With the influx of new industry and business development to the region and a population that continues to increase, it is an exciting time to do business in Lea County. Hobbs was cited by Forbes as one of the fastest growing small communities in the nation with a population that has increased by over 19% since the 2000 Census. The County as a whole has grown by nearly 17%. This rapid growth has created an opportunity for the immediate development of housing units and new retail projects in every community in Lea County.