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Is Hobbs a Good Place to Live? Hobbs, New Mexico: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Hobbs ranks #1077 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #172 of 208 small cities and #12 of 20 in New Mexico. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low living costs (85.9, #28 of 208) and affordable homes ($191,300, #49 of 208), and trails on high violent crime (709 per 100,000, #159 of 174) and high poverty (19.7%, #162 of 208).
Hobbs by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Hobbs's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Hobbs?
Hobbs's cost of living index is 85.9, 14% below the US level of 100 and #43 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,112/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $216,560, 32% below the typical New Mexico home ($318,241).
| Measure | Hobbs | New MexicoNM | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 92.6 · US 100 | 85.9#43 of 1,308 | 92.2 | 92.6 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $305,499 · US $368,697 | $216,560#158 of 1,187 | $318,241 | $305,499 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,536/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,373/mo#232 of 1,115 | — | $1,536/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $261,400 | $191,300#200 of 1,309 | — | $261,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,178/mo | $1,112/mo#351 of 1,309 | — | $1,178/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.5x | 3x#182 of 1,309 | — | 3.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.9% | 20.8%#547 of 1,309 | — | 19.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). New Mexico is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Hobbs housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Hobbs is in the Hobbs, NM metro.
New Mexico housing market →Is Hobbs safe?
Hobbs recorded 709 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2.2 times the US rate of 328 and 14% above New Mexico's 622. That ranks #973 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #159 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Hobbs Police Department. Property crime runs 3,034 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Hobbs | New MexicoNM | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 258 · US 328 | 709#973 of 1,085 | 622 | 258 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,540 · US 1,548 | 3,034#959 of 1,085 | 2,240 | 1,540 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). New Mexico is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Hobbs?
The median household in Hobbs earns $64,021, 23% below the US figure of $83,163 and 6% below New Mexico ($67,816). Unemployment is 3.5% (US 4.3%). 19.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.4% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Hobbs | New MexicoNM | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $71,675 · US $83,163 | $64,021#949 of 1,312 | $67,816 | $71,675 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7% · US 4.3% | 3.5%#249 of 1,058 | 4.2% | 3.7% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 19.7%#1102 of 1,312 | — | 13% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.4%#435 of 1,132 | -0.1% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). New Mexico is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Hobbs?
The median resident of Hobbs is 32.5 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 17.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1222 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 66% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Hobbs | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.3 | 32.5 | 37.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 32.5% | 17.3%#1222 of 1,312 | 32.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 62.3% | 66% | 62.3% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Hobbs's schools and health?
Hobbs's 18 public schools graduate 85% of students in four years (New Mexico 76.6%), with 16.5 students per teacher and $13,294 spent per pupil. 36.7% of adults are obese and 11.2% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 35.6% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Hobbs | New MexicoNM | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 85%#705 of 1,063 | 76.6% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.9 | 16.5#685 of 1,188 | — | 14.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $13,509 | $13,294#796 of 1,188 | — | $13,509 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 35.6% | 36.7%#923 of 1,311 | — | 35.6% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 11.2%#659 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.3% | 17.9%#840 of 1,311 | — | 17.3% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 9.2% | 21.9%#1237 of 1,311 | — | 9.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). New Mexico is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 10,150 students are enrolled in Hobbs's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Hobbs?
The average commute in Hobbs is 23.8 minutes (New Mexico 24); 0.3% of workers take transit and 2.3% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Hobbs scores 8.8 of 20 (below average walkable), #866 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 80.2°F and winters 44.1°F, with 13.8 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Hobbs | New MexicoNM | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 21.5 min | 23.8 min#664 of 1,312 | 24 min | 21.5 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 11.5%#1130 of 1,312 | 7% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75.7% | 76.1% | 73.8% | 75.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 0.3% | 0.5% | 0.5% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 2.2% | 2% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.1% | 0.5% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 10% | 2.3% | 10.3% | 10% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 8.8#866 of 1,312 | — | 8.8 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). New Mexico is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 55.1 | 29.6 | 0.5 |
| Feb | 60.7 | 33 | 0.5 |
| Mar | 68.5 | 39.5 | 0.6 |
| Apr | 77.1 | 47.5 | 0.8 |
| May | 85.3 | 57.3 | 1.9 |
| Jun | 93.4 | 65.1 | 1.3 |
| Jul | 94.1 | 68.7 | 1.7 |
| Aug | 92 | 67.7 | 2.1 |
| Sep | 84.6 | 60.7 | 2.5 |
| Oct | 76 | 49.7 | 0.9 |
| Nov | 63.6 | 38.1 | 0.5 |
| Dec | 55.7 | 30.5 | 0.5 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Hobbs.
| Measure | Hobbs | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 56.3°F | 62.2°F | 56.3°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.3°F | 80.2°F | 76.3°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.7°F | 44.1°F | 36.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.2 in | 13.8 in | 43.2 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Hobbs.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Hobbs?
Lea County's air had a median air quality index of 44, and 69% of measured days were rated good; 8 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Lea County's biggest natural hazard losses in wildfire, inland flooding, and hail, with expected yearly losses of 0.27% of building value, higher than 85% of US counties.
| Measure | Hobbs | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 41 | 44#571 of 1,138 | 41 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 1 | 8#805 of 1,138 | 1 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.27%#1072 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Lea County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Lea County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Wildfire | 0.061% | 97% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.16% | 92% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0093% | 83% of counties |
| Winter weather | 0.0011% | 81% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0016% | 43% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0051% | 38% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Hobbs compare with similar-size cities?
Hobbs is one of 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track and ranks #172 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 40,252.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobbs, NMPop. 40,252 | #1077 | 48.4 | $64,021 | $1,112/mo | 709 | 23.8 min |
| Waipahu, HIPop. 40,482 | #472 | 58.6 | $103,895 | $1,658/mo | no data | 32.5 min |
| Florence, SCPop. 40,408 | #1178 | 45.8 | $56,143 | $992/mo | 627 | 18.7 min |
| Lake Oswego, ORPop. 40,381 | #92 | 68.7 | $141,549 | $2,139/mo | 55 | 21.6 min |
| Cape Girardeau, MOPop. 40,344 | #1034 | 49.4 | $55,658 | $876/mo | 467 | 15.9 min |
| New Berlin, WIPop. 40,270 | #152 | 66.1 | $101,091 | $1,426/mo | 47 | 21.7 min |
| Owasso, OKPop. 40,151 | #360 | 60.8 | $79,036 | $1,270/mo | 123 | 21.7 min |
| West Fargo, NDPop. 40,094 | #73 | 69.3 | $90,665 | $1,111/mo | 185 | 17.3 min |
| Norwich, CTPop. 39,973 | #541 | 57.4 | $65,024 | $1,253/mo | 215 | 24 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Hobbs compare with the rest of New Mexico?
Hobbs ranks #12 of the 20 New Mexico cities we track, with a score of 48.4 against New Mexico's statewide 30.6. Its households earn 6% below the New Mexico median. Violent crime is 14% above the statewide rate. Homes are 32% below the typical New Mexico home.
| City | Rank in NM | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Alamos, NMPop. 13,317 | #1 | 75.8 | $141,018 | $1,359/mo | part year |
| Rio Rancho, NMPop. 108,515 | #2 | 59.6 | $89,596 | $1,514/mo | 322 |
| Santa Fe, NMPop. 89,019 | #3 | 57.0 | $73,482 | $1,463/mo | 518 |
| Carlsbad, NMPop. 31,746 | #4 | 50.0 | $72,306 | $1,236/mo | 576 |
| Clovis, NMPop. 37,942 | #5 | 49.6 | $54,820 | $988/mo | 378 |
| Alamogordo, NMPop. 31,307 | #6 | 49.6 | $55,952 | $902/mo | 433 |
| Los Lunas, NMPop. 18,618 | #7 | 49.2 | $62,330 | $1,110/mo | 491 |
| Las Cruces, NMPop. 114,197 | #8 | 49.0 | $55,422 | $974/mo | 496 |
| Albuquerque, NMPop. 562,218 | #9 | 48.8 | $68,317 | $1,145/mo | 1,024 |
| Sunland Park, NMPop. 17,463 | #10 | 48.8 | $62,814 | $920/mo | 280 |
| Artesia, NMPop. 12,576 | #11 | 48.5 | $74,915 | $1,288/mo | 393 |
| Hobbs, NMPop. 40,252 | #12 | 48.4 | $64,021 | $1,112/mo | 709 |
| Farmington, NMPop. 46,314 | #13 | 47.9 | $68,784 | $1,037/mo | 1,045 |
| Roswell, NMPop. 47,638 | #14 | 44.6 | $51,583 | $876/mo | 662 |
| South Valley, NMPop. 37,120 | #15 | 43.7 | $58,224 | $954/mo | no data |
| Portales, NMPop. 11,968 | #16 | 42.5 | $50,555 | $903/mo | 419 |
| Las Vegas, NMPop. 13,000 | #17 | 38.0 | $45,125 | $792/mo | 786 |
| Deming, NMPop. 15,221 | #18 | 36.7 | $34,165 | $586/mo | part year |
| Gallup, NMPop. 21,023 | #19 | 36.6 | $58,303 | $927/mo | 1,291 |
| Chaparral, NMPop. 18,186 | #20 | 36.3 | $46,017 | $853/mo | no data |
All 20 New Mexico cities we track, by overall score. New Mexico statewide: median income $67,816, violent crime 621.6 per 100,000.
How is Hobbs's score calculated?
Hobbs scores 48.4 out of 100, #1077 of 1,312 (grade D, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with New Mexico's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Hobbs. Similar-size median 52.9.
50.9 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Hobbs's police agency. Similar-size median 78.4.
39.9 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Hobbs. Similar-size median 52.2.
49.5 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Hobbs's public schools. Similar-size median 59.4.
52.0 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Hobbs's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 76.3.
84.5 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Hobbs. Similar-size median 46.7.
31.7 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Hobbs. Similar-size median 44.2.
46.9 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Hobbs. Similar-size median 47.3.
35.0 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Hobbs's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
41.1 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 54.8.
33.4 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Hobbs's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Hobbs has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Hobbs
Is Hobbs, NM a good place to live?
Hobbs ranks #1077 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #172 of 208 small cities and #12 of 20 in New Mexico. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low living costs (85.9, #28 of 208) and affordable homes ($191,300, #49 of 208), and trails on high violent crime (709 per 100,000, #159 of 174) and high poverty (19.7%, #162 of 208).
What is the cost of living in Hobbs?
Hobbs's cost of living index is 85.9, 14% below the US level of 100 and #43 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,112/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $216,560, 32% below the typical New Mexico home ($318,241).
What is the crime rate in Hobbs?
Hobbs recorded 709 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2.2 times the US rate of 328 and 14% above New Mexico's 622. That ranks #973 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #159 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Hobbs Police Department. Property crime runs 3,034 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Hobbs?
The median household in Hobbs earns $64,021, 23% below the US figure of $83,163 and 6% below New Mexico ($67,816). Unemployment is 3.5% (US 4.3%). 19.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.4% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Hobbs?
Median rent in Hobbs is $1,112/mo (Census), #351 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,373/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 20.8% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Hobbs?
The typical home value in Hobbs is $216,560, up 3.8% in a year, against $318,241 for New Mexico and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $191,300.
How are the public schools in Hobbs?
Hobbs's 18 public schools graduate 85% of students in four years (New Mexico 76.6%), with 16.5 students per teacher and $13,294 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Hobbs?
The average commute is 23.8 minutes, #664 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 24 minutes across New Mexico. 11.5% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Hobbs?
Hobbs averages 62.2°F over the year, 80.2°F in summer and 44.1°F in winter, with 13.8 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Hobbs walkable?
Hobbs scores 8.8 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #866 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Hobbs at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Lea County's biggest natural hazard losses in wildfire, inland flooding, and hail, with expected yearly losses of 0.27% of building value, higher than 85% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Hobbs?
Lea County's air had a median air quality index of 44, and 69% of measured days were rated good; 8 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Hobbs?
Hobbs has 40,252 residents. The median resident of Hobbs is 32.5 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 17.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1222 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 66% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Hobbs compare with the rest of New Mexico?
Hobbs ranks #12 of the 20 New Mexico cities we track, with a score of 48.4 against New Mexico's statewide 30.6. Its households earn 6% below the New Mexico median. Violent crime is 14% above the statewide rate. Homes are 32% below the typical New Mexico home.
What cities are similar in size to Hobbs?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Hobbs's population of 40,252 are Waipahu, HI (#472 overall), Florence, SC (#1178 overall), Lake Oswego, OR (#92 overall), Cape Girardeau, MO (#1034 overall), and New Berlin, WI (#152 overall). Hobbs is #1077.