Hobbs, city (2020 pop. 40,508), Lea
co., SE N.Mex.; inc. 1929. With the discovery (c.1928) of oil and natural
gas in the area, Hobbs became one of the last great oil boomtowns in the
United States. It remains a major shipping and trading center for oil-well
supplies. There are feedlots for livestock, and thoroughbred horses are
raised. Beef cattle have long been important in Hobbs, and dairy farming
also now is. Cotton, wheat, peanuts, vegetables, and melons are grown on
irrigated farms in the area. Manufactures include concrete, machinery, metal
products, and chemicals. The College of the Southwest is in the city.
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