Safest cities in New Mexico

Known as the 'Land of Enchantment,' New Mexico is celebrated for its stunning desert landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant arts scene. Located in the southwestern United States, New Mexico boasts a diverse geography that includes the Rocky Mountains, vast deserts, and fertile valleys. The state's economy is driven by industries such as energy, tourism, and agriculture. Santa Fe, the state capital, is known for its historic adobe architecture, thriving arts community, and unique cultural blend of Native American, Hispanic, and Anglo influences. New Mexico is also home to numerous national parks and monuments, offering a wealth of outdoor recreational opportunities and natural beauty.

Low crime rates are essential for enhancing the livability of communities in New Mexico, making the safest cities highly desirable places to live. Safety provides a foundation for economic stability and community well-being, allowing residents to feel secure in their daily lives. Factors that contribute to the safety of New Mexico's cities include community policing, neighborhood watch programs, and active citizen participation. The safest cities are ranked based on total crime per 100,000 people, offering a reliable measure of security. This emphasis on safety ensures that residents can enjoy the many amenities and natural attractions New Mexico has to offer without the overshadowing concern of crime.

Los Alamos Population: 12,978 369 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 47 Property Crime / 100k: 322 chance of being a victim: 1 in 271

Los Alamos proudly holds the honor of being the safest city in New Mexico. With only 369 crimes per 100,000 people, Los Alamos has a crime rate that is 81% lower than the New Mexico average. This equates to an average of 0.19 crimes per day and a 1 in 271 chance of becoming a victim of a crime. The city's well-funded police department, active neighborhood watch programs, and community engagement initiatives contribute significantly to its low crime rates, making it an ideal place for families and retirees.

Corrales Population: 8,636 705 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 150 Property Crime / 100k: 555 chance of being a victim: 1 in 142

Known for its tight-knight community and safe environment, Corrales comes in at #2 on our list of the safest cities in New Mexico with a crime rate of 705 crimes per 100,000 people. When you dig deeper into the numbers, this translates to: 139 counts of burglary, 347 counts of theft, 69 counts of vehicle theft, 127 counts of assault, 12 counts of robbery, 12 counts of rape and 0 counts of homicide. The commitment to safety in Corrales, makes it one of the safest and most livable areas in the state.

Grants Population: 8,987 804 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 283 Property Crime / 100k: 522 chance of being a victim: 1 in 124

With a population of 8,987 and a total crime rate of 804 per 100,000 residents, Grants is the 3rd safest city in New Mexico. Exhibiting a total crime rate that is 91% lower than the New Mexico average, the commitment to safety is evident in its multifaceted crime prevention strategies. The local government collaborates closely with residents through regular community meetings and feedback sessions to address safety concerns. The end result, is an incredibly safe place to live.

Anthony Population: 9,283 823 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 185 Property Crime / 100k: 637 chance of being a victim: 1 in 122

With many parks and recreational activities readily available, Anthony is a growing community where residents can enjoy the outdoors. Residents also feel safe, knowing that the overall crime rate per 100,000 people is 823, 91% lower than the New Mexico average. This amounts to 0.19 crimes per day and a 1 in 122 chance of becoming a victim of a crime. Strong community partnerships between local businesses, schools, and law enforcement further enhance the city’s security. These combined efforts make Anthony a highly desirable and safe place to call home.

Sunland Park Population: 17,581 1,135 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 459 Property Crime / 100k: 677 chance of being a victim: 1 in 88

Known for its friendly neighborhoods and proactive safety measures, Sunland Park consistently ranks high in safety. In Sunland Park, the focus on community policing ensures that officers are integrated into the community, building strong relationships with residents. Crime prevention education, offered through schools and local organizations, empowers residents to take an active role in maintaining their safety. With everything working asynchronously, the total crime rate comes in at 1,135, which is 83% lower than the state average.

Raton Population: 6,020 1,682 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 247 Property Crime / 100k: 1,435 chance of being a victim: 1 in 59

Raton has lots to offer its residents, including safety as it comes in at #6 on our list of the safest cities in New Mexico. The total crime rate from the year that it was last reported was 1,682 crimes per 100,000 people, 94% lower than the New Mexico average. Breaking down each category of crime, it comes out to: 528 reports of burglary, 660 reports of theft, 247 reports of vehicle theft, 165 reports of assault, 33 reports of robbery, 49 reports of rape and 0 reports of homicide.

Aztec Population: 6,467 1,843 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 473 Property Crime / 100k: 1,370 chance of being a victim: 1 in 54

Aztec ranks as the seventh safest city in New Mexico and offers a peaceful retreat with minimal crime. With a 1 in 54 chance of becoming a victim of a crime and 0.31 crimes per day (per 100,000 people), the area has a safety record that speaks for itself. Active involvement from its residents, such as neighborhood patrols and community safety workshops, fosters a strong sense of community and vigilance. Aztec’s commitment to safety makes it one of the safest places in New Mexico.

Edgewood Population: 6,113 2,073 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 261 Property Crime / 100k: 1,812 chance of being a victim: 1 in 48

Recognized for sprawling open spaces, outdoor recreational opportunities, and a growing economy, Edgewood is the 8th safest city in New Mexico. Continuously ranking as one of the safest cities in the state, the crime rate came in at 94% lower than the New Mexico average, reporting a total of 2,073 crimes per 100,000 people. The city places a strong emphasis on public safety through various initiatives that promote collaboration between residents and local authorities. Regular community safety events and lots of outdoor spaces, coupled with an accessible and responsive police force, ensure that residents feel safe and supported.

Bloomfield Population: 7,791 2,086 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 518 Property Crime / 100k: 1,568 chance of being a victim: 1 in 48

Many safe cities implement comprehensive crime prevention programs that include educational initiatives, youth engagement activities, and public awareness campaigns. Bloomfield is a great example of such a city and continually ranks as one of the safest communities in New Mexico, based on the annual review of the FBI uniform crime report. Statistically speaking, there were a total of 2,086 crimes per 100,000 residents, which is 93% lower than the state average.

Truth or Consequences Population: 5,839 2,096 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 215 Property Crime / 100k: 1,881 chance of being a victim: 1 in 48

Completing the list as the 10th safest city in New Mexico, is Truth or Consequences. With a low rate of crime that included 495 burglaries, 1,205 thefts, 182 vehicle thefts, 198 assaults, 0 robberies, 17 rapes and 0 homicides, the overall crime rate was 94% lower than the state average. Cities with engaged citizens and responsive government bodies are more likely to implement effective policies and practices that promote safety and address residents’ concerns.

Full list of the safest cities in New Mexico

Rank	Location	Population	Violent Crimes /100k	Property Crimes /100k	Total Crimes /100k
1	Los Alamos	12,978	47	322	369
2	Corrales	8,636	150	555	705
3	Grants	8,987	283	522	804
4	Anthony	9,283	185	637	823
5	Sunland Park	17,581	459	677	1,135
6	Raton	6,020	247	1,435	1,682
7	Aztec	6,467	473	1,370	1,843
8	Edgewood	6,113	261	1,812	2,073
9	Bloomfield	7,791	518	1,568	2,086
10	Truth or Consequences	5,839	215	1,881	2,096
11	Rio Rancho	97,976	457	1,672	2,129
12	Artesia	12,463	364	2,582	2,946
13	Clovis	38,701	689	2,404	3,093
14	Portales	11,713	651	2,480	3,132
15	Carlsbad	29,278	558	2,838	3,397
16	Farmington	44,967	1,070	2,385	3,455
17	Las Vegas	13,055	1,019	2,601	3,620
18	Roswell	47,751	882	2,984	3,866
19	Los Lunas	15,814	512	3,948	4,459
20	Belen	7,476	1,099	4,464	5,563
21	Hobbs	38,475	953	4,834	5,787
22	Santa Fe	84,418	923	4,885	5,808
23	Las Cruces	102,950	617	5,340	5,957
24	Albuquerque	560,447	1,380	4,796	6,176
25	Gallup	21,637	1,555	4,800	6,355
26	Taos	5,950	696	6,381	7,077

Methodology

The AreaVibes list of the safest cities in New Mexico is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reporting program (UCR Program) from their most recent release. To compile this list, we used violent crime (assualt, robbery, rape and murder) and property crime data (burglary, theft, vehicle theft) per 100,000 people and only included New Mexico cities with a population of 5,000 or more. Displaying crime rates based on a population of 100,000 allows for an equal comparison for each city.

Map of Crime by State

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The interactive map above is a powerful tool for discovering the safest cities in each state across the USA. By highlighting states with the lowest total crime rates, this map provides valuable insights into the factors contributing to these statistics. It showcases urban centers with thriving economies, regions boasting solid job markets, and areas with low unemployment, all of which correlate with reduced crime rates. By clicking on each state, you can dive deeper into information about their safest cities and explore detailed crime statistics that paint a clearer picture of safety across the nation.