Eddy County, Carlsbad, Continue to Grow in Key Demographics

    CARLSBAD, NM, May 31, 2023 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Growth in Eddy County and Carlsbad continues at a high rate. Already boasting the fastest growth in the state at 15.8% according to the most recent US Census numbers, the area is also the fastest growing for people in the 0-17 years old demographic as well. Eddy County grew in this population category by 16.8%, according the 2020 US Census.

According to the new Census study, New Mexico's population of people ages zero to 17 decreased by 7.7% from 2010 to 2020. Nationally, the population of people ages zero to 17 decreased by 1.4% in the same ten-year period. Four New Mexico counties saw an increase in percentage of population ages zero to 17. Eddy County (16.8%), Lea County (14.1%), Harding County (4.3%), and Los Alamos County (0.5%).

The Carlsbad Department of Development (CDOD) works as the primary business recruiting tool for the Carlsbad market. The CDOD has been successful in recruiting new retail and restaurants to the market over the last decade primarily due to business expansion in key industries like oil and gas, nuclear, and potash mining.

In a recent study released by the financial consulting firm SmartAsset, Eddy County's (in which Carlsbad is seated) business growth ranked number one in New Mexico. The county's rank of 5.9% growth is nearly double any other county in the state. Additionally, the county also ranked first in incoming business investment at 58.3%.

"The combination of industry activities going on in Eddy County not only provide significant revenue for the entire state but assist in economic development bringing tourism and new businesses to the community," said Eddy County Manager Roberta Gonzalez. "It says something when your community represents less than 3% of the state's population and leads in the fastest growth and business investment."

Multiple new retail and restaurant businesses have opened over the last five years within Carlsbad and Eddy County. Wingstop, Big Lots, HTeaO, and Planet Fitness have led the way in new business, while Taco Bell, Dominos Pizza, O'Reilly's Auto and Dollar General all opened additional locations. Several local businesses have also opened in this time period, rounding out an exciting picture of the overall market.

"Carlsbad is a great place to raise a family, due to outstanding recreational services, a strong school system and numerous extracurricular activities," said Carlsbad Mayor Dale Janway. "We are not at all surprised that Carlsbad and Eddy County are seeing significant growth in our overall population especially with youth."

The backbone for the county's growth is based on the industrial diversity within the economy. Potash mining, nuclear storage, oil and gas, and manufacturing are the main pillars associated with the major industrial base in the area. Strong growth within the medical and aviation fields bolster this base as well. Carlsbad Caverns National Park, the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park, Sitting Bull Falls and other outdoor attractions make Carlsbad a true destination, with over 500,000 visitors annually to the area.

Carlsbad and Eddy County are poised for the future growth positive outlook moving forward.

The Carlsbad Department of Development is the economic development agency for the City of Carlsbad and Eddy County, New Mexico.

# # #