[7] On June 23, 1938, seven local men were killed and five more injured when an explosive charge used in oil drilling detonated prematurely.

[9] Following the outbreak of World War II, Hobbs Army Airfield was built north of town in 1942.

An ordinance was passed in Hobbs in November 2022 to prevent abortion clinics from operating.

[10] This ordinance was overwritten by a 2023 state law prohibiting local abortion bans.

[11] Hobbs is in eastern Lea County, less than 4 mi (6 km) west of the Texas border.

As of the 2020 United States Census, 40,508 people, 12,028 households, and 8,572 families resided in the city.

The largest industries in Hobbs are mining/quarrying and oil and gas extraction, followed by retail trade and educational services.

[18] Hobbs is also home to Zia Park, a racetrack, hotel and casino with over 750 slot machines and table games.

The property is owned and operated by Penn National Gaming, Inc.[20] The Texas & New Mexico Railway provides freight service.

Lea County Regional Airport serves Hobbs with one commercial passenger airline flying to it.