Lea County is situated in the southeast of New Mexico, sharing a border with Texas. It has a population of around 74,000 individuals and spans an area of 4,394 square miles. The county is recognized for its prominent oil and gas industry, along with its active agricultural and ranching pursuits.
Nonetheless, Lea County faces a notable crime rate, particularly in specific neighborhoods. This article will delve into the five most perilous neighborhoods in Lea County, using crime statistics from CrimeGrade.org as a reference.
South Hobbs
Hobbs, situated in Lea County, boasts a population of around 29,000 residents, making it the largest city in the county. It serves as both the county seat and the primary economic hub of the area. However, it’s important to note that Hobbs faces a significant crime issue, particularly in its southern district.
As per CrimeGrade.org, the southern neighborhood of Hobbs exhibits a crime rate of 1,681 incidents per 1,000 residents, surpassing any other area in the county.
This neighborhood primarily consists of residential spaces, interspersed with some commercial and industrial zones. The median household income in this district stands at $35,000, falling below the county-wide average of $46,000.
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Lovington
Lovington, with a population of approximately 11,000 people, is the second-largest city in Lea County. It is situated about 16 miles to the east of Hobbs and is known for being the host of the Lea County Fair and Rodeo.
However, Lovington also faces a relatively high crime rate, especially when compared to other cities of similar size. According to CrimeGrade.org, Lovington’s crime rate is 1,106 incidents per 1,000 residents, making it the second-highest in the county.
The city primarily consists of residential areas, along with some commercial and public spaces. The median household income in Lovington is $39,000, which is lower than the county-wide average of $46,000.
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Eunice
Eunice is a small city in Lea County, with a population of around 2,600 people. It’s situated approximately 21 miles south of Hobbs and is known for being home to the National Enrichment Facility, a uranium enrichment plant. However, Eunice also experiences a relatively high crime rate, especially considering its size.
As per CrimeGrade.org, Eunice has a crime rate of 950 incidents per 1,000 residents, making it the third-highest in the county. The city is predominantly residential, with some commercial and industrial areas. The median household income in Eunice is $49,000, which surpasses the county average of $46,000.
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Tatum
Tatum is a small town located in Lea County, with approximately 850 residents. It is situated about 35 miles north of Hobbs and is home to the Tatum Museum, where the local history and culture are showcased. However, it’s worth noting that Tatum has a relatively high crime rate, especially considering its size.
According to CrimeGrade.org, Tatum’s crime rate is 706 incidents per 1,000 residents, making it the fourth-highest in the county. The town is primarily residential, with some commercial and public areas. The median household income in Tatum is $41,000, which is lower than the county average of $46,000.
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North Hobbs
North Hobbs is the northern section of Hobbs city, housing around 11,000 residents. It’s situated approximately 2 miles north of the city center and is home to New Mexico Junior College, a public community college. However, it’s important to note that North Hobbs experiences a higher crime rate compared to other parts of the city.
CrimeGrade.org reports a crime rate of 662 incidents per 1,000 residents in North Hobbs, ranking it as the fifth-highest in the county.
This area primarily consists of residences, with some commercial and educational spaces. The median household income in North Hobbs is $42,000, slightly lower than the county average of $46,000.
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Conclusion
Lea County boasts a rich history and a diverse economy, but it faces a significant challenge with a high crime rate, particularly in certain areas. According to data from CrimeGrade.org, the five most perilous neighborhoods in Lea County are South Hobbs, Lovington, Eunice, Tatum, and North Hobbs.
These areas experience a notable number of both property and violent crimes, putting the safety and well-being of residents and visitors at risk. As a result, it is crucial for those living in or visiting these neighborhoods to be vigilant, and to take necessary precautions to safeguard themselves against potential criminal activity.
