City Profile
Hobbs, New Mexico
USA · Comprehensive city data and intelligence
Hobbs is a vibrant city located in Lea County in southeastern New Mexico, right along the border with Texas. Founded as a homestead in 1907 by James Isaac Hobbs, the community experienced a massive transformation following the discovery of oil in the Permian Basin in the late 1920s. Today, Hobbs serves as a major economic hub for the energy sector, blending its rich oilfield heritage with a growing diverse population, modern educational facilities like New Mexico Junior College, and cultural events that reflect its unique heritage.
New Mexico, known as "the Land of Enchantment," offers a unique blend of Native American, Spanish, and Mexican cultures, reflected in its architecture, cuisine, and traditions. The state's economy is driven by diverse sectors including energy (oil, gas, and renewables), aerospace and defense, food processing, agriculture, and a significant tourism industry. Living in New Mexico generally offers a lower cost of living compared to the national average, with housing and utilities often more affordable. The climate is largely arid and sunny, with diverse landscapes ranging from deserts to alpine forests, providing for warm to hot summers and cold winters, and a relaxed, outdoor-oriented lifestyle.
How this 61/100 was calculated five components, with every reading behind them
| Component | Readings used | Points | Weight | Contributes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safety | Safety score: 62 / 100 | 62.0 | 30% | 18.6 |
| Affordability | Cost of living index (100 = national baseline): 89.0 | 57.5 | 25% | 14.4 |
| Economy & jobs | Median household income: $58,500 Income needed to live here: $48,000 Unemployment rate: 4.3% | 61.8 | 20% | 12.4 |
| Growth | Population growth rate: 1.1% Job growth rate: 2.2% | 58.3 | 15% | 8.7 |
| Business climate assessment | Business climate assessment: 70 / 100 | 70.0 | 10% | 7.0 |
| Overall score | 61.1 | |||
Provenance.
These figures were produced by the research pass recorded as
Tier 1 (fast) (q=52, partial — below threshold), last refreshed
16 October 2026.
They are researched estimates drawn from public sources, not a licensed data feed.
Each component is scored against fixed published endpoints, so this number is comparable with any other city and does not move as the dataset grows. Scoring framework 2026.10 — full methodology, weights and accepted ranges.
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Cost of Living
The cost of living in Hobbs is generally lower than the national average, making it an attractive destination for families and professionals seeking affordability. Housing costs, utilities, and everyday goods tend to track below typical U.S. benchmarks, though housing availability can fluctuate depending on the activity cycles in the petroleum industry. Overall, residents benefit from favorable local tax structures and reasonable consumer prices compared to larger metropolitan areas.
Income
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The economy of Hobbs is heavily anchored by the oil and gas extraction industry, driven by its prime location within the prolific Permian Basin. Beyond energy production, sectors such as healthcare, education, retail, and public administration play substantial roles in providing diversified employment opportunities. The city actively encourages local business development and entrepreneurial initiatives to support sustainable regional economic growth.
The average salary in Hobbs is $54,000 per year. You would need approximately $48,000 to live comfortably.
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Transportation in Hobbs is primarily car-dependent, with well-laid-out roadways and thoroughfares facilitating easy commutes across the city and toward neighboring Texas communities. The Hobbs Industrial Airpark and Lea County Regional Airport provide regional aviation connectivity. While public transit options are limited, traffic congestion is generally minimal compared to major urban centers.
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