Tatum Public RecordsNew Mexico

Tatum, a small city in Lea County, NM (population ~760), lacks a local hospital; residents rely on facilities in nearby Hobbs or Lovington, such as Nor-Lea Hospital District. The town has a primary care clinic—Nor-Lea Tatum Clinic—for basic services. Healthcare provider density is low, and nearly 13% of Lea County residents are uninsured (per 2021 Census), with Medicaid covering many. Hispanic/Latino individuals comprise about 48% of Tatum’s population. Common health issues include diabetes, hypertension, and limited access to specialty care. Emergency and advanced care require travel of 20+ miles.

Tatum, a small city in Lea County, NM, primarily relies on personal vehicles for transportation, with over 95% of commuters driving alone and vehicle ownership exceeding 2 cars per household. Public transit options are scarce, reflected in near-zero public transit usage rates. The average one-way commute time is approximately 22 minutes, notably lower than the national average. Tatum’s transportation infrastructure centers on State Highway 206 and U.S. Route 380, connecting residents to major employment hubs in oil, agriculture, and education within Lea County and neighboring towns. Walking and cycling rates remain minimal due to limited dedicated infrastructure.

Tatum, a small city in Lea County, NM, is served primarily by Tatum Municipal Schools, which includes Tatum High School. The district had around 370 students enrolled K-12 in the 2022-2023 year. Graduation rates average above 90%, but only about 14% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. The schools emphasize safety and community, offering programs such as FFA and athletics. There are no post-secondary institutions within Tatum; adult education options are limited, typically accessed in neighboring cities. Tatum High’s GreatSchools rating is 6/10, reflecting solid but not exceptional academic performance.

Tatum, in Lea County, NM, has a homeownership rate of about 64%, with median home values around $85,000 and median rents roughly $700/month. Property values have seen modest growth of 2% in the past year. Housing is primarily single-family homes, with some mobile and manufactured housing. Neighborhoods are quiet and spread out, typical of small rural towns. Property taxes are low, averaging 0.58% of assessed value, making homeownership affordable. Rental options are limited due to the town's small size.

Tatum, a city in Lea County, NM, has a 2020 population of approximately 706. The median age is about 38.7 years. Gender distribution is nearly balanced, with about 50.1% male and 49.9% female residents. The racial and ethnic makeup is predominantly White (71.0%), with smaller populations of Black or African American (2.3%), Native American (2.7%), and other races. Around 45.6% identify as Hispanic or Latino.