City of Carlsbad

The City of Carlsbad – known as the pride of the Pecos – is a vibrant rural community tucked beneath the Guadalupe Mountains and situated on the banks of the Pecos River. Located in southeastern New Mexico within Eddy County, Carlsbad is a growing and dynamic rural community. Carlsbad sits within the Permian Basin, which contains the natural resources for the oil and gas industry that contributes to and drives the strong economic prosperity within the community. The Pecos River flows through Carlsbad and provides a multitude of recreational opportunities and a respite from high temperatures in the summer months. Our economic drivers are primarily potash mining, petroleum production, waste isolation, and tourism. Thanks to its proximity to the Carlsbad Caverns National Park, which is located just 20 miles southwest of the city, Carlsbad is a popular stopover for travelers, making it a diverse and exciting community. Carlsbad is the largest town in Eddy County, and Eddy County has the highest growth rate in the state in the last decade (Eddy County grew 15.8%); and the City of Carlsbad saw the largest growth in the county (US Census, 2020). The City of Carlsbad’s population at 31,612, with 52.3% identifying as Hispanic or Latino, 42.4% as White, 1.7% Black, 1.4% American Indian, and 11.4% Two or More Races (U.S. Census Bureau “Quick Facts,” 2022). However, the “Greater Carlsbad Area,” which encompasses the area within a roughly 20-minute drive time of Carlsbad has an estimated population as high as 74,279, including many of the temporary workers living in the area as part of the latest oil and gas boom. The City has established an updated strategic plan for improving our city, part of which is a commitment to enhancing our outdoor recreational opportunities and accessibility. The City of Carlsbad is located near some of New Mexico’s preeminent recreational attractions, including Carlsbad Caverns, Guadalupe Mountains National Park, the Brokeoff Mountains Wilderness Area, Brantley Lake State Park, Avalon Lake, recreation areas in the Lincoln National Forest, designated outdoor recreation areas managed by the Bureau of Land Management, and Living Desert Zoo & Gardens State Park. Recently, the City of Carlsbad has been rigorously implementing community vision initiatives, propelling the city towards a more prosperous future. These initiatives include renovations to the City’s art and culture district, recreation opportunities, and other public amenities such as the Carlsbad Public Library and Theatre. Last year, one of the city’s most memorable accomplishments was the enhancements to the Carlsbad Beach area. Improvements to the area included new soccer goals, pickleball courts, and volleyball courts, as well as additional picnic areas and shade structures. This newly renovated recreation area is being put to good use by the public and is one of many recreational initiatives that Carlsbad is undertaking to improve community connectivity and quality of life for its residents and visitors.