, Chaparral Service Inc, Chevron USA INC, Eunice Well Servicing Company, Family Dollar Store, Transwestern Pipeline Company, and Eunice Municipal Schools. Recreation opportunities in Eunice: city parks, youth center, Senior Center, Golf Courses, City Pool and Waterslides, community events, and many more.

Hobbs is the largest city in southeastern NM, and serves as the retail center for an area encompassing some 125,000 residents within a 55-mile radius. With a current population of over 43,000, Hobbs has grown more than 19% since the last census and is rapidly attracting new retail and industrial growth. New companies that have located in Hobbs include: International Isotopes Inc, Joule Unlimited, Bloom Retail Center, United Airlines, Lowes, Hibbet Sports, Intercontinental Potash Corporation, Nova Mud, and a host of retail and accommodation facilities. The largest employers in Hobbs are: Hobbs Municipal Schools, Lea Regional Medical Center, Halliburton, Walmart, RWI Construction, Zia Racetrack and Blackgold Casino, Geo Group and New Mexico Junior College. Recreational opportunities in Hobbs: gaming, horse racing, drag racing, sky diving, parks, pools with waterslides, dog park, golf courses, walking trails, fishing, Western Heritage Museum, community theater, teen center, community events, concerts, rodeo, etc. 

City of Jal

Jal sits in the southeast corner of Lea County and has a population of 2,175. Jal continues to grow and has attracted several new businesses to the area including: SunEdison, Eldorado Biofuels, fuel station, Family Dollar Store, and a new restaurant. The largest employers in Jal are: Jal Public Schools, Merryman Construction Co, Quatro Trucking, Panther Energy, Southern Union Gas Services, Lake Quality Trucking, Fulco Trucking, and Family Dollar. Recreational opportunities in Jal: Woolworth Library, Jal Lake, Cowboy Days Festival, Jalorama, golf courses, and other community celebrations.

Lovington is the county seat and has a population of 14,624 which is an increase of 16% since the last census. Several new businesses have located or opened additional offices in Lovington including LEACO, Geobo’s, Wildcat Wind, and Exelon Energy. The largest employers in Lovington are: Lovington Public Schools, Nor Lea Hospital, Ferguson Construction Company, Lea County Electric Cooperative, Gandy Oilfield Services, Gilbert Lease Services, Caprock Pipe and Supply, LEACO, and Navajo Refinery. Recreational opportunities in Lovington: Chaparral Park, Lea County Fair, pool and waterslides, fishing, skate park, Lea County Museum, historic Lea Theater, teen center, rodeo, “World’s Greatest Lizard Race”, electric light parade and other community events.

Tatum grew 16.8% since the last census and has a population of 1,403. Tatum is conveniently located at the crossroads of New Mexico highways 380 and 206. The town of Tatum has recently refurbished several of the city’s buildings and is preparing for the future expansion of their community. The largest employers in Tatum are: Tatum Public Schools, Gourmet Seed International, Cogburn Pipe and Supply Inc., Conoco Phillips Pipe Line Company, and Gandy Corporation. Recreational opportunities in Tatum include: community library, camping, hiking, parks, community events and is in close proximity to many national parks.

Quality of Life