The Census Bureau reports that Carlsbad and other oil patch communities in southeastern New Mexico are the fastest growing in the state.
Population estimates released Thursday show that the city of Carlsbad's population grew about 3.4 percent from 2012 to 2013. That was followed by Hobbs, with 3.1 percent growth.
Seven of the top 10 fastest-growing communities — large and small incorporated places — were in Lea and Eddy counties in the oil-rich Permian Basin of southeastern New Mexico.
Carlsbad Mayor Dale Janway said oil and gas production is drawing workers to the area but potash mining, tourism and agriculture also help fuel the city's growing economy.
The state's largest city, Albuquerque, showed little population growth, about three-tenths of 1 percent from 2012 to 2013.
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