Artesia’s Economy is Healthy and Full of Potential Artesia is a city of 20,000 people located in the Southeast quadrant of New Mexico, 70 miles from the Texas border. We are at the crossroads of U.S. Highway 82 and U.S. Highway 285. Artesia resides in the Northwest portion of the Permian Basin.
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Artesia has four primary economic drivers: oil and gas production, oil refining, the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC), and agriculture including dairies, farms and ranching. As a direct result of our base economic industries, our economy is very strong. The unemployment rate in the Artesia area stays well below 4%, household incomes are among the highest in the state, job creation is healthy, and real estate prices have held steady or increased over the past seven years. The Associated Press named Eddy County in their list of top twenty least economically stressed counties in 2011. The 2010 Census indicates Artesia’s population is 11,301, within the city limits. A more accurate representation of the community’s population would include areas not reflected within the city limits or not accounted for in the latest Census. Many Artesians choose to live just outside the city limits for larger lot sizes or to keep horses and other livestock. This population in the immediate surrounding area, a geographic circle within a ten mile radius of city center, increases the community’s population to 17,273. In addition to FLETC, increased oilfield and construction activity account for an additional 1,500 people living in Artesia as part of Artesia’s temporary, revolving workforce. There are approximately 9,500 jobs in Artesia. Of those jobs, 1,200 are filled by employees who reside outside the 10 mile radius of Artesia. With these factors considered, Artesia’s actual population, including a 1% per annum growth rate since 2010 has grown to an effective market population of 19,296. For more information, contact Economic Development Director Michael Bunt. He may be reached at 575.746.2744, toll free at 800.658.6251 or via email at michael@artesiachamber.com.
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