Luna County continues to lead the state with the highest unemployment rate at 12.6%, according to the latest data from the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions. Neighboring counties report significantly lower rates, with Hidalgo County at 7.0%, Grant County at 4.3%, and Doña Ana County (Las Cruces) at 5.4%.
Statewide, New Mexico’s unemployment rate is 4.7%, highlighting the persistent employment challenges in Luna County compared to most of the state.
Recent workforce reports also provide insight into wages. New Mexico has approximately 874,655 employees across all industries, with an average hourly wage of $30.68 and an average annual wage of $63,804. These figures reflect a statewide average and do not capture the unique employment difficulties in Luna County.
Local officials continue to emphasize the importance of economic development and job creation to help close the gap between Luna County and the rest of New Mexico.