Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Lea County, New Mexico
Lea County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,327 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,101 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $25.52 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,327
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 4% more than in New Mexico
- Typical rent
- $1,101
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 3% more than in New Mexico
- Wage needed
- $25.52
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $53,080 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 48%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 4% less than in New Mexico
Only here
Renting in Lea County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
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Among the neighboring counties, Chaves County has the lowest typical rent ($867), 21% below the $1,101 in Lea County.
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau (Average 2020–2024).
Fair market rent
What HUD sets for each size
Every year HUD (the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) publishes a Fair Market Rent (FMR) for each home size in Lea County. It is used to work out how much a Section 8 voucher covers. The table shows what you need to earn to pay it without spending more than 30% of income.
The fair market rent covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone. HUD generally sets it at the 40th percentile: 4 in 10 standard-quality homes rented recently cost less. 24 CFR §888.113(a)
According to Zillow (ZORI), the typical asking rent in Lea County was $1,469 a month in September 2026: 9.1% more than 12 months ago. It is an index of market listings, not a HUD limit. Zillow data
| Size | Fair rent per month | Hourly wage | Income needed per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,111 | $21.37 | $44,440 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,117 | $21.48 | $44,680 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,327 | $25.52 | $53,080 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,670 | $32.12 | $66,800 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,823 | $35.06 | $72,920 |
HUD area: Lea County, NM. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2027
By ZIP code
The fair market rent for your ZIP code
HUD also publishes fair market rents by ZIP code (Small Area FMRs) for 14 ZIP codes in Lea County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,200 in 88267 to $1,660 in 88242. 7 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,327).
Where HUD designates these areas, or where the housing agency chooses to use them, the voucher is figured on the ZIP code's rent instead of the county's. Ask your agency which one it uses. 24 CFR §982.503(a)(1)
| 88114 | Lea County, NM | $1,110 | $1,120 | $1,330 | $1,670 | $1,830 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 88114 | Roosevelt County, NM | $1,110 | $1,120 | $1,330 | $1,670 | $1,830 |
| 88231 | Lea County, NM | $1,130 | $1,140 | $1,350 | $1,700 | $1,850 |
| 88240 | Lea County, NM | $1,110 | $1,120 | $1,330 | $1,670 | $1,830 |
| 88242 | Lea County, NM | $1,390 | $1,400 | $1,660 | $2,090 | $2,280 |
| 88244 | Lea County, NM | $1,110 | $1,120 | $1,330 | $1,670 | $1,830 |
| 88252 | Eddy County, NM | $1,070 | $1,080 | $1,280 | $1,610 | $1,760 |
| 88252 | Lea County, NM | $1,070 | $1,080 | $1,280 | $1,610 | $1,760 |
| 88260 | Lea County, NM | $1,040 | $1,040 | $1,240 | $1,560 | $1,700 |
| 88262 | Lea County, NM | $1,040 | $1,040 | $1,240 | $1,560 | $1,700 |
| 88264 | Lea County, NM | $1,040 | $1,060 | $1,240 | $1,600 | $1,730 |
| 88265 | Lea County, NM | $1,120 | $1,130 | $1,340 | $1,680 | $1,840 |
| 88267 | Chaves County, NM | $960 | $970 | $1,200 | $1,480 | $1,650 |
| 88267 | Lea County, NM | $960 | $970 | $1,200 | $1,480 | $1,650 |
- 88114 · Lea County, NM $1,330$1,670
- 88114 · Roosevelt County, NM $1,330$1,670
- 88231 · Lea County, NM $1,350$1,700
- 88240 · Lea County, NM $1,330$1,670
- 88242 · Lea County, NM $1,660$2,090
- 88244 · Lea County, NM $1,330$1,670
- 88252 · Eddy County, NM $1,280$1,610
- 88252 · Lea County, NM $1,280$1,610
- 88260 · Lea County, NM $1,240$1,560
- 88262 · Lea County, NM $1,240$1,560
- 88264 · Lea County, NM $1,240$1,600
- 88265 · Lea County, NM $1,340$1,680
- 88267 · Chaves County, NM $1,200$1,480
- 88267 · Lea County, NM $1,200$1,480
Source: Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD) Fiscal year 2027 Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD) (external site)
Rent burden
How many households spend too much
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Lea County, 48% of renter households are in that position; in New Mexico, 50%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).
Paying too much rent leaves little for food, transportation and savings. If that is you, the agencies below can guide you for free.
48%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
7,111 households rent in Lea County
- Spend half or more of their income 25%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 23%
- Spend less than 30% 52%
Compared with the state and the country
- Lea 48%
- New Mexico 50%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Lea County
HUD lists 17 properties with homes for low-income households in Lea County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC), HUD-assisted buildings and public housing. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest.
- with tax credits (LIHTC)
- 9
- HUD-assisted
- 7
- public housing
- 2
936 homes in all; 819 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Hobbs Apartments HUD-assisted 2001 E Clinton St, Hobbs 88240 151 low-income homes · For families · (575) 393-2523
- Four Seasons Apartments HUD-assisted 2405 N Jefferson St, Hobbs 88240 80 low-income homes · For families · (575) 392-6243
- Broadway Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1200 E Broadway St, Hobbs 88240 78 low-income homes · In service since 1997
- Washington Place HUD-assisted 1405 E Marland St, Hobbs 88240 76 low-income homes · For families · (575) 397-4341
- The Cedars HUD-assisted 501 W Alto Dr, Hobbs 88240 63 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (575) 397-6338
- La Pradera Tax credit (LIHTC) 1023 E Glorietta Dr, Hobbs 88240 60 low-income homes
- Willow Bend Villas Tax credit (LIHTC) 1000 N Marland Blvd, Hobbs 88240 60 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 28 · 3 bd: 20 · In service since 2005
- Polk Avenue Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 214 W Polk Ave, Lovington 88260 52 low-income homes · 1 bd: 39 · 2 bd: 13 · In service since 1999 · For older adults · (575) 396-6129
- Lovington Public housing 200 W Avenue P, Lovington 88260 50 low-income homes · Run by Eastern Regional Housing Authority · Average payment: $448 a month · Average wait: 18 months · (575) 622-0881
- Southview Place Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1300 W Avenue R, Lovington 88260 48 homes, 46 low-income · In service since 2009
- Sunrise Homes Tax credit (LIHTC) 1515 E Scharbauer St, Hobbs 88240 32 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 8 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 1998
- Buena Vista HUD-assisted 1501 Good Samaritan Dr, Lovington 88260 24 low-income homes · For older adults · (575) 396-4912
- Eunice Public housing 709 14th St, Eunice 88231 20 low-income homes · Run by Eastern Regional Housing Authority · Average payment: $420 a month · Average wait: 6 months · (575) 622-0881
- New Leaf Community HUD-assisted 1601 E Marland St, Hobbs 88240 57 homes, 15 low-income · (575) 964-1571
- Broadway Place Tax credit (LIHTC) 1204 E Broadway St, Hobbs 88240 12 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 3 bd: 4 · In service since 1998
- Casa Hermosa Tax credit (LIHTC) 920 E Michigan Dr, Hobbs 88240 73 homes
- Playa Escondida Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 1021 E Yeso Dr, Hobbs 88240
One property has two programs at the same address and appears once. Search HUD's map
Source: HUD, retrieved November 6, 2026. LIHTC database, updated May 14, 2025; Assisted multifamily properties, updated October 23, 2026; Public housing developments, updated October 23, 2026.
Section 8
The Section 8 voucher in Lea County
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. A public housing agency runs it. HUD lists none with an office in Lea County; the state's agencies can help you. Here is what the rules say:
The rules, with their source
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You apply at the public housing agency. If you qualify, your name usually goes on a waiting list. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or noncitizens with eligible status as HUD defines it. Source: HUD
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Generally, your family must have very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income, by family size (the middle column of the table). Source: 24 CFR §5.603, §982.201(b)
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Each year, at least 75% of the families an agency admits from its list must have extremely low income (the 30% column). Source: 24 CFR §982.201(b)(2)
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If the rent is below the payment standard, the family generally pays 30% of its adjusted monthly income. If it is above, the family pays more. Source: 24 CFR §982.1(a)(3)
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When you move in, if the rent is above the payment standard, your share cannot go over 40% of your adjusted monthly income. Source: 24 CFR §982.508
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Each agency sets a payment standard for each size. Without asking HUD, it can go from 90% to 110% of the fair market rent. Source: 24 CFR §982.503(b), (c)
| People | Extremely low (30%) | Very low (50%) | Low |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $18,450 | $30,750 | $49,200 |
| 2 people | $21,640 | $35,150 | $56,200 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $39,550 | $63,250 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $43,900 | $70,250 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $47,450 | $75,900 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $50,950 | $81,500 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $54,450 | $87,150 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $57,950 | $92,750 |
Area median income: $92,200. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Lea County, NM. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $1,000 – $1,222
- 1 bedroom $1,005 – $1,229
- 2 bedrooms $1,194 – $1,460
- 3 bedrooms $1,503 – $1,837
- 4 bedrooms $1,641 – $2,005
The range the rule allows: 90% to 110% of the county's fair market rent. Your agency publishes its own.
Housing agencies that serve this place
HUD lists no housing agency with an office in Lea County. You can apply at another agency in your state: you do not have to live where you apply. Source: HUD
Your rights as a tenant in New Mexico
What New Mexico law says about deposits, notices and eviction, with the citation for each rule.
See your rights, rule by ruleCompare these rules with other states →
A summary of state law, not legal advice. Cities may have additional rules.
- If I fall behind on rent, what notice must I get?
- 3 days
- NMSA 1978, §47-8-33(D)
- How much notice ends a month-to-month rental?
- 30 days
- NMSA 1978, §47-8-37(A)-(B)
- Only a court order can remove youNMSA 1978, §47-8-36; §47-8-33
Help
Where to get help with rent in Lea County
HUD lists no counseling agencies near in Lea County. Free legal aid and your housing agency can guide you.
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Lea County. Change the rent, the deposit and the fees to yours: the numbers stay in your browser.
Count power on top of the rent: in New Mexico, the average home bill was $93 a month in 2024 (EIA). See electricity and gas costs
Your move
We use the place's fair market rent and the state's deposit rule.
Adjust advanced details
Let's do the math
Cash to move in
$2,654
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,327
- Security deposit
- $1,327
- Total
- $2,654
When you'll have it
Enter what you can set aside each month to see how long it takes.
What helps
- Ask for a receipt for every payment and keep a copy of the lease.
- On move-in day, walk through the home and take dated photos.
- Never send money for a home you haven't seen or a lease you haven't read.
This is a planning estimate, not a price. What you are asked for depends on the landlord, your lease and your state's and city's rules. It is not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
What is the fair market rent in Lea County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $1,111; 1 bedroom: $1,117; 2 bedrooms: $1,327; 3 bedrooms: $1,670; 4 bedrooms: $1,823. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Lea County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,327) without spending more than 30% of income takes $25.52 an hour full time, or $53,080 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Lea County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $43,900 a year (Fiscal year 2026). The family usually pays 30% of its adjusted monthly income. You apply at the housing agency.
How much does Section 8 pay in Lea County?
The voucher pays up to your housing agency's payment standard, minus your share. The rule lets the agency set it between 90% and 110% of the fair market rent: for 2 bedrooms here, between $1,194 and $1,460 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Lea County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,200 in 88267 to $1,660 in 88242. Where HUD designates these areas, or where the housing agency chooses to use them, the voucher is figured on the ZIP code's rent instead of the county's. Ask your agency which one it uses.
How many low-income apartments are there in Lea County?
HUD lists 17 properties with homes for low-income households in Lea County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC), HUD-assisted buildings and public housing. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest. For tax-credit apartments and HUD-assisted buildings, you apply directly at the building's management office. They tell you whether units are open and how to apply; HUD does not have that information.
How many households spend too much on rent in Lea County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Lea County, 48% of renter households are in that position; in New Mexico, 50%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).